Tumbler & Water Glass

Commercial Water Glasses: What You Need to Know

Restaurant water glasses are ubiquitous across the industry, and while their specifics change between brands, their general purpose remains. These are usually simple restaurant tumblers that can be used to serve any type of beverage the operator desires. Restaurant water glasses are therefore one of the most widely used in commercial foodservice. Tumblers range in capacity from 12 ounces to more than 20 ounces. You may hear a larger glass tumbler called a "cooler," whereas a smaller water glass can be known generically as a "beverage glass." No matter what they're called, they're what most restaurants use as soft drink and iced tea glasses.

Restaurant water glasses convey a higher expectation of style and quality than similar plastic glasses might. While a casual establishment can save money by purchasing plastic glasses, any restaurant that wants to charge premium prices for its food must establish a premium environment for guests. Luckily, we carry water glasses in bulk that look classy and can withstand high-volume restaurant use.

Common Questions About Restaurant Water Glasses

What are restaurant water glasses called?

Restaurant water glasses have a few other names that are commonly used: "tumblers" and "coolers" being the most common. Water glasses, drinking glasses, and soda glasses all can refer to these generic glasses because they're so versatile. There's no specific rule governing the naming of restaurant glasses, but in general these restaurant water glasses are simple, with low to moderate embellishment, and can be different heights.

How should I choose a restaurant water glass?

Due to there being no defined glass style for different types of drink, choosing the right glass can be kind of tricky, though this means you can't choose wrong, either. Most glasses in this category can be used as restaurant water glasses, so the main determinants will be what style you like best and which style complements your existing decor. If none of the glasses jump out as perfect for your establishment, you can choose a plain glass style and sort the options by available features and price point.

What features are available for commercial water glasses?

Absent a favorite style, the available features can help operators choose a glass that best suits their needs. A heavy base can help prevent spills, as minor collisions won't knock over these glasses as easily as their lightweight counterparts. And, if your guests and servers knock over fewer glasses, you'll have to replace fewer broken glasses. Reinforced glass rims also can increase the lifespan of your iced tea glasses. Restaurant water glasses are often thrown away because of a chip in the rim – after all, operators can't risk a customer cutting their mouth on the sharp edge. Reinforced rims make your glass less likely to fracture along this structural weak point. Reducing breakage saves you from having to buy new glasses, so spending a bit more on your initial purchase to get these features can end up being less expensive than buying glasses without them that you'll soon replace.