Dishwasher Rack Types: Uses, Sizes and Buying Guide for Australian Commercial Kitchens
Commercial dishwasher racks do more than hold plates and glasses. The correct rack keeps each item positioned for proper water circulation, improves washing and drying results, reduces breakage and helps staff move clean and dirty wares safely through a busy dishwashing area.
For Australian restaurants, cafés, pubs, hotels, clubs, caterers, aged-care kitchens and other food businesses, choosing the right dishwasher rack starts with three questions: what are you washing, what rack size fits your machine, and how tall are the items once loaded?
Main types of commercial dishwasher racks
| Dishwasher rack type | Main purpose | Common items |
|---|---|---|
| Peg rack | Holds items upright and separated | Dinner plates, side plates, bowls and trays |
| Open rack | Provides unrestricted space and water flow | Pots, pans, bowls, utensils and oversized items |
| Glass rack | Separates and protects glassware | Wine glasses, tumblers, beer glasses and cocktail glasses |
| Compartment glass rack | Gives each glass its own section | Delicate, tall or narrow glassware |
| Cup rack | Holds cups at an angle for washing and draining | Coffee cups, mugs, teacups and small bowls |
| Cutlery rack | Keeps cutlery contained during washing | Knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons |
| Cutlery basket | Holds smaller amounts of cutlery upright | Mixed cutlery and kitchen tools |
| Tray rack | Holds flat trays vertically | Serving trays, baking trays and chopping boards |
| Plate insert | Converts an open rack for plates | Plates, saucers and shallow bowls |
| Utensil rack | Handles large kitchen tools | Ladles, whisks, tongs, turners and kitchen knives |
| Pot and pan rack | Supports heavy or awkward cookware | Saucepans, frying pans, GN pans and mixing bowls |
| Bottle rack | Holds reusable bottles securely | Water bottles, carafes and reusable drink bottles |
| Rack extender | Increases rack height | Tall glasses, bottles and delicate stemware |
| Rack cover | Protects clean items in storage or transport | Glasses, cups and plates |
Peg racks for plates, bowls and trays
Peg racks have rows of upright pins that hold plates and similar items apart. This spacing allows wash water and detergent to reach both sides of each item while helping prevent plates from resting against one another.
They are commonly used for:
- Dinner and entrée plates
- Side plates and saucers
- Shallow bowls
- Serving platters
- Small trays
- Chopping boards, where the rack and machine provide enough clearance
The spacing between the pegs matters. Closely spaced racks may fit more small plates, while wider peg spacing is better for deeper bowls, large plates and thicker crockery.
Do not overload a peg rack or place multiple plates in one slot. Overlapping surfaces may block the spray and leave food residue behind.
Open dishwasher racks
Open racks have a flat or lightly structured base without tall dividers. They are the most flexible option for mixed and irregularly shaped kitchenware.
They are useful for:
- Mixing bowls
- Pots and saucepans
- Frying pans
- GN pans
- Food preparation containers
- Large utensils
- Small appliance parts
- Oversized crockery
The open design gives staff more freedom when loading awkward items. However, lightweight pieces must be positioned securely so they are not moved or overturned by the dishwasher’s spray pressure.
Some open racks can be fitted with separate plate, tray or cutlery inserts, making them useful for businesses that wash a changing mix of items.
Glass racks
Glass racks are designed to keep glassware separated during washing, handling and storage. They reduce glass-to-glass contact and help protect rims and stems from chipping.
A basic open glass rack may suit sturdy tumblers. Delicate wine, beer and cocktail glasses are generally better supported in compartment racks, where each glass has its own section.
Common uses include:
- Wine glasses
- Champagne flutes
- Beer glasses
- Highball glasses
- Tumblers
- Cocktail glasses
- Water glasses
- Dessert glasses
Commercial rack systems may be made from plastic, plastic-coated wire or stainless steel, depending on the manufacturer and application. Winterhalter states that its Australian wash-rack range includes plastic, plastic-coated wire and stainless-steel options, while MEIKO offers stackable 500 × 500mm plastic racks and coated stainless-steel racks.
Compartment size
The internal compartment must be wider than the widest part of the glass. Measure the bowl or rim rather than only measuring the base.
A compartment that is too small may press against the glass. A compartment that is unnecessarily large allows too much movement during washing and handling.
Rack height
Measure the complete glass from the base to the rim. Choose a rack or extender combination that is tall enough to protect the glass without allowing the rim to sit above the rack.
Rack extenders can be added to selected glass racks to accommodate tall stemware. Always confirm that the finished rack height still fits through the machine’s loading opening.
