Understanding the Different Types of Commercial Dishwashers:
Which One Is Right for Your Restaurant?
When it comes to back-of-house efficiency, few decisions matter more than choosing the right commercial dishwasher. In busy service hours, the right machine keeps your kitchen running smoothly; the wrong one slows everything down.
Here’s a breakdown of the four main types of commercial dishwashers, their pros and cons, and which type of foodservice operation they’re best suited for.
1. Undercounter Dishwashers
Best for: Small cafes, coffee shops, juice bars, and light-use kitchens
Similar to residential units in appearance but designed for commercial workloads, undercounter machines are compact and efficient.
Why Choose It:
✅ Fits under counters, saves space
✅ Ideal for operations with limited dish volume
✅ Quick cycles (1–3 minutes per rack)
Limitations:
⛔ Not ideal for heavy soil or high-volume use
⛔ Frequent manual loading/unloading required
🛠 Tip: Great for boutique operations or as a secondary unit in larger kitchens.
2. Hood-Type (Pass-Through) Dishwashers
Best for: Full-service restaurants, bistros, bakeries, pizza shops, and mid-volume kitchens
These machines are the workhorses of most commercial kitchens. Dishes are placed in racks and passed through the machine under a hood that lifts for loading and unloading.
Why Choose It:
✅ Fast and efficient (up to 60–90 racks/hour)
✅ High-temperature options sanitize without chemicals
✅ Works well with dish tables and pre-rinse stations
Limitations:
⛔ Requires more space than undercounter units
⛔ May require ventilation or a heat recovery hood
🛠 Tip: For restaurants with steady dine-in service and moderate turnover, this is often the most practical option.
3. Conveyor Dishwashers (Rack Conveyor or Flight-Type)
Best for: High-volume operations like buffets, school cafeterias, banquet halls, and hospital kitchens
These machines offer continuous washing with racks or trays moving through the unit on a conveyor system, from dirty to clean zones.
Why Choose It:
✅ Handles 100+ racks per hour
✅ Multi-stage washing: pre-wash, main wash, rinse, and optional drying
✅ Can be integrated into a full dishwashing line
Limitations:
⛔ Higher upfront cost
⛔ Requires significant floor space and proper utility connections
🛠 Tip: Ideal when dish volume is measured in thousands per day. A must-have for institutional foodservice.
4. Glass Washers
Best for: Bars, wine bars, breweries, and cafes serving glassware-heavy menus
Designed specifically for delicate glassware, these units use lower pressure and shorter cycles to clean efficiently without damaging fragile items.
Why Choose It:
✅ Short cycle times (90 seconds or less)
✅ Protects delicate stems and etched glass
✅ Compact size fits easily under bar counters
Limitations:
⛔ Not designed for plates, utensils, or heavy-duty cleaning
⛔ May require a separate unit for dishes
🛠 Tip: If beverage service is central to your business, a dedicated glass washer improves turnaround and presentation.
Quick Comparison: Which Type Is Right for You?
| Dishwasher Type | Best For | Capacity & Efficiency | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercounter | Low-volume cafes, light dish loads | 20–30 racks/hour | Coffee shop with 30–50 covers/day |
| Hood-Type | Mid-size restaurants | 60–90 racks/hour | Pizza shop or bakery with dine-in traffic |
| Conveyor | High-volume institutional foodservice | 100–300+ racks/hour | University or hotel kitchen with 500+ covers |
| Glass Washer | Bar or glassware-intensive environments | 30–60 racks/hour (glass only) | Cocktail bar with constant drink service |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right commercial dishwasher is not just about cleaning dishes — it’s about matching your machine to your workflow. Think about:
Your peak-hour volume
The size and layout of your kitchen
What kind of items you’re washing (plates? pans? glasses?)
Whether staff training and downtime are key concerns
How much you’re willing to invest upfront vs. long-term savings
An informed choice can cut utility bills, reduce labor costs, and keep your team focused where it matters: serving great food.
If you’re still unsure which dishwasher is right for your restaurant, feel free to get in touch. We can help you assess your kitchen needs and recommend a solution that’s built for your business.
