Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
What Are the Types of Commercial Dishwashers?
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
What is a Conveyor Dishwasher?
Commercial dishwashers with conveyors consist of a middle section with a conveyor belt on both sides. Dirty dishes enter the conveyor belt, just like a car wash but through the middle section where they are washed for your dishes. Conveyor dishwashers are the largest type of dishwasher. It occupies the most space and there are models that can work from left to right or right to left. The conveyor dishwasher cleans the largest amount of dishes at one time, around 2000 plates per hour, making it ideal for large venues with high turnover such as banquet halls. Most models have a drying function so that the dishes can be used immediately. There are models that exceed the capacity of 10000 plates per hour.
What is a Guillotine Dishwasher?
The hood type dishwasher is also known as a boiler dishwasher. In the middle of a flat commercial dishwasher is a large hood with a door that opens to slide dishes in and out. This type of dishwasher is ideal for cleaning your cauldrons, tubs and trays. The dishwasher does not allow the dishes to "pass", but includes a hood; this is the entryway for both clean and dirty dishes. Some flat or door dishwashers are automatically activated when the hood or door is closed and will turn on when the cycle is complete.
This model is smaller than a rack dishwasher, but much larger than an under-counter dishwasher (read more about it below). A flat dishwasher can wash one rack at a time and is rated for about 63 racks per hour. This type of commercial dishwasher can be more user-friendly for workers as they don't have to constantly bend over like an under-counter dishwasher.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
What is an Undercounter Dishwasher?
Under-counter commercial dishwashers will have a smaller capacity, while conveyor dishwashers will have the largest capacity. It's a good choice, especially for smaller kitchens or bars that don't have high turnover. Under-counter dishwashers will fit under most countertops, but you should be sure to verify the dimensions. Commercial under-counter dishwashers are similar to a dishwasher you might have at home, with a single door on the front, but there will be both high- and low-temperature versions. They usually only have one shelf and can wash 500 plates per hour.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
What is Industrial Glass Washing Machine?
An organization that uses large volumes of glassware, such as a winery or bar, may want to invest in a commercial glasswasher. Glass washers will have both high and low temperature options, but will use low pressure water to help reduce chips on the glass. You can find carousel or under-counter glass dishwashers. A carousel model can come in handy for bars that require a fixed cup outlet.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Industrial Dishwasher Terminology
Knowing the popular terms used for dishwashers is helpful when shopping or researching commercial dishwashers. Become familiar with the terminology so you can easily understand the language and jargon and find the best dishwasher for your space.
-Dishwashing: You may hear the term 'dishwasher' and be confused as to how or how it differs from the term 'dishwasher'. Dishwashing and dishwashing are actually terms that can be used interchangeably.
-Cycle: Cycle, per wash time, our dishwasher takes over the different and related functions from start to finish, e.g. rinsing, washing and drying dishes and glasses. A commercial dishwasher cycle can be as fast as 60 seconds and up to 10 minutes. Washing time may vary according to machine and brands. The most preferred machines in Turkey are 60-90-180 seconds with three programs.
-Baskets: stacks with plates, bowls, cutlery and other dirty dishes to be loaded into your commercial dishwasher. You'll notice that dishwasher manuals show how many baskets can be washed in an hour, rather than individual dishes. This is because the number of plates on a shelf is not dispersed.
-Filter: Your commercial dishwasher's filter is designed to trap food particles, but you should make sure that anything that goes into the dishwasher is thoroughly rinsed beforehand. Think of the purpose of the dishwasher as sterilizing food rather than removing it. Your staff should take care of the dishwasher filter and make sure it is always empty and clean.
-Capacity: Capacity represents the number of dishes the dishwasher can clean and dry in one cycle.
-Wash/rinse arms (or spray arms): The "Arms" on the dishwasher rotate during the wash cycle. Water is pumped into the spray arms, allowing it to reach all areas inside the dishwasher.
-Water hardness: Water hardness is measured by the concentration of hardness components (calcium and magnesium ions) in the water. It's harder to get clean dishes with harder water, which means you'll need to use a water softener. Hard water can also cause scale build-up in your dishwasher.
-Washing curtain: There may be a washing curtain that prevents water from splashing out at the inlet/outlet of conveyor dishwashers.
-Detergent and rinse aid pump: Many commercial dishwashers have a built-in dispenser for cleaning chemicals, so you don't have to constantly refill the ingredients.
-Dishwasher chemicals: Commercial dishwashers use chemicals to ensure dishes are properly cleaned. Chemicals are used to sterilize and clean dishes, especially at low temperatures that do not naturally sterilize dishes. Dishwashers can be cleaned with the help of industrial rinse aid and industrial detergents and limescale removers.