Cup racks
Cup racks hold mugs, cups and small bowls in a position that encourages water to drain rather than collect inside them.
They are suitable for:
- Coffee cups
- Teacups
- Mugs
- Espresso cups
- Small bowls
- Ramekins
Cups should be placed face down or at the angle intended by the rack manufacturer. Do not stack one cup inside another, as the internal surfaces may not be cleaned or rinsed properly.
Some passthrough dishwasher systems allow a cup rack to be washed above a plate rack using a double-rack arrangement. Winterhalter says selected systems can combine a cup-holding rack with a 500 × 500mm plate rack to wash on two levels in one cycle. Compatibility is machine-specific and must be confirmed before purchasing.
Cutlery racks and baskets
Cutlery racks are used to keep knives, forks and spoons contained and exposed to the wash spray. The main formats are:
Cutlery baskets
Small baskets with open mesh sides are commonly placed inside an open rack. They are convenient for restaurants and cafés washing moderate quantities of cutlery.
Full-size cutlery racks
A dedicated cutlery rack spreads cutlery across a larger area. This may reduce nesting and improve water contact in higher-volume operations.
Cutlery holders or cylinders
Removable holders keep cutlery upright. Depending on workplace procedures and the manufacturer’s instructions, staff may pre-sort cutlery into separate holders or wash it mixed.
Winterhalter offers coated-wire cutlery racks in 400 × 400mm and 500 × 500mm formats, with selected configurations holding up to nine holders and approximately 120 pieces of cutlery. Actual capacity depends on the rack design and how the items are loaded.
Avoid packing cutlery tightly together. Spoons can nest, and closely packed utensils can shield surfaces from wash water.
Sharp knives require particular care. Follow your workplace’s safety procedures and the equipment manufacturer’s loading instructions rather than placing exposed blades where staff may reach into them.
Tray and baking-sheet racks
Tray racks use wide, upright dividers to separate flat items such as:
- Cafeteria trays
- Baking sheets
- Serving boards
- Chopping boards
- GN lids
- Display trays
Before buying a tray rack, check both the rack dimensions and the dishwasher’s clear entry height. A tray may fit within the rack but still be too tall or wide to pass through the machine opening.
For oversized baking trays, pots and GN containers, a utensil & pot washer or larger passthrough machine may be more appropriate than a standard underbench dishwasher. Winterhalter’s PT Utensil models, for example, accept 500 × 500mm or 500 × 600mm racks, while the larger version is designed to accommodate items including GN 2/1 trays.
Pot, pan and utensil racks
Heavy-duty cookware is often washed in open racks or specialised coated-wire and stainless-steel inserts. Suitable items may include:
- Stockpots
- Sauce pots
- Frying pans
- Mixing bowls
- GN pans
- Utensils
- Food processor components
- Range and oven parts approved for machine washing
Hobart lists a 500 × 500mm stainless-steel wire insert for pots among the rack accessories available for selected Australian commercial dishwashers.
Place pans at an angle so water does not pool inside them. Heavy items should be stable and should not obstruct the wash arms.
Before machine-washing aluminium, non-stick cookware, timber products, carbon-steel knives or appliance components, confirm that the item’s manufacturer approves commercial dishwasher cleaning.
Bottle-washing racks
Bottle racks securely hold reusable bottles and direct water into narrow openings. They may be used for:
- Reusable water bottles
- Carafes
- Decanters
- Café milk bottles
- Beverage-production bottles
- Narrow-neck containers
A standard glass rack may wash the outside of a bottle without adequately cleaning the interior. A proper bottle-washing system may require dedicated jets, adaptors, racks and a compatible wash program.
Common commercial dishwasher rack sizes in Australia
The most common full-size commercial dishwasher rack is 500 × 500mm. It is widely used in Australian underbench, glasswasher and passthrough machines, but it should not be assumed to fit every model. Hobart lists 500 × 500mm racks across several Australian front-loading, glasswasher and hood-type models, and MEIKO describes 500 × 500mm as a standard size within its rack range.
Other sizes can include:
| Rack size | Typical application |
|---|---|
| 350 × 350mm | Compact glasswashers |
| 400 × 400mm | Small glasswashers and specialised machines |
| 450 × 450mm | Selected underbench machines |
| 500 × 500mm | Many full-size underbench and passthrough dishwashers |
| 500 × 530mm | Selected deeper underbench machines |
| 500 × 600mm | Utensil and larger-capacity machines |
| Brand-specific sizes | Conveyor, flight-type and specialised warewashing systems |
These are general categories rather than universal standards. Check the dishwasher data plate, manual or product specification before ordering.
