The Essential Role of Undercounter Dishwashers in Foodservice
When it comes to foodservice equipment, undercounter dishwashers play a crucial supporting role. While they might not be as prominent as ovens, broilers, or blenders, their contribution to the overall performance of a kitchen is invaluable.
Compact and Efficient
Tucked under counters, these machines may seem understated compared to their larger conveyor or door-type counterparts. Yet, for many small foodservice operations like coffee shops, bars, and small restaurants, undercounter dishwashers are indispensable. They consistently provide load after load of sanitized, spotless plates and crystal-clear glassware, making them essential in space-limited environments.
Innovations in Undercounter Dishwashers
If you haven’t purchased an undercounter dishwasher in the past five years, you'll find that the latest models are packed with new features designed to enhance efficiency and offer a substantial return on investment. Modern undercounter dishwashers now boast higher throughput, thanks to innovations like dual-rack systems and improved energy efficiency that meets the updated Energy Star criteria. These advancements not only tackle soiled plates and sticky glassware but also address labor challenges by being easier to use and maintain, reducing the need for extensive training.
Achieving a New Level of Clean
Unlike standard residential dishwashers, which have both upper and lower racks, commercial undercounter dishwashers traditionally offered only one level due to the difficulty of achieving a thorough clean in the short wash cycles typical of commercial machines. However, recent advancements have led to the introduction of dual rack undercounter dishwashers by two manufacturers, promising increased throughput and labor efficiency with fewer loads. Some models can clean up to 48 racks per hour, offering some of the fastest throughput rates in the industry. When considering a dual-rack machine, assess whether your ware volume justifies the additional capacity.
Performance and Certification
Some competitors remain skeptical about the efficacy of dual-rack dishwashers, though these new models have passed NSF’s rigorous cleaning requirements, including the buttermilk test, which evaluates the machine's ability to remove dried buttermilk from plates and glasses. This certification ensures that the dishwashers meet the high standards for sanitation and cleaning set by NSF/ANSI Standard 3 for Commercial Ware washing Equipment.
Energy Efficiency
Today's Energy Star-certified dishwashers are more efficient than ever, adhering to the stringent Version 3.0 requirements that went into effect in July 2021. These standards have significantly reduced the idle energy consumption limits and introduced a new wash energy metric. Although Energy Star-certified models typically come with a higher price tag, they offer savings on energy and water usage over time. Some utility companies even offer rebates for these energy-efficient models.
Innovative heat recovery technologies in some models recycle steam energy to preheat incoming rinse water, enabling ventless operation and eliminating the need for a hot water supply. This technology, which reduces steam exposure for crewmembers and improves guest comfort in customer-facing settings, has been available for about a decade and is now more widely offered.
User-Friendly Features
Manufacturers continue to enhance user-friendliness and maintenance ease in their dishwashers. Features like intuitive touch screens and automatic fill capabilities make operations simpler. Some models now alert operators when it’s time to delime the machine based on usage and water hardness and offer delime cycles or auto-delime functions to ensure proper maintenance without manual intervention.
Built-in diagnostics for troubleshooting and displays that show temperature and cycle times further aid in the efficient operation and maintenance of these machines. Some manufacturers even offer apps that monitor temperature, water, and chemical consumption, providing alerts and troubleshooting assistance.
Choosing the Right Undercounter Dishwasher
Before specifying an undercounter dishwasher, ensure it's the right fit for your operation's needs. Here are six key specifications to consider:
Capacity: Determine how many racks you need to clean per hour during peak times. Options range from 24 to 48 racks per hour.
High-temp vs. low-temp: High-temp machines use a 180°F rinse to sanitize, while low-temp machines use chemicals. Each has its pros and cons, and the choice often depends on your facility’s electrical capacity.
Gravity drains vs. pump drain: Choose a gravity drain if the drain is below the dishwasher's outlet. Otherwise, opt for a pump drain.
Size: Most units are 24 inches wide and 25 inches deep, but height can vary. ADA-compliant models are available for lower countertops.
Items being washed: Consider your specific needs, such as a cycle for pots and pans or a soft start for glassware.
Construction: Double-wall construction offers extra insulation for quieter and cooler operation, important for front-of-house placement.
A well-constructed and maintained undercounter dishwasher can serve your operation for 10–15 years or more, ensuring load after load of sparkling clean wares. When choosing an undercounter dishwasher, carefully consider your specific needs and the features that will provide the most benefit to your operation.
Undercounter dishwashers may not always be the star of the kitchen, but their behind-the-scenes contributions are critical to maintaining a smooth, efficient, and hygienic foodservice operation. By staying updated on the latest advancements and choosing the right model for your needs, you can ensure your kitchen continues to shine.
