Order in-stock items before 13:00 – normally dispatched the same day
Specialist in bar, café & hospitality
Price Match on comparable in-stock items
B2B & specialist product advice
Water Glasses for Restaurants – What Size Should You Choose?
Share
The right water glass for a restaurant is not only a design choice. Capacity affects table space, refill frequency, room for ice, dishwasher racks and storage.
There is no single correct size for every restaurant. The right choice depends on the service model.
What size water glass should you choose?
As a practical framework, many venues can test three broad ranges:
| Capacity | Typical strength |
|---|---|
| Approx. 25–30 cl | Compact and useful on busy tables |
| Approx. 30–35 cl | Versatile middle size for many restaurants |
| Approx. 35–45 cl | More volume, ice and fewer refills |
These are working ranges, not industry rules.
25–30 cl: compact and efficient
A smaller glass takes less table space when guests also have wine, beer or cocktail glasses. The trade-off is usually more frequent refilling.
One example is the Siena Tumbler 27 cl.
30–35 cl: flexible middle ground
Around 30–35 cl often balances capacity and footprint well. There is room for water and some ice without making the glass dominate the table.
See the RCR Etna Water Glass 33 cl.
35–45 cl: when volume matters more
Larger glasses can suit casual dining, buffet and self-service. They reduce refill frequency but use more table, storage and dishwasher space.
Allow for ice
If water is normally served with ice, consider the actual liquid volume together with the ice. A 30 cl glass packed with ice naturally holds less water.
Table footprint matters
A set restaurant table may already include wine glasses, cutlery, plates, a water bottle and other glassware. A very wide water glass can therefore be impractical even if its capacity looks attractive.
Dishwasher racks and glass height
Test the glass in the actual dishwasher rack before buying large quantities. Diameter, height and stability can matter more operationally than a few extra centilitres.
Stackable water glasses
Stackable models can save space in cafés, canteens and high-volume venues. Only stack glassware specifically designed and approved for stacking.
How many different water glasses do you need?
For many venues, one standard model is simplest. Standardisation makes purchasing, table setup, washing and reordering easier.
Water glasses alongside wine glasses
The water glass should work visually and physically with the venue’s wine glasses. It does not need to be from the same series, but proportions should work together on the table.
Read glassware for restaurants and bars.
Browse all glassware.
FAQ
Is 30 cl enough for a restaurant water glass?
For many concepts yes, but always test it with the actual service style, ice quantity and refill routine.
Are larger water glasses more efficient?
They can reduce refills but use more table, storage and dishwasher space.
Do water glasses need stems?
No. Tumblers are very common because they are compact and stable.