Last Updated on May 19, 2025 by Kelly
“Glass or metal?” It’s a question you could ask about bakeware, drink storage, and sex toys.
When you visit a sex shop and are looking for a toy that is not silicone, glass, or metal, there tend to be alternatives.
I keep both in my drawer as they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
I’ll discuss them in more detail later. But if you’re on a short budget and can only pick one, which should you choose?
This post will look at both and help you decide which is the right fit for you.
Contents
What Are The Similarities of Glass and Metal?
Before we go into the differences between glass and metal (AKA stainless steel) toys, it’s first important to look at how they’re similar.
Glass and metal sex toys have plenty of similarities, such as:
They’re Both Nonporous
Glass and metal sex toys will not absorb bacteria, making them simple to clean.
Just some mild soap and warm water, or a spritz of sex toy cleaner, and it should be ready for next time!
In general, never get a porous sex toy. They are more trouble than they’re worth. You have to put a condom on them if you want to be safe.
I shouldn’t have to worry about not having my Trojans when I’m having a night with Mr. Vibe.
And Hypoallergenic
If you have any allergies, glass or metal dildos should not affect them. Some sex toys can trigger those with allergies, such as latex allergies.
But glass and metal dildos typically don’t have that issue. I say typically, because I learn a new allergy every day.
Great for Temperature Play
Do you like the sensation of something cold running across your body? Or do you wish a dildo could heat your insides?
Glass and metal dildos are great for either.
Chill or warm them up with water or other mechanisms, and use them immediately! Or alternate.
First, you’re hot, then you’re cold.
Compatible With All Types of Lubes
Silicone is an amazing material, but silicone lubes can damage it. Yet silicone lubes are great if you don’t like to reapply your lube.
Luckily, glass and metal dildos are compatible with silicone lube, or any type. Water, hybrid, there’s nothing these dildos can’t take.
Potentially Cold to Touch When Not Temperature-Controlled
Even at room temperature, I feel that metal and glass dildos are too cold half the time.
And you can’t pop it in the microwave (unless you want a fireworks show), so you need to heat some water, and now I’m no longer turned on.
So I’d recommend storing either in the warmest area of your home.
Not Very Flexible
Glass and sex toys are smooth, hard, and not very flexible. This should be expected, but you’d be surprised.
I’ve read reviews of glass and steel toys from dissatisfied customers upset that their toy couldn’t bend like silicone.
We need better science classes.
Main Benefits of Glass Sex Toys
Glass sex toys have plenty of advantages, including:
Elegant Aesthetic Appeal
Have you ever seen some of the colors and shapes these toys can be in? They’re almost like art pieces you could display around the house.
Talk about a conversation piece!
Not everyone cares about aesthetics; some folks just want something that gets the job done. Luckily, glass dildos do both.
Affordable
Glass dildos are more affordable than metal dildos. Of course, some are more expensive than others, but you can find a decent glass dildo for under $30, typically.
And don’t worry; cheap glass dildos won’t break.
Surprisingly Tough
When you think of glass, you may remember that one jar you broke just by dropping it a few feet.
But glass dildos are made from tougher stuff. Borosilicate glass is designed to be durable and can withstand up to 30 PSI.
In less scientific terms, even if your parts have the grip, a glass dildo can take it.
Also Read: How To Use a Glass Dildo – Tips, Techniques, and Safety Advice
Disadvantages of Glass Sex Toys
Potential Breakability
Glass sex toys are tough, but it’s still possible to drop one onto a hard floor. It won’t break into a million pieces, but it could chip or crack.
If this happens, do not put the toy inside you! It can be dangerous.
Even if it’s a small chip, the glass dildo could end up shattering. I don’t want to think about explaining that to the ER.
Lack of Electric Toys
Glass vibrators do exist, but they are rarer than metal vibrators. This reason should be obvious: those intense movements can be problematic even on tough glass.
Some toys have managed to do it, but I wouldn’t trust them.
Advantages of Metal Sex Toys
Metal has its own pros and cons, too. Let’s talk about them!
Strength and Durability
A stainless steel sex toy will not break if dropped. Even though glass toys are still durable, they’re more susceptible to breaking.
So if you’re a klutz, you may want to spend the extra cash and get yourself a steel toy.
Much Heavier Than Glass
Well, this pro could be a con depending on your outlook, but I love a weighty toy.
Metal toys can be heavy, which means you’ll feel it when you go hard.
Not that there aren’t lighter metal toys, but they generally tend to be heavier than other materials.
Can Withstand Higher Temperatures
Both glass and metal can take high temperatures, but metal is better at taking extreme temperatures.
While I’m not trying to drop both into a volcano, a metal dildo is less likely to be damaged if you leave it in the boiling pot for longer than you should.
Disadvantages of Metal Sex Toys
Weight Considerations
Some people don’t like to use anything heavy, especially while traveling.
These toys aren’t going to be like heavy dumbbells, but they can be annoying to carry after a while.
Plus, baggage limits and all that.
Expensive
Stainless steel toys are going to cost you a lot more. You go to any sex shop, and they tend to be over $100.
Even the budget ones can cost you $80. Sure, you get what you pay for, but few metal toys balance quality with value.
Comparing Hygiene Standards
As mentioned, both glass and metal toys are super hygienic. You don’t need to worry about either absorbing bacteria, and both have similar ways to clean them.
However, there are differences between the two.
Once again, glass is less tough against extreme temperatures, and while they are dishwasher safe, they may not be able to handle the more intense settings.
But these examples are extreme.
Most glass and metal toys can be cleaned in similar ways. But this does beg the question:
Glass vs. Metal: Which is Easier to Clean?
Both toys can be washed with soapy water or toy cleaner. Since they are made from non-porous materials, they’re pretty easy to clean.
But there are some hassles. If you really want to sanitize your toy, a glass toy will be less accepting of extreme temperatures.
However, some metal toys can be electrical. There are glass vibrators out there, but they are rarer.
The majority of electric toys today are waterproof, but some aren’t, or are only partially waterproof.
Therefore, you need to check the waterproof rating to see what the toy can and can’t handle. And even then, I don’t trust waterproof toys fully.
So they got their own pros and cons, but if I had to choose one, I’d say metal.
Even when I’m careful, I always worry about breaking the glass, even if I know it won’t break.
Metal, I don’t have that worry.
Which Should You Choose – Glass or Metal?
So, what should you choose? Again, both toys have their pros and cons.
Glass dildos can be more affordable and look cooler, but they can also break more easily.
Meanwhile, metal is weighty and can withstand extreme temperatures, but it’s expensive.
But a fence-sitting answer is boring, so I have to choose one. And the answer is, glass!
Glass dildos look cool, and they’re a lot less expensive. And over time, I’ve grown to trust them. I haven’t had one shatter yet, and don’t plan to.
With that said, metal is no slouch. I have plenty of stainless steel toys in my arsenal as well.
But glass toys are a great way to get introduced to this world of temperature-sensitive, firm toys. I’d recommend hitting up Lovehoney, Shevibe, Bettystoybox, or another trusted store and getting a cheap one.
Even the affordable glass dildos are made from tough stuff. Then, if you like what you feel, I say to invest in a stainless steel dildo. Or get yourself an even prettier glass toy.
But what do you think? Do you like one better than the other? Why? Or are you fans of neither? Everyone has their tastes, but I’d still love to hear yours!
