If you’re running a cafe, restaurant, or bar, you will need one of the best commercial dishwashers on the market. These fast-acting, reliable, durable, and performative appliances will deliver sparkling clean dishwashers so no customer is disappointed.
To create this list, we spent hours looking at real customer reviews, expert advice, and what other hospitality venues recommend. We studied each product in detail, analyzing their size, washing ability, and speed. After all, you need something that will suit your business and the pace at which you move.
Here are seven fantastic dishwashers to help you thrive.
- Useful sound alerts
- Cleans 30 racks an hour
- Low water consumption
- Independent washing for each drawer
- 49 decibel noise level
- Six wash cycles
- Durable stainless steel
- Less than two minute cycles
- Built-in booster heater
- Compact and portable design
- LED user-friendly display
- Quiet noise level
- Two-minute cycles
- Sanitizes every load
- Triple filter system catches residue
- Anti-scale feature removes buildup
- Peristaltic pumps distributes chemicals evenly
- Less clogs and leaks
- Has two dish drawers
- Independent wash feature per drawer
- Eco-friendly
Product Reviews
You want your business to succeed, which is why you need a commercial dishwasher. After researching real customer reviews and expert advice, we put together a list of our favorite commercial dishwashers. To simplify your shopping experience, we’ve written an in-depth review of each product, highlighting its pros, cons, and additional specs.
Here are seven powerful dishwashers to keep your business running smoothly.
Hobart LXER-2 Undercounter Dishwasher
Best Undercounter Dishwasher
This under-counter Energy Star stainless steel commercial dishwasher is a great option for your business.
It’s compact, which takes up minimal room in a kitchen since it can go underneath the countertops.
With the option to clean up to 30 racks an hour, it’s suitable for high-traffic businesses, cafes, and restaurants.
What We Like
Useful Alerts Sound When Needed
In busy kitchens, it’s a huge bonus that this dishwasher has alerts that catch your attention when you’re otherwise occupied. It’s a high-temperature dishwasher that alerts you if the water temperature is too low.
It also sounds alerts if the water is dirty, so you can sort that out before giving customers these dishes.
Lastly, it has a clogged wash arm notification, so you don’t have to troubleshoot many issues before discovering this.
Many Racks Per Hour
This dishwasher is super speedy, cleaning up to 30 racks an hour. That’s less than two minutes per cycle.
However, if you want to do more intensive washes, you can set this. The dishwasher will still manage 13 or 24 washes per hour, which is very beneficial.
Low Water Consumption
This dishwasher uses 0.62 gallons of water per cycle. This keeps the water usage low, but it’s still enough for super clean dishes to satisfy every customer.
Cleans Within Two Minutes
This dishwasher will deliver clean dishes in as little as two minutes. The longest cycle is 4.5 minutes which is also very speedy.
What We Don't Like
Low Capacity
It’s not the most spacious dishwasher in the world. It’s designed for six place settings, but depending on what kind of tableware is used, it can sometimes only hold four place settings with a few other pieces.
High Price Point
This is a super expensive dishwasher. Not every company can afford something so expensive.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 31 x 29 x 38 inches |
| Type | Undercounter |
| Wash Cycles | Three |
| Speed | Between 120-275 seconds |
| Gallons per Cycle | 0.62 gallons |
Our Ratings
Fisher Paykel DD24DAX9N Full Console Dishwasher
Best Double Drawer Dishwasher
This double-drawer dishwasher has two drawers that run independently. This allows you to wash half a load at once, running one while you load the other drawer. It’s a great way to save time over the day, especially in busy environments.
Customers love how easy this is to use. Even for those who aren’t big dishwasher fans, this is easy to open and close, and the top drawer ensures less bending while loading.
What We Like
Independent Washing for Each Drawer
This dishwasher essentially provides the functionality of two machines in one. Each drawer can run a distinct cycle, so you can simultaneously clean delicate glasses in one and heavy pots in the other.
Easy to Load
The dishwasher drawers open and close simply, like kitchen drawers. It’s easy to load, especially the top drawer, without much bending and leaning over. Great if you have back pain!
49 Decibel Noise Level
This unit is designed to run quietly, so it won’t interrupt your quiet evenings or kitchen conversations. Running at 49 decibels, this is similar to the sound of moderate rainfall.
Six Wash Cycles
You’re spoiled for choice with six varied wash cycles ranging from delicate to eco, giving you a tailored washing experience.
What We Don't Like
Powder or Liquid Only
The dishwasher works best with powder or liquid rather than tablets or packs. We know how convenient dishwasher tablets are, so keep in mind you’ll need to get into the habit of powder or liquid.
