Best Dishwashers for Bars & Restaurants: Your Ultimate Guide
19 July 2023 -
The Importance of the right dishwasher
in the catering industry
Choosing the perfect dishwasher for your bar or restaurant isn’t just about keeping your dishes sparkling clean. It’s also about meeting health regulations, managing resources efficiently, and providing rapid service. The right dishwasher can make a significant difference in how smoothly your business operates.
The best commercial dishwashers for the hospitality industry running a successful bar, restaurant, hotel or any hospitality business relies on having an efficient commercial dishwasher. With speed, reliability and low running costs crucial, choosing the right industrial dishwasher model for your commercial kitchen is important.
If you’re in the restaurant or catering industry, you’ll know how crucial it is to have a reliable, high-performing dishwasher. Choosing the right type for your business can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the highest possible hygiene standards. This guide will take you through the key types of industrial dishwashers – undercounter, hood, fresh-water, utensil washers, and rack conveyor dishwashers – and the strengths of each. We’ll also contrast industrial models with household dishwashers to help you understand the differences.
Types of Industrial Dishwashers
Undercounter Dishwashers
Undercounter dishwashers are compact and ideal for smaller establishments or bars where space is a premium. They fit comfortably beneath counters, providing a convenient, efficient solution without taking up too much room. Despite their smaller size, they are robust, offering high-temperature washing that ensures thorough cleaning and sterilization. Capable of cleaning glasses, beer glasses, wine glasses, cutlery and saucers, undercounter dishwashers offer an efficient and economical option.
Key features:
• Compact size fits under counters
• Single wash tank and spray arms
• Affordable initial cost
JET Series dishwashers
The Jet series dishwashers are our entry-level fully electromechanical machines with timers, a few simple and intuitive controls. A perfect machine for use in any bar and restaurant, even those with high occupancy.
FEATURES
Double wall door, 120″ cycle, timed peristaltic dispensers, adjustable feet, pump filter.
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
2 baskets, spoon holder, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Drain pump, timed detergent dispenser, three-phase power supply, round basket (mod. 35 and 40), volumetric pressure booster pump (mod. 50).
ALPHA Series dishwashers
The Alpha series dishwashers feature a patented deep-drawn handle: elegant and ergonomic design, easy to clean and hygienic, leaving no room for dirt to accumulate.
FEATURES
Double wall door, 90″ and 120″ cycle, peristaltic dispensers, adjustable feet, pump filter, autostart, thermal interlock, energy saving mode.
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
2 baskets, spoon holder, saucer holder, peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading spout.
OPTIONAL
Drain pump, timed detergent dispenser, three-phase power supply, round basket (mod. 35 and 40), volumetric pressure booster pump (mod. 50).
UNICA Series dishwashers
The Unica dishwasher features an L-shaped moulded tub, designed to facilitate maintenance and cleaning. The large LCD display indicates the status of the machine and the progress of the washing cycle.
FEATURES
Double-wall door, 90″, 120″ and 180″ cycle, drain pump, timed peristaltic detergent and rinse aid dispensers included, adjustable feet, mesh (Unica 40) and stainless steel (Unica 50) pump and tank filters, autostart, thermal interlock, energy saving mode, soft start.
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
2 baskets, spoon holder, saucer holder, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, timed peristaltic detergent dispenser, drain pump, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading & unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Three-phase, 25 mm double wall, round basket (Unica 40), air break tank and volumetric pressure booster pump (Unica 50).
A Series dishwashers
The A series dishwashers and washing machines work automatically and are characterised by the presence of an integral tank filter that captures particles and an integrated softener that solves the problem of limescale in the water, guaranteeing better machine performance.
FEATURES
Available with 35 cm, 40 cm and 50 cm baskets, integrated softener, traditional drain with overflow, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, built-in boiler with adjustable thermostat and safety thermostat, fully automatic tank loading and heating, front access to all components.
