In the world of restaurants, the competition is high and, with little doubt, one of the most in-this-respect-changing must be an add-on that says “time is money.” A dishwasher is one of the arguably most key pieces of equipment that can ever grace a restaurant—hence the need to choose one with the right features fitting the needs of your restaurant in order to save valuable time, cut down on labor costs, maintain a high level of cleanliness, and hence high-level good health. This article tries to explain to you how to make a choice of the industrial dishwasher for your restaurant from the types there are in the market to the critical features and subsequently how to make a decision on what best fits your needs;
Why You Need an Industrial Dishwasher
An industrial dishwasher is an integral component of a commercial kitchen. In sharp contrast to the domestic model, industrial dishwashers are designed with the capability to cater for high capacity, along with rapid turnover rates, mindless of exactly what is going on around it. They are built to be durable, efficient, and totally in line with the health and safety requirements.
The right industrial dishwasher will ensure that all dishes, glassware, and utensils are properly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination and satisfy customers. Besides, the efficient dishwasher reduces manual labor, saving time and money. A proper dishwasher generally helps restaurants in smoothing their process, improving staff productivity, and maintaining a clean and hygienic dining environment.
Types of Industrial Dishwashers
There are several types of industrial dishwashers available that best fit different needs, depending on size and style of restaurants. Knowing the different options can help you decide on a dishwasher that is right for you.
Under-Counter Dishwashers
Under-counter dishwashers are small units that fit very neatly under a counter or worktop, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or even bars. They will be of about the same size as will those used for residential purposes but will be constructed for higher capacity and capable of handling heavier loads. They are used most commonly in low- to medium-volume plate washing, such as in a café, small restaurant setup, or as an additional dishwasher in a larger kitchen.
Pros: Space-saving, energy efficiency, quick wash cycles.
Cons: Low capacity; not suitable for washing large volumes of dishes.
Door-Type [Rack] Dishwashers
.type mostly employed in middle-sized restaurants, the door-type dishwasher. Running alternatively as a rack dishwasher, the door lifts or slides out of the way to allow pre-stacked racks of dishes to be loaded and removed. More substantial that UC [under counter] models and are higher in dish¬ washing volume.
Pros: Effective in middle-sized operations, compact footprint, faster cycle times than under-counter
Cons: Manual load/unload, lower capacity compared with conveyor designs
Conveyor Dishwashers
Another variation of the dishwashing machine is a conveyor design. Conveyor dishwashers are designed for larger volumes of dishes to be washed continuously through. These designs have a conveyor belt that is filled with dish racks, and the belt automatically moves these dishes through the stages of wash, rinse, and drying.
Pros: High capacity, continuous run, ideal for restaurants with more people because of the high turnover.
Cons: Requires more room, higher initial capital outlay, and larger water and energy consumption.
Flight Type Dishwashers
These are the biggest and most powerful type of industrial dishwasher. They are used in very large kitchens, such as one would find in a hotel, hospital, or banquet hall. They can handle hundreds of dishes per hour without racks, as dishes are loaded directly onto a moving belt.
Pros: Maximum capacity, suitable for large-scale operations, minimal manual handling of dishes.
Cons: High cost, requires huge space, high operating costs.
Essential Features to Be Considered While Choosing Industrial Dishwashers
There are a few features of industrial dishwashers that need to be considered while selecting one as these are the ones to impact the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the unit.
Size and Capacity
Dishwasher capacity is simply the number of racks or items it will wash in one cycle. Select a dishwasher that has a performance capacity for use in your peak restaurant service hours. A fine balance must then be struck between capacity and the required space within your kitchen to ensure a smooth running operation.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient dishwashers will reduce your running expenses and also lessen the ecological impact related to their task. Look for dishwashers with high Energy Star ratings, meaning they consume less electricity and water compared to regular models. Some units also have additional features, such as heat recovery systems that cut energy consumption by reusing heat from the wash cycle.
Water Consumption
Another important consideration in purchasing a dishwasher is water usage. Water-saving models will not only reduce utility expenses but also benefit the environment. Look for dishwashers that have effective rinse systems and therefore use less water per cycle. It should still be able to clean and sanitize the dishes well.
