How To Choose The Right Commercial Dishwasher For Your Business

How do you select the perfect commercial dishwasher for your business? Do you know the difference between a pass-through dishwasher and an undercounter dishwasher?

Whether you run a local café or a busy restaurant, the cleanliness of your dishes and glassware is key to ensuring customer satisfaction and compliance with health regulations.

Know What You Need

Consider the volume of dishes and glasses you handle daily, the types of items you’re washing e.g. glassware, heavy duty pots and pans, and the space you have available in your kitchen.

Know The Types Of Dishwasher Available

A Commercial Undercounter Dishwasher is 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.

Speed and Efficiency

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. If you’re 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?

Sustainability and Efficiency

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.

Consider Your Budget

Your budgeting for a commercial dishwasher doesn’t just include the initial purchase price. There are additional operating costs and things to consider when choosing a commercial dishwasher.

Operating Costs

You will want an energy efficient and water efficient dishwasher to keep your operating costs as little as possible.

Maintenance and Repairs

Look for models that are known for their reliability and durability to minimise 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 right commercial dishwasher is an important decision that impacts the efficiency, cost, and quality of your kitchen operations. By understanding your business’s specific needs, you can narrow down your options to find the perfect machine.

By investing in the right commercial dishwasher for you, you’ll improve your workflow, ensure optimal hygiene, and enhance the overall performance of your kitchen.