Some machines accept more than one rack depth. Hobart, for example, lists 500 × 500mm and 500 × 530mm options for selected undercounter machines, while its AUPL hood machine lists 500 × 500mm and 600 × 500mm configurations.
How to measure an existing dishwasher rack
Measure the outside of the rack from edge to edge:
- Width from left to right
- Depth from front to back
- Overall height
- Height including any extenders
- Compartment width and length, when replacing a glass rack
- Maximum glass or plate diameter
- Direction and shape of the rack guides or runners
Do not measure only the internal usable area. A rack advertised as 500 × 500mm refers to its approximate outside footprint. Also inspect the rack’s bottom profile. Two racks with similar external dimensions may have different runners, corner shapes or underside designs and may not travel correctly through the same machine.
How to choose the right glass-rack configuration
Record these measurements before ordering:
| Measurement | What to check |
|---|---|
| Maximum glass diameter | Measure the widest part of the glass |
| Glass height | Measure from the base to the rim |
| Rack footprint | Confirm the machine’s required rack size |
| Machine entry height | Ensure the loaded rack passes through the opening |
| Compartment quantity | Calculate the glasses washed per cycle |
| Extender count | Add enough height to protect the rim |
| Storage clearance | Confirm the finished racks fit under benches or on shelving |
For mixed glassware, businesses may need several rack configurations rather than one universal rack. A wide compartment for beer glasses may not secure narrow wine glasses efficiently, while a tall flute rack may waste storage space when used for short tumblers.
Materials used for dishwasher racks
Polypropylene plastic
Polypropylene racks are commonly used because they are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and easy for staff to handle. Open-grid construction allows water to circulate and drain.
Plastic-coated wire
These racks provide a rigid wire frame with a protective coating. They are often used for plates, cups, cutlery and cookware.
Inspect coated-wire racks regularly. Once the coating is split or worn through, the exposed metal may corrode and can mark or damage tableware.
Stainless steel
Stainless-steel racks and inserts may be used for heavy cookware, utensils or specialised applications. They are strong but can be heavier and more expensive than moulded plastic racks.
The best material depends on the machine, wash items, handling process and chemical environment.
Colour-coded racks
Colour coding can help staff identify racks by glass type, service area or use. For example:
- One colour for wine glasses
- Another for beer glasses
- A separate colour for clean-rack storage
- Dedicated racks for allergy-management procedures
- Separate racks for bar and kitchen use
Colour coding supports organisation, but it does not replace proper cleaning, sanitising and handling procedures.
How many dishwasher racks does a business need?
The number required depends on:
- Seats or covers served
- Peak service duration
- Dishwasher cycle time
- Rack capacity
- Types of crockery and glassware
- Available drying and storage space
- Whether clean items remain stored in their racks
- Time available for sorting and returning wares
A practical working set normally includes racks being loaded, racks inside or waiting at the machine, and racks holding clean items while they drain and dry.
Machine output is commonly stated in racks per hour. For example, Hobart lists up to 60 racks per hour for one Australian front-loading model, while selected hood machines are rated at higher nominal rack outputs. Real operating output will depend on loading, sorting, pre-rinsing, cycle selection and staff workflow.
Buying only the racks supplied with the machine can create a bottleneck during peak service. Extra racks allow staff to pre-sort plates, glasses and cutlery while another load is washing.
Correct rack loading
For better washing results:
- Scrape and remove food waste before loading
- Keep items separated
- Face soiled surfaces towards the wash spray
- Place hollow items so they can drain
- Avoid overlapping plates and bowls
- Prevent glasses from touching
- Keep lightweight items secure
- Do not block wash arms or rinse jets
- Use the correct rack for the item
- Check that loaded items remain below the machine’s clearance height
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand guidance for Standard 3.2.3 states that food businesses using dishwashers for sanitising should ensure the machine’s time and temperature cycles achieve sanitisation and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The rack must therefore be loaded in a way that does not prevent the machine from operating as designed.
Cleaning and maintaining dishwasher racks
Racks should be treated as foodservice equipment and cleaned regularly. Recommended routine:
- Remove food scraps, paper and labels after each use
- Wash off grease and detergent build-up
- Check corners and grid sections for trapped debris
- Inspect pegs, dividers and handles for damage
- Check coated-wire racks for exposed metal
- Remove heavily scaled racks for suitable descaling
- Allow racks to dry before stacking or covering
- Replace racks that are cracked, unstable or difficult to clean
Do not drag racks across floors or rough surfaces. Damaged feet and runners can cause racks to catch inside the dishwasher or on adjoining benches.
