Buying a dishwasher for your commercial kitchen is a big investment that demands careful consideration. Unlike other kitchen equipment, commercial dishwashers operate almost constantly throughout the workday. That’s why a dishwasher is an essential part of any commercial kitchen operation.

A dishwasher is the heart of the commercial kitchen setup. If you don’t have a good dishwasher, or if yours isn’t cleaning dishes, and glasses, properly, everything else breaks down.

Because hygiene is a Priority for any food service business. Serving food on dirty dishes will ruin the reputation of your restaurant, bar, or cafe. That is why in this Dishwasher Buying Guide we will explain What to look for in a dishwasher for your commercial kitchen.

What Is A Commercial Dishwasher?

A commercial dishwasher is a kitchen equipment that cleans and sanitizes glasses, plates, dinnerware, utensils, pans, bowls, and pots using hot water and chemical sanitizers.

Typically, a commercial dishwasher heats water to 149 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Commercial dishwashers help restaurants meet food safety compliance regulations, which are difficult to reach when washing by hand.

Normally, professional dishwashers spend two or three minutes to wash, rinse, and dry, making them an essential part of an efficient commercial kitchen.

Dishwasher Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Dishwasher?

When buying a dishwasher for your commercial kitchen you need to consider a few factors. Otherwise, instead of increasing efficiency, it will slow down your kitchen operations. So, without wasting your money on the wrong dishwasher, consider these factors.

Here are Key Considerations for Buying the Right Commercial Dishwasher:

1.Capacity of the dishwasher

When buying a dishwasher for your commercial kitchen, consider the number of dishes you want to wash in a day. For a large restaurant or hotel, the best option could be a passthrough dishwasher. Because pass-through dishwashers can wash around 1000 dishes within an hour. If you need a dishwasher with more capacity than that, you could invest in a Conveyor Dishwasher.

For a restaurant, hotel, or cafe, with a smaller space, an under-counter dishwasher would be more than enough. An Under-counter dishwasher is a small size dishwasher that does not have a big capacity. But if there are not many dishes to clean, under-counter dishwashers are suitable. They will fit under a counter and save the space of your kitchen.

Make sure to have a clear idea about the number of dishes you need to clean before investing in a dishwasher.

Discover the under-counter dishwashers that are available at our store: Click here.

2.Energy Efficiency

There are two reasons why you need to buy an energy-efficient dishwasher.

• Using an energy-efficient dishwasher will reduce your utility bills
• An energy-efficient dishwasher reduces the carbon footprint of your business.

High-capacity dishwashers will use more water and energy. But that shouldn’t stop you from using an energy-efficient one. There are dishwasher models that have the Energy Star certification. Invest in a dishwasher model that has an Energy Star Certification. 

3.Ease of Maintenance

Maintenance is the key to expanding the life of a commercial dishwasher. Regularly cleaning and maintaining will help you to use your dishwasher for a long time. So, when you buy a dishwasher, make sure to buy one that is easy to clean. Dishwasher features such as self-cleaning cycles and removable parts simplify the maintenance process.

4.Budget

Our Dishwasher buying guide will not be completed if you do not mention the budget.

Buying a commercial dishwasher is a big cost. But, it is an essential item that your commercial kitchen needs to maintain Hygiene standards and efficiency. You should consider the initial cost as well as ongoing costs (maintenance and repair costs) for your dishwasher.

Considering the budget and looking for an affordable dishwasher is okay. But, if that dishwasher cannot meet the demands of your kitchen, and you cannot serve food in clean dishes for your customers, that will be a disaster. So, make sure to make a wise decision that matches your needs and also your pocket.

If you have no idea which dishwasher matches your budget, let us help you. Contact us and we will make sure that you buy the best option!

PHONE : (03) 9794 8627

FAX : (03) 9794 7258

EMAIL: sales@melbournerefrigeration.com.au

5.Water Use

The water usage of a commercial dishwasher highly impacts the cost of your business. If a dishwasher uses lots of water, that will increase the utility bills.

