Polycarbonate Glasses

Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses are the unsung heroes of busy UK bars, pubs and restaurants where keeping the drinks flowing matters more than clearing up breakages. These virtually unbreakable glasses come in every style imaginable—from pint glasses and wine goblets to champagne flutes and cocktail tumblers. With crystal-clear clarity that rivals real glass but at a fraction of the breakage risk, they're a game-changer for venues with high turnover or outdoor areas. After 50 years supplying the hospitality industry, we've seen how these durable glasses complement commercial glasswashers and speed rails perfectly, creating safer, more efficient service during your busiest rushes.

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Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses for Bars & Restaurants

Brands Trusted by Industry Professionals

Key Features and Benefits

  • Virtually Unbreakable Withstands drops and knocks that would shatter glass—perfect for busy venues.
  • Crystal Clear Appearance Looks like genuine glassware—maintains premium drink presentation.
  • Reduces Waste Lasts 100x longer than glass—dramatically cuts replacement costs.
  • Temperature Resistant Handles hot and cold drinks without warping or cracking.
  • Dishwasher Safe Survives hundreds of commercial wash cycles—maintains clarity.
  • Lightweight Design Easier to carry in quantity—reduces staff fatigue during service.
  • Stain Resistant Resists discoloration from wine, coffee and juices—stays pristine.
  • Environmentally Friendly Fully recyclable and reusable—better than disposables.

Essential Buying Considerations

Styles and Applications

  • Match glass style to drinks menu—pints for beer, tulips for cider, flutes for fizz.
  • Consider stackable options for tight bar storage—saves precious space.
  • Choose nucleated bases for lagers and beers—maintains proper head.

Material and Durability

  • True polycarbonate lasts longer than SAN or acrylic alternatives.
  • Look for CE stamp markings to ensure legal serving measures.
  • Consider frosted or colored options to complement venue aesthetics.

How Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses Work

Polycarbonate glasses might look like regular glassware, but they're engineering marvels. Made from thermoplastic polymers, these glasses undergo injection molding where molten polycarbonate is forced into precisely shaped molds under high pressure. This creates incredibly durable, crystal-clear vessels that can withstand drops, knocks, and even deliberate abuse. Unlike standard glass which shatters on impact, polycarbonate flexes and bounces—returning to its original shape. The material maintains its clarity through hundreds of dishwasher cycles, resists staining from colorful cocktails, and stays remarkably transparent despite being virtually indestructible—perfect for rowdy Friday nights!

Freddie Wallace, pub equipment consultant, enjoying a pint in a cosy pub setting. Dressed in a blazer, with a big smile and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Trusted Insights from Freddie Wallace

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Pub Equipment Consultant

12 years experience

"Polycarbonate glasses are a game-changer behind the bar—no more smashed glass during a busy Friday night rush! They look like the real deal but take a beating, so you can keep the drinks flowing without the cleanup drama."

Safety Guidelines

  • Check for Cracks Inspect regularly—damaged edges can cause unexpected leaks.
  • Avoid Flames Keep away from candles and heat sources—can melt at extreme temps.
  • Temperature Limits Don't use with boiling liquids—check manufacturer guidelines.
  • Proper Storage Don't stack too high—prevents potential warping.
  • Verify CE Marks Ensure legal serving measures—avoids trading standards issues.
  • Correct Dishwashing Use appropriate cycle settings—maintains longevity.

Top Tips for Using Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses

To keep your polycarbonate glasses in top nick, rinse them before stacking to prevent sticky residue buildup. Always use commercial glasswashers on appropriate temperature settings—too hot can eventually affect clarity. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools that might scratch the surface; soft cloths and brushes work best. If you're serving craft beers, choose polycarbonate glasses with nucleated bases to maintain that perfect head. And while they're tough as nails, store them upright rather than stacked too high to prevent unnecessary pressure warping.

Benefits of Using Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses

  • Cost Savings Reduces glass breakage costs by up to 90%—boosts bottom line.
  • Enhanced Safety Eliminates dangerous glass shards—protects staff and customers.
  • Faster Service No stopping for breakage cleanup—keeps service flowing smoothly.

Did You Know?

  • Longevity Quality polycarbonate glasses can last 100+ times longer than glass equivalents.
  • Durability The same material is used in bulletproof glass and astronaut helmets.
  • Versatility Available in over 25 different styles—matches all traditional glassware.
  • Savings Can slash glass replacement costs by thousands yearly in busy venues.
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Expert Insights on Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses

Having kitted out hundreds of UK pubs and bars over five decades, we've seen polycarbonate glasses transform operations. 'They're absolutely essential for outdoor areas and busy events,' notes Mark, our glassware specialist. 'The best ones are indistinguishable from real glass until you drop them—and that's when you appreciate the difference.'

  • Pros: Virtually unbreakable, safe for all venues, excellent clarity, cost-effective long-term.
  • Cons: Slightly lighter feel than glass, premium options cost more initially.

Who Needs Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses?

  • Restaurants Perfect for outdoor dining areas—eliminates breakage hazards.
  • Pubs & Bars Essential during busy sports events—withstands enthusiastic celebrations.
  • Hotels Ideal for poolside service and busy function rooms.
  • Outdoor Events Must-have for festivals and marquee functions—safety first.
Polycarbonate Glasses

Real-World Success with Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses

Consider The Harbour View pub in Brighton—they were spending over £500 monthly replacing broken glasses during summer when their seafront terrace was heaving. After switching to our polycarbonate range, those costs vanished overnight. 'It's been a proper game-changer,' says landlord Pete. 'We've paired them with our speed pourers and robust bar equipment, and service is faster than ever. In two years, we've only replaced glasses due to theft—not breakages—saving thousands while maintaining the proper look.'

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FAQs

  • How long do polycarbonate glasses typically last? With proper care, they can last 2-3 years of daily commercial use—100x longer than glass.
  • Can customers tell the difference from real glass? Premium polycarbonate glasses are virtually indistinguishable until dropped—they bounce rather than break.
  • Are polycarbonate glasses environmentally friendly? Much better than disposables—they're reusable for years and recyclable at end-of-life.
  • Do polycarbonate glasses affect beer taste? Quality options have no impact on taste—nucleated versions even improve head retention.
  • Can they go through commercial glasswashers? Absolutely—designed to withstand hundreds of commercial wash cycles.
  • Are polycarbonate glasses legal for licensed premises? Yes, when CE marked with legal measures—fully compliant with UK licensing requirements.

Looking for Equipment by Business Type?

Not sure where to start? Whether you're running a bustling café, opening a pizzeria, or managing a school canteen, we've made it easy to shop by business type. Explore handpicked equipment bundles and essentials tailored to your industry—saving you time and making sure you get exactly what you need.

What our Customers Say

  • 'Customers can't tell they're not real glass, but my bank balance certainly can!'

    J James Bar Manager, The Crown, Leeds
  • 'The wine glasses are brilliant—look posh but bounce when dropped!'

    L Lucy Events Coordinator, Chester Hall

Why Choose EasyEquipment for Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses?

  • Trusted Supplier 50 years supplying UK hospitality—we know what works.
  • Fast Delivery Next-day options throughout mainland UK—sorted quickly.
  • Best Price Promise Found cheaper? We'll match it—fair prices guaranteed.
  • Expert Advice Speak to specialists who understand busy bars' needs.

Ready to Explore Commercial Polycarbonate Glasses?

Browse our comprehensive range of shatterproof glassware designed for busy UK hospitality venues. From pints to cocktail glasses, we have durable, crystal-clear options that'll keep your service flowing—without the dangerous cleanup or costly replacements!

Contact Us 0333 355 0535

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