6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Dishwasher

Purchasing a dishwasher for your commercial kitchen space is a crucial decision. Most dishwashers last five to ten years, so it’s an investment in the future of your business. Many considerations factor into the decision:

• Menu and volume
• Space and kitchen flow
• Types of dishes
• Sustainability and energy usage

For some, selecting a Canadian-made model will be an essential distinction. Choosing the right dishwasher will ensure that your kitchen maintains proper sanitation and never serves a dirty dish to a customer.

Important Things to Consider

1. Start with the Menu

The types of food you prepare will dictate how many and what kinds of dishes are soiled regularly. For example, bars and cafés need a ton of glassware and may want to purchase a glass washer. Carefully consider what plates, cutlery, and other equipment must be washed and how quickly they must be cleaned.

Also read: How to Prepare for Patio Season with Reusable Outdoor Drinkware

2. Capacity and Speed

Determining the number of dishes being washed daily and during rush periods will help you choose an appropriate model. Larger models have greater capacity and can clean more or bigger equipment (such as pots, pans, or cutting boards).

Speed is also a consideration. Most commercial dishwashers are fast, with cycles running only a minute or two. However, kitchens with a high volume will find that even shaving off a few seconds can make a big difference during meal rushes.

3. Space and Location

The amount of physical space available in your kitchen will determine which models you can install. Capacity is essential, but so is workflow. The trick is to pick a machine large enough to accommodate your space without confining the movement of your staff.

Depending on where your commercial dishwasher is located, noise might be another factor. Loud background noises have been proven to raise the stress levels of employees. Also, you’ll want to consider the location’s proximity to customers. It could be an unpleasant dining experience to hear a dishwasher constantly running.

Also read: 5 Reasons to Invest in the New Cambro Containers: CamSquare® FreshPro

4. Types of Commercial Dishwashers

• Undercounter: Like residential units, these models fit under counters and are a good choice for smaller venues. Undercounter dishwashers can handle up to 35 dishracks per hour.
• Door/Rack: Nicknamed “guillotines” from how the door slides up and down, these models are the workhorses of many kitchens. These units efficiently manage up to 80 racks per hour. A good selection for this type of unit is the MD2000 model [https://www.russellhendrix.com/product/2367/champion-moyer-diebel-door-type-dishwasher-md2000ht-208603] from Champion Moyer Diebel.
• Conveyor: These models pass a rack or individual dish on a conveyor through a complete wash cycle. Conveyor washers are ideal for high-volume venues, averaging hundreds of racks or dishes per hour.
• Specialty: Some dishwashers are designed for specific equipment, such as pots, pans, or glassware.

In addition to these categories, you’ll also need to consider temperature:

• Low temp: Between 43° and 60° Celsius (110 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit), these washers must be supplemented with chemical sanitisers to meet food safety regulations.
• High temp: These models eliminate the need for chemicals by reaching temperatures of 82°C / 180°F and up.

5. Sustainability and Energy Usage

All commercial dishwashers use electricity and water. They can easily increase your utility bills. Some areas experiencing drought may need to follow local government rules about water usage. Energy Star-certified machines use 40% less electricity and water than non-certified units. In addition, look for units that re-use rinse water as the next cycle’s wash water for even more energy savings like the nexus Undercounter Fill & Drain High Temp Dishwasher from Champion.

Also read: 6 Easy Energy Saving Tips for the Foodservice Industry

6. Cost and Warranties

Cost is the deciding factor for many commercial kitchen owners. But a higher upfront cost can lead to greater returns in the long run. Buying a commercial dishwasher that is too slow or small for your space can slow your kitchen workflow.

Remember to check the warranty! Most manufacturers provide a 1- to 3-year warranty for their washers, with options to extend. Even one claim on a warranty can often save you thousands in repairs or replacement expenses.

Finalising Your Choice

With so much to consider, working with a distributor can streamline your shopping experience. Russell Hendrix has been helping kitchens find, design, and install commercial foodservice equipment and supplies for over half a century. We know that every kitchen has distinct needs and its own unique footprint. To maximize your experience, we can work with you to custom design dishwashing stations through our Custom Fabrication and equipment arm, Quest. These custom parts integrate with any commercially available dishwasher system optimizing for productivity flow.

Your local RH rep can advise you on the best commercial dishwasher for your space, volume, and service type. Contact us today to get started.