Fan-Assisted Drying Only
The dishwasher only uses fan-assisted drying, rather than heated drying. Customers found that the dishes were left quite damp after the cycle.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 37 x 26 x 25.5 inches |
| Type | Undercounter double drawer |
| Wash Cycles | Six |
| Speed | 60+ minutes |
| Gallons per Cycle | 3.44 (for both tubs at once) |
Our Ratings
Hobart LXEH-2 Undercounter
Best Sanitizing Dishwasher
Sanitizing dishes is vital, especially in commercial settings. You want to ensure that your customers aren’t prone to infection, bacteria, and germs.
That’s where this dishwasher comes in. It sanitizes, so you can rest assured that the dishes are as clean and germ-free!
This under-counter dishwasher easily fits underneath counters in hotels, pubs, restaurants, and other places. It’s a fantastic addition to your business, ensuring you have clean dishes delivered quickly.
What We Like
Durable Stainless Steel
With a fantastic durable stainless steel construction, this heavy-duty dishwasher has been built to stand the test of time. Since you’ll be using it multiple times daily, this five-star construction is essential.
Less than Two Minute Cycles
Get through 32 racks every hour due to the 109-second cycles. This is incredibly fast, so you’ll never be short on dishes, cutlery, or other tableware.
Built-In Booster Heater
We love how thoroughly this dishwasher cleans. With a built-in booster heater, this quickly raises the water temperature for super speedy sanitizing.
Double Filtration System
This dishwasher removes food residue and dirt from the wash water as the cycle goes on. You can rest assured that your dishes aren’t getting cleaned with dirty water.
What We Don't Like
Requires Filter for Hard Water Areas
If you live in a hard water area, you’ll need to get a filter for this separately. The hard water will make it more difficult to achieve sparkling clean dishes, but this model doesn’t include a filter.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 25.56 x 23.94 x 32.5 inches |
| Type | Undercounter |
| Wash Cycles | Not specified |
| Speed | 109 seconds cycle |
| Gallons per Cycle | 0.74 |
Our Ratings
Farberware Professional Countertop Portable Dishwasher
Best Budget Choice
This budget-friendly option is an ideal commercial dishwasher for small businesses. While not suitable for high-traffic cafes, this would work well for your staff in a small office, for example.
It has six place settings, so staff can put their daily dishes in here to be cleaned before they leave the office for the day. It saves precious time that could be spent doing important tasks during the work day. Of course, it would also be an excellent addition to a small cafe, used in conjunction with hand-washing dishes.
What We Like
Compact and Portable Design
This is a countertop portable dishwasher. You can easily move it from room to room or move it around when you redecorate the kitchen area.
It also sits on the countertop, taking not much more space than a microwave. This compact dishwasher means you have more space for other appliances.
LED User-Friendly Display
The nice, user-friendly display has simple controls that read different programs. You can easily select the proper washing cycle for your needs. There are many cycles, including eco, intensive, normal, glass, 90 minutes, rapid or self-cleaning.
Quiet Noise Level
The decibel rating isn’t specified, but customers say that it’s quiet. For a countertop dishwasher, that’s a big bonus! If you’re working in a small or quiet space, this won’t interrupt your focus.
Great for Small Homes
If you don’t like the sound of this for your workspace, what about using it at home? This dishwasher is an amazing addition to apartments, dorms, or RVs.
What We Don't Like
Small Capacity
Six place settings is fine for a couple of people, but this is not a good option for high-traffic businesses. Unfortunately, if you need a large commercial dishwasher, you’ll not be able to find one this budget-friendly.
Not Consistent Cleaning
You may need to pre-rinse your dishes, which is an extra step. The heavy cycle works really well for cleaning dishes, but it won’t do a good job if it’s too full.
Lastly, this isn’t the most effective on grease and grime. So if you’re serving grease-heavy foods like bacon, burgers, and hot dogs — this may not give you spotless dishes.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches |
| Type | Countertop |
| Wash Cycles | Seven |
| Speed | Between 45 and 110 minutes |
| Gallons per Cycle | N/A |
Our Ratings
Blakeslee High Temperature Glasswasher
Best Commercial Glass Washer
This under-counter glass washer is a must-have for bars, restaurants, and hotels. Anywhere that uses glassware, basically!
Not only will it clean your glassware safely and effectively, but it’s also compact and quite good-looking!
It has a newly designed control panel and a big loading capacity, all for a reasonable price.
