Your Ultimate Guide to Commercial Washers in the Food Service Industry | Chef's Hat Australia

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE

TO COMMERCIAL WASHERS
IN THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY

When operating in the foodservice industry, cleanliness, hygiene, efficiency, and productivity are not just niceties – they're necessities. One way to ensure your business meets these standards is by investing in a high-quality commercial washer. Commercial washers are indispensable assets for bars, restaurants, cafés, and other businesses, providing rigorous cleanliness and operational efficiency. In this essential guide, we will take you on an in-depth look at commercial washers in the foodservice industry, their various types, top models, and how to choose the perfect one to suit your needs.

THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF COMMERCIAL WASHERS

Commercial washers are the unsung heroes of a busy kitchen. Their role in maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation in commercial kitchens cannot be overstated. They're designed to clean large volumes of dishes, cutlery, and glassware quickly and thoroughly, enabling kitchens to keep up with the pace of service, especially during peak times.

By automating the dishwashing process, commercial washers not only ensure a consistent level of cleanliness but also significantly reduce the time and effort staff spend on manual dishwashing. This allows them to focus more on their main roles, whether that's preparing delicious food, serving customers, or managing operations.

TYPES OF COMMERCIAL WASHERS: GETTING INTO THE DETAILS

Selecting the perfect commercial washer is a journey of understanding the distinctive characteristics of each type and aligning them with your business needs. Let's explore the main types of commercial washers available.

Undercounter Dishwashers

Ideal for small to medium-sized kitchens with limited space, undercounter dishwashers fuse convenience with efficiency. They're designed to fit neatly under a counter, making them a practical choice for bars, cafes, and small restaurants. They offer several wash cycles, handling light to moderately dirty dishes. Top-of-the-line models such as the Winterhalter UC Series and Classeq D500 ingeniously merge a compact design with superior features, delivering sparkling clean dishes every time.

Passthrough or Door Type Dishwashers

Passthrough dishwashers, or door type, cater to the increased dish load of medium to large kitchens. Their unique selling point? An ergonomic design that allows dishes to be loaded at waist level and retrieved from the opposite side post-cleaning. This reduces the need for staff to bend over repeatedly, making the washing process smoother and quicker. High-performance models like the Winterhalter PT Series and Eswood SW900V are renowned for their swift and powerful performance, smoothly accommodating busier services with ease.

Conveyor Dishwashers

When it comes to large-scale operations like hotels, large restaurants, or catering services, conveyor dishwashers are the workhorses you need. They're designed to handle massive capacities, with some models capable of washing hundreds of racks per hour. Conveyor dishwashers are modular, allowing you to customise them based on your specific requirements. One standout model in this category is the Winterhalter MTR Series, known for its high-capacity washing and advanced features like VarioPower.

Glasswashers

A necessity for businesses like cocktail bars or pubs where impeccable beverage service takes centre stage, glasswashers sanitise glasses without inflicting any damage. These machines are important because glassware requires a specific washing process (reverse osmosis) to ensure each glass is spotlessly clean and enhances the appeal of any drink. A perfect example of this type of washer is the Classeq G400, which delivers pristine glassware without compromising on speed or efficiency.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR COMMERCIAL WASHER

Selecting the perfect commercial washer for your business involves careful consideration of several factors. Let's delve into the factors that should guide your decision-making process:

Capacity and Size

The size and capacity of your commercial washer should match the volume of your business operations. Consider the number of dishes or glasses you need to wash per hour during your busiest times. Also, think about the physical space you have available. Undercounter models save on space, while conveyor types require a larger area but deliver higher capacity.

Operational Efficiency

Your commercial washer should enhance your kitchen's workflow and productivity. Look for features that speed up the washing process, save on water and energy, and require minimal manual intervention.

Reliability and Durability

Commercial washers are a significant investment, so you want to choose a brand known for its reliability and durability. Consider the materials used, the reputation of the brand, and the warranty provided.

Budget

Your budget will ultimately influence the type and model of commercial washer you can afford. However, remember that a cheaper model may cost more in the long run if it is less energy-efficient or requires frequent repairs.

Polish-Free

For businesses with many glassware pieces, you might want to consider commercial glasswashers that offer polish-free options. Certain establishments simply don't have the time or resources to dedicate to hand-polishing all their glassware. In such cases, a commercial washer that delivers spotless, sparkling, mirror-finished wine or cocktail glasses right out of the machine, is an invaluable asset.

After-sales Service

Consider the after-sales service provided by the brand. Good after-sales service includes timely maintenance and repair services, availability of spare parts, and responsive customer support.

DELVING DEEPER: TOP BRANDS AND MODELS OF COMMERCIAL WASHERS

Now that we've covered the basics, let's delve deeper into some of the top brands and models available at Chef's Hat. We'll explore what makes each brand unique and highlight their top commercial washer models.