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Microfilter on pump suction, Non-return valve to prevent backflow of water into the water mains, 2 baskets plus loading and unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Provision for detergent dispenser, provision for drain pump, round basket.
UNICA Series dishwashers
Ax diashwasher is a full optional model intended for high-level customers. The limestone is no longer a problem with integrated water softner.
FOR ANY TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT:
When the kitchen has dimensions reduced a
dishwasher with integrated softener allows
to eliminate the use of external softeners
optimizing the available space keeping the
work area tidy.
FEATURES
Double wall 10 mm, 3 washing cycles, peristaltic rinse aid and detergent dosing pump, built-in drain pump, air break tank and rinse booster pump, pump filter, tank filter.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
2 baskets, spoon holder, integrated water
softener, tank filter, timed peristaltic rinse aid
pump, timed peristaltic detergent dosing pump,
solenoid valve for hot water, anti-pollution
valve, inlet and outlet water hose.
Unica P Fresh-Water Dishwasher
Fresh-water dishwashers continually refresh the water after each cycle, ensuring that dishes are always washed with clean water. This is particularly desirable in high-end restaurants or catering services where the highest standards of cleanliness are essential. Unica P model a more expensive option, but the investment can be justified by the superior cleaning results.
Washing:
with water from the previous rinse that is up to temperature and free of residues from previous washes. The dose of product required for each cycle is automatically entered via the detergent dispenser. Unnecessary waste and excessive detergent concentrations are thus eliminated, causing foaming and loss of the correct detergent action of the product.
Drip:
lasts a few seconds and is necessary in order for all the circulating water to collect in the special tank.
Draining:
Once the washing process is complete, draining the water cleans the tank and prepares the machine for the next final rinse.
Rinsing:
Volume-controlled (not time-controlled), which gives certainty of rinsing even with low pressure. It takes place at 90° with clean water from the boiler and correctly concentrated in the right amount of rinse aid. The filtered water in the tank is then used for the rinse only.
Hood Dishwashers
Hood dishwashers, also known as pass-through dishwashers, are larger, more powerful models. They’re perfectly suited to medium to large establishments that handle high volumes of dishes. Their strength lies in their capacity and speed, allowing them to clean large loads quickly and efficiently. Hood dishwashers feature an enclosed hood that contains steam and condensation during the wash cycle and are a popular choice for busy bars and restaurants.
Key features:
• Moderate capacity
• Hood provides quick access for loading dishes
• Less expensive than conveyor types
• Front-loading or pass-through designs available
T110E hood dishwasher
The T110E dishwasher has a maximum theoretical output of 720 dishes/hour, double suction filter in the wash pump, dosage and wash/rinse temperature adjustment via display panel, self-diagnostic malfunction signalling system.
FEATURES
90″ and 120″ cycle, timed peristaltic feeders, adjustable feet, pump and tank filter, autostart enabled, thermal interlock
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
2 baskets, spoon holder, saucer holder, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Drain pump, timed detergent dispenser, Air break tank (continuous rinse), integrated softener, double-wall hood.
T1215 hood dishwasher
The T1215 dishwasher has a maximum theoretical output of 1080 dishes/hour, double suction filter in the wash pump, dosage and wash/rinse temperature adjustment via display panel, self-diagnostic malfunction signalling system with stainless steel washing arms.
FEATURES
60″, 90″, 120″ cycle and continuous washing, timed peristaltic dosers, adjustable feet, pump and tank filter, autostart enabled, thermal interlock
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
2 baskets, spoon holder, saucer holder, peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Drain pump, timed detergent dispenser, Air break tank (continuous rinse), integrated softener, double-wall hood.
T1215 Energy+ hood dishwasher
The T1215 Energy+ dishwasher has a maximum theoretical output of 1080 dishes/hour, double suction filter in the wash pump, dosage and wash/rinse temperature adjustment via display panel, self-diagnostic malfunction signalling system. Standard double-wall hood, heat/steam recovery and pressure booster pump with air break tank for rinsing even with low mains pressure.
