It's no surprise that, at a busy restaurant, things happen fast. Dinner plates are sent out and brought back, the tables are bussed, glassware is switched out and the next patron is seated for their meal. The barware equipment that is used to prepare and serve delicious beverages often receives quite a beating during a shift, which is why it must be durable. As it is on display, however, it is also important that it is functional and stylish. How do you find a balance?
Durability
At the end of the day, the durability of the barware equipment is probably the most important factor. After all, if it's only going to last a shift or two your money would be better off spent elsewhere.
The thicker the glass, the less likely it is to break
Any glass that is used in the hospitality industry, from pretty martini glasses to bottomless coffee cups, should be thick. This will improve their durability against things like washing and dropping. You will also find that glasses with a beaded or rolled rim or less likely to break than those without any sort of decorative rim.
Straight edge glasses are more durable than flared or curved ones
If your business is quite busy with a high glass turnover (such as a bar or pub), you should definitely consider using straight edged glasses whenever possible. This is because they are less likely to break than flared or curved ones, as their structure is more stable. Some people even choose to forego certain cocktail glasses for this reason.
Treated glass is more durable than untreated
You will find that most commercial glassware goes through a series of additional processes - they are made stronger through annealing and are given extra durability through heat treating. If you have chosen heat treated glasses, however, it is important to note that they still have the potential to break - and if they do break, they tend to shatter.
Functionality
Whilst the appearance and the function of barware equipment are important, we feel that both of these factors should take a backseat to their durability. Even so, it is important that they meet your needs.
Thinner rims are better than thick when it comes to wine glasses
Even though thicker glasses won't break as easily, it is important to note that a thicker rim will take away from the taste of the wine. The thinner the rim, the less interference there is between the wine and the mouth. It is important to keep this in mind when making your selection - perhaps give a few thicknesses a try.
Stemless glasses are perfect for red wines
When it comes to serving wine, you have the choice of a stemmed or stemless glass. You will actually find that stemless ones are less prone to breaking, as there is no stem to worry about. Stemless is particularly suited to red wine because, when the glass is held, your hand warms it and keeps the wine from cooling.
Ensure that you keep all of the points outlined above in mind when choosing barware equipment, as this will ensure that you strike the perfect balance between durability and functionality.