Drying and storing clean wares
Clean glasses, plates and utensils should be allowed to drain and air-dry. Avoid wiping freshly washed items with reusable tea towels, as this may reintroduce contamination. Store clean racks:
- Above floor level
- Away from dirty-dish receiving areas
- In a dry, protected location
- Clear of splash, dust and chemicals
- With suitable covers where needed
- Without trapping moisture between stacked items
Glass racks with covers can be used for both washing and protected storage, reducing unnecessary handling.
Rack compatibility checklist
Before purchasing a replacement or additional dishwasher rack, confirm:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher make and model | Identifies approved rack formats |
| External rack dimensions | Ensures it fits the wash chamber and guides |
| Loading height | Prevents tall items striking the machine |
| Rack underside and runners | Ensures smooth movement through the machine |
| Item dimensions | Determines peg spacing and compartment size |
| Rack material | Must suit the workload and chemicals used |
| Stacking compatibility | Important for transport and storage |
| Extender compatibility | Different rack series may not connect |
| Conveyor direction | Relevant to rack-conveyor machines |
| Maximum loaded weight | Protects racks, benches and machine components |
Common dishwasher rack buying mistakes
Ordering by appearance
Two racks may look similar online but differ slightly in dimensions, runners or corner design. Match the rack to the dishwasher model or carefully compare all measurements.
Choosing compartments that are too small
Measure the widest point of the glass, not only its foot.
Ignoring machine loading height
A tall rack may fit the machine footprint but fail to pass through the opening once glassware is loaded.
Using an open rack for delicate glassware
Without individual compartments, glasses may move and strike each other.
Overfilling cutlery baskets
Dense bundles and nested spoons can prevent water from reaching all surfaces.
Buying too few racks
Insufficient racks slow sorting, loading, drying and service recovery during busy periods.
Mixing incompatible extenders
Rack extenders usually need to match the rack brand and series. Similar dimensions do not guarantee that they will clip together safely.
Which rack suits each type of business?
| Business | Recommended rack selection |
|---|---|
| Café | Cup rack, glass rack, plate rack and cutlery basket |
| Restaurant | Plate racks, compartment glass racks, cup racks, cutlery racks and open racks |
| Bar or pub | Multiple glass-rack configurations and bottle racks where required |
| Bakery | Tray racks, open racks, utensil racks and cup racks |
| Catering business | Plate racks, open racks, tray racks and covered glass racks |
| Hotel | High-volume plate, cup, glass, cutlery and tray racks |
| Aged-care facility | Plate racks, cup racks, cutlery racks and specialised tray racks |
| School or university | Durable plate, tumbler, cutlery and cafeteria-tray racks |
| Butcher or food-production kitchen | Open heavy-duty racks, utensil racks and pot-washing inserts |
| Function centre | Compartment glass racks, covered transport racks and high-capacity plate racks |
Choosing the right commercial dishwasher rack
Start with the machine model and rack dimensions, then match the rack design to the plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, trays or cookware being washed. The right combination improves workflow, reduces breakage and helps the dishwasher deliver consistent cleaning and sanitising results. For a mixed commercial kitchen, a practical set commonly includes plate racks, an open rack, a cup rack, cutlery baskets and one or more glass racks sized for the venue’s actual glassware. Browse commercial dishwasher racks online
Frequently asked questions
No. It is a very common size in Australian commercial dishwashers, but compact glasswashers, utensil washers and specialised machines may use different sizes. Always check the machine specification.
Many commercial plastic glass racks and matching extenders are designed to stack. MEIKO states that its 500 × 500mm plastic racks stack together, but parts from different manufacturers or series may not be compatible.
Possibly, provided the compartments fit and the cups sit securely in a draining position. A purpose-designed cup rack may provide better loading and drainage.
Commercial racks intended for the relevant machine are designed for repeated warewashing use. Confirm the rack material and temperature suitability with the rack supplier, particularly when purchasing an unbranded replacement.
Possible causes include incorrect rack angle, poor water quality, unsuitable rinse-aid settings, a rack that restricts drainage, insufficient drying time or incorrect machine settings.
Cloudiness may be caused by mineral deposits, chemical settings, water quality, glass corrosion or residues. The rack itself is not always the cause, although poor positioning can contribute to incomplete rinsing.
It can be practical where racks are clean, dry, protected and designed for storage. Glass racks with covers are especially useful for reducing handling.
There is no universal replacement interval. Replace them when cracks, broken pegs, damaged coatings, distorted frames or rough surfaces make them unsafe, unstable or difficult to clean.
