Your dishwasher is an essential part of your commercial kitchen equipment, so if yours breaks down or stops working effectively, you'll need to invest in a new one to avoid cleaning dishes by hand. If it's been some time since you last replaced your dishwasher, or if this is your first time doing so, here are three factors to keep in mind when looking at a replacement.

What to Think About When Choosing a Commercial Dishwasher

1. Size

To determine what size dishwasher you need, you must first know how much "washing" you create. There's no point trying to save on costs if your dishwasher can't keep up with your rate of service and your customers have no clean plates.

If you serve fewer than 100 meals an hour, you often only need an under-counter dishwasher, which is a similar size to what you have at home. If you're serving up to 500 meals an hour, opt for a commercial dishwasher instead, as it can complete multiple loads in a short period.

2. Use

Before buying a new dishwasher, evaluate what you need it for. Choosing a similar model to what you have might not be necessary if you use yours for a specific purpose. For example, glass cleaners are fast, delicate on fragile glassware, and more efficient, though they can't handle food mess. If you work with large, heavily soiled pots and pans, a utility washer is deep and powerful, with heavy-duty pumps that are perfect for cleaning baked-on food. Finally, if you get through hundreds of dishes every shift, you'll need a high-performing dishwasher, so your plates and bowls sparkle the first time.

3. Energy-Efficiency

Dishwashers consume a lot of energy, as they have heating elements and use significant amounts of water. For this reason, buying an energy-efficient dishwasher will save you money. The US Department of Energy offers advice on how to purchase appliances that meet their guidelines and help businesses run more efficiently. Many models also have low-energy programs you can run during slower periods.

Refrigeration & Food Equipment Inc. in Anchorage, AK, is the leading supplier of commercial kitchen equipment in the area. Since 1964, the highly experienced team of restaurant and kitchen specialists have supported business owners with all their catering equipment needs. They provide high-quality appliances and supplies that are competitively priced, and they deliver exceptional customer service on every order. This locally owned and operated business also offers a comprehensive range of services, from design to installation, and they guarantee you’ll be completely satisfied. Call (907) 248-2525 today to discuss your needs or go online to find out more about their offerings.