"Dishwashers can remove more than 99.9% of bacteria by removing food residue and other dirt".
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
What Should Be Considered While Buying an Industrial Dishwasher?
There are many commercial dishwashers for sale, but going blindly through the buying process can be overwhelming and confusing for many. If you want to buy a commercial dishwasher, you should come to a retailer prepared with questions and know what the determining factors of commercial dishwashers are and how they affect its location. The main points to consider when purchasing a commercial dishwasher are:
- Knowing how much space you should dedicate to a commercial dishwasher in a restaurant or kitchen is one of the biggest factors in determining which type of dishwasher you want to buy. If you are renovating or moving to a new location, you may have the opportunity to design your restaurant/kitchen or venue and fit it into the dishwasher you purchased. However, those relocating to an existing kitchen or space will need to work on what is already available.
- The conveyor dishwasher is a powerful model, but it takes up a lot of space. Starting at 2000 plates per hour may seem like an advantage, but if you have the space for such a large dishwasher and need to wash that many dishes per hour, it really makes sense.
- A hood or tub wash commercial dishwasher requires a relatively large amount of space, as you need space on both sides of the middle section for cleaning. You also need to take into account openness; Do you have enough space when choosing these machines as you will have to lift the door to slide the dishes in and out? This is really important. Otherwise, you will run into problems when loading the dishwasher or removing clean dishes if your area is not suitable for these machines.
- An under-counter commercial dishwasher is one of the more space-friendly options and should fit most standard countertop heights, but it's recommended to double-check the height to make sure it will fit exactly. You should also make sure there is enough space for hoses and drains and your detergents.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Low Temperature or High Temperature
If your establishment uses your dishes to serve guests, you need to make sure that your commercial dishwasher properly washes and disinfects your dishes. To sterilize properly, the temperature of your commercial dishwasher must be high. A high-temperature commercial dishwasher heats up to 85C. A high-temperature model does not need to use chemicals to sterilize, and should be better for cleaning oil and freezing waste; so depending on what your operation is cooking with, this may be appropriate. If you are going with a high temperature commercial dishwasher, question the need for a condensation hood. Note that the condensation hood will increase the upfront cost and footprint of the dishwasher.
A low-temperature dishwasher will only reach 50C-60C, so the water won't get hot enough to sanitize. A low-temperature machine costs less to run, but doesn't clean oil as well as a high-temperature model. If you have a low-temperature dishwasher and need to sterilize dishes, you will need a chemical additive.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Strength
Commercial dishwashers use more power than your home dishwasher, and one of the biggest considerations is your electrical wiring for your space. Have your electrical installation checked and find out how much power you have and what power is required for your dishwasher, as you may need to upgrade if it does not meet the requirements. It will also be necessary to plan very well where you place your commercial dishwasher to know if you can easily connect your dishwasher to a power source.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Water use
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor for many kitchen chefs when purchasing a commercial dishwasher for food service and hospitality. You may want to look for a high-efficiency commercial dishwasher and research how installing a high-efficiency model will affect your bottom line. Some high-efficiency models have a higher upfront cost, but can save you money on your water or electricity bill, saving you money in the long run. Let us remind you that there are commercial dishwashers that can help save up to 40 percent in water and energy consumption. This savings is achieved by minimizing your electricity, water and chemical consumption.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Wash Cycle time
As mentioned above, the cycle time for a commercial dishwasher is the time it takes for an entire wash/rinse/drying session. You should have an idea of how quickly you will need clean dishes throughout your operations. The average cycle time for a commercial dishwasher is between 90 and 120 seconds. Some dishwashers may have light and heavy cycle options to better clean a variety of dishes. When purchasing a commercial dishwasher, make sure you have a good idea of how your kitchen works and how quickly you'll need the dishes. Waiting even a minute for a busy kitchen can cause a bottleneck and a mess in the kitchen.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Capacity
Capacity represents the number of dishes your commercial dishwasher can clean and dry in one cycle. Capacity varies by dishwasher model; a conveyor commercial dishwasher will have the largest capacity and an under-counter commercial dishwasher will have the smallest capacity. Before you buy a commercial dishwasher, know how busy you are and how fast you will be washing the dishes. Capacity is measured by the number of plates and glasses that can be washed, and most retailers will tell you how many dishes a commercial dishwasher can wash per hour. Knowing how many dishes the dishwasher can wash in an hour and how many dishes can fit in a single basket, you can calculate how many dishes a dishwasher can wash per hour. It should be noted that different types of dishes will take up more or less space, and the cycle may vary.
