Glass Dildos

What is a glass dildo?

It is a dildo made of glass, with no motor or batteries, used for vaginal or anal penetration. The usual glass is borosilicate, the same type of glass as Pyrex laboratory ware. It is rigid, very smooth to the touch and heavier than a silicone one. If you want something that feels closer to skin, take a look at realistic dildos; if you prefer something flexible, try silicone dildos.

Glass dildos are a niche category, but one with some of the highest repeat-purchase rates in the catalogue: people who try a borosilicate dildo rarely go back to standard silicone for occasional use. The reason is not looks but what the material does: it withstands very high or very low temperatures, barely wears, has no pores and feels very different to the touch. Here two numbered series make up almost everything: Nebula, by Ibiza, with half of the models, and Icicles, by Pipedream, with a third. The rest are the Crystal pieces from S Pleasures (Aquarius, Gamma and Libra), the Dazzling Crystal 1 from Satisfyer and the Ribbed Glass from Spectrum. Chrystalino, by Shots Toys, known for its more handcrafted and collectable pieces, is not on this page at the moment. Almost half of the product pages say the piece is handmade: nearly all the Icicles, in blown glass, and several Nebula, which warn that shape and size may vary slightly from one unit to another. You will find polished finishes, textures and shapes designed to be easy to hold, in clear glass, in colours and with decorative details.

Why glass dildos feel different from silicone

Borosilicate has three properties that silicone and TPE do not.

• Temperature: glass takes up and gives off heat slowly. Left in hot water for 2-3 minutes it reaches body temperature or slightly above; in cold water it drops to 10-15 °C. You cannot get the same temperature play with silicone or TPE. Do not use boiling water (>60 °C) or put ice directly on the glass: extreme thermal shock can crack the piece.
• No pores: unlike TPE or cyberskin, glass is chemically inert. It has no pores where bacteria can settle, it does not absorb lubricant and it does not degrade over time. To disinfect it thoroughly you can boil it for 5 minutes in a pan or put it on the top rack of the dishwasher, without strong detergent.
• Lubricant: all types work, whether silicone, water, oil or hybrid. It is one of the few materials you can use silicone-based lubricant with without damaging the toy; with silicone dildos, that lubricant harms the surface.

Types of glass dildos

The difference is in the shape and the finish. For temperature play, check on the product page that it is borosilicate.

• Smooth and straight: the simplest shape, good for starting with glass and for really feeling the cold or the heat.
• Ribbed or textured: spirals, rings, bumps or double texture, which give more sensation on the way in and out.
• Curved: with the tip angled towards the G-spot or, for anal use, towards the prostate.
• Double-ended: two ends with different shapes, so you use whichever you fancy at the time. If you want one designed for two penetrations at once, take a look at double-ended dildos.
• With a handle or decorated: a heart-shaped handle, coloured glass or decorative details, like those in the Nebula series; as well as being used, they are nice to look at.

Icicles glass dildos: what the number means

Pipedream launched the Icicles line in the mid-2000s and numbered the models consecutively, by design and order of release, not by difficulty. The number therefore says nothing about size or shape: the No.2 measures 22 cm and the No.75, the highest number here, only 7.9 cm insertable. These are the ones on sale:

• Icicles No.2 and No.8: straight, with increasing diameter. The No.2 is 22 cm long by 2.5 wide and the No.8 is 17.8 by 3.8 cm.
• Icicles No.5, No.7 and No.29: the mid sizes, 15 to 17 cm long and 2.7 to 3.5 cm wide, a comfortable way in for anyone who has never tried glass.
• Icicles No.43: a rod curved towards the G-spot or prostate, with a heart-shaped handle to hold it. 14.5 cm are insertable.
• Icicles No.55 and No.57: curved and double-ended, with a bulbous head at one end and a ribbed swirl at the other. 13 cm are insertable and they have no stopper base, so for anal use always hold them by hand.
• Icicles No.62: curved, with a vein relief and a flat, wide base that works as a grip and is compatible with harnesses; 14.5 cm are insertable. The shortest are the No.24, with 11.5 cm insertable, and the No.75, with 7.9.

