There are over one million restaurants in the U.S, which shows there’s a high demand for commercial dishwashers.
Getting a dishwasher is a fantastic investment because it saves you time, keeps your kitchen running like clockwork, and meets sanitation requirements. Perhaps you’re considering a new dishwasher but you’re unsure how to find the best one for your business.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what to look for when you’re buying a commercial dishwasher.
Know the Different Types
Before you purchase a dishwasher, familiarize yourself with the different types. For instance, the under-counter model is perfect if you have little space but still want a machine that runs at high capacity.
Another option is a passthrough dishwasher which consumes more energy and water than an under-counter. But a nifty feature is how you can install an overhead spray system that pre-rinses dishes before they’re properly washed.
Or a door-style commercial dishwasher may be best. These have two racks and can wash dishes in an 88-second cycle, a life-saver for larger restaurants. But if you have space, consider getting a conveyor dishwasher that transports dirty dishes into the machine.
Regardless of which model you’re after, check out Snowmaster commercial kitchen equipment for durable, high-quality machines.
Your Turnover Rate
To find the best dishwasher, it’s important to consider your business’s turnover rate.
Spend a month studying your restaurant’s so you can figure out how many times you clear the dishes and how long customers are seated. This shows you the capacity you need so you can buy a dishwasher that supports your business.
Consider the Size
Your restaurant dishwasher must fit snugly in your kitchen, otherwise, it could be a trip hazard. Make sure it’s proportionate to the size of your kitchen so servers can each it without getting in the way of the chefs.
As a general rule, a commercial dishwasher should wash around 35 racks of dishes every hour. This is if you’re running a small cafe or restaurant. But large restaurants will need a machine that cleans around 1,000 dishwashers every hour.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure there’s room for a stacking and drying area to streamline the process.
How It Runs
When you buy a dishwasher online, read reviews to see how it operates. It’s important that anyone can use it so you needn’t train new kitchen assistants every time. Plus, an easy-to-use dishwasher will save time which is a crucial asset in the hospitality industry.
Temperature
Commercial dishwashers support either high or low-temperature settings, both using detergent to clean dishes. Note that the higher temperature washes dishware at 160 degrees Fahrenheit while the other uses chemical sanitizing agents instead.
If you’re unsure how to decide, know that high temperature is great for larger kitchens as the condensate hood is more expensive. But this is safer than using a low-temperature setting, as the cleaning agents can harm the dishware.
Cycle Time
Cycle time is crucial for busy kitchens so consider this before making a purchase. As a general rule, bigger machines promise a quicker cycle time, often taking around two minutes.
You should also check the rinsing performance of each machine. A good dishwasher should rinse dishes before watermarks form, so make sure it has an in-built water rinse booster pump.
Noise
From shouting across the kitchen to clanking cutlery, the kitchen is a noisy environment.
Restauranteurs don’t want to add to this as it can raise stress levels so find a dishwasher that runs quietly. Check the product specification for the noise levels and choose the one with the lowest decibel.
Cost
Every business investment is important, so consider the dishwasher’s cost. It must align with your budget but avoid choosing the cheapest one. Instead, invest in a durable, well-made dishwasher as it will last years.
Energy and Water Usage
Aside from the upfront cost, you must also factor in how much energy the machine will use.
This is crucial if you’re buying a large dishwasher as it will guzzle electricity and water, causing your utility bill to spike. Luckily, you can offset the costs by choosing an energy-efficient model.
These dishwashers have a setting so they consume less when idle and minimize the amount of water used without compromising the dishes’ cleanliness.
Warranty
Like with any big purchase, make sure the dishwasher comes with a manufacturer warranty. Most companies offer a one to three-year warranty so that if a problem occurs, the manufacturer will fix it for free or replace the machine entirely.
It’s also crucial that the company offers 24/7 customer service. This is so you can contact a professional if a component in your machine breaks or you need help running it.
Style
Although the style isn’t the most important consideration, you want to be happy with your purchase.
Most dishwashers are stainless steel but the control panel varies between models so find one that aligns with your kitchen’s decor. Aside from your personal preference, ask your kitchen team which model they like best as they’ll be using it most.
Find a New Dishwasher Today
Hopefully, after using our guide, you’ll find a new dishwasher today.
Start by figuring out your kitchen’s size, learning the different types of machines, and factor in the cost. Then you can choose an energy-efficient dishwasher with a warranty that matches your business’s decor. Happy shopping!
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