When it comes to choosing a hummingbird feeder, one of the most common debates is whether glass or plastic is the better material. Both have their pros and cons when it comes to factors like durability, ease of cleaning, insulation, and visibility. Here’s an in-depth look at how glass and plastic hummingbird feeders compare.
Durability
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a hummingbird feeder material is durability. Hummingbird feeders are hung outside and exposed to elements like sun, rain, and wind. The material needs to stand up to weathering and resist cracks and leaks.
Glass feeders are very durable if made from thicker, tempered glass. But thinner glass can crack or break more easily when dropped or knocked around. Plastic feeders are naturally more flexible and impact-resistant. They don’t shatter like glass. However, lower quality plastic can become brittle and degrade over time in sunlight.
The durability of both materials comes down to quality. High-end borosilicate glass is extremely durable. Likewise, UV-stabilized plastics resist sun damage. Overall, plastic edges out glass slightly when it comes to durability thanks to flexibility and impact resistance.
Winner: Plastic
Ease of Cleaning
Keeping a hummingbird feeder clean is crucial to prevent mold, bacteria, and diseases. Nectar spoils rapidly in heat, so feeders need regular scrub downs and nectar changes.
Glass and plastic are both very easy materials to hand wash with soap, water, and bottle brushes. However, plastic feeders tend to have fewer nooks and crannies where mold can hide. The smooth surface of plastic leaves less room for built-up gunk and biofilms.
Glass appreciates easily in a dishwasher, whereas plastic feeders may warp. So for a deep clean, glass pulls ahead. But for quick scrub downs by hand, plastic is often simpler.
Winner: Plastic
Insulation
Nectar temperature impacts how long sugars stay viable for hummingbird feeding. Colder nectar stays fresh longer. In hot weather, nectar can spoil in a just a day or two.
Glass and plastic have very different insulating properties. Glass does not provide any insulation. It quickly takes on the surrounding air temperature. Meanwhile, plastics are known insulators. They keep nectar cooler in summer and prevent freezing in winter.
There are some double-wall glass feeders designed with air pockets for insulation. But most standard glass feeders perform poorly at regulating temperature. Plastics have a clear edge for insulation.
Winner: Plastic
Visibility
One joy of hummingbird feeders is watching the colorful birds sip nectar up close. So visibility is key for bird watching.
Glass has excellent optical clarity and provides a sharp view of hummingbirds. Plastic can have noticeable visual distortion from its curved surfaces and lower transparency. Red plastic also filters out some color spectrums.
However, plastics come in clear varieties that minimize distortion issues. And glass reflects light more, which can scare away hummingbirds. Overall, glass takes the advantage for visibility due to optical clarity.
Winner: Glass
Cost
Budget is a consideration for most hummingbird feeder buyers. Glass and plastic feeders have significant price differences.
Even low-end glass feeders cost $15 or more. Meanwhile, plastic feeders start around $5. Higher-end handblown glass feeders can cost $50-100. The price range for plastic tops out around $30.
The manufacturing process for glass is simply more labor-intensive and costly. The end result is plastic feeders being much friendlier to limited budgets.
Winner: Plastic
Weather Resistance
Spending all seasons hanging outdoors exposes hummingbird feeders to temperature swings, UV rays, wind, and precipitation.
Plastic stands up very well to sun exposure. UV-stabilized types resist fading and material degradation. Glass is not impacted by UV light, but it’s more prone to shattering when frozen. However, you can look for glass feeders made with tempered glass for freeze resistance.
Plastic materials hold up better in high winds as they flex instead of break. Plastic is also unaffected by rain and won’t rust. Overall, plastic edges out glass for weather resistance thanks to UV and freeze protection.
Winner: Plastic
Aesthetics
With hummingbird feeders being displayed year-round, aesthetics are also worth considering. Glass and plastic offer very different visual looks.
Glass has an elegant, timeless appearance and natural glossy shine. Higher-end hand blown glass feeders are beautiful works of art. Plastic feeders have a lower-end, mass-produced look by default. But colored and creatively molded plastics can appear modern and eye-catching.
For enhancing the visual appeal of their surroundings, glass feeders deliver more sophisticated beauty and charm. But brightly colored plastics shouldn’t be underestimated for their fun factor.
Winner: Glass
Weight
A full nectar reservoir makes any feeder heavy. But the overall weight and balance differs between materials.
Glass feeders are noticeably heavier overall than plastic. Greater density results in more weight for the same feeder size. This makes glass harder to hang, especially multiple feeders clustered together.
Plastic feeders tend to be lighter for equivalent capacity. Their lighter weight puts less strain on hanging cords, branches, and mounts. For ease of hanging and portability, plastic wins for lower density and weight.
Winner: Plastic
Safety
Safety should be considered when choosing any bird feeder material. Especially with inquisitive pets and children around.
Glass can pose more risks of cuts from broken shards if cracked or shattered. Tempered glass mitigates but doesn’t eliminate this hazard. Children especially won’t understand the danger of broken glass.
Plastic eliminates the glass hazard concern entirely. Plastic also causes less injury if fallen on. There are no concerns of toxin leaching either. So plastic pulls ahead for safety, especially in households with kids.
Winner: Plastic
Environmental Impact
Eco-friendliness is on the minds of many hummingbird feeder buyers today. The environmental impacts of glass versus plastic factor in.
Glass is easier to recycle than plastic. It also biodegrades naturally over time. Plastics are notorious environmental pollutants that pile up in landfills. Chemical additives and BPA lining in plastics also raise health concerns.
However, plastic feeders last many seasons in the elements. Frequent glass breakage requires continual replacement and greater resources. Ultimately, glass edges out plastic for eco-friendliness due to natural origins and biodegradability.
Winner: Glass
Summary of Factors
To recap the key factors:
| Factor | Glass | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Moderate | High |
| Ease of Cleaning | High | Moderate |
| Insulation | Low | High |
| Visibility | High | Moderate |
| Cost | High | Low |
| Weather Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Aesthetics | High | Moderate |
| Weight | High | Low |
| Safety | Moderate | High |
| Eco-Friendliness | High | Low |
Conclusion
So should you choose glass or plastic for a hummingbird feeder? There’s no definitive “best” material.
Glass looks more elegant and offers better visibility. But it lacks insulation, carries safety risks, and breaks easily. Plastic stands up better to weather and provides safety and insulation. But cheap plastics degrade and distort views.
We recommend:
- Plastic for buyers prioritizing durability, convenience, and affordability
- High-quality glass for those seeking decorative looks and premium materials
- Double-wall glass for the best of both worlds
Consider how you’ll use the feeder and what factors matter most to you. Striking the right balance between functional performance and aesthetic appeal comes down to personal needs and tastes. With either quality glass or UV-stabilized plastic, you can enjoy years of happy hummingbird feeding.
