Even before my career in wine, coffee and tea started, one of my favorite brands was Bodum. I love the innovative designs, the look, the feel and the unique "European-ness" of all of their products. They're just plain cool and classy at the same time. I write at length (some might say ad nauseam) about form following function and its importance in crystal wine glasses, coffee makers, crystal decanters, cookware--essentially anything related to fine consumables. That's why I was so intrigued when I discovered Bodum double wall glasses.
Borosilicate Glass vs. Traditional Glass
Borosilicate glass has been around for a long time--since the late 19th century. It was developed by a German glassmaker named Otto Schott. Normal glass is made up of quartz, sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate and is referred to as "soda-lime" glass. Borosilicate glass adds boron to the mix. The result is a glass that is strong, heat-resistant and lighter than traditional glass. Borosilicate glass is used widely in chemical laboratories (medical-grade glass) for its heat and chemical resistance. Taking these properties into account, the clever designers at Bodum developed their state-of-the art double wall glasses.
The Benefits of Double Wall Glasses
In addition to looking great on the bar or table, Bodum's insulated glassware/cookware is very functional. You can serve both hot or cold beverages or food in it and it keeps them just so--hot or cold--longer than their non-double-walled counterparts. Another great feature is that they are break and scratch resistant and can withstand swings in temperature which can make normal glass crack or shatter. The icing on the proverbial cake is that Bodum double wall glasses are dishwasher and microwave safe. I don't often advocate washing certain high-end glassware and crystal stemware in the dishwasher even if a company says you can. That's probably more a testament to my frugality rather than the aesthetics of the glasses; if I shell out a significant amount of money on a fine wine glass, I'm not going to risk it shifting or knocking into something else in the machine. That said, I feel very confident saying it's okay to put Bodum's double wall glasses in the dishwasher. I've seen the glasses run through the dishwasher time and again, and they've not become cloudy a bit.
Types of Bodum Glasses
Bodum features a whole host of double wall glasses --pretty much a type for any beverage you want to sip. Straightforward water glasses, beer glasses, coffee mugs, espresso shot glasses, highball glasses...if it's drinkable, you can serve it in a Bodum double wall glass.
So there you have it. If you want durable, functional and attractive drinkware or cookware, the Bodum double wall line is the way to go.
Cheers!
