Commerical undercounter dishwashing

[Chetlaham]

Starting this thread not to sidetrack another one, but for years have been mulling over getting a commercial machine. My thinking is if I can enjoy a commercial Speed Queen washer and Bunn Coffee maker (which are by far the best non vintage things I've used), why not a commercial dishwasher?

The question is, anyone have an idea which machine is the best overall? I notice the price varies between 2,500 and 7,500, but unsure why that is or if its worth it. Also is a pumped rinse better or a fill and wash type rinse?

I'm looking for a low temp machine (can use the existing 20amp 120 volt line), but not totally closed off to the idea of a high temp. Sump heater is a must. I plan on disabling the pumped detergent/rinse-aid/sanitizer and tossing in a packet instead.

 

[48bencix]

miele

How about this Miele. 240 volt but you could probably use the existing line with a new breaker. 25 minute cycle. $3799.00.

http://https//www.mieleusa.com/domestic/professional-dishwashers-3107.htm?mat=09310440&name=PG_8083_SCVi_-_208-240V

 

[Chetlaham]

Neat!

The line coming into the outlet box is a MWBC, so no issue with the wiring. I will research that machine further. This comes out cheaper, but how does it compare to the Meile longevity wise?

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/noble-warewashing-ul30-low-temperature-undercounter-dishwasher/495NOWFUL30X.html

 

[henene4]

Wanted to suggest that as well.

Tank machines for household use are highly inefficent. The whole filling and heating procedure takes far to long and far to much energy to run only 1 or 2 loads. Further household detergent dosen't properly work in a 60-120sec main wash.

These Mieles use commercial technology, but are tankless and can run normal cycles where needed...

 

[logixx]

Miele also sell 120V Pro machines but their cycles are longer at 58 minutes because the wash and final rinse are heated to 150F. The model linked above basically has all the features of the high-end domestic models but with beefier parts, rated for 7500 operating hours.

 

[Chetlaham]

Efficiency and time

Yahhh, Thats true. And those 60 seconds leave a lot to be desired. But what absolutely slaps me right back into desire is the durability and robustness. Commercial machines have so many vintage traits (including up to the fill flume on some models) that it really feels like buying a machine from back in time, brand spanking new. The first big arm Kitchenaids would be one of those that I have in mind.

Personally I think the only thing missing from commercial machines is a resi timer. All the other parts are there and well worth it. The detergent pumps are the only things thats over kill. Ideally something like a 16 minute prewash (start heavy), 4 minute rinse (start normal), 25 minute main wash, 2 minute rinse and a 5 minute final rinse with a 165*F thermal hold will get the job done 99% of the time. 30 second fills 1 minute drains as is now, 5 amp motor 12 amp heater as with most low temp models.

 

[superocd]

I think the closest you'd come to a commercial quality dishwasher would be a Hobart KitchenAid. Granted, they were never NSF certified for commercial use, but I'm sure that they'd hold up in smaller establishments (diners, coffee shops) where a tank machine would be overkill, if only the health codes approved them for commercial use. Hobart built them. They know how to build a dishwasher...There's a reason why Hobart is #1 in commercial dishwashing.

Unfortunately, true commercial appliances are just overkill for home use. An undercounted dishwasher would require 240v and possibly modifications to your plumbing system. Same with cooking and refrigeration. I'd love to have a nice, big McCall or Koch commercial fridge but it's too big, too noisy and guzzles energy. My Whirlpool French door is good enough, if not a little boring compared to a five-foot wide, three-door beast.

An attainable commercial appliance (beside Speed Queen) is a Sanitaire upright. Be sure to pick up a shakeout to F&G bag converter. Shakeouts are just as bad as bagless, but overall, your carpets will be nicely groomed and you likely will not have to buy another vacuum. Sanitaire uprights are rugged and hold true to "heavy duty commercial".

 

[gusherb]

A Bunn VP17 coffeemaker is an easily affordable commercial appliance as well. I've had mine 9 years and could see me having it well into old age, those things just don't wear/age in a resi setting.

If a day ever comes that there is not a single resi washing machine that turns out results I want I may go so far as to invest in a washer/extractor if it came to that.

I've looked into the under counter commercial Hobarts and can't see myself ever investing in one let alone what the energy use would be with a holding tank. I guess I'd have to shut the thing down in between uses. Maybe if they made a fill and wash DW and priced it around $3,000 I'd heavily consider investing in one. Market it as commercial but anyone in the know could use it for home use.