Winterhalter: Innovators in Warewashing Technology

When it comes to commercial dishwashers, Winterhalter sets the bar high and is the gold standard in the washing world. With their cutting-edge German engineering, they have been able to create innovative warewashing technology that perfectly addresses the needs of a commercial kitchen. One of their standout models is the UC Series undercounter dishwasher, which offers intelligence in every wash. Its intelligent sensors adjust washing parameters in real time, ensuring optimal efficiency and sustainability through its energy-saving design and water-conserving features.

For larger operations, Winterhalter's PT Series of passthrough dishwashers are an impressive option. These machines are designed to manage high volumes while providing excellent cleaning results. A standout feature is their ClimatePlus system, which utilises the thermal energy from the machine waste steam and ambient room air to heat rinse and tank water, reducing electricity consumption by up to 35% and ensuring optimal cleaning for each load.

Classeq: Simple, Robust, and Efficient

Classeq commercial dishwashers are a blend of simplicity, robustness, and efficiency. Made in the UK, this brand offers user-friendly machines that make operation a breeze, even for the most novice user. The D500 undercounter dishwasher exemplifies their commitment to simplicity and efficiency, featuring intuitive controls, double-skinned doors for heat retention and noise reduction, and eco-friendly low water usage.

When it comes to glassware, Classeq's G400 undercounter glasswasher is a valuable tool for bars and restaurants, where clean, sparkling glassware is a must. With a rapid two-minute wash cycle and capacity for up to 16 pint glasses, it ensures a steady supply of clean, sparkling glassware during service.

Eswood: Versatile and Reliable Performance

Eswood's commercial washers offer a versatile balance between power and versatility. They're designed to minimise water and energy consumption without compromising cleaning results. The SW500 undercounter dishwasher showcases this commitment. Capable of accommodating up to 500 pieces of crockery and cutlery per hour across its 3 efficient wash cycles (90, 120 & 180 seconds), it is a durable and reliable option for any commercial kitchen.

If you need a larger capacity washer, the SW900V passthrough dishwasher may be your go-to. With its double flow wash pump, precise electronic-controlled dosing system, and low water consumption rate of 2.3 litres/rack and a self-cleaning cycle, it's not only an economical and ergonomical but also a sustainable choice for your establishment.

Smeg Foodservice: Combining Style and Functionality

A globally recognised Italian brand, Smeg is famous for its stylish, high-quality kitchen appliances. Smeg Foodservice extends the same attention to style and performance to the commercial market, offering a range of powerful, efficient and aesthetically pleasing commercial washers. The CWG420SD undercounter dishwasher stands out with its energy-efficient design, perfect for small to medium-sized establishments. It boasts 6 wash programs, a dynamic filtration system, and a built-in water softener, ensuring rapid, flexible, and hygienic dishwashing; and a robust stainless steel construction.

The larger Smeg CWG520D pass-through dishwasher also deserves mention for its excellent capacity, user-friendliness, and high sanitation standards, including an UltracleanPro function for heat treatment and bacterial elimination. Its advanced electronics feature an intuitive interface with seven wash programs and an automatic self-cleaning cycle. This dishwasher uses a High Temperature Rinse system, a dynamic filtration system, and comes with durable wash and rinse arms, making it an optimal choice for businesses requiring a larger volume of cleaning.

Washtech: Leading the Way in Warewashing Solutions

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Washtech has mastered the art of consistently delivering reliable and high-performance commercial washers. Their UD Series undercounter dishwashers highlight their emphasis on performance and convenience, offering robust washing capabilities with user-friendly controls and an economical water usage design. UD features superior heat and noise reduction technology and a reliable filtration system which makes it user-friendly and effective. It also fits under most kitchen benches.

For those managing the largest-scale operations, Washtech’s CD conveyor commercial washers are a fantastic choice. With its capacity of 3,240 plates per hour and its flagship EcoRinse system, Washtech’s CD range offers world-class power and water consumption savings reducing the power required to heat water for the final rinse stage by up to 45%. It offers automatic start/stop and dual-speed control, while customisable options ensure it meets your exact business needs.

Conclusion: Chef’s Hat – Your One-Stop Shop for Commercial Washers

Understanding the nuances of commercial washers can seem daunting, but if you clearly understand your business’ requirements around budget, volume, size and others it’s a much easier informed decision that enhances your business operations. From undercounter models ideal for small cafes to large-scale conveyor dishwashers for bustling hotels, each washer serves a unique purpose and comes with its own set of advantages.

At Chef’s Hat, we're committed to making your choice easier. With our wide range of top-quality commercial washers from leading brands, we're confident you'll find the perfect washer for your needs. Additionally, our dedicated team offers exceptional expert advice and guidance every step of the way, ensuring you purchase the right machine and your commercial washer continues to operate at peak efficiency.

We’re committed to providing bespoke advice and guidance to your unique needs. Contact our sales team to learn more about how the perfect commercial washer can improve and elevate your kitchen’s operations.