Picture this: Your busy restaurant kitchen is slammed during the dinner rush. Dishes are piling up faster than your staff can wash them by hand. A slow, unreliable dishwasher can quickly turn a successful night into a stressful mess. Choosing the right commercial undercounter dishwasher is not just about cleaning plates; it’s about keeping your entire operation running smoothly and efficiently.
Many business owners face a tough time navigating the confusing world of commercial dishwashers. Do you need high-temp or low-temp? How fast must it wash? Getting these details wrong means wasted time, higher utility bills, and, worst of all, unhappy customers. You need a machine that works hard, cleans perfectly, and fits right under your counter space without breaking the bank.
This post cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what you need to look for, from washing power to energy use, ensuring you select the perfect undercounter workhorse for your business. Get ready to stop worrying about dirty dishes and start focusing on serving great food.
Top Commercial Undercounter Dishwasher Recommendations
- SPACIOUS BASKET: There is the large sized 20”x20” square basket glass washer that is designed specifically for glassware. This will help you to protect the important glass items you place inside.
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The glassware dishwasher includes stainless steel wash and rinse arms (top and bottom), high temperature boosters, easy to use digital controls and water consumption as low as 1/2 gallon of water per cycle on most models.
- 2 MINUTES WASH CYCLES: This glass washer machine takes 2 minutes from start to finish, and both the detergent pump and the rinse aid dispenser will help you in great ways to make sure that you are working with a high quality machine.
- WASH AND RINSE TEMPERATURE THERMOMETERS: The thermocontrol device included in the glasswasher will keep the temperature at the right place even with nonstop work, and the extractable control panel will give you access to everything you need when using it.
- REMOVABLE CONTROL PANEL: An extractable control panel comes standard for an easy maintenance. Includes two baskets for glasses, one saucers insert and two cutlery containers for your convenience.
- WARNING: 208V-240V voltage 3-phase operation, Can be changed into 1-Phase Configuration by electrician. need electrician to install which may cost high. Processes up to 30 racks per hour with 120/150/180 second wash cycles for efficient commercial dishwashing operations
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Digital temperature displays with wash temperature of 140°F and rinse temperature of 180°F for optimal cleaning performance
- EFFICIENT DESIGN: Double-skin body and door construction with rotating stainless steel wash arms featuring wide-angle fan nozzles for superior cleaning
- WATER EFFICIENT: Uses only 0.66 gallons per cycle with pumped rinse system, perfect for commercial kitchens looking to minimize water consumption
- COMMERCIAL SPECS: 12-inch clearance height, compact dimensions of 24.61"x25"x32.1", with chemical dispensers included. 1-year all-parts and 1st month labor warranty Note: our warranty does not cover all equipment used in food trucks, trailers, boats, residential addresses, islands, or built-in decorations.
- The Overall dimension is 24"Length X 25"Depth X32"Height, weighted 158Lbs. Useable chamber height of 12″. Low 0.66 Gallons per cycle rinse volume dish/glasswasher. Double skin body and door- avoiding loss of energy/ steam. Maximum capacity is 30 Racks/H.
- EASY-TO-USE: electronic controls with 3 cycles-120,150&180 seconds. Digital temperature gauges Suitable for all dish & glass washing applications. It used 208-240V electricity, either single-phase or 3-phase can be used, booster power is 2.5Kw.
- Rotating stainless steel wash & rinse arm with WIDE ANGLE FAN nozzle to maximize wash & rinse performance. Wash pump inlet strainer to ensure machine reliability
- Includes chemical dispensers, fill hose, drain hose for quick & easy installation, it also come with Cavity Drain and Pumped rinse system.
- 【Warranty & Shipping】We offer 1 year parts warranty and 1 year labor warranty. You can apply for Free Return for functional failures within 1 month. Please keep the pallet and package material when receiving the freight - you will need them for return.
- Compact Design: With dimensions of 22 11/16"W x 24"D x 32 5/16"H, this undercounter dishwasher fits snugly into smaller spaces, making it perfect for tight kitchen configurations or limited countertop areas.
- High Temperature Sanitizing: Utilizing high temperature sanitizing, this dishwasher ensures thorough cleaning and sanitation of dishes and utensils, meeting stringent NSF standards for cleanliness and hygiene.
