Styles & Sizing of Commerical Dishwashers & Glasswashers

This guide is written to introduce the sizing and terminology used to describe the different types of ware washer available on the UK market to help you to select which category is best suited to your businesses particular requirements.

Glasswashers

Found In: Pubs, Bars, Restaurants

Glasswashers come in a range of sizes to fit 350mm to 500mm baskets designed to hold up to about 25 pint glasses. Glasswashers fitting a 350mm basket typically can hold 12 pint glasses and are ideal for pubs, bars and restaurants. Larger 400mm size glasswashers can often hold 16 pint glasses allowing for a slightly busier establishment. Glasswashers are often available with a standard 13amp UK plug so is simple to install and operate.

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Small Dishwashers (400mm Basket)

Found In: Coffee Shops, Small Bistro, Office Environments

Very similar to glass washers, but have a rotating upper wash arm and are generally placed in or on a work surface or in tight spaces. The most significant difference between smaller models and their more substantial equivalents is a restriction in clear entry height, preventing larger crockery items (such as big dinner plates) from fitting inside the machine door. However, they are ideal for snack plates, side plates and other crockery items such as saucers. They will typically have between a 1 and 4 minute wash cycle time that cannot be adjusted by the machine operator. Usually, you will only find them available with a standard 13 Amp UK plug as the power draw required to heat water is not sufficient to need hardwired connection.

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Large Dishwasher (500mm Basket) / Under Counter / Front Loading / Cabinet Dishwasher

Found In: Restaurants, Gastro Pubs, Clubs, Hostels, Church Village Halls

Very similar to glasswashers, but have a rotating upper wash arm and are generally placed underneath work surfaces or on dishwasher stands. They will often have between a 1-4 minute cycle time, which can be selected between two different variants by the operator, depending on soiling of the plates. The most significant difference between smaller options is that the increased clear entry height makes them capable of washing larger crockery items (such as a big dinner plate and serving platters). Typically, you will find them available with both 13 Amp UK Plug and various hard-wired power connections up to 30 Amp. This is because the increased washing capacity requires more power to heat a larger volume of water. They will tend to function quicker the higher the power rating. 

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Pass-Through Dishwasher / Hood Dishwasher

Found In: Restaurants, Hotels, Large Food Outlets, Schools

Allow loading and access to the wash tank via a lift-able hood rather than a front-loading door.  Typically each machine can be configured to work in either a 90-degree corner or straight through (against a wall) operation. Otherwise similar to large under counter machines in terms of washing output, the layout and design is more ergonomic to use and allows for loading of larger items and greater throughput This is why you will often hood washers installed into dedicated wash spaces with pre-wash and drying areas. Specialist sinks or entry and exit tabling is usually bolted to the machine sides to extend working spaces. 

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Utensil Washers / Tray Dishwashers / Pan Washers / Pot Washers

Found In: Large Hotels, Large Kitchens, Food Processing Centres, Catering Hire

Utensil dishwashers or as they are often known tray dishwashers, or pot washers are commonly used to clean bakery equipment and cooking utensils. Their increased entry height (and potentially larger basket sizes) allow larger items to enter the washing cabinet. They will often have a 1-8 minute cycle time to cater for heavily soiled items (when compared to standard dinner plates). Power configurations generally require a hard-wired connection to mains supply (either 30 Amp or 3 Phase) depending on the size of the machine and the desired operating speed. 

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Conveyor Dishwashers / Rack Dishwashers

Found In: Function Suites, Large Hire Companies, Canteens, University, Hospital, School

Often used to clean dishes, glasses and cutlery on a large volume scale. Baskets of dirty items are placed onto a conveyor system that then automatically pulls the washables through the washing system and deposits clean baskets onto exit tabling on the other side. Items are typically specified to a customer's requirements (in terms of sizing, capacity and functionality) before the manufacturer completes installation as part of a full washroom installation or refurbishment project.  

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