FEATURES
Integrated heat/steam recuperator, 60″, 90″, 120″ cycle and continuous wash, peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, Air break tank with rinse pump, double-wall insulated capot, stainless steel wash arms with removable snap-fit nozzles, adjustable feet, pump and tank filter, auto-start enabled, thermostop
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
2 baskets, spoon holder, saucer holder, rinse aid dispenser, timed peristaltic, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Drain pump, peristaltic detergent dispenser
T1515 hood dishwasher
Our top-of-the-line T1515 dishwasher features a particularly high theoretical maximum output of an impressive 1320 dishes/hour, double suction filter in the wash pump, dosage and wash/rinse temperature adjustment via display panel, self-diagnostic malfunction signalling system with stainless steel washing arms. A patented washing system equalises pressure throughout the extension of the washing arms guaranteeing superb results from every single water jet with its three-phase 1500W pump.
FEATURES
60″, 90″, 120″ cycle and continuous wash, timed peristaltic dosers, adjustable feet, pump and tank filter, autostart enabled, thermal interlock
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
2 baskets 50 x 60 cm, spoon holder, saucer holder, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Drain pump, detergent dispenser, Abt, integrated softener, double-wall, heat recovery module.
Utensil Washers & Pot washer
Utensil washers and pot washers are designed specifically for larger utensils and cookware that can’t be accommodated in standard dishwashers. They offer powerful cleaning capabilities and are a must-have for establishments that use large pots, pans, or trays regularly.
Key features:
• High Capacity
• They can clean a large number of utensils, pots, pans in a single operation
• Ease of maintenance
S90 utensil washers & pot washer
The S90 under counter washer is the smallest machine in its category that can be found on the market. Characterised by great versatility, it can wash trays, pans and pots thanks to its 50 x 60 cm stainless steel support grid and a door measuring 40.5 cm.
FEATURES
120″, 240″, 360″ cycle and continuous washing, 10 mm double wall, pressure booster pump, timed peristaltic dispensers, adjustable feet, pump and tank filter, thermal interlock
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
50 x 60 cm stainless steel support, tray support, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, timed detergent dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Drain pump.
S100 utensil washers & pot washer
The S100 washer is an ideal machine for washing any type of object: trays, pans, pots and pans thanks to the 550 x 700 mm stainless steel support grid with a door measuring 50 cm.
FEATURES
60″, 120″, 180″, 240″ cycle, double-wall construction, double wash pump, timed peristaltic feeders, adjustable feet, stainless steel pump and tank filter, stainless steel washing arms, thermal interlock
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
55 x 70 cm stainless steel support, 55 x 55 cm tray basket, 1 pot basket 55 x 55 cm, 1 pot insert for pot basket, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, timed peristaltic detergent dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading & unloading hose.
OPTIONAL
Drain pump, Air break tank.
S200 utensil washers & pot washer
The S200 washer guarantees maximum performance thanks to the use of high-performance pumps that release their power through specially shaped star-shaped washing arms so that the water pressure remains almost constant as you move away from the centre of the arm.
GUARANTEED RINSE
All models are equipped with the ABT rinse system, which reduces rinse water consumption by 20%, compared to similar products not equipped with this technology.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
1 stainless steel mesh basket, Air break tank, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, timed detergent dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading hose.
S350 utensil washers & pot washer
The S350 washer-dispenser with display panel, allows you to view, operating temperatures, number of cycles performed, machine status. Self-diagnosis programme to speed up maintenance and setting of operating parameters by technical service. Special self-washing cycle of the chamber and tank to minimise the work to be carried out at the end of the shift. With its 132 x 70 cm drum and ergonomic split door with 85 cm opening, it can quickly wash large quantities of bulky objects. It has an exclusive half-load function that activates only one of the two washing pumps and one of the two rinsing pumps.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
1 stainless steel mesh basket, Air break tank, timed peristaltic rinse aid dispenser, timed detergent dispenser, hot water solenoid valve, anti-pollution valve, loading and unloading hose.