- Efficient Performance: Capable of handling up to (24) racks per hour, this dishwasher offers efficient throughput, making it suitable for moderate-volume commercial settings where consistent washing is required.
- User-Friendly Features: With delime notification and cycle, service diagnostics with error notifications, and a soft start function, this dishwasher simplifies operation and maintenance, reducing downtime and ensuring smooth workflow.
- Integrated Pumps: Equipped with detergent and rinse aid pumps, this dishwasher streamlines chemical dispensing, ensuring precise detergent and rinse aid application for optimal cleaning results. Additionally, it ships with (1) peg rack and (1) combo rack, providing immediate usability upon installation. Furthermore, it holds cULus and NSF certifications, affirming its compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
- SPACIOUS BASKET: There is the large sized 16”x16” square basket glass washer that is designed specifically for glassware. This will help you to protect the important glass items you place inside.
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The glassware dishwasher includes stainless steel wash and rinse arms (top and bottom), high temperature boosters, easy to use digital controls and water consumption as low as 1/2 gallon of water per cycle on most models.
- 2 MINUTES WASH CYCLES: This glass washer machine takes 2 minutes from start to finish, and both the detergent pump and the rinse aid dispenser will help you in great ways to make sure that you are working with a high quality machine.
- WASH AND RINSE TEMPERATURE THERMOMETERS: The thermocontrol device included in the glasswasher will keep the temperature at the right place even with nonstop work, and the extractable control panel will give you access to everything you need when using it.
- REMOVABLE CONTROL PANEL: An extractable control panel comes standard for an easy maintenance. Includes two baskets for glasses, one saucers insert and two cutlery containers for your convenience.
- Integrated Pump System: Equipped with detergent, rinse aid, and sanitizer pumps, along with a chemical sensing indicator for sanitizer, this dishwasher streamlines chemical dispensing and monitoring, ensuring precise and consistent chemical application for optimal cleaning results. Additionally, it ships with (1) peg rack and (1) combo rack, providing immediate usability upon installation.
- Convenient Maintenance Features: With delime notification and cycle, service diagnostics with error notifications, and a soft start function, this dishwasher simplifies maintenance and operation, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth workflow.
- Sanitizing Options: Featuring low temperature chemical sanitizing, combined with a fresh water rinse, this dishwasher ensures effective sanitation while conserving energy.
- Efficient Cleaning Performance: Capable of processing up to (24) racks per hour, this dishwasher offers reliable cleaning performance, making it suitable for moderate-demand environments where consistent washing is essential.
- Compact and Space-Saving Design: With dimensions of 22-11/16"W x 24"D x 32-5/16"H, this undercounter dishwasher is space-efficient, fitting neatly into compact kitchen spaces or undercounter installations, optimizing available space.
- Fagor - CO-402W - Evo Concept High Temp Undercounter Glasswasher
- Evo Concept High Temp Undercounter Glasswasher
- Fagor
- CO-402W
- SPACIOUS BASKET: There is the large sized 16”x16” square basket glass washer that is designed specifically for glassware. This will help you to protect the important glass items you place inside.
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The glassware dishwasher includes stainless steel wash and rinse arms (top and bottom), high temperature boosters, easy to use digital controls and water consumption as low as 1/2 gallon of water per cycle on most models.
- 2 MINUTES WASH CYCLES: This glass washer machine takes 2 minutes from start to finish, and both the detergent pump and the rinse aid dispenser will help you in great ways to make sure that you are working with a high quality machine.
- WASH AND RINSE TEMPERATURE THERMOMETERS: The thermocontrol device included in the glasswasher will keep the temperature at the right place even with nonstop work, and the extractable control panel will give you access to everything you need when using it.
- REMOVABLE CONTROL PANEL: An extractable control panel comes standard for an easy maintenance. Includes two baskets for glasses, one saucers insert and two cutlery containers for your convenience.
The Essential Buying Guide for Commercial Undercounter Dishwashers
Choosing the right commercial undercounter dishwasher is crucial for any busy kitchen. These machines clean dishes fast, keeping your restaurant, cafe, or bar running smoothly. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Several features make a commercial dishwasher great. Pay close attention to these:
- Cycle Time: This is how long one wash cycle takes. Faster cycles mean you wash more dishes quickly. Look for models that finish a cycle in 1 to 3 minutes.
