Welcome to our comprehensive guide on commercial dishwashers and glasswashers in the UK market. We’ll be equipping you with the essential knowledge and terminology you need to make well-informed decisions and choose the right commercial dishwasher or glasswasher for your establishment.
Whether you manage a pub, bar, or restaurant, getting a grip on the various styles and sizes available will enable you to optimise your operation and guarantee impeccably clean glassware and tableware for your customers.
GLASSWASHERS: ELEVATING GLASS CLEANING
Commercial glasswashers are indispensable equipment in establishments like pubs, bars and restaurants, where it’s likely you’ll need to clean a considerable volume of glassware efficiently.
These compact machines come in different sizes with 350mm, 400mm and 500mm baskets common. Our Speedwash SW45 Glasswasher also offers a 450mm basket option for a medium-sized alternative between the conventional 400mm and 500mm models. The basket's size determines the glasswasher's capacity, specifying the number of pint glasses it can accommodate.
Glasswasher capacity (approximate):
- 350mm basket – Up to 16 glasses
- 400mm basket – Up to 20 glasses
- 450mm basket – Up to 25 glasses
- 500mm basket – Up to 30 glasses
(Capacity may vary based on glass type)
With a standard 13 amp UK plug, these glasswashers boast straightforward installation and operation, bidding farewell to manual washing and welcoming a hassle-free glass cleaning experience.
SMALL DISHWASHERS (400MM BASKET): COMPACT CLEANING POWER
In situations where space poses a challenge, small dishwashers equipped with 400mm baskets, like the Advantage AD40 or Speedwash SW40, offer a space-saving solution.
These versatile machines are perfect for cramped kitchens, with a rotating upper wash arm to help guarantee thorough cleaning of snack plates, side plates and saucers. It's worth noting that the entry height may restrict the washing of larger crockery items, but with compact dimensions and the convenience of a standard 13 amp UK plug, small commercial dishwashers serve as an excellent choice for establishments with limited space.
LARGE DISHWASHERS (500MM BASKET): HIGH-VOLUME CLEANING POWERHOUSES
If you need a greater capacity and the ability to clean larger crockery items, large commercial dishwashers with 500mm baskets offer the ideal solution.
These under-counter, front-loading dishwashers come with the added advantage of accommodating bulkier items. They can be positioned conveniently under work surfaces or on dishwasher stands for added installation flexibility too.
With various wash cycle time options and power specifications, these large dishwashers are designed to meet the demands of high-volume operations.
We have an extensive range of 500mm commercial dishwashers including the Speedwash SW50, an affordable yet efficient undercounter dishwasher capable of handling up to 800 plates per hour. The Advantage AD50 incorporates cutting-edge water and energy-saving technology, minimising operational costs without compromising on performance. The Advantage range also introduces a compact version, the AD50 Compact, designed for bustling establishments that need the capacity of a 500mm dishwasher but have limited space.
PASS-THROUGH DISHWASHERS: EFFICIENCY AND VERSATILITY COMBINED
Pass-through dishwashers, sometimes known as hood dishwashers, are built with efficiency and versatility in mind. These models include a liftable hood which simplifies loading and access, and can be configured to operate in a 90-degree corner or straight-through setup, adapting seamlessly to varying kitchen layouts. They offer washing output similar to large under-counter machines, but pass-through dishwashers come equipped with ergonomic features and additional capabilities to handle bulkier items, ensuring enhanced throughput.
Our pass-through dishwasher range comprises three models. The Speedwash SW55 and Advantage AD55 can accommodate 500mm baskets and can wash up to 1200 plates per hour each. The Advantage AD60, our largest commercial dishwasher, accommodates a 600mm x 500mm basket and can wash up to 1440 plates per hour—a 30% increase compared to typical pass-through dishwashers.
UTENSIL WASHERS: TACKLING THE TOUGHEST CLEANING TASKS
When it comes to cleaning bakery equipment and cooking utensils, specialist machines like utensil washers, tray dishwashers, pan washers, and pot washers come into play. These appliances offer increased entry height and larger basket sizes to accommodate a broad range of utensils. With flexibility in cycle time and power configurations too, they can tackle even the most challenging cleaning tasks in commercial kitchens.
CONVEYOR DISHWASHERS: STREAMLINING LARGE-SCALE CLEANING OPERATIONS
For large-scale cleaning of dishes, glasses and cutlery, you need a conveyor dishwasher, also known as rack dishwashers. These machines employ a conveyor system that automates the washing and depositing of clean items. With customisable specifications tailored to individual customer needs, conveyor dishwashers offer unparalleled efficiency and productivity for high-volume operations.
Selecting the appropriate style and size of commercial dishwasher or glasswasher is essential for the seamless operation of your pub, bar or restaurant. Whether you opt for a glasswasher, small dishwasher, large dishwasher, pass-through dishwasher, utensil washer or conveyor dishwasher, the most important thing is to understand your options.
If you want to discuss the different types of commercial glasswashers and dishwasher, you can get in touch with us. We would be delighted to arrange a free site consultation to ensure that you select the best commercial dishwasher or glasswasher to meet your specific needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are the different sizes of commercial dishwashers available?
Commercial dishwashers come in various sizes, including 350mm, 400mm, 450mm, 500mm, and 500mm x 600mm baskets. These sizes cater to different capacity needs and space constraints in commercial kitchens.
2. How does the size of a commercial dishwasher impact performance?
The size of a commercial dishwasher impacts its capacity and ability to handle different types of tableware. Larger dishwashers (e.g., 500mm baskets) can accommodate bulkier items and higher volumes, enhancing productivity in high-volume operations. Smaller dishwashers (e.g. 400mm baskets) are ideal for compact spaces but may have limitations on the size of items they can clean.
4. What types of commercial dishwashers are best for small kitchens?
For small kitchens where space is limited, small dishwashers with 400mm baskets, such as the Advantage AD40 or Speedwash SW40, are ideal. These compact machines deliver efficient cleaning performance and fit well in tight spaces.
5. What are the advantages of using a larger commercial dishwasher?
Larger commercial dishwashers with 500mm baskets offer significant advantages, including greater capacity and the ability to clean larger crockery items. They are ideal for high-volume operations, providing efficient cleaning for bulkier items and enhancing overall productivity.
6. What are the power requirements for different sizes of commercial dishwashers?
Power requirements vary by size: small dishwashers typically use 13–16A single-phase, while larger models require 20–32A three-phase for higher performance. Some machines are configurable for either supply. Always match the machine’s amp rating to the site’s electrical capacity for safe, efficient operation.
7. How do you maintain a commercial dishwasher of different sizes?
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity of commercial dishwashers. This includes cleaning filters, checking spray arms, and ensuring the machine is free of limescale and debris. Read our Commercial Dishwasher Cleaning Guide for more information.