Choosing the right commercial glass rack system is essential for protecting glassware, reducing unnecessary handling and improving everyday operations in restaurants, bars, hotels, catering companies, event venues and other professional hospitality environments.
A professional glass rack is not only a dishwasher accessory. The right system can be used throughout the entire glassware handling process: washing, handling, transport and storage.
The AmerBox glass rack system combines individual compartments, modular height extenders, closed side walls and a standard 500 x 500 mm footprint. This allows the same rack to protect glassware during washing, movement between work areas, transport and storage.
This guide explains how to choose the correct glass washing, transport and storage rack according to glass diameter, glass height and intended use.
What Is a Commercial Glass Rack System?
A commercial glass rack is a reusable compartment rack designed to hold individual glasses separately during professional handling. Depending on the operation, it can be used as a glass washing rack, glass transport rack and glass storage rack.
Individual compartments help prevent glasses from touching each other, while the rack structure protects glassware during movement and handling. Modular extenders allow the height of the rack to be adapted to different types of glassware.
AmerBox racks can be configured for many types of professional glassware, including:
- shot glasses
- liqueur glasses
- tumblers
- highball glasses
- champagne flutes
- white wine glasses
- red wine glasses
- beer glasses and goblets
- cocktail glasses
- carafes
- pitchers
How to Choose the Right Glass Rack Compartment Size
The first measurement you need is the maximum diameter of the glass. Measure the widest point of the glassware. Depending on its shape, this may be the bowl, rim or base.
Do not select a rack based only on the name or type of glass. Two wine glasses, beer glasses or cocktail glasses can have completely different dimensions.
The glass should fit comfortably inside its individual compartment without touching adjacent glasses.
| Rack Configuration | Maximum Glass Diameter | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 49 compartments | up to 60 mm | Shot glasses, liqueur glasses and narrow glassware |
| 36 compartments | up to 72 mm | Highball glasses, champagne flutes and narrow tumblers |
| 25 compartments | up to 87 mm | White wine glasses and standard wine glasses |
| 16 compartments | up to 109 mm | Red wine glasses, beer glasses and goblets |
| 9 compartments | up to 148 mm | Carafes, pitchers, large goblets and wide glassware |
Example: Which Glass Rack Should I Choose for an 85 mm Wine Glass?
If the widest point of a wine glass measures 85 mm, choose the 25-compartment AmerBox glass rack, which accommodates glassware up to 87 mm in diameter.
Always measure the actual glassware before selecting the rack configuration.
How Much Clearance Should There Be Around Each Glass?
Correct compartment size is important for both glass protection and washing performance.
As a practical guideline, allow approximately 2–3 mm of clearance around the widest part of the glass.
A compartment that is too tight may restrict water circulation and make loading or unloading difficult. A compartment that is too large may allow excessive movement during transport, washing or handling.
The objective is to keep each glass individually separated while maintaining sufficient clearance around the glassware.
How to Choose the Correct Glass Rack Height
After measuring the diameter, measure the total height of the glass. Both dimensions are required to configure the correct commercial glass rack.
AmerBox uses a modular glass rack extender system. This means the same compartment configuration can be adapted to short or tall glassware by adding the appropriate number of extenders.
AmerBox Glass Rack Height System
The base rack accommodates glassware up to approximately 70 mm high. Additional rack extenders increase the usable height in approximately 40 mm increments.
- Base rack: glassware up to approximately 70 mm high
- Type 1 extender: increases usable height to approximately 110 mm
- Type 2 extender: each additional extender adds approximately 40 mm
Maximum glass height = 70 mm + 40 mm for each extender level
| Glass Rack Configuration | Approximate Maximum Glass Height |
|---|---|
| Base rack | 70 mm |
| Base + Type 1 extender | 110 mm |
| Base + Type 1 + 1 Type 2 extender | 150 mm |
| Base + Type 1 + 2 Type 2 extenders | 190 mm |
| Base + Type 1 + 3 Type 2 extenders | 230 mm |
Type 1 vs Type 2 Glass Rack Extenders
AmerBox uses two types of rack extenders, and they perform different functions within the modular system.
The Type 1 extender is the first extension level and is designed to connect directly to the base rack.
Type 2 extenders are installed above the Type 1 extender. Additional Type 2 extenders can then be added when more height is required.
The correct configuration is:
Base Rack → Type 1 Extender → Type 2 Extender → Additional Type 2 Extenders
A Type 2 extender cannot replace the Type 1 extender directly above the base.
