Warewashers: what to look for
Frontloading cabinet washers - Frontloading or cabinet dishwashers offer a highly compact way of washing dishes quickly and hygienically. Machines typically squeeze under a standard counter or can be stand-mounted, which brings them to a more convenient loading height.
Glasswashers - Glassware benefits from a separate washing system. A brush-type machine used with sanitising chemicals can obtain good results in a very small space adjacent to a sink but frontloading cabinet glasswashers are now by far the most widely commonly method. Such machines are similar to standard cabinet-type frontloading dishwashers but are made in a wider range of sizes and have slightly different operating pressures and temperatures, plus facilities like an extra cold rinse.
Many of the current glasswashers available embody similar hygiene and control features to those found on the latest dishwashers, including built-in dispensers for detergent and rinse-aid and electronic controls for consistent temperature control and energy management.
Pass-through dishwashers - The larger pass-through dishwasher makes life a lot easier when peak hourly throughput starts to exceed 600-700 dishes. The tabling fitted on each side of the wash compartment enables racks to be accumulated and pushed through at a faster rate than is possible on a frontloading machine. Most pass-throughs can be supplied in straight-through or corner configurations. In the latter case, the input and output points are at 90 degree angles to each other, saving space where the length of the warewashing area is limited.
Sizing machines - Key figures when assessing smaller warewashing machines are cycle time and rack size, which determines volume of ware per load. Some machines can take an upper and lower rack, which increases capacity. To calculate maximum hourly throughput, multiply rack capacity by the number of cycles which can feasibly be carried out in one hour (not that suppliers typically state a theoretical maximum throughput which allows minimum possible time for loading and unloading between each cycle).
Much depends on water heating arrangements and the machine's total connected electrical loading. Those rated over 3kW will be faster but also need to operate, typically, on a higher power circuit than the usual 13 amps.
Dishwashers work by washing the dishes in detergent-laden water at around 55-60 C and then spray-rinsing them with fresh, hot water, ideally at 80-85C. A machine relying solely on a cold water mains supply is likely to be slower. If available, water from an adequately sized hot water boiler will ensure minimal cycle times and is likely to be less energy-consuming.
Water treatment - Hardness and impurities in the mains water supply can be one of the biggest causes of servicing problems and flawed results on commercial warewashers and can greatly increase detergent and energy costs. A majority of Britain's caterers are in areas where the water supply is classified as moderately or extremely hard so investment in washing machines usually needs to include a further þ300-800 on water softening equipment.
Units typically work on the ion exchange principle where the water is passed through resin beads, causing it to lose its positive charge. Resins require regular regeneration by flushing with brine and it helps if the system can signal this need automatically. Softeners can be built into small cabinet washers but a stand-alone water softener with automatic timer is recommended for busy catering sites. For applications requiring very high standards of finished ware, water demineralisation units, filtering systems and reverse osmosis units offer alternatives which may warrant consideration.
Thermal disinfection - Many users, especially in the healthcare sector, now specify warewashers set for thermal disinfection. NHS recommendations stipulate that ware being washed this way maintains an internal temperature sufficiently long to kill off any infection bacteria.
Machines need appropriate preset temperature and timing controls; for example washing maintained for 240 seconds at a fixed 70ºC, followed by a 10 seconds dripping pause, 24 seconds hot rinse at 85ºC and a re-cooling programme lasting more than 25 seconds.
WHAT TO BUY
Frontloading dishwashers: Throughputs, where quoted, are maximum possible in optimum conditions.