What We Like
Two-Minute Cycles
On busy weekends, you need a dishwasher that can keep up with the pace of your hotel, restaurant, or bar. This is the one. With short two-minute cycles, clean up to 30 loads per hour, meaning you’re never out of glasses for thirsty customers.
Sanitizes Every Load
If you want to meet super high health standards, this is the glass washer to consider. It uses a 185°F rinse every wash to ensure the dishes are spotless and germ-free.
Triple Filter System Catches Food
The triple filter system is super practical, especially if you make cocktails at your business. The extra ingredients, fruit, and those cute little umbrellas now get caught in the triple filter system, so they don’t filter back into the dishwasher.
Reasonable Price
While it’s not cheap, it’s affordable for a commercial dishwasher. Especially when you compare it to other options.
What We Don't Like
No Silverware Basket
We can’t forget that many hot drinks come in a glass, such as lattes and hot chocolates. These come with a spoon — but unfortunately, this dishwasher doesn’t have a silverware basket for these utensils.
Magnet Closing Mechanism
This door closes on a magnet, which is fine but not very strong. Some customers found they had to replace the magnet every year or so. Not a big job, but it’s a nuisance.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 23.5 x 24 x 33.25 inches |
| Type | Glasswasher |
| Wash Cycles | Two |
| Speed | Two to three-minute cycles |
| Gallons per Cycle | 0.74 |
Our Ratings
Hobart LT1-1 Low Temp Door Type Dishwasher
Best Eco-Friendly Dishwasher
Eco-friendly dishwashers are important to businesses, especially if you’re already working on sustainability. This Hobart door-type dishwasher is Energy Star certified and only uses 1.7 gallons of water per rack during the cycle.
That’s not all that we love about this dishwasher. It’s excellent for heavy-traffic businesses because it can do 37 racks per hour! Each cycle is less than 90 seconds, so you can fly through the dirty dishes like never before.
What We Like
Anti-Scale Technology Removes Buildup
If you’re in a hard water area, you’ll be familiar with mineral buildup on your dishes. Thankfully, this de-scales during the cycles to eliminate limescale and other buildup. Customers will love their sparkling clean tableware.
Peristaltic Pumps Distributes Chemicals Evenly
This low-temperature dishwasher uses chemicals to clean and sanitize dishes rather than hot water. However, it has three peristaltic pumps. These have individual switches that automatically inject the right amount of chemicals for each cycle so that you don’t use too much or too little.
Thorough Washing Power
This dishwasher has revolving upper and lower ball-bearing rinse arms. Therefore, you get a thorough clean of all dishes since water is evenly distributed between all racks.
External Scrap Strainer Pan
This dishwasher automatically removes overflow water and food residue. It’s sent to the external scrap strainer pan, which self-flushes. This means fewer clogs and no chance of leaks!
What We Don't Like
Low-Temperature Uses Chemicals
While this is a bit more affordable due to being a low-temperature dishwasher, it’s still a drawback for some. It uses 140°F water, which doesn’t sanitize dishes on its own.
Therefore, you’ll need to use chemical cleaners, which also cost money. Plus, they’re not as kind to the environment.
One-Year Warranty
This is a pretty short warranty, even if it’s average for commercial dishwashers. After this, you can buy parts and do repairs yourself, but the parts and shipping are expensive.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 24 x 26 x 68 inches |
| Type | Door style |
| Wash Cycles | One |
| Speed | Less than 90 seconds |
| Gallons per Cycle | 1.7 |
Our Ratings
Fisher Paykel Professional Series Dishwasher
Most Quiet
This professional dishwasher is a quiet option to have in the kitchen. It goes down to 44 decibels, which is similar to the sound of washing your hands. So if your business is already on the quieter side, this won’t interrupt anybody’s flow.
Just keep in mind that this is better for small businesses that don’t have super high traffic. It doesn’t have the speedy cycles that other dishwashers have. In fact, the speed cycle is 46 minutes, and the normal cycles are over two hours long.
What We Like
Easy To Open ‘DishDrawer’
This dishwasher has two drawers, known as DishDrawer. These two drawers are easy to open and close, so all staff can easily stack the dishwasher.
You can also position them at bench height, so people don’t have to bend over too far. Finally, take advantage of the flexible racking, which allows you to customize certain elements of the racks to fit in a variety of dishes.
Independent Washing Cycles per Drawer
With this dishwasher, you can use the drawers together or independently. Now, you can select different wash programs for either drawer.
So in the top drawer, wash heavily soiled pots and pans. In the bottom drawer, wash delicate glasses.
Eco-Friendly and Energy Star Rated
Remember when we said that commercial dishwashers use around 4,000 kilowatts of energy per year? This one only uses 276!
