A commercial dishwasher with peak performance is the secret weapon of the commercial kitchen. Busy kitchens can go through hundreds of dishes, cups, pots, and pans throughout the course of a week. Thus, a high-volume commercial dishwasher is absolutely necessary to keep up with demand.
At ATECH, we’ve serviced thousands of machines since we opened in 1990, and we’ve observed firsthand how these units perform over time with very high usage. While choosing a powerful commercial dishwasher is important, you’ll also want to keep in mind
the water and energy costs
that can accompany the purchase of a commercial unit. Whether you’re
planning on buying your first commercial dishwashing unit, or if you’ve purchased one in the past, here are our top tips for choosing the one that’s right for you.
1. Choose the right type of commercial dishwasher for your kitchen.
There are several different types of commercial dishwashers, and all have their positive and negative traits, depending on your needs. For smaller organizations, there are under-counter and door-type dish machines. Under-counter units are typically used in bar settings due to space considerations. Door-type commercial dishwashers can process up to 100 racks of dishes and flatware daily. If you have larger dishwashing needs, you may want to consider a conveyor dishwashing unit. These large, powerful machines can clean up to a thousand racks of dishes a day, making it a highly efficient unit for bigger commercial kitchens.
2. Determine your dishwashing temperature needs.
There are two types of commercial dishwashers that use different temperature water to clean dishes. The low-temp water type of dishwasher uses water heater temperature water to wash dishes. To meet safety regulations, the machine sanitizes dishes with chemicals added to the water. This type of dishwasher can initially cost less to install, as it doesn’t utilize high-temperature water for sanitation purposes. However, the cost of these sanitizing chemicals can quickly add up.
The alternative to a low-temperature commercial dishwasher uses high-temperature water (usually around 180 degrees) to sanitize dishes. These units typically come with a separate booster heater to keep water temperatures high. While low-temperature warewashers use less energy and produce less steam, they can be harsh on dishes due to the chemicals used. High temp dishwashers may cause a rise in temperature and humidity in your commercial kitchen, but they’re gentler on dishes and flatware. They’re also slightly better at removing fat-based stains, such as lipstick or grease-based residue. These pros and cons are important to consider when determining which type of commercial dishwashing unit to choose.
3. Measure twice, buy once.
Before purchasing a commercial dishwasher, carefully consider the physical space you have available for the unit. Before buying, measure the depth, width, and height of both the space and the unit itself. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily want to choose the largest dishwasher that will physically fit in the allotted space. You’ll want to provide extra room around the unit for several reasons. First, you’ll need to make sure there’s space to load and unload the machine. Second, consider the extra space you may need for water hookups and electric lines. Finally, think about how much additional space someone servicing the unit may need. Allowing ample “wiggle room” around your dishwasher will make long-term maintenance much easier.
Need help choosing a commercial dishwasher?
We’ve helped businesses of all types choose a dishwasher that fits their commercial kitchen needs. Need help choosing yours?
Reach out to us for our expert advice—gained over our 30 years of experience servicing commercial kitchen equipment. Once you’ve found the right unit, it’s essential to schedule regular planned maintenance to prevent any major issues from occurring. Call us today for a service appointment or to receive a
planned maintenance quote.
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