Aberna/FED
Series: 500
Cycle secs: 180
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 20
List price from: 1299
Aberna/Dexion
Series: LP051
Cycle secs: 60-180
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 20
List price from: 1399
Angelo Po
Series: LF50
Cycle secs: -
Rack square mm: -
Max racks/hr: 500pl/hr
List price from: 1171
BGL Barret Gray
Series: Metos FL2
Cycle secs: 120-180
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 1755
Bonnet
Series: PF700
Cycle secs: 80-150
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 45
List price from: 2420
Bonnet
Series: INO 36
Cycle secs: 85-385
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 42
List price from: 2290
Buttress/Maidaid
Series: SQ80N
Cycle secs: 72-192
Rack square mm: 500(x2)
Max racks/hr: 45
List price from: 2400
CMC
Series: Biosteel
Cycle secs: 120
Rack square mm: 450
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 1640
CMC
Series: Biosteel
Cycle secs: 120
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 1850
Classic
Series: Hydro 500
Cycle secs: 240
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hr: 13
List price from: 1675
Classic
Series: Hydro 750
Cycle secs: 120-240
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 27
List price from: 1995
Clenaware
Series: SD50
Cycle secs: 3
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 20
List price from: 2940
Clenaware
Series: S501X
Cycle secs: 2-3
Rack square mm: 500sq
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 2379
Dawson/Comenda
Series: LF320
Cycle secs: 120-180
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 2280
Dawson/Comenda
Series: FC54
Cycle secs: 120-180
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 2710
Dishwasher Direct/Luxia
Series: K400QBSA
Cycle secs: 115
Rack square mm: 450
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 1499
Luxia
Series: K1000QBSA
Cycle secs: 115
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 1699
CMA Energy Mizer
Series: L1X
Cycle secs: 120
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 24
List price from: 3038
CMA Energy Mizer
Series: L1X Maxi
Cycle secs: 120
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 24
List price from: 3450
Electrolux
Series: WT30
Cycle secs: -
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 720pl
List price from: 2400
Elmwood
Series: E450E
Cycle secs: 120-180
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 2050
Euro/Aristarco
Series: Passport
Cycle secs: 120
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: -
List price from: 1880
Hobart
Series: FX10
Cycle secs: 300
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 10
List price from: 2960
Hobart
Series: FX15
Cycle secs: 240
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 15
List price from: 3595
Hobart
Series: FX20
Cycle secs: 180-300
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 20
List price from: 3715
Hobart
Series: FX25
Cycle secs: 330-510
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 2×12
List price from: 4095
Hobart
Series: FX40
Cycle secs: 90-240
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 40
List price from: 5290
Meiko
Series: Eco 530F
Cycle secs: 140
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 25
List price from: 2695
Miele
Series: G7764
Cycle secs: up to 720
Rack square mm: 2level
Max racks/hr: N/A
List price from: 2230
Nelson
Series: DW70
Cycle secs: 60-120
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 60(700pl)
List price from: 850
Peachman/DIHR
Series: Gastro 450
Cycle secs: 120
Rack square mm: 450
Max racks/hr: 30(14pl/r)
List price from: 1620
Pentland/Breakline
Series: PL 50BT
Cycle secs: 120
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 20
List price from: 1325
Project Distrib
Series: T40
Cycle secs: 120-240
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 1545
Valera/Adler
Series: CF50DP
Cycle secs: 60-240
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 1899
Viscount
Series: V25
Cycle secs: 120
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 25-30
List price from: 1895
Winterhalter
Series: G14S
Cycle secs: 180-300
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 20/12
List price from: 2745
Zanussi
Series: LS62
Cycle secs: 110
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hr: 30
List price from: 2330
Glasswashers
Throughputs quoted are maximum possible in optimum conditions.
Aberna/FED
Model/Series: 350
Electrics kw: 13amp
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 20
List price from: 799
Valera/Dexion
Model/Series: LB041
Electrics kw: 13amp
Rack square mm: 385
Max racks/hour: 20
List price from: 899
Angelo Po
Model/Series: LT10R
Electrics kw: 2.6kW
Rack square mm: -
Max racks/hour: 800 pieces
List price from: 777
Buttress/Maidaid
Model/Series: D51N
Electrics kw: 3.6kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 25
List price from: 2045
CMC
Model/Series: Biosteel
Electrics kw: 3kW
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 995
CMC
Model/Series: Biosteel
Electrics kw: 3kW
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1240
CMC
Model/Series: Biosteel
Electrics kw: 3kW
Rack square mm: 450
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1455
CMC
Model/Series: Biosteel
Electrics kw: 6kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1695
Classic
Model/Series: EC01
Electrics kw: 13amp
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 27
List price from: 980
Classic
Model/Series: EC02
Electrics kw: 13amp
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 27