Icicles, Nebula or S Pleasures: which to choose

These are the three brands with the most models on this page. All three are rigid, non-porous glass, but they differ in shape, size and in what the product page tells you.

• Range: Icicles, by Pipedream, and Nebula, by Ibiza, number their models; S Pleasures gives them names (Aquarius, Gamma and Libra). In Nebula the number almost always follows the size, from Model 8, the shortest, to Model 24, the longest; in Icicles it does not.
• Design: Icicles is the most varied, with straight, curved, double-ended or heart-handled pieces; Nebula comes in clear or pink and several have a wide base; S Pleasures are curved, in clear or blue, designed for the G-spot or prostate.
• Material: Nebula pages say borosilicate glass; Icicles pages say blown, handmade glass without specifying the type, and S Pleasures pages say high-strength, fully waterproof (submersible) glass. If for temperature play you want to read “borosilicate” on the product page, you will find it on Nebula and on the Satisfyer Dazzling Crystal 1.
• Sizes: Icicles, 14-21 cm in its main lines, and those here from 13 to 22 cm; Nebula, the most numerous, from 14.5 to 28.5 cm long and 2 to 5 cm in diameter; S Pleasures, from 15 to 18.7 cm, weighing 190 to 310 grams.
• Packaging: Icicles comes in a padded jewellery-style case; for Nebula and S Pleasures the product pages only give the box size, from 17 to 31 cm long for Nebula, depending on the model, and 25 cm for S Pleasures.

How to use it with temperature changes

This is what really sets glass apart. There are three usual ways to do it:

If you do not want to prepare water, you can also leave it in the fridge for a while. Before using it, always test the temperature on your forearm or wrist.

• Moderate warmth: put it in a glass of water at about 40-45 °C for 2-3 minutes, take it out, dry it with a soft cloth and use it. It feels like an enveloping warmth, similar to warmed skin, not something that burns. This is the most common use.
• Moderate cold: leave it for 3-5 minutes in water with ice cubes, take it out, dry it and use it. The first sensation is intense and softens within 60-90 seconds, once the glass takes on body temperature. It is often used blindfolded or in the dark, where the surprise makes it more intense.
• Alternating: two pieces, one warm and one cold, swapped back and forth. This is for people who already have some practice: it needs preparation and is not advisable the first time.

Common mistakes when buying and using glass

• Buying the cheapest one assuming it makes no difference: glass of uncertain origin that is not thermal-shock-resistant borosilicate can crack with temperature changes. Established brands (Icicles, Chrystalino, Climax Glass) state that they use that borosilicate, and the difference from generic glass is about safety, not looks.
• Boiling it and cooling it suddenly: boiling it for 5 minutes in water at 95-100 °C disinfects it thoroughly, but let it cool to room temperature before exposing it to cold air or the shower. What cracks glass is the sudden change, not the heat itself.
• Underestimating the weight: an 18 cm glass dildo weighs between 350 and 600 grams, quite a lot more than a similar silicone one. Holding it by hand for a long time gets tiring; used with a harness or propped up, without holding it, the weight adds to the feeling of fullness.
• Switching from one orifice to another without washing it: glass has no pores, but skin bacteria are still transferred. Wash it with soap and water between anal and vaginal use or between people, or use a condom, as with any other non-porous material.

Care and safety

Wash it before and after use with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner, rinse it well so no soap is left and dry it with a clean cloth before storing it. Avoid abrasive cleaners and sudden temperature changes, which can cause fissures. With proper care, it can last you a lifetime.

Before each use, look at it against the light and run your fingers over the whole surface: if you find a crack, a chip or a scratch, do not use it. For anal use, choose a model with a flared base; you have more options in anal lubricants and anal toys.

If you share it, the simplest thing is to put a new condom on it for each person: in a study of 12 women, HPV was detected on vibrators after use and, in one of the two models, up to 24 hours after cleaning them with a commercial product (Anderson et al., 2014, Sex Transm Infect).

