Commercial Dishwasher Buyer's Guide

In this comprehensive buying guide for commercial dishwashers, we delve into the realm of commercial dishwasher machines for restaurants & bars, exploring their myriad benefits, diverse types, and essential features to consider when making a purchase. Whether you're running a bustling restaurant, a cozy café, or a sprawling hotel, buying the best commercial dishwasher machine is essential to maintaining impeccable standards of cleanliness and efficiency in your establishment.

Join us as we embark on a journey through the world of industrial dishwasher machines, uncovering the secrets to selecting the best commercial dishwasher machine for your needs, maximizing its lifespan through diligent maintenance, and ensuring that your kitchen operates at the pinnacle of cleanliness and productivity for years to come.

What Is a Commerical Dishwasher Machine?

A commercial dishwasher machine is a heavy-duty appliance used in restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and other food service establishments to efficiently clean and sanitize large volumes of dishes, utensils, glassware, and other kitchenware. These machines are designed to handle the high demands of commercial kitchens and are typically much larger and more powerful than residential dishwashers.

Benefits of Using a Commercial Dishwasher Machine

Commercial dishwasher machines offer several advantages over manual washing, including faster wash cycles lasting 1-4 minutes, higher cleaning and sanitization standards with temperatures ranging from 65-71°C (149-160°F), and increased efficiency that allows staff to focus on other tasks, thereby boosting overall kitchen productivity.

They come in various configurations like undercounter, door/hood, and conveyor types, catering to different establishment needs with larger capacities and specialized features for delicate items. Additionally, they contribute to cost savings by reducing labor, water, and energy usage. Moreover, industrial dishwashers ensure improved hygiene and positively impact customer perception by consistently delivering properly sanitized dishes and glassware, maintaining high standards of cleanliness

Overall, commercial dishwashers are indispensable equipment for any commercial kitchen or food service business, providing faster, more efficient, and more hygienic dish cleaning compared to manual washing.

Dishwasher Types

1. Undercounter Dishwashers: Undercounter dishwashers are compact units designed to fit beneath countertops or work surfaces, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or specific areas with limited space. Despite their smaller size, they offer robust cleaning capabilities with multiple wash cycles such as light, normal, and heavy. Additionally, they often include features like automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensers for added convenience.
2. Upright Dishwashers: Upright dishwashers, also known as door-type or pass-through dishwashers, feature a front-loading door and are designed for medium to large-scale food service establishments like restaurants and hotels. Built for high-volume use, they boast powerful wash systems to effectively clean large quantities of dishes, utensils, and glassware. Adjustable wash cycles, high-temperature sanitizing options, and durable construction are common features, ensuring they withstand frequent commercial use.
3. Conveyor Dishwashers: Conveyor dishwashers are designed for large-scale operations where efficiency and throughput are paramount. Featuring a continuous conveyor belt system that moves racks of dishes through various stages of the washing process, they offer unmatched productivity. Capable of washing hundreds or even thousands of dishes per hour, they often feature multiple pre-wash, wash, rinse, and sanitizing zones to ensure thorough cleaning and sanitation. Commonly used in institutional settings such as hospitals, universities, and large catering facilities, these dishwashers excel in delivering efficient and effective cleaning results.

What Features Should I Look for when Buying a Commerical Dishwasher?

When buying a commercial dishwasher, there are several important features to consider to ensure you select the best option for your establishment's needs:

1. Capacity: Determine the volume of dishes you need to wash per hour to select a dishwasher with an appropriate capacity. Consider factors like peak hours and the size of your establishment.
2. Type: Choose between undercounter, door-type/pass-through, or conveyor dishwashers based on your space constraints and workflow requirements.
3. Wash Cycles: Look for machines with adjustable wash cycles to accommodate different levels of soiling and types of dishes. Options for light, normal, and heavy-duty cycles are common.
4. Temperature Control: Ensure the dishwasher can reach high temperatures for effective sanitization, typically between 65-71°C (149-160°F), in compliance with health and safety regulations.
5. Energy Efficiency: Opt for models with energy-efficient features like low-water usage, heat recovery systems, and energy-saving modes to minimize operating costs.
6. Ease of Use: Consider features such as intuitive controls, automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensers, and self-cleaning functions to simplify operation and maintenance.
7. Construction and Durability: Choose a dishwasher machine with a durable stainless steel construction to withstand the rigors of commercial use and resist corrosion.
8. Noise Level: If noise is a concern in your establishment, look for dishwashers with sound insulation or quieter operation to minimize disruptions to customers and staff.
9. Compatibility with Chemicals: If you use specific detergents or sanitizers, ensure the dishwasher is compatible with these chemicals to achieve optimal cleaning and sanitization results.

What Is the Life of a Commercial Dishwasher?

Commercial dishwashers typically have an average life expectancy of around 10 years, although with proper maintenance and care, they can last up to 15-20 years. Factors that may shorten their lifespan include technical issues, poor performance, and inadequacy to handle the business's needs. Signs it's time to replace a dishwasher include wear and tear, rusting, control issues, and consistently dirty dishes.

To extend the lifespan of a commercial dishwasher machine, proper daily and periodic maintenance is crucial, including cleaning the filters, wash arms, and flushing the water tank regularly. Additionally, having a certified technician perform bi-annual inspections and maintenance can help maximize the dishwasher's longevity. In summary, proactive maintenance is key to getting the most out of a commercial dishwasher investment, ensuring reliable service for 15+ years.

How to Maintain a Commercial Dishwasher Machine to Extend Its Lifespan

Here's a condensed guide to properly maintain a commercial dishwasher to extend its lifespan:

1. Daily Maintenance:

- Before operation, ensure the filter and overflow tube are correctly positioned.

- Periodically check during operation to ensure the wash arms are spinning properly.

- Every 20 cycles, change the water in the tank and clean the filter.

- At the end of the day, remove the overflow pipe, empty the tank, rinse it, clean the filter, and leave the door slightly open.

2. Bi-Annual Maintenance:

- Schedule a certified technician to inspect the machine, remove scale buildup, and diagnose any hidden issues.

- Implement a regular 6-month maintenance program with your equipment supplier.

3. General Best Practices:

- Scrape and rinse dishes thoroughly before loading to prevent clogging the filter.

- Ensure all staff are properly trained on correct operation and daily maintenance.

- Monitor the machine's performance and address any issues promptly, such as cloudy dishes or inconsistent cleaning.

Consistently following these maintenance steps can help extend the lifespan of a commercial dishwasher to 15-20 years, ensuring optimal performance and maximizing the investment in your equipment.

Conclusion

Investing in the right dishwasher is essential for any establishment striving for excellence in cleanliness and productivity.

Whether you're outfitting a bustling bar, transforming your home kitchen into a culinary haven, or seeking to upgrade your commercial kitchen with a high-performance dishwasher machine, Vancouver Restaurant Supply is here to help.

With a wide selection of top-quality commercial dishwashers tailored to diverse needs and budgets, along with expert guidance from our seasoned professionals, we're your trusted partner in elevating your kitchen's efficiency and cleanliness to new heights.

Take the next step towards culinary excellence and explore our range of commercial dishwashers today. From sleek machines designed for bars to robust models ideal for home use and powerful dishwasher machines built for commercial kitchens, we have the perfect solution for you.

Visit Vancouver Restaurant Supply and equip your kitchen with the best commercial dishwashers available, ensuring that every dish sparkles with cleanliness and every operation runs with unmatched efficiency.