With less than two gallons of water per drawer and an Energy Star rating, this is an environmentally friendly appliance for your business.
Sanitizing Wash Cycle
This has a few wash cycles, including a sanitization option that will kill 99.9 percent of bacteria during the final rinse. This is great if you are running a business or need to sanitize baby bottles.
What We Don't Like
Longer Cycles for a Commercial Option
As mentioned, the cycles on this dishwasher are longer, despite it being a commercial dishwasher. It is intended for smaller businesses with less traffic. The fast cycle is just under 46 minutes, whereas the other main cycles are all over two hours long.
Chaotic Control Panel
Customers have mentioned that the control panel has a mind of its own. It will make random decisions, have error messages when there aren’t errors, or automatically go on child lock, even if you haven’t clicked that. It can make it difficult to use this dishwasher.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 22.75 x 23.8 x 36.4 inches |
| Type | Undercounter |
| Wash Cycles | 15 |
| Speed | Between 46-145 minutes |
| Gallons per Cycle | Under four gallons |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Dimensions | Type | Wash Cycles | Speed | gal. per Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart LXER-2 Undercounter Dishwasher | Undercounter Dishwasher | 31 x 29 x 38″ | Undercounter | 3 | 120-275 s | 0.62 gal. |
| Fisher Paykel Dishwasher | Double Drawer Dishwasher | 37 x 26 x 25.5″ | Undercounter double drawer | 6 | 60+ min | 3.44 gal. |
| Hobart LXEH-2 Dishwasher | Sanitizing Dishwasher | 25.56 x 23.94 x 32.5″ | Undercounter | N/A | 109 s | 0.74 |
| Farberware Pro Countertop Portable Dishwasher | Budget Choice | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2″ | Countertop | 7 | 45 & 110 min | N/A |
| Blakeslee High Temperature Glasswasher | Commercial Glass Washer | 23.5 x 24 x 33.25″ | Glasswasher | 2 | 2-3 min | 1 |
| Hobart LT1-1 Low Temp Door Type | Eco-Friendly Dishwasher | 24 x 26 x 68″ | Door style | 1 | <90 s | 1.7 |
| Fisher Paykel Professional Series Dishwasher | Quiet | 22.75 x 23.8 x 36.4″ | Undercounter | 15 | 46-145 min | <4 gal. |
What Are Commercial Dishwashers?
Commercial dishwashers differ from regular dishwashers due to their speed. Most commercial dishwashers can do a load of dishes in less than a couple of minutes. That way, you’re never short on tableware for your customers.
Home dishwashers usually take between 1.5 and four hours — so commercial dishwashers are a must-have product.
Speed isn’t the only advantage of commercial dishwashers. They’re also easy to use so that all staff can master them without extensive training. These dishwashers also meet sanitary requirements, so you can adhere to high health standards.
Types of Commercial Dishwashers
Let’s look at the different types of commercial dishwashers, so you know the pros and cons of each kind. This way, you can narrow down the best type for your business.
Undercounter
Undercounter dishwashers don’t take up too much space, so they’re a good choice for smaller businesses. You can install them under a counter rather than finding a dedicated spot elsewhere in the kitchen. They look quite similar to home dishwashers but work faster and better.
Pros
- They can fit under the counter, so they are space-saving.
- They’re easy to install.
- They don’t take up important countertop space.
- Quite affordable.
- They work fast.
Cons
- They hold fewer dishes than other types of commercial dishwashers.
Door Style
Door style, or door-type, dishwashers have a big door that can remain open. Fill it up, slide it in, close the door, and a few moments later, you’ll have clean dishes.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Very fast.
- Great for busy kitchens.
- High capacity.
Cons
- They take up a bit of space.
- They use more water and energy than other types.
- Expensive.
Conveyor
This high-capacity dishwasher is great for larger businesses with high daily traffic. For example, it’s ideal for schools, hotels, and hospitals.
Pros
- High capacity.
- Cleans quickly.
- Powerful cleaning ability.
- Best for high-traffic businesses.
Cons
- They take up a lot of space.
- Most expensive type of dishwasher.
Glass Washer
Glass washers are great for bars since a lot of glassware needs washing. They are gentle on more fragile glassware like wine or crystal glasses.
Pros
- Best for bars that use glasses.
- Gentle on fragile glass.
- Works for other tableware.
- They come in a variety of styles.
Cons
- Not good for pots and pans.
- You may need this in conjunction with another commercial dishwasher.
High Temperature
You’ll also find high and low-temperature dishwashers. High-temperature dishwashers use high heat, which sanitizes dishes at 180°F. This meets health standards and keeps your business at its most hygienic.
