Types of Glass Racks

Glass racks keep glasses safe during washing, storage, and transport. They make for the efficient movement of glassware from one location to the next, and they come in sizes and styles to fit every need.

Using glass racks and a commercial dish washer is perfect when you are trying to stay on top of your cleaning checklist as they're more efficient than a regular dishwasher. Even when your dishwasher is loaded properly, glass racks are a more secure and quick way to getting your glasses cleaned and ready for service.

Gray full size plastic glass rack on equipment table in commercial kitchen

What is a Glass Rack?

A glass rack is a rack that stores glassware, stemware, pitchers, or decanters during washing, transport, and storage. It can feature individual compartments for glasses, or it can be one big open rack. These racks are designed to minimize breakage when the proper size is used. Both compartment size and height are crucial to protecting your glassware.

Number of Compartments

To reduce unnecessary breakage, and ensure effective cleaning, glass racks are divided into compartments designed to hold your glasses into place during washing, storage, and even transport. Keep in mind though that the sizes of these compartments, and hence the number of compartments per glass rack, vary by brand.

Glass Rack Sizes

Glass racks come in two sizes – half size or full size. Full size glass racks measure 20" x 20" and fit most commercial dish machines. As the name suggests, half size racks measure half that, or 20" x 10".

Full Size Glass Racks

When glass use is high, full size racks are an excellent choice. These racks help you keep up with the large quantities of drinkware your business goes through, minimizing wait time.

Half Size Glass Racks

Half size racks require less storage space than full size racks and are great for establishments that use less glassware.

We carry economical Noble glass racks along with Vollrath, Carlisle, and Cambro brand glass racks. Though some racks, like our Noble glass racks, stack with other manufacturers’ racks, it is best to stick with only one brand to ensure proper fit for your glassware, as well as safe, secure stacking of multiple glass racks.

Glass Rack Types

Glass racks come in three types - cup racks, decanter/pitcher racks, and traditional glass racks. Though the type may differ, the use of the rack is fundamentally the same. This guide refers to all as "glass racks" for simplicity.

Tan plastic cup rack with 1 mug in rack and 1 mug beside rack

Cup Racks

Cup racks are designed for washing and storing cups and mugs.
They come in 8-, 10-, 16-, 20-, and 25-compartment configurations.

Gray plastic pitcher rack with black extender and 4 pitchers in rack

Decanter / Pitcher Racks

Decanter racks are perfect for washing large items, like decanters and pitchers.
They come in 5- and 9-compartment configurations.

Gray plastic glass rack with 10 glasses inside and 1 glass being placed inside

Glass Racks

Glass racks hold glassware and stemware during warewash and transport.
They come in many compartment configurations, ranging from 1 to 49.

Glass Rack Heights

In addition to your glass' diameters, height is also a vital component to consider when finding the proper glass rack for your commercial foodservice operation. If the glasses are taller than the rack itself, they are more susceptible to breakage. Adding extenders to the rack enables you to easily extend the height of the rack. Go high for stemware or low for rocks glasses.

Determining the proper height is crucial in ensuring safe glass washing, storage, and transport. Commercial glass racks that are too short raise the risk of glass chippage and breakage during handling. If either width or height falls between two sizes, always choose the larger size. Use our glass rack chooser to find the correct glass rack for your glasses.

Gray plastic glass rack with green extender on commercial sink

1 Extender Glass Racks

1 extender glass racks are great for smaller glassware like juice and rocks glasses.

Gray plastic glass rack with 2 red extenders on equipment table

2 Extender Glass Racks

2 extender glass racks are designed to support taller highball glasses.

Gray plastic glass rack with 3 tan extenders on equipment table

3 Extender Glass Racks

3 extender glass racks hold pint glasses and stemmed water glasses.

Gray plastic glass rack with 4 black extenders on equipment table

4 Extender Glass Racks

4 extender glass racks support taller items like wine and martini glasses.

Purple plastic glass rack with 5 blue extenders on equipment table

5 Extender Glass Racks

5 extender glass racks provide support and protection to taller glassware.

Tan plastic glass rack with 6 tan extenders

6 Extender Glass Racks

6 extender glass racks are great for washing larger items like pitchers and carafes.

Open vs. Closed Glass Racks

Glass racks come in open or closed varieties. Each has its benefits and limitations.

Gray plastic glass rack with four yellow extenders with open sides

Open Glass Racks

Have openings on their sides to allow for better washing and faster drying.
More susceptible to dirt and contamnation during storage and transport.
A dust cover is a must-have item with this type of rack.

Gray plastic glass rack with closed sides

Closed Glass Racks

Feature enclosed sides that protect your glassware from dust and bacteria during storage.
During warewashing, water enters and exits the rack via the bottom.
Enclosed sides may hinder drying, resulting in more water spots on your glassware as well as increased labor costs.

Glass Rack Options and Accessories

Using your glass racks to your advantage is key in keeping up with demand in your busy restaurant, bar, cafe, or catering operation. These options and accessories will help you do just that.

Green plastic glass rack with champagne flute being placed inside

Color-Coded Glass Racks

Color coded glass racks keep your dish room neat and organized. They can ensure each glass is put in the properly sized glass rack.

Noble Products glass rack cover covering glass rack on casters in commercial kitchen

Glass Rack Covers

For safe, sanitary storage, always cover your glass racks with a dust cover or a hard cover. These covers ensure that dust stays off of your glasses during overnight storage in your commercial restaurant kitchen.

Four plastic glass racks on dolly underneath equipment table in commercial kitchen

Glass Rack Dollies

When transporting glasses throughout your facility, always use a glass rack dolly. Not only will they keep your staff safe from heavy lifting, but they will allow you to transport several glass racks at a time for fast, efficient transport.