List price from: 1140
Classic
Model/Series: EC03
Electrics kw: 13amp
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 27
List price from: 1830
Clenaware
Model/Series: Sovereign45
Electrics kw: 3/5.3
Rack square mm: 450
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 2470
Clenaware/Bartisan
Model/Series: 401
Electrics kw: 3
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 24
List price from: 1395
Clenaware/Bartisan
Model/Series: 351
Electrics kw: 3
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 24
List price from: 1095
Dawson/Comenda
Model/Series: LBC215
Electrics kw: 2.8kW
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1180
Dawson/Comenda
Model/Series: BHC25
Electrics kw: 2.8kW
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1535
Dishwashers Direct
Luxia
Model/Series: K10Q-11Q
Electrics kw: 2.6.2.8
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 699-899
Luxia
Model/Series: K12Q
Electrics kw: 2.85
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1099
Luxia
Model/Series: K400Q
Electrics kw: 3.1
Rack square mm: 450
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1299
Luxia
Model/Series: K100Q
Electrics kw: 3.8
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1699
Electrolux
Model/Series: 350
Electrics kw: 50Hz
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: -
List price from: 899
Elmwood
Model/Series: E510E
Electrics kw: 3kW
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1098
Euro/Aristarco
Model/Series: Compact 20
Electrics kw: 2.3kW
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: -
List price from: 1050
Hobart
Model/Series: GF60
Electrics kw: 2.5-5.45kW
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 2120-2390
Hobart
Model/Series: GX60
Electrics kw: 2.75-5.75kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 2500-2860
Meiko
Model/Series: Eco 540F
Electrics kw: 4.55kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 25
List price from: 2615
Nelson
Model/Series: HS11
Electrics kw: 13amp/1 ph
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 60(1100gl)
List price from: 1200
Peachman/DIHR
Model/Series: Derby CF
Electrics kw: 2.1kW
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 970
Pentland/Breakline
Model/Series: PL35
Electrics kw: 2.8kW
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 20
List price from: 703
Project Distrib
Model/Series: E35
Electrics kw: 13amp
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 795
Valera/Adler
Model/Series: CF35/1
Electrics kw: 120
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1199
Valera/Alder
Model/Series: CF40/1
Electrics kw: 120
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1399
Valera/Alder
Model/Series: CF50
Electrics kw: 60-240
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1799
Viscount
Model/Series: V350
Electrics kw: -
Rack square mm: 350
Max racks/hour: -
List price from: 995
Winterhalter
Model/Series: GS23S
Electrics kw: 3kW
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1800
Zanussi
Model/Series: LB1
Electrics kw: 2.5kW
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1384
Zanussi
Model/Series: LB2
Electrics kw: 2.5kW
Rack square mm: 400
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1425
Pass-through dishwasher
Aberna/FED
Model/Series: 550
Electrics kw: 30amp
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 1949
Aberna/Dexion
Model/Series: LP101
Electrics kw: 30amp
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 2199
Angelo Po
Model/Series: LC80
Electrics kw: 6.9kW
Rack square mm: -
Max racks/hour: 800 plates
List price from: 2378
BGL Barret Gray
Model/Series: Metos HT6
Electrics kw: 7.1 kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 2345
BGL Barret Gray
Model/Series: Metos HT6
Electrics kw: 10.2 kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 2685
Bonnet
Model/Series: INO 60
Electrics kw: 7.1-13.1kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 4260
Bonnet
Model/Series: INO 80
Electrics kw: 9.4-17.4kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 80
List price from: 5440
Buttress/Maidaid
Model/Series: SQ200
Electrics kw: 6.7kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: -
List price from: 4085
CMC
Model/Series: Biosteel
Electrics kw: 7kW
Rack square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 2990
Classic
Model/Series: Hydro 850
Electrics kw: 30a/1or3ph
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 27
List price from: 3100
Clenaware
Model/Series: S101
Electrics kw: 7.5kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 3267
Clenaware
Model/Series: S141B
Electrics kw: 10.5kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 4907
Dawson/Comenda
Model/Series: LP360
Electrics kw: 6.6kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 40
List price from: 3340
Dawson/Comenda
Model/Series: C95
Electrics kw: 7.1kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 55
List price from: 4270
Dishwashers Direct/Luxia
Model/Series: K1300T
Electrics kw: 20 amp
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 2700
CMA EnergyMizer
Model/Series: AH2
Electrics kw: 120
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 37
List price from: 3409
CMA EnergyMizer
Model/Series: 180
Electrics kw: 61
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 51
List price from: 5800
Electrolux
Model/Series: WT50
Electrics kw: 9.85kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 792pl
List price from: 4522
Elmwood
Model/Series: E900
Electrics kw: 35amp
