Who hasn't collected a menagerie of drinking glasses over time? Yet, who really finds their mismatched glassware functional, much less appealing? More practical: a set or two of drinking glasses that can accommodate water, cold brew, classic cocktails, and more. To curate the best drinking glasses for various uses, we asked industry professionals which qualities to look for. 

Considering factors like volume, material, and versatility, we selected the best drinking glasses in nine categories. The multi-purpose, space-saving Luminarc French Tightrope Stackable Glasses merited our vote for Best Overall. Keep reading to find the best drinking glasses for your needs, from space-saving stackable glasses to everyday large tumblers to decorative glasses fit for special occasions.

Pros: They're stackable and inexpensive at about $4 per glass.

Cons: These are on the smaller side at 10.75 ounces, and they're only available online at Food52.

With a stair-step design, Luminarc's lightweight French Tightrope Stackable Glasses are an ideal for storing and holding comfortably — a characteristic that beverage professionals emphasize. Made from tempered glass, this durable set should have a long life. While the 10.75-ounce volume may seem limiting, the smaller size can help you curb water waste, as you're pouring less of it down the sink at the end of the night. Not to mention, they're aesthetically pleasing for everyday use and gatherings alike. 

Also available at Sur La Table.

Pros: In addition to being freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, these glasses are stackable.

Cons: A thicker construction makes them heavier than other glassware. 

Sturdy and practical, the Duralex Unie Glasses are stackable at up to four glasses high for ample space-saving. The thickness and strength of the glass lends itself to frequent use. The size works well for everything from water to iced coffee to cocktails. They feel good in your hands, and if you need a larger volume, Duralex makes a 19.75-ounce version, as well. 

Pros: Each glass holds 15 ounces. There's a weighted base to help the glasses from toppling over.

Cons: The glasses aren't stackable, and you can only buy them at Williams Sonoma.

Weighted bases give these large tumblers from Williams Sonoma a feel solid and help prevent tipping. Though not stackable, their slender construction allows them to stand side by side in your cupboard without taking up too much space. In addition to helping you hydrate, a larger volume is great for holding beverages that require a lot of ice or a full bottle of cold beer (standard 12 ounces).

Pros: Bartenders and restaurateurs all over the world opt for glasses of this classic pub shape, and this set of six costs about $2 per glass.

Cons: The glasses have a relatively small volume.

You've likely come across glasses like these many times before, and for good reason. With their  thick walls and heavy-bottom base, Bormioli's Rocco Rock Bar glasses are as sturdy as glasses come. The tempered glass resists chipping and even thermal sock. So, you can chill them in the freezer or fill them with hot liquids, such as Irish coffee or morning cappuccinos. The 6.75-ounce size makes them ideal for a cocktail or a double shot of a spirit. You can get a lot of these small, stackable glasses on one shelf, which is why bars and restaurants often use them. Plus, their crystal-clear design will not stain.

Pros: They're made of durable borosilicate glass and come in a variety of sizes and designs.

Cons: You may have trouble finding replacements for a particular size and design, as Food52 carries some that other retailers don't. 

These lightweight glasses appear delicate, but they're made of durable borosilicate glass. The glass is non-porous, so your new tumblers will remain free of stains. In addition to being dishwasher safe, they're also microwave and freezer safe, so you can warm up or chill beverages in them. You have the choice between four sizes (we love the look of the tall flute) and five designs, making this set ideal for those who want a range of sizes at home. Stack them for simple storage.

Pros: This is a nice all-purpose choice for wine, spirits, and cocktails. 

Cons: These glasses are on the fragile side, so you have to be careful with them, especially in the dishwasher. 

These elegant but functional whiskey glasses are worthy of your best cocktails, and they can easily double as stemless wine glasses. Their thin-blown build, made of lead-free crystal, feels comfortable on the lips and in the hand. Not to mention, their price and design put them in the running as gifts for friends and family. 

Pros: Acrylic looks like glass, but it won't break. These glasses also stack easily. 

Cons: While the manufacturer says the glasses are dishwasher safe, hand washing helps with longevity.

Take one glance at this double old-fashioned glass, and you won't know it's made of acrylic until you pick it up. Yet, knowing the material won't shatter provides an ease that glass doesn't; you can look forward to no more broken glasses on the patio. Use these stylish, sturdy glasses outdoors or indoors. The tapered design allows for stacking, too, so you can stock up for entertaining. Though stout, these glasses hold 16 ounces.

