Glass tableware might seem like an unusual choice for everyday dining, but the Duralex Lys range proves just how practical and elegant it can be. This isn't ordinary glass—it's tempered to extraordinary strength levels that make it virtually unbreakable under normal use, whilst maintaining the visual clarity and hygiene benefits that only glass can provide. The result is tableware that's as suitable for family dinners as it is for elegant entertaining, combining French design heritage with genuinely practical functionality.
The Lys collection represents Duralex's commitment to making glass tableware that actually works in real kitchens and dining rooms. Each piece is designed with clean, unfussy lines that complement any table setting whilst being robust enough to handle the demands of daily use. From tiny condiment bowls to generous dinner plates, everything is perfectly proportioned and feels substantial without being heavy or cumbersome.
How strong is tempered glass compared to regular dinnerware?
Duralex's tempering process creates glass that's approximately five times stronger than ordinary glass and significantly more durable than many ceramic alternatives. The process involves heating glass to around 700°C then rapidly cooling it, which creates compression stress on the surface. This makes it remarkably resistant to thermal shock—you can pour boiling soup into a cold bowl or take plates straight from the dishwasher without worry about cracking or shattering.
Perhaps more importantly for families, tempered glass doesn't chip like ceramic can. Those annoying little nicks that develop on the edges of plates and bowls simply don't happen with properly tempered glass. When tempered glass does eventually break—which requires considerable force—it crumbles into small, relatively safe pieces rather than creating dangerous shards.
What makes glass plates and bowls better than ceramic alternatives?
Glass offers several practical advantages that aren't immediately obvious. It's completely non-porous, which means it won't absorb odours, stains, or bacteria like some ceramics can. This makes it particularly good for serving strong-flavoured foods—curry served on glass plates won't leave lingering aromas or stains that might affect the next meal. Glass is also naturally hygienic and easy to clean, with no microscopic pores where bacteria might hide.
From a dining perspective, glass plates showcase food beautifully. The crystal clarity allows colours and textures to appear more vibrant, making even simple meals look more appealing. You know how restaurant chefs often prefer white plates because they don't compete with the food? Clear glass takes that concept even further, providing an almost invisible backdrop that lets your cooking be the star.
How do the nesting mixing bowls improve kitchen efficiency?
The nesting bowl set is genuinely brilliant for kitchen organisation—nine different sizes that stack neatly inside each other, taking up minimal cupboard space whilst providing exactly the right bowl for any task. From the tiny 6cm bowl perfect for whisking a single egg to the generous 31cm size that handles mixing for large families, there's always an appropriate size rather than making do with whatever happens to be clean.
Glass mixing bowls offer advantages over plastic or metal alternatives too. You can see exactly what's happening as you mix—crucial for achieving the right consistency in batters or checking that ingredients are properly combined. They're also safe for microwave use, which is handy when you need to melt butter or warm ingredients slightly. Plus, they're completely stain and odour resistant, so you can mix anything from beetroot salads to garlic marinades without permanent consequences.
Are glass plates and bowls practical for families with children?
Surprisingly, yes. The tempered construction makes them much safer than you might expect—they're actually less likely to break than many ceramic pieces, and if they do break, the way tempered glass fails is much safer than regular glass or ceramic. Many families find that children are naturally more careful with glass tableware, perhaps because it looks more special than plastic alternatives, which can actually reduce accidents rather than increase them.