Duralex Clear Tumblers, Set of 6

Tempered glass like Duralex's takes knocks far better than ordinary glass, and that toughness holds up over the years, whether the glasses live on a family table or in a busy kitchen. At 25 cl (8.5 fl oz), the size suits water, juice, wine or coffee. There's no pattern or embossing to get in the way of stacking or a run through the dishwasher.

These tumblers go straight into the microwave. In daily use that makes a real difference: you can warm up soup, broth or a drink without switching containers. It's the most obvious thing they have going for them, and it's genuinely useful.

Made in France by Duralex, a glassworks still in operation, the tumblers are sold in sets of 6, enough to set a whole table in one go.