Glasswasher Machine Guide: Compact, Commercial & Industrial Options

If your venue serves glassware - whether it’s a bar, restaurant, café or events space - selecting the right glasswasher makes a real difference to efficiency, sanitation and cost. At Dishwashers Direct, the UK’s specialist supplier of commercial dish- and glass-washing equipment, we’ve helped businesses find the ideal machine for their volume and space. With over 25 years’ experience in supply, installation and service, we know what works in real settings.

Compact Commercial Glasswashers

Compact commercial glasswashers are the most common choice for pubs, bars, cafes, and smaller restaurants where space is limited, and the machine is often located behind the bar.

• Design: Typically undercounter, front-loading units with a compact footprint.
• Capacity: Use smaller basket sizes, commonly 350mm, 400mm, or 500mm, holding 16 to 30 pint glasses per cycle.
• Speed & Performance: Designed for rapid turnaround, with wash cycles often lasting just 90 seconds to 2 minutes to keep up with busy services demands.
• Key Features:
  • Lower Temperatures: Operates at lower wash temperatures than dishwashers (around 55°C wash, 65°C rinse) to protect delicate glassware and prevent clouding.
  • Drain Pump Option: Essential if the drain is higher than the machine’s waste outlet.
  • Water Softener Option: Recommended in hard water areas to prevent limescale buildup and ensure a sparkling finish.
  • Double-Skinned Cabinets: Reduce noise and retain heat, ideal for front-of-house use.

Industrial Glasswashers

Industrial typically refers to machines designed for very high volumes of use in large establishments like hotels, conference centres, hospitals, or cafeterias. This category encompasses larger, more robust units designed for endurance and high throughput.

• Design: Includes larger freestanding, pass-through (hood type), or conveyor/rack systems.
• Capacity: Designed to wash hundreds of racks per hour, ensuring a continuous flow of clean glasses.
• Speed & Performance: Extremely fast with some cycles taking less than 60-90 seconds.
• Key Features:
  • Higher Power Requirements: Often require three-phase power and specialised plumbing/electrical setups
  • Advanced Technology: May include features like heat recovery systems to improve energy efficiency, integrated reverse osmosis for spotless results without polishing, and self-diagnostic features.
  • Durability: Built with robust materials to withstand continuous, heavy use and harsh chemicals. 

Important Factors When Choosing:

•    Demand: Select a machine that can comfortably meet your peak hour demand to avoid service delays.
•    Space & Placement: Measure available space, considering height and depth for door operation. Ensure proper utility connections.
•    Water Quality: In hard water areas, an integral or external water softener is crucial for longevity and streak-free results.
•    Drainage: Determine if you need a model with a built-in drain pump or if gravity drainage is sufficient.
•    Total Cost Of Ownership: Look beyond the initial purchase price to include running costs, energy/water efficiency, and warranty/aftercare support. 

You Might Find Useful:

•    Our guide on Foaming In Commercial Dishwashers And Glasswashers: Causes And Solutions.
•    Our guide on How To Boost The Efficiency Of Your Glass Washing Operation.
•    Our guide on Gravity Drain Vs Drain Pump: What’s The Difference?

Choosing the right glasswasher is about fitting the machine to your volume, space, and service rhythm rather than simply picking the biggest model. For a compact bar you might be well served by a 400 × 400mm under-counter machine. For a busy restaurant or hotel bar you’ll likely need a 500 mm basket model or above. And for very high volumes or events you’ll need the industrial step-up.

At Dishwashers Direct we’re ready to help you assess your needs, map out your space, check drain/power/softener requirements and recommend the machine that meets both your present and future requirements. Get in touch with our team at sales@dishwashers-direct.co.uk or call 0115 961 3720 for expert advice and quote.