If you own or you're looking to open a restaurant, you will certainly need a commercial dishwasher. These dishwashers not only make your work easier but they also clean and sanitise your dishes according to established safety and sanitation standards. There are many different types of dishwashers available, from smaller under-the-counter models to utensil washers (for restaurants that are heavy on cutlery).

Before you decide on a commercial dishwasher to use, here are 4 of the most common models you can expect to see in the market.

1. Under-the-counter dishwashers

If you're just starting out and you need a flexible and convenient dishwasher to get the job done, you can't go wrong with an under-the-counter dishwasher. These dishwashers don't take up much space, but they still provide a powerful and sanitary wash.

You can modify water temperature for a hot, high-pressure wash or a lower temperature, chemically rich soak. Just because under-the-counter dishwashers are portable doesn't mean that they're not powerful. In fact, if you use racks for your dishes, these machines can handle over 20 racks per hour.

2. Conveyor dishwashers

For larger and more established restaurants, a conveyor dishwasher is the way to go. This unit consists of a conveyor belt that carries dishes through the washing and drying units of the machine. They contain multiple high-capacity water tanks to provide enough water for sanitation purposes. You also have advanced control over water pressure, temperature and the amount of sanitiser being used.

Conveyor dishwashers can handle over 100 racks per hour and work well for buffet locations, large cafeterias and restaurants with multiple entrée offerings.

3. Utensil washers

Is your restaurant heavy on pots, pans, forks and knives? For such locations, you need a commercial dishwasher that is optimised to thoroughly wash cutlery. The stains and food particles on forks, spoons and knives can be quite stubborn to remove.

Luckily, utensil washers are available to handle your silverware needs. Utensil dishwashers have specially modified water jets that can effectively spray down debris from tough-to-reach areas.

4. Door washers

If you're looking for a fully covered unit for your restaurant, door washers are the way to go. Suitable for smaller restaurants, these door-type units function automatically to clean one tray at a time. They conveniently fit in a corner of your establishment and can operate on both gas and electricity. You can also select from multiple chemical sanitizing solutions to ensure the cleanliness of your dishware.

If you're interested in seeing how other restaurant owners manage their dishwashing needs, visit a variety of restaurants—and you may as well eat while you're there!