How to choose

• Size: the product page gives the length and diameter; if it is your first time, start with a smaller one and move up when you feel comfortable.
• Shape: smooth to start with, ribbed if you want more sensation and slightly curved if you want to reach the G-spot or prostate.
• Weight: a heavier one gives more intense pressure and a lighter one is easier to handle; check the grams if the product page gives them.
• Base: for anal use, look for a product page that says flared or T-shaped base.
• Material: if you are going to play with cold and heat, check that the product page says borosilicate or thermal-shock-resistant glass.
• Handle or double end: a handle, like the heart-shaped one, helps you hold it; a double-ended one gives you two shapes in one piece.

Glass dildos: frequently asked questions

Who are glass dildos suitable for?

Both for beginners and for people with experience. There are different shapes and sizes; if it is your first, a smooth one that is not too thick is the most comfortable.

Is a glass dildo safe? Can it break inside?

In normal use and with the piece intact, the risk is practically nil. Borosilicate, the Pyrex glass designed for laboratory use, withstands knocks and temperature far better than people usually think: for an Icicles or a Chrystalino to break it takes a knock against a hard surface from quite a height or extreme thermal shock. Even so, check it before each use and, if you see cracks or scratches, throw it away.

How do I clean my glass dildo?

With warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner, rinsing it well; that is enough for individual use. It also withstands the top rack of the dishwasher without strong detergent, if it is held securely and does not touch other objects, and you can boil it for 5 minutes in a pan to disinfect it thoroughly before sharing it or switching orifice. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

What is the best way to store a glass dildo?

In its original pouch or wrapped in a soft cloth, so it does not get scratched. Only store it when it is completely dry.

Can I use it with any lubricant?

Yes. All of them work with glass, including silicone-based, which is not suitable for silicone dildos because it damages their surface. Silicone lubricants tend to last longer and many people find them more pleasant, and with glass you can use them without damaging the toy.

How do I warm a glass dildo safely?

In a glass or bowl of water at 40-45 °C, pleasant to the touch, for 2-3 minutes; then dry it with a soft cloth and test it on your wrist. No microwaves, direct sun or boiling water. The temperature of the vagina is around 37 °C, and glass at 40-42 °C gives a warmth that envelops without burning.

How do I know the temperature is safe?

Test it on your forearm before using it. It should feel warm or cool, never uncomfortably hot or cold.

What is a cold glass dildo for?

For an intense contrast. Cold can cause involuntary muscle contractions and increase blood flow to the area as the body warms it again. Many users say the temperature change intensifies the sensation more than the penetration itself, especially on the G-spot and perineum. Start with gentle cold: 3 minutes in water with ice cubes, with no direct ice.

Are glass dildos suitable for anal use?

Yes, if they have a base. They are often recommended for anal use for two reasons: their rigidity gives more control and they have no pores. Choose a model with a flared or T-shaped base, such as the Icicles 30-50 series or the Chrystalino with a base, that cannot slip inside, and do not use a straight one without a base: the risk of it getting lost is real.

Why do Icicles have numbers instead of names?

Because Pipedream numbers them consecutively by design, not by quality or size. The No.1 is one of the first, not necessarily the basic one, and the No.58 is more recent; to choose, look at the description and measurements of each one.

How long does a glass dildo last?

It can last indefinitely in normal use: glass does not wear with use, lose colour or deform. You only lose it if it is dropped and breaks, if it gets deeply scratched (residue stays in the scratches and it stops being hygienic) or if it goes missing.

Is a glass dildo worth it compared with a silicone one?

It depends on the use. If you only want penetration at room temperature, a good silicone one does the same. Glass pays off if you are interested in temperature play, if you share it and want to be able to boil it, if you use silicone lubricant and want one toy for everything or if you prefer its rigidity and weight.

Are there alternatives to glass with a similar effect?

Yes, stainless surgical steel, with the Njoy lines as a reference. It shares with glass the temperature play, the lack of pores and the rigidity, but steel conducts heat even better (it cools and warms faster) and weighs more. It is usually a matter of taste: glass is translucent and steel is metallic.

Can I use a glass dildo with a condom?

Yes, and it is the most practical option for sharing it or for moving from anal to vaginal use without washing it in between. With a latex condom, use water-based lubricant or silicone, not oil.

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