The right dishwasher or glasswasher is the workhorse of any commercial foodservice operation. In very small establishments it is difficult to warrant the cost of both a glass and dishwasher, but there can be problems using the same machine for glassware and tableware.

What’s the difference between a commercial dishwasher and a commercial glasswasher?

Commercial dishwashers hygienically clean anything from crockery, cutlery to pots and pans and utensils. Wash temperatures and wash power is high, and cycle lengths are longer than those of a glasswasher. Food debris from tableware can easily cause smears on glassware, leading to the need for re-washing. Even putting glasses in the dishwasher on their own after a washing cycle can still produce soiled glassware. Dishwashers are often programmed to do a pre-rinse cycle to clear loose food waste stuck to plates, and may have a high finishing hot rinse to aid sanitisation that could damage fragile glassware.

A commercial glasswasher is specifically designed for cleaning glassware. They tend to be front-loading compact machines often fitting under a counter or on a bench in the prep area. Glassware is more delicate than crockery or cutlery and so wash processes are gentler than those of a dishwasher. The wash baskets are specially designed to hold glassware of different sizes such as pint-sized glasses, wine glasses, tumblers etc. and the positioning of water jets ensures that the glasses are streak free and clean. Glasswasher cycles are also shorter than dishwashers, essential for business where demand for drinks is high. Rinse temperatures are generally lower which protects and maximises the life of your glassware and prevents damage or cracking, although still high enough to ensure a hygienic clean.

In brief, the difference between a commercial glasswasher and a commercial dishwasher is down to temperature, and length of wash cycle used to produce the best possible wash & results.

Please get in touch if we can help you choose the correct machine for your budget and needs. We stock all the leading brands at fantastic prices – Blue Seal, Blizzard, DC, Maidaid, Hobart, Sammic etc.

Or, read our  Dishwasher/Glasswasher buying guide to help you in your selection.

(Main image shows Blizzard Storm40 Under Counter Glasswasher)