When considering whether or not to use plastic wine glasses, there are several pros and cons that should be considered. On the plus side, they will not usually break like ones made of glass, so they can be ideal for use at parties. They can be purchased relatively cheaply, and therefore are a good choice if one is looking for a disposable option. Though plastic wine glasses can be purchased in a variety of shapes and styles, they may not be considered as elegant as a traditional glass, nor may they be as balanced or stable, potentially leading to more spills. There is also the negative environmental impact of throwing away the glasses after one use.
Perhaps one of the best reasons to use plastic wine glasses is that they do not break easily. Glasses made of glass are much more likely to get chipped or even completely broken, particularly if they are delicately made or have fine stems. In a situation where many people are using glasses and may not be taking special care with them, like an outdoor party or event, using plastic glasses may help avoid mishaps.
Plastic wine glasses are also disposable, so they are easy to clean up. This is another reason why they may be a good choice for large gatherings, where it is simply easier to get rid of them instead of cleaning a large numbers of glasses afterward. Since most varieties are fairly inexpensive, this is usually a reasonable option.
For people who consider wine drinking to be an overall experience rather than just a drink, plastic wine glasses may not be a satisfactory alternative to glass. There are many shapes, styles, and colors available, which may be considered a pro for some; others, however, may see this type of glass as less tasteful or elegant than glass. For wine drinkers of this type, as well as for situations that call for fancier dinnerware, glass is likely a better option.
Another possible issue with plastic wine glasses is their quality. Being cheaply made, they are not necessarily as stable or solid as a good glass version. This may lead to more tipping and spills than normal.
People who are environmentally conscious may prefer to avoid plastic wine glasses. A regular glass may be used and re-used for many years before it needs to be replaced. By choosing plastic glasses that are used once and thrown away, one is creating trash and adding to landfills.