Tritan vs acrylic wine glasses: what's the difference?
By Kirsty Cook, Govino SA · Updated · 2 min read
Short answer: Tritan™ is the better choice. Both look like glass when new, but acrylic scratches easily, can craze or crack with heat, detergents and drops, and is usually hand-wash only. Tritan is shatterproof, dishwasher safe for hundreds of cycles and stays clear. Govino Shatterproof Wine is Tritan.
Tritan vs acrylic at a glance
| Tritan | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity new | Glass-clear | Glass-clear |
| Clarity after a year | Still clear | Fine scratches, haze |
| Dropped on tiles | Bounces | Can crack or chip |
| Dishwasher | Yes | Usually not recommended |
| Heat tolerance | Handles hot wash water | Low: can warp or craze |
| BPA | Free of BPA and BPS | BPA-free |
| Price | Higher per glass | Lower per glass |
How can you tell if a glass is acrylic or Tritan?
Check the packaging or listing. Tritan products usually name Eastman Tritan™, because it's a selling point. If it just says "plastic", "BPA-free plastic" or "acrylic", it isn't Tritan. Acrylic also tends to feel more rigid and "clinks" with a higher, harder note.
Is acrylic ever the right choice?
For a decorative set that's hand-washed and lightly used, acrylic is fine and cheaper. For anything that goes in a dishwasher, gets dropped, or is used every weekend on a boat, at the pool or in a venue, Tritan lasts long enough to cost less per use.
Quick answers
Are acrylic wine glasses dishwasher safe?
Usually not. Most acrylic is recommended for hand washing because hot water and detergents can cause clouding and fine cracks.
Does acrylic break?
Acrylic is shatter-resistant compared with glass, but it is brittle and can crack or chip when dropped on hard floors. Tritan flexes instead.
Are Govino glasses acrylic?
No. Govino glasses are made from Eastman Tritan™ copolyester.