Professional dishwashing

Dishwashers and dishwashing solutions for professional kitchens

Dishwashing is an essential part of the professional kitchen. It covers the whole chain of events from returning dirty dishes to storing clean ones, and includes washing, cleaning, moving and sorting. The result, i.e. clean dishes, is the sum of several elements. Knowing the factors that influence the washing result, choosing the right equipment and using and maintaining it correctly are essential for a successful outcome.

Goals for dishwashing in professional kitchens


The absolute cleanliness of the environment, tableware and cutlery is an integral part of a pleasant dining experience and is also defined by the authorities. The Nordic Food Recommendation is monitored in Finland by the Finnish Food Authority. The surface of the dish must be free of visible dirt and must not contain more than 100 microbes. The dishes must be dry. As a rule of thumb, dishes must be dry within one minute of being taken out of the machine.

The number and quality of the dishes to be washed give their own criteria for the dish handling. The circulation of the dishes must be efficient, safe and ergonomic for the workers. Hand-lifted loads, such as baskets and stacks of dishes, must not be too heavy. Low noise levels, good lighting, ventilation and the right working temperature are also essential for a pleasant working environment.

The goal of dishwashing is to produce clean dishes in the shortest possible time, in the most cost-effective way and in a pleasant working environment.

The kitchen is the heart of the home", they say. Even in professional kitchens, it is the hub of activity from which, like the heart, nourishment is pumped to customers through the dishes. In this metaphor, the dishwasher is the lungs that allow the kitchen to breathe.
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A well-functioning professional kitchen dishwashing department


The design of a dishwashing section should consider factors such as the type of kitchen, i.e. whether it is a restaurant, staff canteen, school or hospital, the number of diners, the number of dishes and utensils and the speed of circulation, the shape and materials of dishes, the space and access of the dishwashing section, and the time and cost of washing.

Dishwashing in a professional kitchen is a whole, of which the dishwasher is only one piece – though an important one. The dishwashing system includes returning dishes to the washing area, removing food waste, sorting and stacking dishes, washing, rinsing and drying, and storing and moving dishes to serving stations.

These activities are linked together in a continuous, flexible chain of operations. The solution model is always designed on a case-by-case basis.
 

Dishwashing uses a lot of water, electricity and detergents. Dishwashing choices can make a big difference to the environmental load in the kitchen.

Dishwashing choices can make a big difference to the environmental load in the kitchen.

Which dishwasher is best for your professional kitchen?


Dishwashers for professional use are divided into different categories. Sometimes choosing the right machine for your professional kitchen can be a challenge, as there are many different categories and  within each there are many different models. Choosing the right machine will serve its user best, so it pays to get to know the different alternatives and their features.

Undercounter dishwashers are a handy choice for small spaces such as bars and day-care centres, and are suitable for washing glasses and dishes. Hood-type dishwashers offer an ergonomic solution for medium and large professional kitchens. Pot washers are designed for large professional kitchens where large dishes and equipment parts are washed. Granule washers use biodegradable granules to remove stuck-on dirt and are suitable for heavy-duty washing needs. Rack conveyor machines are efficient capacity solutions for commercial kitchens, optimising water and energy use. Flight-type washers, on the other hand, are flexible, high-capacity machines that can be tailored to the customer's needs.

Read more about dishwasher categories

Read more about dishwashing

Blog: Dishwashing – the lungs of the kitchen

Dishwasher cleaning – clean machine, clean dishes

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