Nevertheless, some modern dishwashers have advanced jet spray technologies that help them to clean dishes efficiently while using less water. Even though these models are expensive, the savings on water bills and the reduced time for each wash cycle can save money. 

6.Drainage

When a dishwasher ends cleaning, it needs to get rid of the dirty water. This water exits the dishwasher through a drain. There are two main types of drainage systems for dishwashers: gravity drainage and powered drainage pumps.

Gravity Drainage: This method depends on gravity to move the water out of the dishwasher. For it to work correctly, the dishwasher must be placed higher than the drain so that the water can flow downwards naturally.

Powered Drainage Pump: This system uses a pump to force the water out of the dishwasher, allowing for more flexibility in where the dishwasher can be placed. It can push water up and out, so the dishwasher doesn’t need to be placed higher than the drain.

It’s important to ensure that the water is disposed of properly, following the rules and regulations set by your local government. This helps to prevent any environmental issues or legal problems.

7.Usability and Cleanability

Make sure to search about the usability and cleanability of the dishwasher. The dishwashers tend to have stuck food particles in them. So, a regular cleaning of the rinse filter and spray nozzles is a MUST! And, make sure that the dishwasher is easy to use. 

8.Noise Level

The noise a dishwasher produces is measured in decibels (dB). Here’s what different decibel levels mean:

45 decibels or lower: This is considered a silent dishwasher. You might not even notice it’s running.

45 to 50 decibels: This is comparable to the sound of rainfall. It’s quiet, but you can hear it if you’re paying attention.

50 decibels or higher: This is as loud as a normal conversation. You’ll hear it running, but it shouldn’t be overly disruptive.

Generally, the quieter the dishwasher, the more expensive it will be.

9.Control Panel Location

Dishwashers typically have their control panels located in two places:

Front of the door: This is the most common placement. You can see and access the controls easily.

Top edge of the door: When the door is closed, the controls are hidden. This design is mainly for aesthetics, giving the dishwasher a sleek, stylish look. The con is that you can’t see how much time is left on the cycle without opening the door.

10.Tub Material

The material of the dishwasher tub can be stainless steel or plastic:

Stainless steel tubs are resistant to stains and odors, dry faster, and are more durable. They are usually more expensive.

Plastic tubs are also durable but can stain more easily and may retain odors. They are generally less expensive.

Top Questions to Ask Before Buying a Commercial Dishwasher:

Buying a commercial dishwasher is a Big investment. That’s why you need to make sure that you get value for the money you spend. We have included in this Dishwasher buying Guide some questions you can ask from the supplier and industry peers.

Questions to ask from your industry peers:

• Which dishwasher brand do you use and why?
• How often does your dishwasher break down or need repairs?
• Is the provider available when you need their help?
• What was your experience buying a used commercial dishwasher?

Questions to ask your dealer or supplier:

• Will this dishwasher match the needs of my business?
• Does this dishwasher have a warranty?
• How easy is it to get spare parts from the factory if needed?
• Can any of my staff use this dishwasher easily?
• Why do you recommend this dishwasher?

Choosing the best commercial dishwasher is essential for the efficiency and hygiene of your kitchen. We have mentioned What to look for in a dishwasher throughout this Dishwasher Buying Guide. We hope this guide will help you select the best Commercial dishwasher for your kitchen.

Are you looking for the best commercial dishwasher for your kitchen? Look no further than Melbourne Refrigeration & Catering Equipment! We understand the importance of quality and reliability in your commercial kitchen.

That’s why we offer a selection of commercial dishwashers from trusted brands. We understand the value of your time and we are committed to being available when you need our assistance. Our convenient trading hours are tailored to adjust your busy schedule.

Have questions or need assistance? Our team is here to help. From sales inquiries to service support, we’ve got you covered. 

Give us a call at (03) 9794-8627 or visit us during our trading hours. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to purchase, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

PHONE : (03) 9794 8627

FAX : (03) 9794 7258

EMAIL: sales@melbournerefrigeration.com.au