A Guide to Commercial Dishwashers: Choosing the Right Machine for Your Needs

Choosing the Perfect Commercial Dishwasher: Your Guide to Sparkling Success!

Keeping your dishes clean and your customers happy is crucial in the hospitality industry, and your commercial dishwasher plays a starring role in this play. This comprehensive buyer’s guide is here to help you pick the perfect dishwasher for your specific needs, whether you run a bustling bar or a busy kitchen.

We’ll break down common dishwasher terminology, explain the key differences between models, and even explore the pros and cons of popular brands. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to identify the ideal dishwasher for your venue and determine a budget that works for you.

Remember, every venue has unique requirements. While this guide empowers you to make informed decisions, consider consulting a professional to discuss your specific needs and get personalized recommendations.

Here’s what our commercial dishwasher buyer’s guide about :

1. Types of commercial dishwashers

2. Commercial dishwasher terminology

3. What are the main things to consider when buying a commercial dishwasher?

4. Some of the best commercial dishwasher brands

5. Top questions to ask before you buy a commercial dishwasher

Commercial Dishwasher Options: Finding Your Perfect Match

There are several choices when it comes to commercial dishwashers, each suited for different needs. Let’s explore the main types to help you find the best fit for your kitchen or bar.

What is a conveyor dishwasher?

Conveyor Dishwasher: Your High-Speed Dishwashing Hero

Ever feel overwhelmed by mountains of dirty dishes after a busy service? A conveyor dishwasher is your secret weapon! Imagine a car wash for your plates – this powerhouse machine continuously feeds racks of dishes through a powerful wash cycle, churning out sparkling clean dishes at impressive speeds. Many models even boast a drying function, ensuring your dishes emerge ready for immediate use. Keep in mind, these are sizeable machines, so make sure you have ample space to accommodate this hardworking addition to your kitchen.

What is a hood dishwasher or pass through dishwasher?

A ‘pass through dishwasher’ or ‘hood dishwasher’ has a hood that lifts up so you can easily slide racks of dishes in and out. These sit between your kitchen benches instead of under them and require a flat surface on each side so you can use them effectively. These models often start operating automatically when you pull the hood down over the dirty dishes so you don’t have to press a lot of buttons. Some also lift the hood automatically at the end of a cycle.

A pass through or hood dishwasher is more user friendly than a commercial under bench dishwasher because whoever is operating it doesn’t have to bend down to stack and unstack dishes. The user can also be loading an empty rack on one side and emptying a full dishwasher rack on the other while the cycle is in progress. Shop our range of pass through dishwashers.

What is an under bench dishwasher?

Also known as front loaders, these under-bench dishwashers are often used in bars or smaller kitchens. In comparison to the dishwasher you have at home they have a faster wash cycle so you’re not waiting an hour or more for your dishes to be cleaned. However they only wash one rack at a time. Shop our range of dishwashers.

Glasswasher: The Gentle Giant of Dishwashing

Not all dishes are created equal! Delicate glassware requires special care. Enter the glasswasher, a specialized dishwasher designed for your precious wine glasses, pint glasses, and tumblers. These machines pack a powerful cleaning punch using high temperatures to sanitize, but with gentler water pressure to prevent any fragile glassware from chipping or breaking. Keep your glasses sparkling clean and worry-free!

Pot and Pan Washer:

This workhorse tackles heavy-duty cleaning for large pots, pans, containers, and bowls. They’re ideal for busy kitchens that need a dedicated solution for these bigger items, often alongside a regular dishwasher for standard dishes.

