Choosing the Right Glasswasher for Your Business

Whether you run a busy pub, restaurant, hotel, café or bar, having clean glasses ready for service is essential. A reliable commercial glasswasher helps keep your business running smoothly, reduces the need for manual washing and ensures glasses are ready for the next customer.

However, not every business has the same requirements. A small café may need a compact glasswasher that fits neatly beneath the counter, while a busy restaurant may benefit from a larger commercial dishwasher to handle plates, crockery and utensils alongside its glasswashing needs.

So, how do you choose the right equipment for your business?

In this guide, we explain the differences between undercounter glasswashers and hood-type dishwashers, the key features to consider before buying and how to maintain your equipment for reliable performance.

1. Undercounter Glasswashers vs Hood-Type Dishwashers

The first step is understanding the type of washing equipment your business needs.

Undercounter Glasswashers

Undercounter glasswashers are compact machines designed to fit beneath a suitable worktop or bar counter. They are particularly useful for businesses that serve drinks throughout the day and need a steady supply of clean glasses without taking up too much space.

They are commonly used in:

• Pubs and bars
• Cafés and coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Hotels and hospitality venues
• Sports and social clubs

At DS Refrigeration, we offer two Kastel undercounter glasswashers to suit different requirements.

Kastel FK40E Glasswasher

The Kastel FK40E is a compact option for businesses looking for professional glasswashing performance in a smaller footprint.

Key features include:

• 400 × 400 mm basket
• 300 mm useful washing height
• Stainless steel construction
• Electronic controls with multifunction display
• Integrated drain pump
• Electric detergent and rinse aid dispensers
• Partial double-skinned body designed to reduce heat loss and operating noise

Measuring 455 × 550 × 700 mm, the FK40E is worth considering when available counter space is limited.

View the Kastel FK40E Glasswasher

Kastel FK50 Glasswasher

If you need a larger basket and additional washing height, the Kastel FK50 offers an alternative.

Its key features include:

• 500 × 500 mm basket
• 340 mm useful washing height
• Stainless steel construction
• Electronic controls and Multipower technology
• Integrated drain pump
• Electric detergent and rinse aid dispensers
• Partial double-skinned body designed to reduce heat loss and noise

With dimensions of 572 × 633 × 814 mm, the FK50 requires more installation space than the FK40E. It is worth considering for businesses that regularly wash larger glassware or need more room within each basket.

The FK50 is listed with a 400V three-phase electrical supply, so ensure your premises can accommodate its requirements before ordering.

View the Kastel FK50 Glasswasher

Hood-Type Commercial Dishwashers

For businesses with larger kitchen washing requirements, a hood-type dishwasher may be a better fit.

Unlike a dedicated glasswasher, a commercial dishwasher is designed primarily for items such as plates, crockery, cutlery and kitchen utensils. A hood-type machine can be particularly useful where staff need to process racks of dishes efficiently during busy service periods.

Hood-type dishwashers generally require a dedicated working area, with suitable space for loading and unloading racks.

DS Refrigeration currently lists two Kastel hood-type dishwashers.

Kastel HK850 Hood-Type Dishwasher

The HK850 is designed for demanding commercial kitchen environments and features:

• 500 × 500 mm basket
• Stainless steel wash and rinse arms
• Triple water filtration system
• Electric rinse aid dispenser
• Electromechanical controls
• Multipower technology
• Self-cleaning vertical pump

The manufacturer-listed washing cycles are 90 and 120 seconds, with a stated capacity of up to 40 racks per hour, depending on the selected cycle and operating conditions.

View the Kastel HK850 Hood-Type Dishwasher

Kastel HK1200E Hood-Type Dishwasher

For businesses comparing higher-capacity commercial dishwashing options, the HK1200E offers multiple washing programmes and a stated rack capacity of up to 60 racks per hour on the listed specification.

Features include:

• 500 × 500 mm basket
• Multiple washing cycles from 60 seconds to nine minutes
• Electromechanical controls
• Multipower technology
• Triple water filtration system
• Stainless steel wash and rinse arms
• Electric rinse aid dispenser
• Self-cleaning vertical pump

The HK1200E measures 760 × 793 × 1494/1969 mm, so it is important to plan the installation area carefully, including the additional height required when the hood is raised.

View the Kastel HK1200E Hood-Type Dishwasher

Which should you choose?

If your main priority is keeping glasses clean and ready for drinks service, an undercounter glasswasher is often the most suitable starting point.

If your business needs to process large quantities of plates and crockery, a hood-type dishwasher may be more appropriate. Some larger hospitality businesses may benefit from having both types of machine.

2. What Should You Consider Before Buying?

Once you understand the different options, consider how the machine will fit into your daily operation.

Washing Capacity and Basket Size

Think about how many glasses or dishes your business uses during its busiest periods, rather than just an average day.

The FK40E has a 400 × 400 mm basket, while the FK50, HK850 and HK1200E have 500 × 500 mm baskets.

A larger basket can accommodate more items or larger pieces of glassware and crockery, depending on how they are arranged. However, capacity also depends on the size and shape of the items being washed.

Avoid overloading racks, as this can prevent water from reaching all surfaces and affect cleaning results.

Wash Cycles and Turnaround Time

Fast washing cycles can help keep service moving during busy periods.

