Quick links: Glass Vs. Other Dildo Materials | Using Glass Dildo | Pros | Cons | How To Pick | FAQs
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a glass dildo? You’re probably thinking: how safe is it? Will it break inside me? Can I even sit on it?
Understandably, many people are usually concerned about using glass dildos. That’s a fear I used to have many years ago when I started exploring different kinds of dildos.
But, as you’re about to find out, it’s a fear I no longer have.
This article is co-written by Sexologist Robert Thomas.
Key Takeaways
- Pros: great for both anal and vaginal play, easy to clean, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, shatterproof, rigid, lube friendly.
- Cons: expensive, no vibrations, semi-delicate.
- Things to consider when shopping: texture, shape, weight, length, and diameter.
Glass Vs. Alternative Dildo Materials
There’s no doubt that glass dildos are quite different from other dildos. For instance, here’s what I learned the first time I used the Sensual Glass Curved Textured Dildo from Lovehoney.
1. Firm, Hard, and Rigid
One thing I love about glass dildos is that they’re firm. If you’ve ever fucked a soft dildo, you know how frustrating it is to keep it inside you. The last thing you want is to keep reinserting the toy after every three strokes.
It’s even more frustrating if you’re a rider like myself. To enjoy the ride, you’ll need a firm dildo, and that’s where glass dildos come in handy.
2.Texture
Length and girth are never enough when shopping for the perfect glass dildo to take you to stimulation nation; texture also matters. Glass dildos offer plenty of options to choose from. We’ll discuss that shortly.
3. Ridged
Some glass dildos, such as the Tentacle Textured Sensual Glass Dildo from Lovehoney, have patterned ridges. This is what you need to gently massage your inner walls and achieve toe-curling orgasms.
4. Smooth
When I first started experimenting with glass dildos, I opted for the Sensual Glass Double-Ended G-Spot Dildo primarily because of its smoothness. I particularly love that it’s double-ended, meaning I can use one end for my anus and the other for my vagina.
5. Bumpy
Some glass dildos also come with a bumpy texture for extra pleasure. For instance, the Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set features nodules along its shaft and bulbed tips for extra stimulation.
But if you’re really yearning for a super bumpy ride, the Beaded Sensual Glass Dildo is worth the trip. This 7-inch bulbous monster will leave you begging for more.
6. Weight
Glass dildos are a little bit heavier than most dildos I’ve used, including those made with silicone. And, that’s because these toys are usually made with borosilicate glass. As a result, glass dildos are not hollow (they don’t have an open space inside them), which is why they are heavier.
“Borosilicate glass is the oldest type of glass that is substantially resistant to thermal shock.”
by Jacob Fraden; Springer New York, 2010
from Handbook of Modern Sensors: Physics, Designs, and Applications
To put things into perspective, think of the oven glass dishes in your kitchen. Do they weigh the same as your ordinary glass utensils? Not really, and that’s because oven glass dishes and other bakeware contain borosilicate glass to withstand the high temperature in the oven.
7. Temperature Play
The dildo’s temperature is also yet another issue most users are usually concerned about. Precisely, how does it feel when you insert it? Is it warm or cold?
Well, that depends on multiple factors. Because glass emulates its surrounding temperature, it could be either hot, cold, or warm, depending on how you store it.
How to Use Glass Dildo for Best Experience
Now let’s discuss how to get the most out of a glass donaldo.
1. Set the Mood
As with any sex toy — or sexual experience for that matter — you’ll need to set the mood. For best results, consider setting up dim lights, some erotic background music, and light up some scented candles if possible.
I love my bed well laid out and bedding clean before the action begins. And, if you’re a squirter, this is your best chance to pull out your squirt blanket to prepare for an impending flood.
2. Make Sure It’s Clean Before Use (and after)
Don’t just pick the toy right from your secret wardrobe and insert it right into your vagina or anus; you need to ensure it’s clean. This is for your own safety.
It’s always good practice to clean the toy before storage. However, don’t use your window cleaner to clean this precious toy; chemicals aren’t allowed anywhere near your sex toy.
Our sex toy expert Robert Thomas explains everything you need to know about cleaning sex toys, including glass dildos, in this article.
3. Heat or Cool It Down
The initial temperature of a glass dildo will depend on its surrounding environment. For instance, let’s say you store it in a sex toy box under the bed.
The dildo will likely feel cold when you take it out of the box. But that shouldn’t be a problem; you can easily heat or cool it down to the perfect temperature.