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 45
List price from: 3690
Euro/Aristarco
Model/Series: Passport
Electrics kw: 6kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: -
List price from: 3100
Hobart
Model/Series: HX30
Electrics kw: 5.75-8.25kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 5590-5955
Hobart
Model/Series: HX40
Electrics kw: 5.75-9.75kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 40
List price from: 925-6290
Hobart
Model/Series: AMX
Electrics kw: 10.8-19.8kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 70
List price from: 6590
Hobart
Model/Series: AMXR
Electrics kw: 10.8kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 70
List price from: 7090
Hobart
Model/Series: AUX
Electrics kw: 14.5-24.3kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 70
List price from: 7150
Hobart
Model/Series: AUXR
Electrics kw: 13.7kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 70
List price from: 7650
Meiko
Model/Series: DV40T
Electrics kw: 5.55kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 40
List price from: 5430
Miele
Model/Series: G7726
Electrics kw: 9.2-14.2kW
Racks square mm: 530
Max racks/hour: 31
List price from: 5754
Nelson
Model/Series: DW1000
Electrics kw: 30amp/1ph
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 2800
Peachman/DIHR
Model/Series: Gastro11S
Electrics kw: 7.2
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 3030
Pentland/Breakline
Model/Series: PL100
Electrics kw: 7.125kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 25
List price from: 2406
Project Distrib
Model/Series: T155
Electrics kw: 7.2kW(1or3ph)
Racks square mm: 500/550
Max racks/hour: 60
List price from: 2995
Valera/Adler
Model/Series: DS1200
Electrics kw: 7.1kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 30
List price from: 3999
Viscount
Model/Series: V55
Electrics kw: 10.2kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 55-60
List price from: 3350
Winterhalter
Model/Series: GS501
Electrics kw: 8kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 50
List price from: 4856
Zanussi
Model/Series: LS8
Electrics kw: 6.8kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 44
List price from: 4363
Zanussi
Model/Series: LS10
Electrics kw: 7.6kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 56
List price from: 4888
Zanussi
Model/Series: LS12
Electrics kw: 10.6kW
Racks square mm: 500
Max racks/hour: 66
List price from: 5299
Other warewashing equipment
Supplier sinks potwash large systems
Angelo Po
Sinks, potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
BGL Barret Gray
Sinks, potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Bonnet
Sinks, large systems (rack)
Buttress
Potwash
Classic
Sinks, potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Dawson/Comenda
Sinks, potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Dishwashers Dir
Sinks, large systems (flight)
Electrolux
Potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Elmwood
Sinks, potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Euro Catering
Sinks, potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Meiko
Sinks, potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Nelson
Sinks, potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Granuldisk
Potwash
Hobart
Potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Ind Wash System
Potwash
Parry
Sinks
Peachman
Potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Sissons
Sinks
Winterhalter
Potwash, large systems (rack)
Zanussi
Potwash, large systems (flight/rack)
Points to consider
- Machines must be easy to keep clean. Look for easy access to components like filters and wash/rinse arms and snag-free coved corners inside wash chambers. Consider flexible connections for water and waste services to facilitate regular cleaning behind machines
- An integral drain pump helps ensure fast, positive waste output. Some machines feature continuous filtration of wash water.
- The ability to select programme times, from 60 seconds to several minutes, may be useful if levels of soilage varies during the day.
- Scraping and rinsing ware prior to machine washing improves results so try and find space for a pre-wash sink adjacent to the machine.
- A machine's ability to meet claimed cycle times relates to total connected electrical loading. A machine which uses water from an adequately sized hot water boiler, if available, is likely to be faster and less energy-consuming than machines fed only with mains cold water.
- Low mains water pressure or insufficient water flow from an external boiler can prevent machines operating at specified throughputs. A rinse booster pump may rectify the problem.
- Putting in powder by hand is fiddly and mistake prone so it's worth obtaining an automatic dosing system, either through the machine supplier or a detergent company.
- All warewashing machines employ stainless steel but note that 304 grade is more resistant to corrosion than 430. Plastic components are becoming increasingly common and can help cut costs. Double skin casing should help reduce noise and heat emission; also consider hoods which fully enclose the wash operation on pass-through machines.
- Where machines are connected directly to the mains cold water supply, machines should, by law, be equipped to prevent the risk of water supply contamination by back-siphonage. This entails a designated Type A air-gap or break-tank. Warewashing installations should comply with the Water Supply(Water Fittings)Regulations 1999.
