When it comes to purchasing catering equipment for a busy kitchen, efficient warewashing will always be high on the list of priorities, and there are a range of important factors that caterers must consider when deciding on a dishwashing solution.
There are several types of dishwashers, such as hood type machines, undercounter washers, and glass washers, which are each suited to different applications and levels of service. In this guide, we are going to look at rack type conveyor dishwashers, and the key considerations in finding the right one.
What is a conveyor type dishwasher?
Conveyor dishwasher machines are suited to large-scale applications, which makes them perfect for locations such as canteens, hotels, and hospitals. By moving baskets through the machine with an internal mechanism, rack type warewashers are highly adept at producing the highest standards of washing in high-volumes, marking them out as ideal for a range of catering situations.
High Performance
It goes without saying, but the most important factor in choosing a commercial dishwasher will always be performance. This incorporates how effectively wares are washed, the speed at which the machine operates, and how easy it is to use.
For example, Electrolux Professional’s green&clean Rack Type dishwasher is capable of washing 150 – 300 racks per hour, depending on the model. Plus, thanks to its CLEAR BLUE filtering system, plates, glasses and cutlery come out looking great and hygienically clean.
Furthermore, the green&clean’s touch screen interface ensures that it is easy to operate, programmed to display in up to 30 languages. With a series of simple animations and easy-to-access technical information guiding operators through the warewashing process, the results that are produced by this dishwasher speak for themselves.
Efficiency
The perfect dishwashing solution has to be efficient, in order to reduce running costs and minimise environmental impact. Given that commercial dishwashers are in use throughout the day, energy efficiency and water consumption are crucial considerations. That’s why opting for a cheap rack type dishwasher can often be a false economy, because the total cost of ownership ends up being much greater than a higher-quality model.
Capable of washing an entire rack with just one cup of water, Electrolux Professional’s green&clean rack type dishwasher is perfectly suited to providing a high level of efficiency. Combined with the fact that it uses 62% less detergent and rinse aid, it’s apparent that the environmental credentials of the green&clean rack type are significant.
It is also able to utilise the steam generated during the rinse cycle to provide ‘free’ energy, allowing it to run off a cold-water supply and therefore use less electricity. This substantially reduces running costs, ultimately delivering savings of over £3,000 per year, per machine*.
Local water quality
Another major consideration, and one which is often overlooked, is the type of water that is supplied to a premises. Hard water is prevalent across 60% of the UK, including much of Greater London and its surrounds.
If it is not addressed during the specification process, and subsequently left unchecked, it can quickly start to have a noticeable effect on finances.
This could be due to a mechanical failure, alongside increased running costs of the machine. The more scale that builds up on the heating elements, the more power the machine will require to heat up the water.
All Electrolux Professional conveyor dishwashers are available with a dedicated feature to equip them for operating with hard water and tackling its effects over time.
The automatic de-lime cycle, ZERO LIME, is a system which is intended to regularly clean the heating elements of the conveyor type dishwasher to rid them of any scale. If left unchecked, this would start to affect the warewasher’s ability to reach the temperatures required to offer a full and effective cleaning cycle.
Commercial Warewashing as a system
It is important to think of rack conveyor dishwashers as just one part of the overall system, with numerous pieces of equipment available to contribute to better wash results. For example, Electrolux Professional green&clean rack type dishwashers can be integrated with a number of different stainless steel dryers, providing a comprehensive warewashing solution.
Electrolux Professional also offers:
- 20 pre wash tables
- 17 roller conveyors
- 53 sorting table options
- A range of racks,
- and a whole host of other warewashing equipment and spare parts to streamline the operation.
By looking at commercial warewashing as an entire system, caterers can be assured of achieving the best possible wash results.
Maximising potential
The number of important factors that influence which commercial conveyor dishwasher to opt for can be daunting, which is why Electrolux Professional has created a complete buyer’s guide.
Another way to ensure that dishwashing solutions are used to their maximum potential is to engage with the training that is offered by manufacturers. Electrolux Professional’s Center of Excellence, in Luton, is the best way to get hands-on with machines, allowing caterers to familiarise themselves with the capabilities of modern warewashers.