Rack Conveyor Dishwashers
Rack conveyor dishwashers are the behemoths of the dishwasher world. They’re designed for massive establishments like school cafeterias or hotel kitchens, where hundreds of dishes need cleaning every hour. These machines can handle a high volume of dishes, moving them through different wash zones on a conveyor system.
Key features:
• Higher capacity
• Conveyor moves racks through wash chambers
• Horizontal or vertical models available
• Higher initial cost
CT120 rack conveyor dishwasher
The CT120 basket-mounted dishwasher consists of a single tank that includes both washing and rinsing and guarantees a throughput of 120 baskets per hour.
Useful loading height 45 cm
Allows you to wash not only plates and glasses, but also trays, containers and kitchen utensils. Double-wall construction
Reduces heat loss and noise, doors are double-walled with insulation.
Integral bowl filters
The filter consists of a flat surface inclined outwards to facilitate the flow of the solid waste collected there and a basket into which it flows, positioned in a position easily accessible to the operator, which can be emptied in seconds.
Basket conveyor with side guides
Compared to the traditional central advancement guide, this allows better washing from below of the central basket area and better accessibility of the tanks for cleaning. Steel tines and transport slide on anti-friction synthetic skids.
Dual-flow pumps
The pressure flow division downstream of the washing pump is eliminated, resulting in higher efficiency, lower pressure drops and less noise.
CT200 rack conveyor dishwasher
Pre-wash module with an output of 200 baskets per hour is added to the C200 basket-weave dishwasher.
Constant rinse
Optional. Uses a 200 W rinse pump guaranteeing rinse pressure and flow rate whatever the water supply conditions. The boiler is filled via a ‘break tank’ anti-pollution device.
Multiple rinsing
Allows clean water from the final rinse to be reused for an intermediate rinse with two upper and one lower arm and a pre-rinse with an arm installed at the end of the wash chamber. This third rinse removes most of the detergent, which thus remains in the wash area without interfering with the rinse water.
Drying module
Optional on request. 600 mm long, double-walled module. It operates at a low temperature (65°C) for gentle action on the dishes; it uses a large flow of air (1,400 ㎥/hr) taken from outside and therefore relatively dry, moved by a high-powered turbofan.
Heat recovery system
This device condenses the water vapour inside the dishwasher, using its latent heat to heat the water entering the boiler so that the installed power can be reduced by 5 kW.
Differences Between Industrial and Household Dishwasher
Industrial Dishwasher Vs. Household Dishwasher
While household dishwashers are designed for convenience, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, industrial dishwashers are built for speed, capacity, and durability. They’re designed to handle a far higher volume of dishes, often operating continuously for many hours each day. They’re also built to reach higher temperatures, ensuring a higher level of sanitation that meets commercial health standards and:
• Industrial models have more powerful spray arms, higher water pressures and temperatures
• Industrial dishwashers are built to run almost continuously
• They feature all-stainless steel interiors and reinforced door gaskets
• Household models are not designed for continuous use
• They have on-demand or continuous water heating
• Household models heat water as needed for each cycle
Conclusion: Choosing The Right Dishwasher
Selecting the right dishwasher for your bar, restaurant, or catering service depends on many factors, including the size of your establishment, the volume of dishes, and the level of cleanliness required. By understanding the different types and their strengths, you can make an informed decision that benefits your business in the long run.
Following the tips in this guide will help you find an efficient, high-powered industrial dishwasher tailored to the needs of your commercial kitchen. A quality unit designed for heavy use will provide reliable service for years while minimizing operational costs.
Remember, while the upfront cost is a factor, the efficiency, reliability, and performance of your dishwasher will impact your operational costs and customer satisfaction. Therefore, invest in an industrial dishwasher that meets your specific needs and delivers the best return on investment over time.
Sistema Project Italia staff