What are the disadvantages of borosilicate glass?
Aug 26, 2025
Glassware is highly sought after in modern homes for its health benefits, transparency, aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning. Borosilicate glass, also known as "high borosilicate glass", is one of the most widely used glass materials due to its exceptional heat resistance, chemical stability, and high transparency. It is used in products such as drinking glasses, coffee pots, and baking containers. However, every material has its drawbacks. Today, XINGHUO GLASS, a professional manufacturer of household glassware, will provide an in-depth analysis of the disadvantages of borosilicate glass to help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of this material and make informed purchasing decisions.
What is borosilicate glass?
Borosilicate glass is a specialty glass primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and boron oxide (B₂O₃). Its boron content, typically exceeding 12%, gives it greater thermal shock resistance than standard soda-lime glass (withstanding temperature fluctuations of up to 150°C or more). Borosilicate glass is commonly used in laboratoryware, electric kettles, baby bottles, and high-end kitchenware.
Advantages of borosilicate glass
Before we explore its shortcomings, let’s quickly review its core strengths:
• High-temperature resistance: Withstands sudden changes in temperature, suitable for use over open flames, in ovens, and in microwaves.
• High transparency: Crystal-clear, enhancing product aesthetics.
• Strong chemical stability: Resists food, safe and non-toxic.
• Low expansion coefficient: Highly resistant to thermal shock, resists cracking.
• Environmentally friendly and recyclable: In line with modern sustainable development concepts.
What are the disadvantages of borosilicate glass?
Although high borosilicate glass has excellent performance, it still has some limitations and potential disadvantages in actual use. Consumers should pay attention to the following when purchasing:
1. High cost
The raw material costs and production process requirements for high-borosilicate glass are much higher than those for ordinary soda-lime glass. Its higher melting point (approximately 1650°C) requires more kiln equipment and energy consumption, leading to higher overall production costs. Consequently, high-borosilicate glass products are typically 30%-50% more expensive than ordinary glassware, making them less suitable for families on a budget.
XINGHUO GLASS recommends: If you frequently cook or bake at high temperatures, the durability and safety of borosilicate glass are worth the investment. If you only use it for room-temperature drinking water, ordinary crystal glass or soda-lime glass are also economical choices.
2.Relatively light, but can give the illusion of being "weak"
Borosilicate glass has a lower density, so finished products are generally lighter than soda-lime glass of the same volume. While this improves the hand feel, some users mistakenly believe that "lightness" equals fragility, leading to doubts about its durability. In reality, its resistance to thermal shock far exceeds that of ordinary glass.
Note: Lightweight does not mean fragile. Borosilicate glass is very durable as long as it is protected from severe impact or uneven heating.
3. Limited resistance to mechanical shock
Despite its excellent heat resistance, borosilicate glass is no more resistant to drops or impacts than ordinary glass. It can still crack or shatter if dropped from a height or struck by a hard object. This is a common characteristic of all glass materials, yet consumers often mistakenly believe that "heat resistance" equals drop resistance.
Usage suggestions: Avoid placing borosilicate glass products where children can easily reach them, and handle them with care.
4. Difficulty in processing and limited design
The high melting point and poor fluidity of borosilicate glass make it difficult to blow and shape, making it difficult to achieve complex shapes or ultra-thin designs. As a result, most borosilicate products on the market have simple, rounded shapes, leaving relatively little room for personalized design.
XINGHUO GLASS Innovation: By introducing advanced German molding technology, we have successfully developed a series of high borosilicate glass cups and pots that are both beautiful and practical to meet the aesthetic needs of modern homes.
5. The surface is prone to scratches
Although borosilicate glass is very hard, it can still develop fine scratches over time if it rubs against metal tableware (such as spoons and forks), affecting its transparency and appearance. This is especially true when it is washed in a dishwasher with other tableware.
Maintenance tips: It is recommended to wash by hand or use a cutlery basket for isolation and cleaning to avoid scratches from hard objects.
6. Not all “heat-resistant glass” is borosilicate
Some products on the market labeled "heat-resistant glass" are actually microcrystalline soda-lime glass or low-borosilicate glass, which have far inferior heat resistance to true high-borosilicate glass. Consumers can be misled into thinking they are buying high-borosilicate glass, when in reality, its performance is compromised.
XINGHUO GLASS promises: All our products marked "high borosilicate" have passed SGS testing, with a boron oxide content of ≥12%, ensuring consistent quality.
How to choose the right glassware for you?
Usage scenarios
Recommended Materials
reason
Boiling water over open flame, baking in oven
borosilicate glass
High temperature resistant, safe and reliable
Daily drinking water and cold drinks
Crystal glass / soda-lime glass
Low cost, beautiful and practical
Whiskey glass, red wine glass
crystal glass
High refractive index, improving drinking experience
baby bottles
borosilicate glass
Chemically stable and resistant to high temperature disinfection
"What are the disadvantages of borosilicate glass?" This article explains that while high borosilicate glass offers excellent heat resistance and safety, it also has drawbacks such as high cost, limited impact resistance, and difficulty in processing. The key is to choose the right material based on your specific needs.
XINGHUO GLASS: Professional Household Glassware Manufacturer
XINGHUO GLASS has specialized in the research, development, and production of household glassware for over a decade. Our product line encompasses borosilicate, crystal, and soda-lime glass, including tumblers, coffee mugs, kettles, wine glasses, whiskey glasses, and glassware. We utilize high-quality raw materials and incorporate modern technology to provide safe, beautiful, and durable glassware for families around the world.
At XINGHUO GLASS, we not only provide high-quality products but are also committed to spreading knowledge about glass and helping consumers make informed choices. If you're looking for reliable borosilicate glass, heat-resistant glass jugs, or stylish glass tableware, please visit our official www.xinghuoglass.com or contact customer service for customized solutions.