An under-counter commercial dishwasher can wash 500 dishes per hour and is better suited for smaller operations with a limited amount of dishes. A bar could also use an under-counter dishwasher for glasses instead of a commercial glass washer. The guillotine dishwasher will wash up to 800-1000 dishes per hour. A conveyor commercial dishwasher is best for large, high turnover venues and is designed to wash anywhere between 2000 plates and 10000 plates per hour.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
water quality
Different regions of our country have different water quality. There may be harder or softer water in your area; Hard water contains minerals (magnesium and calcium) that cause buildup (causing limescale) in your dishwasher and can affect the cleanliness of your dishes. It is very important to go through the buying process knowing what type of water your space has, as this will help you figure out if you need to add a water softener to your dishwasher. You can also opt for a commercial dishwasher with a built-in (or integrated) water softener. It's also important to do your research before you buy, as it can help you anticipate the future cleaning or maintenance needs of your commercial dishwasher.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Detergent Pumps
As mentioned earlier, if your dishwasher is a low-temperature model and you want to sanitize your items, you will need to add chemicals to your washing process. If you are going to add chemicals to your commercial dishwasher, check to see if the model you purchased includes a dispenser to avoid having to constantly refill it.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Water Pressure
Water pressure is an equally important part of a well-functioning commercial dishwasher. 20 psi is considered adequate water pressure for most commercial dishwashers. If your water pressure is above 25 psi, your dishwasher may be using too much water. You can install a manometer in the water inlet line to the dishwasher to measure and control the pressure.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Drainage
The rule of thumb is that your dishwasher will need to be connected directly to the drain. The water coming out of your dishwasher runs through your drain, and when installing or installing a commercial dishwasher, you should consider where your floor drain is and whether you need a drain pump to push the water. Most importantly, commercial dishwashers must comply with municipal guidelines and rules. Also check the manufacturer's specifications for backwater valves. When the dishwasher is empty, it can push a lot of water through the pipes, you don't want to return to other areas or cause flooding.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Availability
Working in a kitchen or restaurant can be tough on your body; workers stand up for long shifts, and constant bending can pay off. Ergonomics is something to consider when purchasing a commercial dishwasher. An under-counter dishwasher saves space, but reaching down all the time during a shift can be a challenge. Guillotine dishwashers can be too heavy for some to lift; That's why it's a smart idea to consider a hood dishwasher that automatically lifts or is lighter.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
How to Clean an Industrial Dishwasher?
You should also know how best to clean your machine when you buy it. Be sure to learn how to clean your purchased device from the authorized personnel who will do the installation. Your commercial dishwashers come with instructions on how to properly clean your dishwasher, but you should have a high-level idea of the features that need to be cleaned in your commercial dishwasher.
- Commercial dishwashers have removable wash and rinse arms with nozzles. Nozzles can become clogged with limescale or food residue. The nozzles must be cleaned so that the water can circulate properly and the dishes can be properly cleaned.
- A commercial dishwasher that pumps water from a tank uses the water to clean and sanitize dishes. The tank water will become more polluted as time goes by and you will continue to wash dirty dishes. Be sure to change the boiler water and machine pool regularly.
- As mentioned, limescale (from mineral buildup from hard water) can also cause your dishwasher to stop working. You can use a water softener, but you will need to descale your dishwasher frequently. Also remember that the dishwasher must be carefully cleaned both inside and out.
- Be sure to clean the filter inside your commercial dishwasher. The filter will prevent large pieces of food from clogging the drain and should be cleaned if you start noticing pieces of food at the end of a cycle.
- You may also want to keep your dishwasher on when you are not using it. Keeping the door open can reduce humidity and prevent bacterial growth.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Commercial Dishwasher Warranty and Maintenance
When purchasing a commercial dishwasher, contact your dealer or service center to find out what kind of warranty is covered and part replacement or commercial dishwasher repair is covered. Many manufacturer's warranties for commercial dishwashers cover normal wear and tear on parts over time, but do not cover damage caused by scale or misuse. If parts fail due to misuse or wear and tear, are these parts easily replaceable and easy to obtain? If you have to pay for this part, what does the cost look like? If parts of your commercial dishwasher are not readily available, this may affect your purchasing decision.
