What is an Undercounter Dishwasher Suitable For?
Undercounter dishwashers are ideal for establishments such as bars, cafés, and small restaurants that have limited space. Undercounter units can't wash as many racks as door-type dishwashers, although they compensate for their low capacity with convenience, simple installation, and other helpful features. Still, undercounter dishwashers aren't for everyone, especially not large restaurants where high volumes of dishes must be washed at one time. In this article, we'll explain where and how you should be using your undercounter dishwasher.
What is an Undercounter Dishwasher?
As their name suggests, undercounter dishwashers conveniently fit underneath counters. Undercounter dishwashers look like residential undercounter dishwashers and can come as built-in or freestanding models. They don't occupy as much space as door-type warewashers, suiting them for kitchens or bar areas with limited space. Undercounter dishwashers are compact enough to fit wherever there's space and the proper utility connections, relieving stress when deciding where to place them.
Most undercounter dishwashers are equipped with pull-down doors and can clean 20 to 40 racks per hour. Undercounter dishwashers can be outfitted with LED or push-button controls. LED controls are often found on newer machines, while push-button controls are found on basic machines. Undercounter dishwashers can come with a deliming cycle, which removes limescale buildup.
Undercounter dishwashers can come in low- or high-temp models. Low-temp dishwashers can wash at temperatures from 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit; however, low-temp dishwashers don't get hot enough to sanitize dishes with water alone, so they require additional sanitizer to ensure dishes are free of bacteria. High-temp dishwashers can wash dishes at temperatures exceeding 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to kill bacteria. Many undercounter dishwashers feature built-in booster heaters that heat already warm water to higher temperatures.
How (and Where) Can You Use an Undercounter Dishwasher?
When you start considering an undercounter dishwasher, the first thing to decide is where to use an undercounter dishwasher. Undercounter dishwashers usually are used in small establishments due to their compact size, low capacity, and features that enable low-profiles. These features make them ideal for cafés and coffee shops, as well as bar areas that may require a dishwasher that can clean cups, mugs, and other dishes. Businesses may choose an undercounter dishwasher because they don't see especially high customer volumes, or they may want convenient dishwasher access. Unlike door-type units, undercounter dishwashers don't contribute much noise in the front of house.
Perfect for low-volume businesses, an undercounter dishwasher can fit beneath counters and behind bars with its compact size. Steam elimination, or steam capture, technology enables undercounter dishwashers to be placed in front-of-house areas, such as behind bars or café counters, and the unit can go undetected by customers. Steam elimination technology reduces the steam that's released once the dishwasher's door has been opened. Many undercounter dishwashers have features that stop the wash cycle when the dishwasher door is opened. This prevents operators from being burned by hot water and ensures the surrounding area isn't sprayed by water.
Undercounter Dishwasher vs. Glasswasher
Undercounter dishwashers differ from glasswashers in how they wash dishes. Glasswashers are designed to clean glassware, which may be too delicate to be washed in undercounter dishwashers. Though they may look like undercounter dishwashers, glasswashers clean using gentle waterflow, which won't break or ruin glassware. Glasswashers wash much quicker than undercounter dishwashers and don't wash glasses at temperatures as high as undercounter dishwashers. In addition to glasses, glasswashers can be used to clean some dishes and utensils.