Pros: This set comes in three colors as well as a clear option, and you can also buy them in highball size.

Cons: Soda lime glass breaks more easily than tempered glass and borosilicate, and the glasses aren't microwave safe. 

The West Elm Double Old-Fashioned glasses will bring bright, fun color to your kitchen while offering functionality. Whether you opt for blue, green, or amber glass, you can also choose between the double old-fashioned size and highball size, and purchase them as a set of four, eight, or 16 to seriously multiply your collection. Traditional soda lime glass, the material that most glass products are made of, may not be the strongest material on the market, but it should give you many years of good use.

Also available at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Pros: These glasses look beautiful and double as stemless wine glasses.

Cons: You'll want to be extra careful with these given their makeup (thin crystal) and the cost per glass.

In many restaurants, stemless wine glasses now multitask as water glasses. And at home, a sleek, stemless glass will elevate dinner parties. Made of lead-free, dishwasher-safe crystal, the Iittala Essence Drinking Glasses hold 12 ounces of liquid – enough for water and more than enough for wine. At 3 inches, the slender width of the glass fits nicely in one hand. Those who prefer thinner glass will be pleased, as the crystal's delicate nature aids in this set's aesthetic appeal and a soft feel on the mouth. Plus, with a weighted base, they stand strong on tabletops.

When shopping for drinking glasses, material, volume, versatility, and quantity in a set are the most important factors to consider. We recommend deciding which features are most important to you to determine which of these best picks belong in your kitchen. The Luminarc Tightrope Stackable Glasses, our Overall Best, wed beautiful form with practical function. We love that they feel good in the hand, look great on the table, and stack easily in the cupboard. Another favorite, the 16-ounce Large Straight Tumblers from Williams Sonoma's Open Kitchen collection will win over anyone looking for large everyday glasses

Building a good glassware collection means buying a set or more. The majority are sold in a set of six. Depending on the number of people in your household and how quickly you wash glassware will determine if you need more than a set or two. Those entertaining often will want to snag a few sets to make sure you have amble glassware for guests.

This is a personal preference. For those primarily looking for great water glasses, and who drink a lot of water in one sitting, you'll want to go with a larger volume of 16 ounces. Most glasses do not hold more than this volume size. But for those who like a smaller glass, 10 to 12 ounces is a solid range for all-purpose use, whether holding a cup of cold brew with cream, a craft cocktail with ice, and enough water to get you through a meal. 

Higher-end drinking glasses consist of crystal while more affordable sets are typically made with soda-lime glass or the stronger borosilicate. Consider whether you want a microwave- and freezer-safe glass when looking at glassware, as some materials (like tempered glass) fare better than others. For those with a habit of breaking glassware, or who have toddlers around, consider acrylic. 

Are you looking for glassware for just water? Do you want it to also double for cocktails? How about coffee and wine? Consider your beverage needs and your cupboard space. If you need a versatile glassware collection that you can use for a number of drinks, we recommend investing in one of the all-purpose styles that accommodate different beverages. 

A: Not all glassware can be recycled. As there isn't just one kind of glass, you may need to contact the manufacturer to ask which type of glassware you have and whether it contains additives (like a coating or inclusions that make them temperature-resistant) that may prevent it from being recyclable. Once you have this information, you can check with your local recycling plant to see if they will accept it. Consider repurposing or donating glasses that you can't recycle.

A: Most drinking glasses are dishwasher safe. Some manufacturers recommend hand-washing to keep the glass shiny and clear and to promote longer life. 

A: Not all drinking glasses are tempered. In this list, three are made of tempered glass. If stronger durability and thermal-shock resistance are a major consideration, go with tempered glass. Crystal is a bit more delicate and is not recommended for use in the microwave or freezer. 

Years of tasting and writing about food, wine, and spirits guide Melissa Vogt's research. As a tourist, Vogt seeks out local bars, and she's well acquainted with where to find good libations in her hometown of Santa Rosa, Calif. Read more of her writing on her website and in Napa Valley Life, Very Napa Valley, and Wine Country This Month. These drinking glasses were selected through Melissa's research and conversations with restaurateurs and experts in the drinks business.