Duralex represents the gold standard in tempered glassware, combining French manufacturing excellence with innovative glass technology that has revolutionised kitchen and dining experiences worldwide. Since 1945, this iconic brand has been creating virtually unbreakable glassware from their factory in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, using their patented tempering process that makes ordinary glass extraordinarily resilient whilst maintaining crystal-clear transparency.
What makes Duralex glassware virtually unbreakable compared to regular glass?
The secret lies in Duralex's unique tempering process, which involves heating glass to over 700°C before rapidly cooling it with jets of cold air. This creates internal stresses that make the glass up to six times stronger than standard soda-lime glass. You know what this means practically? These pieces can withstand impacts that would shatter conventional glassware, making them perfect for busy households, outdoor entertaining, and anywhere durability matters.
When Duralex glass does eventually break – and it takes considerable force – it crumbles into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than dangerous shards. This safety feature, combined with the remarkable strength, explains why Duralex has become the preferred choice for restaurants, schools, and families who demand reliability from their glassware. The Picardie range, in particular, has achieved legendary status for its resilience and timeless design.
Can Duralex glassware handle extreme temperature changes safely?
Absolutely, and this thermal shock resistance sets Duralex apart from virtually every other glassware manufacturer. These pieces can move directly from freezer to oven, from refrigerator to microwave, without risk of cracking or shattering. The tempered glass construction handles temperature differentials of up to 130°C, making it incredibly versatile for cooking and food storage applications.
The Lys mixing bowl collection exemplifies this versatility perfectly – you can prepare ingredients in them, pop them in the microwave for melting chocolate or warming ingredients, then wash them in hot water immediately afterwards. This thermal resilience extends to the entire range, meaning your Picardie tumblers won't crack when filled with ice-cold drinks on hot summer days, whilst the dinner plates handle piping hot food straight from the oven.
Which Duralex collections work best for everyday family dining?
The Picardie collection remains the quintessential choice for family dining, offering that perfect balance of practicality and French charm. These glasses feature the distinctive ridged design that's become synonymous with French café culture, providing excellent grip whilst creating an elegant aesthetic that suits both casual meals and more formal occasions. The range spans from 90ml shot glasses to 500ml beer glasses, covering virtually every drinking requirement.
For comprehensive dining solutions, the Lys collection provides coordinated plates, bowls, and serving pieces that handle everything from everyday meals to dinner parties. The clear glass allows food colours to shine through beautifully, whilst the thermal properties mean these pieces transition seamlessly from oven to table. Honestly, there's something deeply satisfying about using glassware that simply refuses to break, no matter how enthusiastic the washing up becomes.
How does Duralex compare to other brands for kitchen prep and cooking?
Duralex's thermal properties make it exceptional for cooking applications where other glassware simply can't compete. The mixing bowl collection, ranging from tiny 6cm bowls to substantial 17cm versions, creates a comprehensive prep system that handles everything from whisking egg whites to melting butter in the microwave. The clear glass lets you monitor cooking progress, whilst the tempered construction means no worrying about thermal shock.
The Oven Chef ramekins deserve particular mention – these little workhorses handle individual soufflés, crème brûlées, or portion control beautifully, moving from oven to table to dishwasher without missing a beat. Professional chefs often prefer Duralex for prep work because the pieces stack efficiently, store compactly, and withstand the rigours of commercial kitchen environments whilst remaining affordable enough for home use.
Are Duralex glasses suitable for outdoor entertaining and children?
This is where Duralex truly excels beyond conventional glassware. The virtually unbreakable nature makes these pieces ideal for garden parties, poolside entertaining, and anywhere traditional glass poses safety concerns. Children can use Picardie tumblers without the constant worry about breakage, whilst the appealing designs mean adults don't feel they're compromising on aesthetics for practicality.
The Manhattan collection offers slightly more sophisticated styling for adult outdoor entertaining, featuring angular designs that catch light beautifully whilst maintaining that essential Duralex durability. These pieces handle the inevitable bumps and knocks of outdoor dining without drama, and the thermal resistance means ice-cold drinks and warm weather pose no problems for the glass integrity.
What's the best approach to building a Duralex collection over time?
Starting with the Picardie range makes excellent sense – these versatile tumblers handle everything from morning juice to evening cocktails, and the various sizes ensure you're covered for different occasions. The 250ml size works perfectly for everyday water and soft drinks, whilst the larger 360ml highball glasses accommodate cocktails and beer service beautifully.
Adding the Lys dinnerware collection creates a coordinated system that's both practical and visually appealing. The mixing bowls integrate seamlessly with cooking routines, whilst the plates and soup bowls provide elegant serving solutions that happen to be virtually indestructible. The affordability of Duralex pieces means building a comprehensive collection doesn't require enormous investment, yet delivers professional-quality results that last for decades rather than years.