Pros
- Most hygienic.
- Sanitizes dishes at 180°F.
- They don’t need to use harsh chemicals.
- Clean dishes really well.
Cons
- More expensive.
- They require more energy to run.
Low Temperature
Low-temperature dishwashers don’t get as hot, so they can’t sanitize dishes on their own. Instead, you must use chemical cleaners to ensure the dishes are bacteria-free.
Pros
- Less expensive.
- They use less energy.
Cons
- You have to use chemical cleaners, which are bad for the environment and drainage system.
- The harsh chemicals can damage certain types of dishes.
Going Low?
Key Features to Look For
Ready to take your business to the next level with one of the best commercial dishwashers? Here’s what to look out for so you find one that ticks all your boxes.
Size
Consider the dishwasher’s size and ensure you have space for it. Measure the dimensions to be sure it will fit. Undercounter dishwashers are the most space-saving, but we have one countertop version if you want something very small.
Type
What type do you need for your business? Choose between under-counter, door style, conveyor, glass washer, high temperature, or low temperature.
Versatility
If you’re running a restaurant, you’ll need one that’s versatile. Consider if the dishwasher can handle all types of tableware and cookware, including pots, pans, and delicate glasses.
Speed
Speed is arguably the most important factor of a commercial dishwasher.
How Fast Is a Commercial Dishwasher?
Many commercial dishwashers can clean dishes within 90 seconds, but some take longer. You’ll need something super quick if you run a high-traffic business. We’ll let you know how long each dishwasher takes per cycle.
Why Are Commercial DIshwashers So Fast?
They need to be fast, so chefs are never left waiting on clean dishes for customers.
Capacity
The capacity of the commercial dishwasher is so important. Some are smaller than others, so don’t choose one that can’t handle the large number of dishes you’ll have. Capacity is often measured in place settings, so look out for that.
Budget
Unfortunately, commercial dishwashers are a huge investment, often stretching into five-digit numbers. However, under-counter and glass washers are on the more affordable side.
We do have one budget-friendly option, but it is a countertop dishwasher and isn’t as fast as other appliances. But if you run a little cafe with a few tables and you handwash most dishes, this is still a great professional appliance.
Performance
Consider the dishwasher’s various features to get a good idea of how it will perform. Can it dry, as well as wash? What about sanitizing?
What Temperature Should a Commercial Dishwasher Be?
To sanitize dishes, the appliance should reach 180°F. However, if you’re going for a low-temperature dishwasher, the chemical cleaners will sanitize the dishes. So anything over the standard dishwasher temperature of 120°F is fine.
Eco-Friendliness
Consider the eco-friendliness of the dishwasher. Since you’ll be using it often, the more eco-friendly, the better for you and the environment.
How Much Electricity Does a Commercial Dishwasher Use?
It depends if the model is Energy Star rated. On average, an Energy Star-rated dishwasher will use around 4000 kilowatts of energy annually (1).
How Many Gallons of Water Does a Commercial Dishwasher Use?
Each model is different. Some use less than a gallon per cycle, but some commercial dishwashers use around 70 or 80 gallons per cycle, depending on the brand.
Warranty
Finally, look at the warranty. Because these are used commercially, a lot of damage can happen. Therefore, the warranties are usually pretty short, at around 12 months.
However, you can definitely take time to study different warranties to find one that’s more generous. Otherwise, make sure your appliances are insured!
FAQs
Can I Use a Commercial Dishwasher in My House?
You can use a commercial dishwasher in your house, but it isn’t recommended. Commercial models are more powerful and use higher water volumes. They are designed to run and run, unlike domestic models that might operate once or twice a day.
Do Commercial Dishwashers Need a Hood?
Commercial dishwashers do not need a hood unless it is an under-counter model. If so, it will require a vent hood.
Do Commercial Dishwashers Dry the Dishes?
Most commercial dishwashers dry the dishes thanks to a powerful flash dry feature. Drying the dishes saves time and effort, which is welcome in a busy commercial kitchen.
How Often Should a Commercial Dishwasher Be Cleaned?
You should deep clean your commercial dishwasher three times a year, but perform a descale at least once a week. Removing mineral deposits will ensure the efficiency of your dishwasher.
Can You Put Plastic in a Commercial Dishwasher?
You can put plastic in a commercial dishwasher, provided you don’t select the highest heat setting. You should also place the plastic on the top rack to reduce contact with heat.
How Long Do Commercial Dishwashers Last?
A commercial dishwasher should last for 15 or 20 years, depending on the usage and whether you have maintained it in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
