5 Things to Look for When Buying a Commercial Dishwasher for a Care Home
When considering purchasing a new dishwasher for your care home, it's crucial to ensure it can efficiently handle washing dirty crockery at faster speeds than domestic appliances, while also being built to withstand continuous use. It's important to note that using domestic machines for business operations won't be covered by warranties, leaving you vulnerable to costs and inconveniences if issues arise.
Therefore, opting for a commercial dishwasher is advisable. Commercial dishwashers are designed to wash items quickly, typically completing a cycle in just 2 minutes, and they come with warranties that cover commercial use.
With various makes and models available, along with numerous features to consider, selecting the right machine can be daunting. Here are 5 essential features to consider:
1. Infection Prevention:
Preventing cross-infection is paramount in care environments. Look for commercial dishwashers capable of reaching a minimum final rinse temperature of 85°C, ensuring thermal disinfection to prevent cross-contamination. Dishwashers with a thermos-stop function continuously monitor the rinse boiler temperature, ensuring the machine won't complete the wash cycle until the 85°C temperature is achieved, thus guaranteeing compliance with disinfection regulations.
2. Temperature Monitoring:
Temperature control is critical for hygienically clean crockery. Choose a machine with digital temperature displays for accuracy and precise control. These displays are invaluable for logging wash temperatures or reporting them to Environmental Health Officers during inspections.
3. WRAS Approval:
Compliance with Water Supply Regulations is mandatory for any appliance connected to the public mains water supply, including commercial dishwashers. "WRAS Approved" status is granted directly by the Water Board Regulatory and Advisory Service, demonstrating compliance with legislation to water board inspectors. A WRAS-approved commercial dishwasher ensures full compliance with regulations and guarantees safe attachment to the UK water system.
4. Break Tank & Air Gaps:
Care homes fall under fluid category level 5, designating them as high-risk areas. It's a legal requirement for care home dishwashers to be fitted with a Break tank (or Type A/Type AB Air Gap). This safety feature, a physical air gap within the machine, prevents backfill of dirty water into the mains water supply in case of breakdowns or malfunctions, safeguarding water hygiene.
5. Effective Detergents:
Selecting the right detergents is crucial for optimal machine performance and hygienic wash results. Chlorinated detergents are recommended for care home settings and high-risk areas, as they act as additional sanitizers for thorough cleaning. Choose a machine with auto-dosing features to ensure consistent chemical usage, enhancing cleaning efficacy and minimizing wastage.
Conclusion:
Prioritizing these considerations ensures that the dishwashers selected for your care home meet stringent requirements for efficiency, hygiene, and regulatory compliance, ultimately contributing to the well-being and safety of residents and staff alike.
