Choosing the best commercial dishwasher for your restaurant

It’s no secret that the food service industry is incredibly demanding so finding the best commercial dishwasher is crucial. Whether you’re running a bustling restaurant or a busy café, your commercial dishwasher’s efficiency can profoundly impact your day-to-day business operations.

In this guide we’re going to go over the factors to consider when looking for the perfect commercial dishwasher for your restaurant.

Choosing Your Commercial Dishwasher

Your Needs 
The first step in deciding on the right commercial dishwasher is identifying your exact dishwashing needs. Some things to think about:

·      Capacity Needs: Consider your business’s peak times and busiest days to figure out your necessary dishwasher capacity. Factor in quantity of food served, customer influx, and dishwasher turnaround times.

·      Space Considerations: Measure the space you have available in your kitchen or dishwashing area. Know your dimensions and be aware of any restrictions that could impact your dishwasher’s installation.

Types of Commercial Dishwasher

Commercial dishwashers are not a one-size-fits all deal. There are many types of models that will all have their own benefits in different scenarios.

·      Undercounter Dishwashers: are compact and would fit well into small to medium size establishments such as cafes, village pubs, and small restaurants. Undercounter dishwasher can typically wash up to 500 plates per hour.

·      Pass-Through Dishwashers: are large commercial units similar to undercounter dishwashers. However, the shape is designed so that plates can be pre-rinsed and loaded onto dishwashing racks during washes to speed up the process. Pass-Through Dishwashers can typically wash between 600 to 1200 plates per hour.

·      Conveyor / Rack Dishwashers: offer the most automated, high-volume cleaning. This type of machine is perfect for busy schools or staff canteens. With these machines racks of crockery and glassware are channelled through a large chamber. Conveyor / Rack Dishwashers can typically wash between 1700 to 2300 plates an hour.

Features and Details 

The features and details of a commercial dishwasher are important to review when making your choice. Check the technical details to ensure the machine meets your expectations.

·      Energy and Water Efficiency: Choose a dishwasher with technologies and design features that optimise resource use. Commercial dishwashers have features that reduce environmental impact whilst saving money. When shopping around for a commercial dishwasher look for efficient water use, lower energy consumption, and reduced chemical usage. There are also models with heat recovery systems that can reuse heat energy from steam and draining wastewater to warm incoming water, to further reduce your energy costs.

·      Wash Cycles and Speed: As important as speed is in a commercial setting, it shouldn’t be at the expense of cleanliness. Research dishwashers with quick wash cycles that still ensure thorough cleaning. As a restaurant, try and know how many meals you serve a day and if the dishwasher you’re considering can handle that many. Also consider your future restaurant plans, if you plan on upping your menu or expanding can your dishwasher cope?

·      Durability: Research the expected lifespan of dishwashers. A cheaper model might need to be replaced sooner than a more expensive robust one. Balance the initial cost against the expected lifespan for the most cost-effective choice. You should also look for models that are known for their reliability and durability to minimise repair costs.

Your Budget

Arguably the most important factor when shopping around for a commercial dishwasher, but you also need to look beyond just the initial purchase price. A cheaper option might seem appealing at first, but the potential add on costs could add up fast.

·      Operating Costs: Ideally, you’ll want an energy efficient and water efficient dishwasher to keep your operating costs as little as possible.

·      Maintenance and Repair: Look for models that are known for reliability and efficiency to cut down repair costs.

·      Detergents: Commercial dishwashers require specific detergents which are an ongoing cost. Consider what type and quantity of detergent that a dishwasher takes and factor it into your budget. If possible, opt for a machine that is as detergent efficient as possible.

·      Lifespan: Research the expected lifespan of dishwashers. A cheaper model might need to be replaced sooner than a more expensive robust one. Balance the initial cost against the expected lifespan for the most cost-effective choice.

Choosing the best commercial dishwasher for your restaurant involves careful consideration of your specific needs, features and specifications, budget constraints, and the different available models. By taking all these factors into consideration and weighing up the advantages and disadvantages you can make an informed decision that will align with your requirements.