Washing Cycles and Speed
Different wash cycles are recommended for varying dishes of different soiling levels. Some industrial dishwashers also offer multiple options or variations in light, regular, and heavy cycles to suit different cleaning tasks. The speed of operation is also an important factor, especially during peak hours when multiple cycles will be run.
Kitchens can be noisy places at the best of times, but a noisier than average dishwasher can increase this noise level to the point where the work environment becomes very concerning. Before giving in and ordering that louder dishwasher, please check the decibel level and consider buying a quieter unit if the kitchen space is already small or close to the dining area.
Durability and Build Quality
Industrial dishwashers are cost-oriented machines, thus their selection needs to be judicious. Stainless steel construction ensures that the machine is very durable, besides resisting rust and corrosion. Features such as heavy hinges, resistant seals, and wear-resistant components should be keenly looked at in the various models.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Industrial Dishwasher
Apart from the features of the dishwasher itself, there are some other practical factors to consider in making your selection.
Volume of Dishes
Estimate your average and peak volume of dishes your restaurant does. This will give you an indication of the kind and size of the dishwasher you are looking for. Clearly, a high-volume restaurant turning over the tables two or three times a night will need a more robust dishwasher than a small café.
Space Availability
How much space the dishwasher needs in your kitchen; you also may want to think about how it fits within the work triangle of your kitchen and the other equipment so that it does not cause bottle necks and obstruction in movement.
Budget Constraints
The unit price on the industrial dishwashers really does vary widely—from $1,000s for under-counter models with 1-2 sinks to $10,000s for huge units of the flight type. Set a budget according to your needs, and watch for models that are in your set budget with good features and reliability.
Local Health and Safety Regulations
Different regions have stringent health and safety regulations associated with dishwashing in commercial kitchens. Ensure that the routine cleanlinees, sanitizing, and maintenance of the dishwasher meet the local codes associated with this type of commercial equipment.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
A more user-friendly dishwasher will make it more easily operated by the user, hence giving effective operation, saving time, and preventing the chance of errors or breakdowns. Check models that have clear controls, ease of accessibility to filters and spray arms, and a facility that cleans itself. Another consideration is service and parts for that model which you go in for.
Top Brands and Models of Industrial Dishwashers
There are several well-known brands in the market that offer premium-class industrial dishwashers in terms of their durability, efficiency, and performance. Some of these top brands include:
Hobart: Comprising of a highly reputed rugged construction and long-lasting dependability, it offers a wide variety of commercial dishwashers varying from under-counter models to small and large flight-type washers. Their dishwashers also come out to be energy-efficient and are highly user-friendly.
Meiko: The Meiko dishwashers are designed to be technologically advanced and also score very highly in pour-energy factor. They have dishwashers of some advanced level features, like built-in water softener and heat recovery system. Winterhalter: Winterhalter—dishwashing Solutions Expert—has many models that will meet any need. Their dishwashers are capacious, very energy-efficient, and quite user- and service-friendly.
Electrolux: The brand designs several tough and hard-working models that are built for the needs of a commercial kitchen. Their design schemes are etched with a shiny look and innovative features.
Champion: These are heavy-duty and popular dishwashers among high-volume kitchens. They make dishwashers in various capacities, which offer features to boost productivity but also come with a low operational cost.
Making Good Choices for your Restaurant
If you are in the food service business, buying the right commercial dishwasher for your restaurant is a critical decision that can influence how expensive or profitable your business is, as well as how efficient you will be in becoming that recommended restaurant customers tell others about. Understanding the different, often many options possible, in dishwashers, key features, and how they will work for your specific type of operation will lead you to making your best choice to enhance your kitchen’s workflow—to meet the restaurant standards of health and safety. You are assured of effective results with a proper industrial dishwasher, cleaner and sanitized dishes, leading to an efficient and friendly kitchen. Before you move forward with a significant investment, do consider your volume of dishwashing, available space, budget, and local regulations. An effective tool in place, and your restaurant will truly be more efficient with less operating cost, giving better service to more diners.
