A Helpful Guide for Buying a Commercial Dishwasher

As a business owner in the foodservice industry, purchasing a commercial dishwasher is a wise investment.

A commercial dishwasher will more than pay for itself over time by improving your operations and kitchen cleanliness. There are many different types of commercial dishwashers and it can seem overwhelming to choose the right one.

Keep reading for our guide to buying the best commercial dishwasher for your needs.

Types of Commercial Dishwashers

Perhaps the most important decision you need to make is which type is the best commercial dishwasher for your business. There are a number of different types of commercial dishwashers, each with its own pros and cons. The most common types of commercial dishwashers include:

• Undercounter dishwashers
• Door type dishwashers
• Glasswashers
• Conveyor type dishwashers

Utility Requirements

Before purchasing restaurant equipment, you want to make sure your kitchen space can handle the unit. Commercial dishwashers use a lot of energy. You need to make sure your electrical system is up to the task.

You’ll also need to make sure you have the proper drains and pipes for your dishwasher to work and be up to code. If you are replacing a similar model, you might be good to go. If this is your first commercial dishwasher, you might want to call an electrician and plumber to make sure your space is ready.

Size

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a commercial dishwasher is the size of the unit relative to the size of your space.

You need to choose a model that fits comfortably in your space. The first thing you should do before shopping for a commercial dishwasher is to measure your kitchen.

It’s not enough to ensure the dishwasher will fit, you should also consider whether your employees or staff will be able to work around it efficiently. Dishwashers can take up a decent amount of space. It’s important to choose a model that doesn’t get in the way of your kitchen workers.

Capacity

Along with size, you need to choose a dishwasher with enough capacity for your needs. You want to choose a model that can keep up with your demands so your guests aren’t stuck waiting on dirty dishes. However, choosing a unit with more capacity than you need can be a waste of money and space.

Generally, higher capacity models are going to take up more space. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you might want to choose a lower capacity option.

Keep in mind that higher capacity models are likely to use more energy, which could cost you more with utilities. If you don’t need the extra capacity, choose a smaller model.

On the other hand, you might need to run a smaller model more often if it doesn’t have enough capacity for your needs, which can be wasteful.

Energy Usage

Commercial dishwashers use a lot of electricity and water. Higher-capacity models will likely use more than lower capacity models, but if you are running a lower capacity model more frequently, the energy usage might even out.

While you can expect to see a rise in your utility bills after purchasing a commercial dishwasher, you can find models that are designed to be energy efficient.

Speed

You need to make sure the commercial dishwasher you choose can keep up with the speed of your kitchen. Once you have figured out the best capacity for your needs, you also want to take into account the speed of the unit.

The length of the wash cycle is important to stay on top of your dirty dishes. Commercial dishwashers are generally very fast, taking only a minute or two to clean your dishes. If you aren’t in a hurry, you might be able to save money by skipping this feature.

Temperature

Another thing you will need to decide is whether you want a high temperature or low temperature commercial dishwasher.

High-temperature models rinse dishes at a high temperature to properly sanitize them. Lower temperature models use chemicals to sanitize dishes instead.

High temperature models are more common but they cost more in the purchase price and in utility costs. However, they dry dishes more quickly and you won’t have to spend money on chemicals to sanitize them.

Low-temperature models might save you money up front and when it comes to energy usage, but you’ll be spending more on chemicals. These chemicals also tend to damage dishes, meaning you might have to replace those more often.

High temperature models are actually considered to be better for the environment because they don’t use chemicals. They also tend to get dishes cleaner.

Convenience

Be sure to choose a model that will be easy for your staff to use. If your commercial dishwasher is difficult to use, you won’t get the most out of your investment. Your employees may waste valuable time trying to figure out how to use it, or avoid using it at all.

Your dishwasher will be most efficient if it’s well designed for your space and needs. Choosing the right model can help you get the most out of your money. When comparing models, consider how your staff will be using the appliance and whether certain features might slow them down.

An efficiently designed machine should improve your operations rather than hinder them.

Noise Level

Commercial dishwashers are generally noisy. The more powerful of a model you choose, the louder it will be.

While small under-counter units can be more tolerable, door and conveyor style models are pretty noisy. If this might be a problem, you want to be sure to research the models you are interested in. Look for product information and reviews that specifically discuss the noise output.

For most business owners, a noise comes with the territory and isn’t something to be concerned about. But if you plant to put the dishwasher in an area where noise could be a problem, be sure to take this into consideration when choosing a model.

Extra Features

Some commercial kitchens will benefit from added features that don’t come with every dishwasher. Taking the time to research your options before you start shopping can ensure you get the most out of your restaurant equipment.

If you don’t opt for a high-temperature model, you might benefit from a booster heater. Purchasing one of these can help ensure you meet sanitation standards and help your dishes dry faster.

You also want to be sure to choose dish racks that will work for your dishwashing needs. Both the size and the number of racks you need should be taken into consideration.

Purchasing a Commercial Dishwasher

Buying a commercial dishwasher isn’t cheap. It’s a major investment in your business and the decision of which type to choose shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Taking the time to do your research and choose the optimal model for your business needs will save you time and money in the long run.

Always buy from a trusted manufacturer that stands behind their products. We offer a variety of commercial dishwashers designed to fit the needs of every commercial kitchen.

Click here to browse our inventory of high-quality options.