One Glass Rack System for Washing, Transport and Storage
One of the main advantages of the AmerBox system is that glassware does not need to be transferred between separate baskets, transport containers and storage systems at every stage of operation.
The same rack can remain with the glassware throughout the handling process:
washing → handling → transport → storage → service preparation
This makes AmerBox suitable for operations where glassware is repeatedly washed, moved, stored or transported.
Using AmerBox as a Glass Washing Rack
AmerBox racks can be used for washing professional glassware in compatible commercial warewashing equipment.
Individual compartments keep glasses separated during the wash cycle, while the rack structure allows wash water and detergent to reach the glassware.
How to Load Glassware for Washing
Glasses should be positioned upside down. This allows wash water to reach internal surfaces and helps water drain from the glass after washing.
Individual glasses should not touch each other. Mechanical separation between glasses reduces glass-to-glass contact during the washing and handling process.
Using AmerBox as a Glass Transport Rack
A glass transport rack must protect fragile glassware against movement and glass-to-glass contact.
AmerBox compartment dividers keep individual glasses separated during transport, while the closed side walls provide additional protection against accidental impact from the surrounding environment.
This makes the system suitable for both internal glassware transport and transport between locations.
Typical transport applications include:
- moving glassware between restaurant service areas and washing areas
- transporting glasses within hotels and conference facilities
- catering operations
- banquets and events
- mobile bars
- glassware rental companies
- transport between storage areas and event locations
Using AmerBox as a Glass Storage Rack
AmerBox can also be used as a commercial glass storage rack. Clean glasses can remain inside their individual compartments after washing instead of being transferred immediately to another storage system.
The closed side walls create a physical barrier around the glassware. When combined with a suitable rack cover, the system provides additional protection against dust and environmental contamination during storage.
This is particularly useful for glassware that is prepared in advance, used seasonally or stored between events.
Why Closed-Side Glass Racks Are Useful
AmerBox glass racks feature closed side walls rather than completely open external walls.
This design provides additional protection during both transport and storage.
Protection During Transport
Closed sides create a barrier between delicate glassware and objects outside the rack, helping protect glasses from accidental contact during movement.
Protection During Storage
When racks are stored, closed sides help separate clean glassware from the surrounding environment. Adding a compatible cover provides further protection from dust and other environmental contamination.
Reduced Direct Handling
Glasses can remain inside the same compartment rack between washing, transport and storage, reducing the need for staff to repeatedly handle individual pieces of glassware.
Reducing Glassware Handling and Breakage
Every time a glass is manually transferred from one container or storage area to another, there is an additional opportunity for accidental impact, fingerprints, chips or breakage.
A compartment rack system helps reduce unnecessary transfers because glassware can remain inside the same rack during multiple operational stages.
Individual compartments also prevent direct glass-to-glass contact, which is particularly important for delicate stemware such as wine glasses and champagne flutes.
500 x 500 mm Commercial Glass Rack Format
AmerBox glass racks use a standard footprint of 500 x 500 mm.
This standardized format makes the racks practical for professional hospitality operations and compatible with many types of commercial warewashing equipment designed for 500 x 500 mm racks.
Depending on the equipment specification, this may include:
- commercial undercounter dishwashers
- hood-type dishwashers
- pass-through dishwashers
- professional glasswashers
- rack conveyor warewashing systems
Always verify the required rack dimensions in the technical specification of the warewashing machine before use.
Glass Rack Material and Temperature Resistance
AmerBox racks are manufactured from durable polypropylene designed for repeated use in professional hospitality environments.
The material provides temperature resistance up to +93°C, allowing the racks themselves to be washed and maintained as part of regular hygiene procedures.
Durable construction is particularly important when racks are repeatedly used for washing, stacking, storage and transport.
Glass Rack Covers for Protected Storage
A compatible glass rack cover can be used when additional protection is required during storage or transport.
The combination of closed rack sides and a cover helps create a protected environment around clean glassware and reduces exposure to dust and environmental contamination.
Covers are particularly useful for catering companies, event venues, hotels and glassware rental operations where clean glasses may remain in storage before use.
Glass Rack Trolleys for Easier Transport
Multiple loaded glass racks can be transported using a dedicated glass rack trolley.
This can simplify movement between washing, storage, preparation and service areas, particularly in larger restaurants, hotels, banquet facilities and catering operations.
A trolley equipped with a drip tray can collect residual water draining from recently washed racks, helping keep floors drier during internal transport.
How to Select an AmerBox Glass Rack Step by Step
- Measure the maximum glass diameter. Measure the widest point of the glass, including the bowl, rim or base.
