Plastic doesn't break and is easier to clean. While we appreciate glass we have seen far too many glass carboys break over the years. We suggest that as a new brewer you first try our PET plastic carboy. Since most homebrewers will end up with more than one carboy at some point, you can consider purchasing a glass for your second carboy and compare yourself. Please note that these carboys are made out of PET(similar to a 2l soda bottle) and thus are more resistant to oxygen than a standard water bottle. Also our PET plastic carboys have no ridges on the inside making them easier to clean with PBW (powdered brewery wash). With a quick soak overnight plastic carboys are easily rinsed out and do not require the scrubbing that a glass carboy will.