Undercounter Dishwasher Buying Guide: What to Know
To find the best commercial undercounter dishwasher for your venue, you'll need to consider a variety of factors. Every business has unique needs and restrictions, meaning there's no one-size-fits-all option. In this buying guide, we'll explain what to look for when buying a commercial undercounter dishwasher so you can find the model that best meets your needs.
What is an Undercounter Dishwasher?
As their name suggests, commercial undercounter dishwashers conveniently fit underneath counters; they look similar to residential undercounter dishwashers and can be built into existing floorplans or be used as freestanding models. They don't occupy as much space as door-type dishwashers, so they're great for kitchens or bar areas with limited space. Undercounter dishwashers are compact enough to fit wherever there's space and utility connections, providing operators with much more flexibility when deciding where to place them.
Consider the Wares You'll Wash
One of the first decisions to make is what type of commercial undercounter dishwasher you need. Most undercounter dishwashers are general-purpose machines that can function as a venue's sole dishwasher. Occasionally, restaurateurs can benefit more from buying a dishwasher designed specifically for glassware, or purchasing one unit for dinnerware and another for glass. Below, we'll explain the best situation for each choice.
As stated above, the majority of commercial undercounter dishwashers are designed for multi-purpose use and can wash anything from gravy boats to serving forks. These machines are great for locations needing to wash a variety of dinnerware, glassware, and flatware throughout the day, as well as locations that only have the space or budget for one dishwasher. Most of the time, a multi-purpose machine is the best choice for general warewashing and is perfectly suitable for cleaning food and beverage containers made of a variety of materials.
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Sometimes operators benefit from choosing a machine designed specifically to clean glassware. Such machines are built for gentle yet effective washing that results in fewer chipped or cracked glasses over time. In establishments selling high volumes of beverages, such as bars and lounges, a dedicated glass washing machine can reduce wear and tear on wine glasses, pint glasses, and steins. Venues with the space, budget, and need to wash high volumes of dishes of all kinds may also choose to install a dedicated glass washer alongside a multi-purpose machine to speed up washing and better preserve high-quality glassware.
SHOP NOWThink about what you need to wash. If you wash a mix of dinnerware, flatware, and drinkware, a multipurpose dishwasher is your best bet. However, if you're exclusively washing glassware, a dishwasher built specifically to wash glasses will be gentler on your drinkware.
Decide on a Sanitation Method
NOTE: Both styles of commercial undercounter dishwashers rely on internal sprayers making full contact with dishes and flatware to sanitize them. Overloading either type of machine or stacking dishes in a way that blocks water from reaching the entire dish surface can prevent effective sanitizing.
Commercial undercounter dishwashers can sanitize dishes in one of two ways. Low-temp models are built to incorporate chemical solutions into the dish cycle, ensuring the dishes are thoroughly sanitized, while high-temp washers use extremely hot water - 180 degrees Fahrenheit at minimum - to meet the requirements for sanitization. Each method of sanitization comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, and the utilities at your restaurant may help determine which type you need.
Low Temperature
Low-temp undercounter dishwashers typically cost less up front than high-temp options. Many low-temp models can be plugged into a standard 115-volt outlet, making them simple to install and operate without needing to pay for electrical modifications. These machines usually don't require separately sold accessories (such as booster heaters), and they often use less energy than a high-temp model. However, the cost of purchasing sanitizing chemicals for low-temp machines can add up over time, eating away at the savings gained from the lower up-front cost. It's important to factor the lifetime cost of chemicals into your buying decision to make sure you're making the best choice for your business.
Low-temp machines also produce less steam and give off lower ambient heat than high-temp models, so they're great for operations that must install their dishwasher closer to areas with customers; they're also less likely to melt or warp heat-sensitive materials. On the other hand, the chemicals used in this type of washer can corrode or discolor certain materials used to make flatware and dishes, so it's important verify your wares are compatible with the type of sanitizer the dishwasher uses before you buy. Some operators notice a faint soapy smell or taste leftover on dishes run through low-temp machines, which can negatively affect the flavor and texture of alcoholic beverages. Because they operate at a lower temperature, these models can also sometimes struggle to fully clean greasy residue off dishes in a single wash cycle.
- Lower up-front cost
- Streamlined installation and use
- Lower utility bills
- Requires ongoing chemical purchases
- Chemical suppliers may lease them
- Sanitizer residue can impact drink quality
- Less effective on greasy residue
- Easily removes greasy residue
- Leaves fewer water spots on dishes
- No additional chemicals required
- Can produce significant heat and steam
- Higher up-front / installation costs
- May require water heater upgrade
- May require booster and hood
High Temperature
High-temperature machines sanitize items by spraying them with extremely hot water until surfaces reach or exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit (the temperature at which bacteria is killed). These machines use dish detergent for cleaning but don't require any chemicals or solvents to sanitize wares. Because high-temp machines don't perform an extra rinse cycle to coat dishes with sanitizing solution, they can typically clean dishes more quickly, won't corrode wares over time, and don't leave any unpleasant scents or flavors lingering behind. This type of dishwasher is especially popular for washing beer glasses, as the chemicals in low-temp models can prevent draft beer from forming a head as it's poured.