Demystifying Dishwasher Talk: A Glossary for Sparkling Success

Choosing a commercial dishwasher can feel like deciphering a secret code. Let’s break down some key terms you’ll encounter to make your shopping experience a breeze:

Wash Cycle: Think of this as the dishwashing journey! It refers to the complete process from start to finish, including rinsing, washing, and drying your dishes. Commercial cycles can be lightning-fast (as short as 60 seconds) or more thorough (up to 10 minutes).
Filter: This trusty guardian traps food particles before they can wreak havoc on your dishwasher. Remember, pre-rinsing dishes is still important! Think of the dishwasher as a sanitizing powerhouse, not a magic food-removal machine. Your staff should regularly check and clean the filter to ensure smooth operation.
Wash and Rinse Arms: Imagine these as the power couple of your dishwasher. The wash arms spray a powerful mix of water and cleaning solution, while the rinse arms deliver a sparkling clean finish with clear water.
Non-Slip Mat: Safety first! This floor mat helps prevent slips and falls in the sometimes-wet area around your dishwasher.
Pot Washer: For those heavy-duty dishes, meet the pot washer! This specialized machine tackles large cookware like pots and pans with ease. Many models feature oversized racks that slide in and out for easy loading and unloading.
Rack: The workhorses of your dishwasher, these sturdy racks hold your dishes for a thorough cleaning. Dishwasher manuals often refer to “racks per hour” instead of individual dishes. This is because the number of dishes you stack on a rack can vary.
Chemical Dispenser: The best commercial dishwashers take convenience to the next level with built-in dispensers for cleaning chemicals and rinse aid. This eliminates the need for constant refilling.
Wash Temperature: Proper temperature is crucial for hygienically clean dishes. Commercial dishwashers typically offer temperature controls, with settings around 64°C (147°F) for the wash cycle and 82°C (180°F) for the rinse cycle. Make sure your chosen dishwasher meets these requirements.
Wash Curtain (Conveyor Dishwashers): This handy feature is exclusive to conveyor dishwashers. It acts like a water shield, preventing excessive splashing and ensuring a smooth entry and exit for your dishes.

What are the main things to consider when buying a commercial dishwasher?

Like with coffee machines, commercial deep fryers and other essential hospitality venue equipment, there is an overwhelming array of options for commercial dishwasher manufacturers, brands, importers, dealers and distributors in Australia. You will find a few models that are made in Australia but the bulk of commercial dishwashers are imported from Asia or Europe.

Take a look at some of the options to consider when purchasing a commercial dishwasher.

Size and weight | Power use | Water use | Water pressure

Water temperature/Commercial dishwasher sanitizing temperature

Drainage

Cycle time

Water quality

Chemical dispensers

Wash cycles

Commercial dishwasher capacity

Usability and cleanability

Cutting Through the Noise: Essential Questions Before Buying a Commercial Dishwasher

Choosing the right commercial dishwasher can feel like navigating a sea of conflicting opinions. Don’t get lost in the chatter! Let’s focus on the key questions you should ask to make an informed decision.

Limit your inquiries to reliable sources: Instead of getting overwhelmed, seek advice from trusted industry peers and reputable Australian dealers.

Questions for Industry Peers:

Brand Loyalty: “What brand of commercial dishwasher do you rely on, and why?”
Performance and Reliability: “How often does your dishwasher require repairs?”
Customer Service: “Is the provider responsive and helpful when you need assistance?”
Usability: “Do your staff find the machine user-friendly?”
Used Equipment: “Have you had any success purchasing used dishwashers?”
Overall Satisfaction: “Would you recommend your current dishwasher to others?”

Questions for Dealers/Suppliers:

Matching Your Needs: “Can this dishwasher handle the volume of my business?”
Warranty Coverage: “What warranty terms are included?”
Parts Availability: “How readily available are spare parts?”
Repair Service: “What steps are taken if an urgent repair is needed?”
Service Costs: “How much are hourly callout fees, especially for weekend emergencies?”
Operational Ease: “Can our staff operate this machine without difficulty?”
Dealer Recommendation: “Why do you personally recommend this particular model?”

By asking these targeted questions, you’ll gather valuable insights and confidently select the perfect commercial dishwasher for your establishment.

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