Is there a maintenance professional nearby who can fix your commercial dishwasher and can the dealer or dealer recommend one? Having a professional in your city quickly available to repair your machine is vital to ensure flawless catering or hospitality operations. Of course, it's always best to keep your dishwasher in top condition to avoid expensive commercial dishwasher repairs in the future. All dishes should be rinsed and free of food particles before using the dishwasher. Your commercial dishwasher is for cleaning and sanitizing, and rinsing first means you're protecting your machine. This will increase the life and functionality of the dishwasher. It's also best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher. Especially if you are in an area with hard water or old plumbing pipes.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
What are Industrial Dishwasher Accessories?
In some cases, you may need or want to purchase additional accessories for your commercial dishwasher.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
-Oil traps
Some require you to have a grease trap in addition to your commercial dishwasher. These grease traps allow you to 'hold' grease, fats and oils while you wash your dishes. When purchasing a grease trap, you should consider the capacity and how many liters of water per minute it has. You'll also want to talk to a dealer or retailer about what material to use for the grease trap. Plastic grease traps are lighter and do not rust, but a metal grease trap can always be better.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
-Garbage shredders
Operators may want to invest in a food waste shredder. Staff will clean up bits of food before putting the dishes in the dishwasher, and a food waste shredder can be useful to ensure that food waste is broken down into smaller pieces for easy integration into the sewer system.
- Service trolleys and dish collecting trolleys
Clean and dirty crockery tables (for clean and dirty dishes) can be added to your kitchen commercial dishwashing setup to provide room for your staff to clean food, place crockery or organize utensils.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
-Dishwasher Baskets
As you know, you will hear the question "how many baskets or plates per hour" as a way to evaluate the capacity of a commercial dishwasher. To ensure that your dishes are thoroughly and safely cleaned, your dishes should be placed in a clean rack. You may want to buy a glass rack to prevent your delicate glassware from breaking or chipping in your dishwasher, and a plate rack for your dishes helps keep your utensils organized and in one place.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
-Commercial dishwasher drain hose
Your commercial dishwasher is equipped with a hose to drain the water. Make sure there are no kinks in your hose to prevent water from pooling and overflowing.
-Used (or second hand) commercial dishwashers
If buying a brand new commercial dishwasher is not for you, purchasing a used commercial dishwasher may be a more affordable option. Buying a used commercial dishwasher is more cost-effective, but buyers should be careful where they buy a second-hand machine. Buying a used dishwasher from any site can be risky. By buying used, you may not get an idea of the history of the machine. You may not get a definitive answer from the seller about how worn or damaged the machine is, you may be scammed and you may not know how the water is or what chemicals or cleaning materials they have used in the past. This may cause you much more service costs in the future and you may regret the product you bought.
Industrial Dishwasher Buying Guide
What are Industrial Dishwasher Brands?
Wondering what some of the best commercial dishwasher brands are for food service or hospitality operations? There are many different models and types of commercial dishwashers for sale, but for most operators, price is one of the biggest factors in deciding to buy a dishwasher. Check out this list of a few trusted and recommended brands broken down by price range.
-High-end commercial dishwashers
High-end commercial dishwashers can be more expensive than other models due to size or temperature. Or they may be more expensive because they are sustainable models that offer quality and consistent cleaning while being efficient in water and energy use. If you are choosing a high-end model, you can review the following brands. These brands will contribute to you in terms of savings, durability and usage.
-Mid-range commercial dishwashers
Mid-range commercial dishwashers can be a great choice for a smaller restaurant or kitchen that isn't overwhelmed with large amounts of pots and pans.
-Entry level commercial dishwashers
Entry-level commercial dishwashers can be a solution for a smaller venue, a venue with food that won't serve the public, or for those on a budget.
"Avoid buying a dishwasher that isn't the right size for your kitchen. It's too big and will sit idle all day or do half-full cycles, which is a waste of money."
Some brands of industrial dishwashers:
When considering buying a commercial dishwasher, you should start your search for commercial dishwashers for sale by asking yourself these questions:
'How will it benefit my business?', 'What are my needs?' and 'What am I looking for?'
After asking yourself these questions, you need to prepare a list of questions for your dealer or reseller. People in the industry may have ideas about which dishwasher you should buy, but leaving yourself to a knowledgeable partner won't let you down.
Here are a few questions about commercial dishwashers to start asking trusted food service and hospitality industry colleagues and friends:
- Which commercial dishwasher brand did you choose and why?
- Do you and your staff find your dishwasher user-friendly?
- Has your dishwasher ever broken down? When was the last time your commercial dishwasher was repaired?
- Is it easy to reach your provider when you need their help?
- Have you chosen to buy a used dishwasher? New dishwasher?
- Would you recommend your dishwasher to others?
If you're talking to a dealer or dealer, here are some questions you can ask to find the best dishwasher:
- This machine needs my operation