When you’re serving drinks all day, keeping glasses clean, sparkling, and ready for service is non-negotiable. Whether you're running a busy bar, a high-street café, or a restaurant with a full drinks menu, a commercial glasswasher is the quiet hero behind the scenes.

But not all glasswashers are created equal. Some are designed for quick cycles in tight bar spaces, while others focus on large volumes or delicate glass care. Choosing the wrong model can lead to cloudy finishes, delays during peak hours, or worse – unhappy customers.

At Alexanders Direct, we’ve helped hundreds of hospitality businesses choose the right commercial glasswasher for their setup. In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for 2025 and walk you through everything you need to know before buying.

Top Commercial Glasswashers for 2025


DC SG50D Standard Range 500mm Basket Glasswasher with Drain Pump

  • Cycle Time: 2 minutes
  • Basket Size: 500 x 500mm
  • Why we recommend it: High performance and persistently reliable, capable of washing 30 pint glasses in 2 minutes. Features include a double-skinned cabinet, integral detergent and rinse aid dosing units, and a drain pump for flexible installation.
  • Best for: Busy bars and pubs requiring quick turnaround and efficient cleaning.

DC SG45 Standard Range 450mm Basket Glasswasher

  • Cycle Time: 2 minutes
  • Basket Size: 450 x 450mm
  • Why we recommend it: Compact design with a 25-pint glass capacity, ideal for venues with limited space. Includes features like EasyClean filters and removable anti-block wash and rinse arms.
  • Best for: Smaller establishments like cafés and bars with moderate glassware usage.

DC SG45D Standard Range 450mm Basket Glasswasher with Drain Pump

  • Cycle Time: 2 minutes
  • Basket Size: 450 x 450mm
  • Why we recommend it: Offers the same compact benefits as the SG45 but with an integrated drain pump, allowing for more flexible installation options.
  • Best for: Venues needing a space-saving solution with versatile installation requirements.

DC SG50 Standard Range 500mm Basket Glasswasher

  • Cycle Time: 2 minutes
  • Basket Size: 500 x 500mm
  • Why we recommend it: Larger capacity for high-demand environments, washing up to 30 pint glasses per cycle. Features energy-saving wash pump and double-skinned stainless-steel cabinet.
  • Best for: Restaurants and bars with high-volume glassware cleaning needs.

DC SG50IS Standard Range 500mm Basket Glasswasher with Integral Softener

  • Cycle Time: 2 minutes
  • Basket Size: 500 x 500mm
  • Why we recommend it: Incorporates an integral water softener, essential for hard water areas to prevent limescale buildup. Maintains the high capacity and efficiency of the SG50 model.
  • Best for: Establishments in hard water regions seeking to maintain glassware quality and machine longevity.

What to Look for in a Commercial Glasswasher (2025 Buying Guide)


  • 1. Basket Size and Capacity
    Commercial glasswashers typically come with 400mm, 450mm, or 500mm baskets. Larger baskets handle more glasses per cycle but require more space. Choose based on your peak service demand and backbar layout.

  • 2. Cycle Speed and Volume
    Most units run 1.5 to 2-minute cycles. For busy bars or venues with multiple sittings, a faster cycle helps maintain clean stock without delays. Look for machines that can manage 25–30 pint glasses per wash.

  • 3. Drainage Requirements
    If your plumbing doesn’t allow for gravity-fed drainage, you’ll need a machine with a built-in drain pump. This expands your placement options, especially in older buildings or counter-level installs.

  • 4. Water Softening
    In hard water areas, limescale build-up can cloud glasses and damage internal components. Opt for a machine with an integral water softener or install an external unit to protect your investment.

  • 5. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
    Features like EasyClean filters, removable spray arms, and auto-clean functions make daily maintenance simpler. Less downtime means more consistent hygiene and longer lifespan.

  • 6. Noise and Heat Control
    Double-skinned cabinets reduce noise – especially important in front-of-house installations. They also improve energy efficiency by retaining heat within the machine.

  • 7. Brand Support and Spare Parts
    Stick to trusted manufacturers with good UK support. Quick access to spare parts and service ensures you stay operational during busy periods.

Quick Buyer Checklist


FeatureRecommendedWhy It Matters
Basket Size 450mm or 500mm Yes Supports higher volume and more flexibility in glass sizes
Cycle Time 2 Minutes or Less Yes Keeps up with fast-paced bar service
Drain Pump Yes Allows installation below drain level or without gravity drainage
Water Softener (Integral or External) Yes Prevents limescale and keeps glasses sparkling in hard water areas
Double-Skinned Cabinet Yes Reduces heat and noise, great for front-of-house installs
EasyClean Filters Yes Simplifies daily maintenance and reduces downtime
UK-Based Support Yes Ensures fast access to service and spare parts

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the difference between a commercial dishwasher and a glasswasher?

Dishwashers are built for plates, cutlery, and cookware, using higher temperatures and stronger wash cycles. Glasswashers use gentler settings to protect delicate glasses and prevent clouding.

Do I need a glasswasher or will a dishwasher do?

If your business serves a lot of drinks or glassware, a dedicated glasswasher is essential. It’s faster, safer for glasses, and keeps them looking crystal clear.

What size glasswasher do I need?

Smaller venues can typically use 400mm or 450mm basket machines. Larger bars should opt for 500mm baskets to handle peak demand without slowing service.

Do glasswashers need a water softener?

Yes – especially in hard water areas. A water softener prevents limescale and helps avoid cloudy glasses or damage to internal components.

How often should I clean my glasswasher?

Daily! Clean filters, check spray arms, and wipe internal surfaces every day. Regular descaling is also recommended, depending on water hardness.

Need Help Choosing the Right Commercial Glasswasher?


Still unsure which model suits your bar, café, or restaurant? We’re here to help.

Our team at Alexanders Direct can guide you through the best options based on your space, glass volume, and water conditions – so you get the results you need from day one.

Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?


Get expert advice and make confident choices with our full range of Commercial Catering Equipment Buying Guides . Discover tips, comparisons, and top recommendations – all in one place.

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