The Kastel FK50 lists washing cycles of 90, 120 and 180 seconds, alongside a longer programme. The HK850 offers 90- and 120-second cycles, while the HK1200E provides a wider selection of programmes.

Remember that the shortest cycle is not necessarily the right choice for every load. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on selecting an appropriate programme and allow time for unloading, reloading and handling clean items.

Water and Energy Consumption

Running costs are an important consideration for any commercial kitchen or bar.

When comparing machines, look at the manufacturer's water consumption per cycle, power requirements and any energy-saving features. Consider how frequently the machine will operate throughout the day.

Features such as partial double-skinned construction can help reduce heat loss, while appropriate water treatment and correct chemical dosing can support efficient operation.

Water Hardness and Water Treatment

Hard water can cause limescale deposits, cloudy glassware and problems with internal components.

Before purchasing, check the water hardness at your premises and the manufacturer's recommendations for water treatment. A suitable water softener may be necessary, depending on your local water conditions and the machine's specifications.

This is particularly important for businesses that rely on consistently clear, presentable glassware.

Available Space and Electrical Requirements

Measure the installation area before selecting your machine. Allow enough room for doors, the raised hood on hood-type models, staff movement and the loading and unloading of racks.

Check the water supply, drainage and electrical requirements carefully.

For example, the FK40E is listed with a 230V supply, while the FK50 and both hood-type dishwashers are listed with 400V three-phase supplies. Always confirm the full specification and site requirements before ordering.

3. How to Maintain Your Commercial Glasswasher or Dishwasher

Regular cleaning and preventative maintenance help maintain washing performance, support hygiene and reduce avoidable downtime.

Clean the Machine Daily

Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions at the end of each working day.

Your routine should include:

• Removing and cleaning filters
• Clearing food debris and residue from the wash tank
• Checking and cleaning spray arms where applicable
• Wiping down accessible surfaces
• Leaving the machine in the recommended condition between uses

Switch off the machine and follow all safety instructions before cleaning or accessing internal components.

Check Detergent and Rinse Aid

Use suitable commercial washing detergent and rinse aid, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Check chemical levels and ensure dosing equipment is functioning correctly. Incorrect dosing can contribute to poor cleaning results, water marks and unnecessary chemical consumption.

Prevent Limescale Build-Up

If your premises have hard water, monitor the machine for signs of limescale and ensure any recommended water-treatment system is maintained.

Only use suitable descaling products and follow the manufacturer's procedure. Incorrect descaling can damage components.

Inspect Filters and Wash Arms

Blocked filters or spray arms can restrict water circulation and affect cleaning performance.

Inspect these components regularly and clean them as recommended. If glasses or dishes remain dirty after a cycle, check the loading arrangement, filters, spray arms, chemical supply and water conditions.

Arrange Routine Servicing

Daily cleaning is essential, but it does not replace professional maintenance.

Regular servicing can help identify potential problems before they interrupt your business. The appropriate service interval depends on the machine, usage levels and manufacturer recommendations.

If your equipment develops a persistent fault, leak or unusual noise, arrange an inspection rather than continuing to operate it without investigating the issue.

4. Common Glasswashing Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even a quality machine may produce disappointing results if it is not set up or maintained correctly.

Cloudy glasses: Hard water, limescale, incorrect chemical dosing or permanent glass etching can all contribute. Check water quality and chemical settings before deciding on the cause.

Water marks: Check rinse aid levels, water hardness and the condition of the rinsing system.

Poor cleaning results: Avoid overloading baskets and inspect filters and spray arms. Confirm that the correct programme and detergent are being used.

Slow service: If staff regularly run out of clean glasses or dishes, review your daily washing volume, machine capacity and loading arrangements.

Unexpected breakdowns: Keep up with daily cleaning and recommended servicing, and investigate persistent performance problems promptly.

5. Which Kastel Machine Is Right for Your Business?

Choosing the right equipment comes down to what you wash, how much you wash and the space available.

• Small bars and cafés: The Kastel FK40E offers a compact undercounter solution for glasswashing.
• Businesses needing a larger glasswashing basket: The Kastel FK50 provides a 500 × 500 mm basket and greater useful washing height.
• Busy commercial kitchens: The Kastel HK850 offers a hood-type dishwasher with two listed wash cycles and a capacity of up to 40 racks per hour.
• Higher-volume dishwashing operations: The Kastel HK1200E offers multiple programmes and a stated capacity of up to 60 racks per hour.

These capacities are manufacturer-listed figures and actual throughput will depend on operating conditions, loading and the selected programme.

Before making your decision, compare the machine's specifications, installation requirements, running costs and suitability for your business.

Find Commercial Glasswashing Equipment at DS Refrigeration

Reliable washing equipment helps your team maintain a smooth service, whether you are serving drinks in a busy bar or preparing dishes in a commercial kitchen.

At DS Refrigeration, we supply commercial glasswashers and dishwashers for hospitality and catering businesses across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain.

Our range includes compact Kastel glasswashers and larger hood-type dishwashers, allowing you to compare options according to your washing requirements and available space.

Ready to find the right machine for your business?

Browse our commercial glasswashers and dishwashers online, or contact our team for advice on choosing suitable equipment.

Call DS Refrigeration on 028 3751 1425 or email sales@ds-refrigeration.co.uk.