It’s as simple as that.
4. Apply Lube
Once you’ve warmed up or cooled down your glass dildo, apply lube before inserting. Bear in mind that some glass dildos can be used for both vaginal and anal stimulation. If double pleasure is what you need, don’t forget to apply lube on both ends of the phallus.
Advantages of a Glass Dildo
There’s no doubt that glass dildos are among my favorite sex toys. Here’s what I love the most about them.
1. Perfect for Both Anal and Vaginal Play
These bad boys aren’t designed for vaginal play only; they also feel great when used anally. I particularly love the Tracey Cox Supersex Glass Dildo Set for its bulbous texture. I also love that it’s curved, making it easier to reach the G-spot.
And if you’re a man, this dildo will hit your P-spot thanks to its curved design. Ever since I discovered this naughty boy, there’s never literally been a dull night in the bedroom.
2. Clean and Hypoallergenic
Safety is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a dildo. To put things into perspective, results from a 9-month dildo survey conducted by Sextopedia, revealed that safety was among the most important things users considered when shopping for the right dildo.
A glass dildo is much safer because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t contain pores (nonporous dildos) that allow germs and bacteria to hide. With proper cleaning, you’ll not have to worry about safety concerns when using your glass dildo.
In addition, this artificial dick is hypoallergenic, meaning it doesn’t cause allergies. Missed my article on safe and unsafe dildo materials? Read it here.
3. Exceptional Aesthetics
Dildos are designed to be not only sexually satisfying but also aesthetically pleasing. Glass dildos are some of the most beautiful and well-designed sex toys I’ve come across. Sometimes I’m tempted to parade them on my glass TV stand in the living room (yes, they’re that good-looking).
And when it comes to aesthetics, this glass anal plug I bought on Lovehoney is worth raising the glass for.
Other aesthetically pleasing glass toys in my collection include the Gläs Mr Swirly Textured Glass Dildo 8 Inch and the Icicles No. 88 G-Spot Glass Textured Dildo. The latter comes with a removable suction cup, so don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t ride a glass dong.
4. Eco Friendly
Yes, you read that right. You can’t escape the eco-friendly discussion even in the world of orgasms. Since glass dildos don’t contain chemicals and plastics used to manufacture most types of dildos, they’re safer for the environment, especially when it’s time to get rid of them.
“Glass is usually recyclable and environmentally friendly.”
by C. Barry Carter, M. Grant Norton; Springer New York, 2007
from Ceramic Materials: Science and Engineering
5. Shatter-Proof
Earlier, I mentioned that glass dildos are made with borosilicate glass. This is not the same glass used to manufacture windows or mirrors. One of the reasons borosilicate glass is preferred is because it is shatter-proof, meaning it doesn’t easily break into pieces even if it falls on a hard surface.
6. Rigid
There’s no fun in adjusting a dildo every three strokes because it keeps bending and won’t stay firmly inside. That’s a problem I had with other dildo types, but not glass. Because glass is rigid, I can fuck myself as much as I want, and at any intensity, without adjusting it.
7. Lube Friendliness
Not sure if ‘lube friendliness’ is actually a thing, but in the world of the dildos, anything’s possible. Glass dildos are compatible with any lube, and that’s not even the best part. Since these dongs usually have smooth surfaces, you don’t need that much lube to plow your inner walls.
Disadvantages of a Glass Dildo
From my experience using sex toys, particularly dildos, I found out that there isn’t a single perfect toy out there. Some toys can leave you shaking with pleasure for hours, but they’ll still have some flaws despite that.
That said, here’s what I don’t like about glass dildos.
1. Some Versions May Be Expensive
Glass is an expensive material. And when you’re talking about borosilicate glass, the price is even higher.
2. Semi-Delicate
The fact that glass dildos are made with borosilicate glass doesn’t mean you can drop them on just any surface and put them back into your vagina. There’s always a risk of chipping, especially if you drop them in the bathroom.
This happens quite often, given that glass is slippery. It’s even worse when you handle them with soapy or lube-filled hands.
3. No Vibrations
Glass dildos aren’t the best option if you’re looking for a glass toy that penetrates and vibrates at the same time. However, the sex toy world keeps evolving every single day, and the idea of having a vibrating glass dildo in the next couple of years isn’t farfetched IMHO.
How to Pick Your Favorite Glass Dildo?
