Efficient Energy Saving Tips for Commercial Dishwashers in the UK

The culinary sector in the UK is flourishing, encompassing eateries, lodgings, and catering facilities, where commercial dishwashers play a vital role. Nevertheless, it's crucial to consider the energy consumption of these appliances, which can affect both the environment and finances. At Dishwashers Direct, we recognise the significance of conserving energy and minimising expenses while ensuring top-notch performance for your commercial dishwasher. 

Invest in Energy-Efficient Dishwashers

To conserve energy in your commercial kitchen, consider purchasing energy-efficient dishwashers. Look for models that have received the ENERGY STAR certification, which means they meet strict energy efficiency requirements. These dishwashers are designed to use less water and electricity, while still delivering excellent cleaning results.

Use the Right Detergent and Rinse Aid

Using the correct detergent and rinse aid is crucial for your dishwasher to work at its best. To ensure you're using the right products in the right amounts, consult your dishwasher's user manual or follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Using too much detergent or rinse aid can cause unnecessary rinsing cycles, wasting water and energy.

Scraping and Pre-Rinsing

Prior to loading dishes into the dishwasher, it is essential to make sure that they have been thoroughly scraped and are devoid of any food remnants. The act of pre-rinsing dishes under a continuous flow of water is not required and is considered to be both unnecessary and wasteful. Most commercial dishwashers are specifically engineered to effectively clean lightly soiled dishes without the need for pre-rinsing, thereby conserving both water and energy resources.

Load the Dishwasher Efficiently

Proper loading of the dishwasher is essential for efficient energy usage. Overloading can impede the spray arms and lead to incomplete cleaning, necessitating extra wash cycles. On the other hand, under-loading wastes water and energy. Train your staff on the optimal way to load the dishwasher, maximising its capacity and ensuring thorough cleaning.

Utilise Energy-Saving Wash Cycles

Many commercial dishwashers offer a variety of wash cycles with varying levels of intensity and duration. To reduce energy consumption, choose shorter and less intense cycles for lightly soiled dishes. On the other hand, use longer and more powerful cycles for heavily soiled items.

Maintain Your Dishwasher Regularly

It is crucial to perform routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance of your commercial dishwasher. Regularly cleaning the filters, spray arms, and nozzles is necessary to maintain proper water flow and distribution. Additionally, it is important to inspect for any leaks or damaged seals that could result in energy inefficiency.

Implement a Schedule

In a bustling commercial kitchen, it is convenient to operate the dishwasher whenever there are dishes to be cleaned. Nevertheless, establishing a timetable can enhance energy efficiency. It is advisable to run the dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, maximising the effectiveness of each cycle. Additionally, if feasible, it is recommended to avoid running the dishwasher during periods of high electricity demand.

Monitor Water Temperature

Make sure to set the water heating system of your dishwasher to the recommended temperature in order to achieve efficient cleaning. By adjusting the water temperature, you can minimise energy usage without compromising the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

Consider an Energy Recovery System

Investing in an energy recovery system can prove to be a valuable option for businesses that require a significant amount of energy. These systems are designed to capture and recycle the heat produced during the dishwasher's operation, which in turn reduces the need for external water heating and ultimately lowers energy expenses.

As energy efficiency and environmental sustainability become more crucial in the United Kingdom, adopting these energy-saving techniques for your commercial dishwasher can result in significant cost savings and decreased carbon emissions. By purchasing energy-efficient equipment, following proper maintenance procedures, and implementing intelligent operational practices, your company can help create a more eco-friendly future while still maintaining a high level of cleanliness and efficiency in your commercial kitchen.