Choosing the Best Commercial Dishwasher for Your Restaurant

It’s no secret that the food service industry is incredibly demanding, so finding the best commercial dishwasher is crucial. Whether you’re running a bustling restaurant or a busy café, your commercial dishwasher’s efficiency can profoundly impact your day-to-day business operations.

At GA Commercial, a UK supplier of commercial warewashing, laundry and catering equipment, our team brings over 20 years of combined experience in the supply, installation and servicing of professional machines. In this guide we’re going to go over the factors to consider when looking for the perfect commercial dishwasher for your restaurant.

Choosing Your Commercial Dishwasher

Your Needs

The first step in deciding on the right commercial dishwasher is identifying your exact dishwashing needs. Some things to think about:

• Capacity Needs: Consider your business’s peak times and busiest days to figure out your necessary dishwasher capacity. Factor in quantity of food served, customer influx, and dishwasher turnaround times.
• Space Considerations: Measure the space you have available in your kitchen or dishwashing area. Know your dimensions and be aware of any restrictions that could impact your dishwasher’s installation.

Types of Commercial Dishwasher

Commercial dishwashers are not a one-size-fits-all deal. There are many types of models that will all have their own benefits in different scenarios.

• Undercounter Dishwashers: are compact and would fit well into small to medium size establishments such as cafés, village pubs, and small restaurants. An undercounter dishwasher can typically wash up to 500 plates per hour.
• Pass-Through Dishwashers: are large commercial units similar to undercounter dishwashers. However, the shape is designed so that plates can be pre-rinsed and loaded onto dishwashing racks during washes to speed up the process. Pass-through dishwashers can typically wash between 600 and 1,200 plates per hour.
• Conveyor / Rack Dishwashers: offer the most automated, high-volume cleaning. This type of machine is perfect for busy schools or staff canteens. With these machines, racks of crockery and glassware are channelled through a large chamber. Conveyor / rack dishwashers can typically wash between 1,700 and 2,300 plates an hour.

If your venue mainly washes glassware rather than plates, a dedicated glasswasher is usually the better fit. Our glasswasher machine guide covers the options.

Features and Details

The features and details of a commercial dishwasher are important to review when making your choice. Check the technical details to ensure the machine meets your expectations.

• Energy and Water Efficiency: Choose a dishwasher with technologies and design features that optimise resource use. Commercial dishwashers have features that reduce environmental impact whilst saving money. When shopping around, look for efficient water use, lower energy consumption, and reduced chemical usage. There are also models with heat recovery systems that reuse heat energy from steam and draining wastewater to warm incoming water, further reducing your energy costs.
• Wash Cycles and Speed: As important as speed is in a commercial setting, it shouldn’t be at the expense of cleanliness. Research dishwashers with quick wash cycles that still ensure thorough cleaning. As a restaurant, try to know how many meals you serve a day and whether the dishwasher you’re considering can handle that many. Also consider your future plans: if you intend to expand your menu or your covers, can your dishwasher cope?
• Durability: Research the expected lifespan of the models you’re considering. A cheaper model might need replacing sooner than a more expensive, robust one. Balance the initial cost against the expected lifespan for the most cost-effective choice, and look for models known for their reliability to minimise repair costs.

Your Budget

Arguably the most important factor when shopping around for a commercial dishwasher, but you also need to look beyond just the initial purchase price. A cheaper option might seem appealing at first, but the potential add-on costs can add up fast.

• Operating Costs: Ideally you’ll want an energy- and water-efficient dishwasher to keep your running costs as low as possible.
• Maintenance and Repair: Look for models known for reliability and efficiency to cut down repair costs, and factor in a servicing arrangement to keep the machine running.
• Detergents: Commercial dishwashers require specific detergents and rinse aids, which are an ongoing cost. Consider what type and quantity of detergent a dishwasher takes and factor it into your budget. Where possible, opt for a machine that is as detergent-efficient as possible.
• Lifespan: A machine that lasts longer spreads its cost over more years. Weigh the purchase price against the expected working life rather than the headline figure alone.

Choosing the best commercial dishwasher for your restaurant involves careful consideration of your specific needs, features and specifications, budget constraints, and the different models available. By weighing up the advantages and disadvantages across all these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your requirements.

Browse the full range of commercial dishwashers at GA Commercial, or get in touch and our team will help you spec the right machine for your restaurant.