Duralex

Duralex is a French maker of tempered glass tableware. Its glasses and plates are produced in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin near Orléans, where the iconic Picardie tumbler has been made since 1945. The company belongs to the French group La Maison Française du Verre.

How the glass is made

Duralex heats the moulded glass and then cools it quickly with cold air. This thermal shock makes the glass far more resistant to impacts than normal glass. The process is the reason why the tumblers and plates are common in canteens, cafés and family kitchens.

Range

• Drinking glasses such as Picardie and Gigogne
• Plates, bowls and dessert dishes in clear or coloured glass
• Sets for the whole household as well as single pieces

Limits

Duralex is functional, hard-wearing glassware at a moderate price level. It does not offer fine porcelain or crystal. For those products, see the other brands in this category.