- Wash Temperature and Rinse Temperature: Commercial dishwashers use high heat to sanitize dishes, not just clean them. Ensure the machine reaches sanitizing temperatures (usually around 180°F or 82°C for the final rinse).
- Water Consumption: Efficient machines save money on utility bills. Check the gallons of water used per rack. Lower is better.
- Detergent and Rinse Aid Dispensers: Automatic dispensers ensure you use the perfect amount of chemical every time. This improves cleaning quality and saves product.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the machine directly impacts how long it lasts and how well it cleans.
Improving Quality
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel bodies last much longer than plastic ones. Stainless steel resists rust and handles the constant heat and moisture well.
- Powerful Pumps: Strong water pumps ensure that jets hit every corner of the dish rack, removing tough food debris.
- Advanced Controls: Digital displays and programmable settings allow you to customize cycles for different soil levels.
Reducing Quality (Watch Outs)
- Lightweight Components: If the door or internal racks feel flimsy, the machine might break down sooner under heavy use.
- Poor Insulation: Machines with bad insulation waste energy and can make your kitchen hotter.
- Complex Repairs: Some cheaper models use proprietary parts that cost a lot to replace when they break.
Important Materials
The materials used define the durability of your purchase.
Stainless Steel: This is the gold standard for the wash chamber and exterior panels. It resists corrosion from harsh detergents and high heat. Always prioritize stainless steel for the main components.
Boiler Type: Some units heat water in an external boiler, while others heat the rinse water instantly (tankless). Boilers are reliable but take up more space. Tankless units offer very fast recovery but might need a strong incoming hot water line.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the machine matters when making your selection.
Ease of Use
A good undercounter dishwasher should be simple to operate. Staff should load the rack, push one button, and remove clean dishes quickly. If the controls are confusing, staff might run cycles incorrectly, leading to poor cleaning or wasted time.
Common Use Cases
- Bars and Small Cafes: These locations prioritize speed. A 60-second cycle is perfect for glasses and small plates.
- Small Restaurants: These need flexibility. Look for models that handle both light loads (like dessert plates) and heavier loads (like greasy pots, though large pots usually need a conveyor machine).
- Hotels/Catering Prep Areas: Reliability is key here. These kitchens run long hours, so a machine known for its long lifespan is essential.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Commercial Undercounter Dishwashers
Q: What is the main difference between a residential and a commercial dishwasher?
A: Commercial dishwashers clean much faster, usually in under three minutes per rack. They also sanitize using high heat, which residential models often do not.
Q: Do I need special plumbing for these machines?
A: Yes. They need a dedicated hot water line, a proper drain, and often a specific electrical connection. Check the manual for voltage requirements before buying.
Q: How much space do I need underneath the counter?
A: Most standard models fit in an opening about 34 inches high, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. Always measure your space first!
Q: What is “Sanitizing” versus “High-Temp”?
A: High-temp units use very hot water (usually 180°F or more) during the final rinse to kill germs. This is the standard for commercial food safety.
Q: Can I use regular dishwasher soap?
A: Absolutely not. You must use commercial-grade, low-foaming detergent designed for high-pressure machines. Regular soap creates too much foam and will damage the pump.
Q: How often should I clean the filters?
A: You should clean the filters daily, or even between busy shifts. Dirty filters slow down draining and cause food particles to stick to clean dishes.
Q: What is a “booster heater”?
A: A booster heater is an extra element that ensures the incoming water reaches the required 180°F for the final rinse, even if your building’s hot water isn’t hot enough.
Q: What are the noise levels like?
A: They are usually loud because they use powerful pumps. If the machine is near a dining area, look for models specifically rated for low noise output.
Q: What does “Energy Star” mean for a commercial unit?
A: Energy Star certification means the dishwasher meets strict guidelines for saving water and energy compared to standard models. This saves you money over time.
Q: How long should a good undercounter dishwasher last?
A: A well-maintained, high-quality stainless steel unit should last between 5 to 10 years with daily heavy use.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!