- Select the compartment configuration. Choose between 49, 36, 25, 16 or 9 compartments according to the maximum glass diameter.
- Measure the total glass height. Measure from the lowest point of the base to the highest point of the rim.
- Determine the required rack height. The base accommodates approximately 70 mm. Add approximately 40 mm for each required extender level.
- Use a Type 1 extender first. If additional height is required, the Type 1 extender connects directly to the base.
- Add Type 2 extenders as required. Additional Type 2 extenders increase the rack height in approximately 40 mm increments.
- Consider how the rack will be used. Determine whether the rack will be used for washing, internal transport, external transport, storage or several of these applications.
- Add covers or transport accessories if required. Covers provide additional protection during storage, while trolleys simplify the movement of multiple loaded racks.
Example Glass Rack Configurations
Glass Rack for Champagne Flutes
A narrow champagne flute may fit a 36-compartment glass rack for glassware up to 72 mm in diameter.
Because champagne flutes are usually tall, one or more rack extenders may be required. Always measure both the maximum diameter and total height of the flute.
Glass Rack for White Wine Glasses
A wine glass measuring up to 87 mm in diameter can use a 25-compartment glass rack.
The required number of extenders depends on the total height of the wine glass.
Glass Rack for Large Red Wine Glasses
Large red wine glasses with bowls measuring up to 109 mm in diameter can use a 16-compartment glass rack.
Individual compartments are particularly useful for large, delicate wine glasses because they prevent direct contact between neighbouring bowls.
Glass Rack for Beer Glasses
Depending on their diameter, beer glasses may fit a 25-compartment or 16-compartment rack. Measure the widest point of the glass before selecting the configuration.
Glass Rack for Carafes and Pitchers
Wide glassware measuring up to 148 mm in diameter can use a 9-compartment rack.
Tall carafes or pitchers may require additional Type 2 extenders.
Where Are Commercial Glass Racks Used?
Professional glass washing, transport and storage racks are suitable for operations that handle large quantities of reusable glassware.
Typical applications include:
- restaurants
- bars and cocktail bars
- hotels and resorts
- cafés
- catering companies
- banquet facilities
- conference centres
- wedding and event venues
- mobile bars
- commercial kitchens
- glassware rental companies
- event equipment rental companies
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Glass Racks
What is a commercial glass rack used for?
A commercial glass rack can be used for washing, handling, transporting and storing professional glassware. Compartment racks keep individual glasses separated and help protect them throughout different stages of operation.
Can the same glass rack be used for washing and storage?
Yes. AmerBox glass racks are designed so that glassware can remain in the same rack during washing, handling, transport and storage. This reduces the need to repeatedly transfer individual glasses between different containers.
Can AmerBox racks be used to transport glassware?
Yes. Individual compartments keep glasses separated during transport, while closed side walls provide additional protection against external contact. The system is suitable for internal transport as well as catering, events and other operations where glassware needs to be moved between locations.
Can clean glasses be stored inside an AmerBox rack?
Yes. AmerBox racks can be used for glassware storage after washing. Closed side walls and optional covers provide additional protection from dust and environmental contamination.
What size glass rack do I need?
Measure the widest point of the glass and select the appropriate compartment configuration. AmerBox racks accommodate maximum glass diameters of approximately 60 mm, 72 mm, 87 mm, 109 mm and 148 mm.
How do I measure a glass for a compartment rack?
Measure two dimensions: the maximum glass diameter and the total glass height. Diameter determines the compartment configuration, while height determines how many rack extenders are required.
Which rack should I choose for an 85 mm glass?
Choose the 25-compartment AmerBox glass rack, which accommodates glassware up to approximately 87 mm in diameter.
How much space should there be around the glass?
As a practical guideline, allow approximately 2–3 mm of clearance around the widest part of the glass. The glass should remain separated from neighbouring glasses without being held too tightly.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 glass rack extenders?
The Type 1 extender is designed to connect directly to the base rack. Type 2 extenders are installed above Type 1 and add approximately 40 mm of additional usable height per level.
Can I install a Type 2 extender directly onto the base rack?
No. The Type 1 extender is required as the first extender above the base. Type 2 extenders are installed above the Type 1 extender.
Are AmerBox glass racks compatible with commercial dishwashers?
AmerBox glass racks have a 500 x 500 mm footprint, a common rack format used in professional warewashing equipment. Always verify the required rack dimensions of the specific dishwasher or glasswasher before use.
What are AmerBox glass racks made from?
AmerBox glass racks are manufactured from durable polypropylene suitable for repeated professional use and temperatures up to +93°C.
