The “Goldilocks” Machine
In the UK pub trade, the 400mm basket glasswasher is the backbone of the industry.
- The 350mm is often too small for a busy Friday.
- The 500mm is often too big for a standard back-bar.
- The 400mm is exactly right. It holds 16 pint glasses, cycles in 2 minutes, and fits under a standard bar counter.
Because it is the most popular size, the market is flooded with options. You can buy a 400mm machine for £800 or £4,000.
The difference isn’t just the logo. It’s whether the machine uses plastic components that snap after 6 months, or brass and stainless steel that last 6 years. It’s whether it has a Drain Pump or relies on gravity.
If you are replacing your main bar glasswasher in 2026, these are the three models that actually deserve a place on your rota.
Glasswasher Finder
Find your “Goldilocks” machine and avoid the drainage disaster.
The “Pumped” Rule (Do Not Skip This)
I cannot stress this enough: Most 400mm breakdowns are actually drainage issues.
- Gravity Drain: Cheap machines use gravity. If your waste pipe is even 1cm higher than the machine’s outlet, the water won’t drain. It backs up, smells, and trips the electrics.
- Drain Pump: A pumped machine forces the water out. It doesn’t care about gravity. It just works.
Unless you have a drain hole directly in the floor, always buy a machine with a Drain Pump.
The Top 3 Models for 2026
1. The “Total Package” Winner (Best for Reliability)
Model: Cater-Wash 400mm (With Drain Pump & Detergent Pump) Affiliate Link: Check Price on Amazon
This is the machine I recommend to 90% of landlords. Why? Because it removes the variables. Many machines require you to buy external pumps or dose chemicals manually. This Cater-Wash unit comes with everything built-in:
- Drain Pump: Installed.
- Detergent Pump: Installed.
- Rinse Aid Pump: Installed.
The Operator’s View: It’s a “Plug and Play” solution for a serious bar. You plumb it in, set the dosage, and forget about it. It washes 16 pints in 2 minutes. It is the safe, professional choice.
- Best Feature: The built-in pumps mean you don’t need to pay an engineer extra to install external chemical feeds.
2. The “Name Brand” Runner Up (Best for Resale)
Model: Buffalo Undercounter 400mm Glasswasher Affiliate Link: Check Price on Amazon
Buffalo is the “Toyota” of the catering world. They aren’t flashy, but they run forever.
- Why Buy It: Parts availability. If a Buffalo breaks in 5 years, every catering engineer in the UK has the spare part in their van. You won’t be waiting 6 weeks for a part from Italy.
- The Spec: Double-skinned door (quieter), 2-minute cycle, robust stainless steel arms.
- Warning: Check if the specific listing includes a drain pump—some Buffalo models are gravity only.
3. The “Emergency Budget” Choice
Model: Stalwart Commercial 400mm Affiliate Link: Check Price on Amazon
If your main washer has blown up and you have strict budget constraints, the Stalwart is the best of the “Budget Tier.”
- The Trade-off: It is louder and simpler than the Cater-Wash.
- The Win: It is significantly cheaper and still washes glasses to a commercial standard. Ideally suited as a backup machine or for a quieter wet-led pub.
Pro Tip: The “Rinse Aid” Mistake
When you buy a new 400mm machine, you will likely blame the machine for “wet glasses.” It is almost never the machine. It is the Rinse Aid setting.
New machines come from the factory set to “Average.”
- If your glasses are wet: Turn the dosing UP.
- If your glasses have a rainbow smear (like oil) or taste soapy: Turn the dosing DOWN.
- Adjustment: On the Cater-Wash and Buffalo, there is usually a small screw on the clear tube at the back. A quarter turn makes a massive difference.
Clean Glasses are Half the Battle
You have just read 800 words on how to wash a glass. That is dedication to your product quality. But let me ask you: Do you know the exact Gross Profit (GP) of the beer going into that glass?
Most landlords focus on the operation (cleaning, pouring) and neglect the calculation (yield, wastage, pricing). A clean glass pouring a pint at 55% GP is a fast way to go broke.
Fix your back-end numbers while you fix your front-end equipment. 👉 Master Your Margins with the Roast Forecaster
Summary
- The “Install & Forget” Choice: Cater-Wash 400mm (Pumped)
- The “Easy to Repair” Choice: Buffalo 400mm
- The “Budget” Choice: Stalwart 400mm