Glass vs stainless steel sex toys: which is right for you?

Glass and stainless steel toys sit in a class of their own. Both are firm, smooth and non-porous, both look beautiful on the bedside table, and both can be warmed or cooled for temperature play. They do feel different in the hand and in use, though. Here is how they compare, so you can decide which suits you.

What they have in common

• Firm and rigid. Neither material gives or bends. That makes them precise and good at targeted pressure, which is one reason people love them for G-spot and prostate play.
• Non-porous. A good quality glass or steel toy has a sealed surface that is simple to clean thoroughly.
• Compatible with any lube. Unlike silicone toys, glass and steel can be used with water-based and silicone-based lube. Silicone lube lasts longer, so it pairs well with these materials.
• Long lasting. Looked after properly, both can last for years.

How glass feels

Glass is smooth and glides easily with a little lube. It is lighter than steel of a similar size, so it is easier to handle and a good first step into firm toys. Many glass toys have ridges, bumps or curves shaped into them, and some are simply lovely to look at. We do not stock glass toys at the moment. If you like firm, smooth materials, our metal and steel toys are a good place to start.

Body-safe toys are usually made from tough borosilicate glass, which is designed to handle normal use. It is still glass, though, and a heavy drop onto a hard floor can chip or crack it. Check the product description for the material used.

How stainless steel feels

Stainless steel is noticeably heavy for its size. That weight is the point for many people: it gives a feeling of fullness and pressure without any effort, and heavy steel plugs are popular for exactly that reason. Steel is also practically unbreakable in normal use, so there is no risk of chips.

The weight takes some getting used to. If you are new to firm toys, start with something smaller. You can explore our metal and steel toys for plugs, wands and more.

Temperature play, safely

Both materials hold temperature well, which makes them ideal for gentle warming or cooling. Steel changes temperature faster and holds it strongly, while glass responds more gradually. The key is to stay gentle.

• To warm a toy, stand it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Warm, not hot: water that would be comfortable on your wrist.
• To cool a toy, rinse it under cold water, or leave it in the fridge for a short while.
• Never use the freezer. A frozen toy can stick to skin and be painfully cold.
• Never use boiling water or direct heat. It makes the toy too hot to use safely.
• Avoid sudden extremes with glass. Moving glass straight from very hot to very cold, or the reverse, can put stress on it. Change the temperature gradually.
• Always test first. Hold the toy against the inside of your wrist before use, and give it a minute if it feels too warm or too cold.

Cleaning glass and steel

Cleaning is one of the best things about both materials. Wash with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner before and after each use, rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scourers, which can scratch the surface. Always check the maker's care instructions for anything more specific. Our toy care guide covers the full routine.

Store each toy separately, in a pouch or its box. Glass in particular should not rattle around in a drawer with other hard toys.

Check glass before every use

This is the one habit every glass owner needs. Before each use, look closely at the whole toy and run your fingers slowly over the surface. If you find a chip, crack or rough spot, however small, stop using it. A damaged glass toy should be retired, not repaired. Steel is far more forgiving, but it is still worth a quick look for any damage.

Which should you choose?

• Choose glass if you want something lighter, visually striking and easy to handle, with textures and curves to explore.
• Choose steel if you love weight and a sense of fullness, or want a toy that is built to survive the odd knock.

Plenty of people end up owning both. Whichever you pick, a good lube makes all the difference. See our lube and care range, and our materials guide for how glass and steel compare with other toy materials.

Everything ships from UK stock in plain, unbranded packaging.