How to Choose A Commercial Dishwasher: Buying Guide
Types of Commercial Dishwashers
There are many types of commercial dishwashers that cater to different establishments. Here are the most common types you’ll find on the market.
You’ll also learn which dishwasher makes the most sense for your business.
1. Conveyor Dishwashers
Conveyor dishwashers are large, bulky, and powerful. They’re able to process between 350-1000 dish and flatware racks on a daily basis.
You’ll frequently see these dishwashers in hospitals, cafeterias, and other high-volume establishments.
Conveyor dishwashers are built with stainless steel and designed for heavy and frequent use.
2. Door Type / Rack Dishwashers
Door type or rack dishwashers are smaller versions of conveyor dishwashers. These are designed to connect to clean or dirty dishtables.
Door type washers are built in such a way to sit out of the way of foot traffic in the kitchen. They’re not as large as conveyor washers, and they usually sit in a corner or against a wall.
3. Undercounter Dishwashers
Last but not least, undercounter commercial dishwashers. This type of dishwasher is an excellent choice for dense kitchens or bars.
Undercounter dishwashers can clean approximately 20 to 30 dish and flatware racks at a time. This allows your business to always have a steady supply of clean dishware during the day.
How We Reviewed The Best Commercial Dishwashers
At Onedesk, we make sure our reviews are in-depth, unbiased, honest, and backed by real customer feedback.
We took a 3 step process to review commercial dishwashers.
- Research products customers love, and leave reviews about
- Research which brands customers search for the most
- Rank the best models based on their design, features, customer reviews, and price
The end result is an unbiased review which is designed to help people like you find the best commercial-grade dishwashers on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a commercial dishwasher need a hood?
The majority of commercial dishwashers do not need hoods. However, some commercial-grade dishwashers will require a hood. For pass through dishwashers or rack and flight machines, the placement of the machine will define whether or not a hood should be installed.
Can you use a commercial dishwasher at home?
Yes, you can use a commercial dishwasher at home, you just need to purchase a commercial dishwasher that’s made to be used at home.
How does a commercial dishwasher work?
Commercial dishwashers go through the same cycles while cleaning. These cycles include filling, operating, washing, draining, and finally cleaning. After the dishwasher finishes, you can remove all of the items, place them on the shelves, and continue working.
Why is it a good idea to have a commercial dishwasher?
One of the main benefits of owning and using a commercial dishwasher is that they are able to wash large amounts of dishes pretty quickly. They can also wash much higher amounts of kitchenware in each cycle compared to manually washing dishes.
How long do commercial dishwashers last?
Commercial dishwashers can last between 15 and 20 years, if they’re properly taken care of.
How long does a commercial dishwasher take?
Surprisingly, commercial dishwashers typically take between 1 and 2 minutes which is extremely fast compared to most dishwashers.
What temperature should a commercial dishwasher be?
A commercial dishwasher should wash dishes at 150 to 160 degrees and rinse dishes at 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do commercial dishwashers use detergent?
Yes, commercial dishwashers use detergents. Many models actually have built in detergent and rinse aid dispensers that automatically add the solutions at a certain point during the cycle.
What are the two types of commercial dishwashing machines?
The two most common types of commercial dishwashers you’ll find for sale are conveyor, undercounter, and door style dishwashers. For each type, you can find high and low temperature models.
What is the difference between a dishwasher and a sanitizer?
The difference between a dishwasher and a sanitizer is that a dishwasher washes and dries dishes, and a sanitizer actually reduces the number of living organisms to a level that is considered safe for public health.
What chemicals are used in commercial dishwashers?
Commercial dishwashers typically use chemicals which include a solution of:
- Chlorine
- Iodine
- Ammonium
Unfortunately, the solutions dishwashers use can damage materials used for dishes and utensils. This includes plastic, steel, silver, aluminum, pewter, and even alloys.
How much water does a commercial dishwasher use?
Typically, a commercial dishwasher uses up to 2.2 gallons per rack. High efficiency models will typically consume around 0.95 gallons to 1 gallon per rack.
What should you not put in a dishwasher?
Here are things you should not put in a dishwasher:
- Cast iron
- Aluminum cookware
- Anything wood
- Fine china
- Crystal
- Painted plates
- Copper or any other precious metals
- Kitchen knives
- Nonstick cookware
- Most items that are plastic
Should I rinse dishes before putting it in a dishwasher?
According to today.com, you shouldn’t rinse dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. It’s actually better to not rinse your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher.
How long can dirty dishes sit in the dishwasher?
Four days. Bacteria can stay alive on your used dishes for up to four days and even spread throughout the kitchen.
How often should I run the dishwasher?
There isn’t any rule that says you should run your dishwasher at a certain time every day. You can even leave your dishes in the dishwasher for another day, because running the dishwasher when it is not full is a waste of water and energy.
Should I run the dishwasher at night?
Depending on where you work, washing your dishes at night may bring you some benefits. Choosing to run your dishwasher at night could save you a large amount of energy costs.
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