The biggest drawbacks to choosing a high-temp machine are purchase and installation costs. These machines use a significant amount of energy heating the water, so many of them need a 208- to 240-volt connection to operate. If your venue doesn't already have these connections, it'll cost extra to get one installed. While some high-temp machines may have a built-in booster heater, others require one to be purchased separately. Operators may also need to upgrade their water heater to meet the minimum incoming water temperature requirements of a high-temp machine and/or install a hood to deal with the excess steam. Finally, some high-temp machines need a separate cold water line installed to reduce the temperature of wastewater before it goes down the drain into municipal plumbing systems.
Consider up-front and lifetime costs when evaluating a commercial undercounter dishwasher. Low-temp models are affordable and easy to install but require the ongoing purchase of cleaning chemicals to operate. High-temp models clean dishes fast and don't leave spots or chemical residue, but they come with higher up-front costs.
Throughput Capacity (Racks per Hour)
You'll need to ensure any undercounter dishwasher you buy can keep up with the level of demand in your establishment, and the best way to do this is to compare model capacities. Commercial undercounter dishwasher capacities are measured by racks per hour (or glasses per hour for glasswashers). This refers to the number of filled dish racks a dishmachine can wash in 60 minutes. Use data from your busiest times to determine the throughput capacity you'll need to keep up with peak demand in your establishment.
Establishments needing to wash a lower volume of dishes can potentially save money by choosing undercounter dishwashers with lower throughput capacities, while locations needing to keep up with heavy demand are better off choosing machines that can handle dozens of racks per hour.
Undercounter commercial dishwashers come in a range of capacities to meet warewashing needs at high- and low-volume venues. Calculate the volume of dishes your establishment needs to wash during peak periods to determine the right capacity for your facility.
Undercounter Dishwasher Dimensions - Width & Height
It's also very important to carefully measure the amount of space available to install a dishwasher and choose a unit that fits. It's much easier to choose a model that fits the space you have than it is to remodel part of the kitchen to fit the machine after you've bought it.
Commercial undercounter dishwashers come in widths ranging from 10 to 30 inches, so you can find the perfect size to fit your space. Wider machines can hold more dishes but also require more space for installation. Narrow models are great for small spaces such as food trucks and hotel rooms.
Undercounter dishwashers come in several height options to fit under various counters. It's important to choose a model that will blend in with your existing equipment and countertops to create a uniform surface. Depending on where the dishwasher will go and who will be operating it, you may need to consider ADA height specifications to ensure inclusive access. Models designed to fit beneath a 34-inch-high counter are often ADA compliant, but you can verify this by checking the product details and spec sheet for a given model.
Measure twice and buy once! It's much easier to determine the machine size you need before buying one than it is to renovate your counters or cookline after acquiring an undercounter dishwasher that doesn't fit.
Consider Special Features
Various undercounter dishwashers have extra features designed to improve or streamline use. Depending on the type of wares you'll be washing, staff preferences, general safety concerns, and how the machine is used, you may want to pay a little more for a machine that can help save time or money in the kitchen. Below, we'll cover some features to look for when buying a commercial dishwasher.
Built-in thermometers help ensure every wash cycle reaches the temperature needed to sanitize dishes and can warn users if the machine isn't heating properly so food isn't served on unsanitized wares.
Door safety locks and switches ensure the door is secured and prevent staff from opening the dishwasher during the wash cycle, reducing the danger of scald injuries and slipping hazards.
An automatic deliming cycle is a quick, easy way to perform regular maintenance and ensure the longevity of your dishwasher. Users can set the machine to delime, press start, and attend to other tasks as the dishwasher runs.
Multiple cycle settings allow users to choose the best washing cycle for a specific application. Many multi-setting machines feature both a quick wash and an extended wash for heavy soil, as well as other potential options.
Soft or slow start means sprayers inside the machine start off gently before increasing to a high-pressure spray. This feature is great for stemware and other delicate glasses because it limits the danger of chips and cracks in the dishwasher.
A built-in booster heater means the machine can raise the temperature of incoming water to 180 degrees Fahrenheit with requiring the purchase and installation of an external booster heater.
- Choose a dishwasher style. Some models are great for multi-purpose use, while others are optimized for washing glassware.
- Decide on a sanitation method. High-temp dishwashers cost more but are less likely to leave residue on dishes, while low-temp machines are more affordable but require the ongoing purchase of sanitizing chemicals to operate.
- Determine required throughput capacity. Calculate how many racks of dishes you must wash at your busiest times and select a model that meets those requirements.
- Evaluate size and placement. Measure the area where you'll install the dishwasher and choose a model that fits into your existing lineup and under your counter height.
- Consider special features. Dishwashers can come with many features designed to streamline your dish-cleaning program. Determine which options, if any, will benefit your business.