When I first bought my glass dildo, I didn’t know what to look for. But now, after over 3 years of experimenting with different glass dildos, I know better. Here’s what I always look for when it’s time to update my glass dildo selection.
1. Texture
Glass dildos come in many different textures, as discussed earlier; all you need to do is choose the one you’re most comfortable with. You can opt for a smooth operator like the Sensual Glass Double-Ended G-Spot Dildo or the Sensual Glass Curved Textured Dildo from Lovehoney if you’re a beginner.
As you become more comfortable using glass toys, the Tentacle Textured Sensual Glass Dildo will take you on a bumpier ride to orgasmville.
2. Shape
I prefer curved ones because they tend to hit all the right spots. And the results from the Sextopedia dildo survey have shown that I’m not the only one; 20% of the male and 14% of the female respondents preferred curved dildos.
3. Weight
Although these toys are generally heavier than many others (because borosilicate glass is heavier), you’ll still need to choose the ideal weight for you. You need a glass toy that’ll feel light enough to rock your inner walls while also something that’s convinent to use.
Sextopedia considers “ergonomics” as one of the most important criteria when testing dildos.
4. Length
There’s no doubt that length is an important factor when choosing just any dildo, not necessarily one made of glass. According to our in-house dildo survey, 73% of the respondents prefer dildos measuring 6 to 7 inches. That translates to about 15.2 and 17.8 centimeters.
5. Diameter
Also known as the girth, you’ll need to first consider how you intend to use the dildo. If you plan on using it for anal play, begin with a smaller girth and move up the ladder step by step. Check out this dildo chart below if you’re unsure how to choose the right girth.
| Girth | Length |
|---|---|
| 4.5 inches | 6 inches |
| 5 inches | 8 inches |
| 5.5 inches | 9 inches |
| 7 inches | 10 inches |
| 7.5 inches | 11 inches to 12 inches |
Using a Glass Dildo FAQs
What’s a Glass Dildo?
A glass dildo is a sex toy made of solid, shatterproof glass.
What Are Glass Dildos Made From?
Glass dildos are made from borosilicate glasses, known for their resistance to thermal shock more than any other ordinary glass. This makes glass dildos more solid and much safer for oral, anal, and vaginal play.
Are Glass Dildos Better?
It all depends on your preferences. But when it comes to safety, pleasure, and aesthetics, I’ll raise a glass for a glass dildo any day, anytime. It deserves it.
How Long Can I Use a Glass Dildo?
One of the most popular characteristics of glass dildos is that they can outlast most dildo materials on the market. You can use this toy as long as you want, but only if you take good care of it.
Can Glass Dildos Break?
Because these dildos are made with borosilicate glasses, the chances of breaking while inside you are extremely low. That said, it’s important that you purchase your toys from reputable sex toy companies like Lovehoney.
Do Glass Dildos Hurt?
Glass dildos don’t hurt. On the contrary, they’re among the smoothest dildos I’ve used.
Do Women Like Glass Dildos?
It’s safe to assume that women love glass dildos (including myself). To put things into perspective, Sextopedia’s dildo survey discovered that glass is the second most popular dildo material — 20% of the 2468 participants chose this dildo material over stainless steel, jelly, and others.
Can You Freeze a Glass Dildo?
Yes and no. Here’s why
You can freeze a glass dildo just as long as it is made of Pyrex glass. If the dildo isn’t made of Pyrex, don’t attempt to freeze or boil it; it’ll break.
How Do Glass Dildos Differ From Glass Butt Plugs?
There’s not much difference between glass dildos and glass butt plugs. You’ll find that most glass dildos are longer and don’t necessarily have a flared base, unlike butt plugs.
Is It Safe to Use a Glass Dildo?
Yes, glass dildos are among the safest glass dildos we’ve reviewed (and used). This article covers everything you need to know about the safety of glass dildos.
How to Clean Your Glass Dildo?
Glass dildos are super easy to clean, and that’s one thing I love about them. With just warm water and soap, you’ll have your toy sparkling clean within a few minutes. Read more about cleaning sex toys here.
When Were Glass Dildos Invented?
The controversial history of glass dildos dates back to the 1600s. According to the rumor mill, Italian nuns used these toys to masturbate between the 1600s and the early 1700s.
In 1915, Corning Inc. introduced Pyrex glass in the kitchenware market. The rest was history. This tough glass went from manufacturing kitchenware to bedroomware, precisely glass dildos.
