Dish and glass washers get a pounding at Christmas – so the run-up to the festive season tends to be a time when many bars, hotels and restaurants install new machines. Whether the purchase is an upgrade or just because the old one has packed in, it’s important to get the right model for the site. If it’s too big it’ll get in the way and cost more to run, but if it’s too small the pressure will really be on as the dirty crocks and glasses pile up – and extra pressure is the last thing anyone needs at Christmas.
Classeq has put together these tips on choosing the right glass or dishwasher for Christmas.
All in one
With undercounter and pass through machines, check if they have everything in the one cabinet – often you’ll find that pumps, water softeners and detergent and rinse aid dispensers have to be fitted separately, especially with cheaper machines. It’s not always a problem, but it is much easier to fit ‘all-in-one’ models that have everything they need built in. They also take less space – a serious issue, especially with back bar models.
What size?
Work out how many glasses or dishes you need cleaned every hour at peak times, then check the capacities of the machines. Bear in mind that staff will need time to empty and load the machines – allowing two minutes for this means it will take five minutes for each load to be processed on a machine with a three minute wash cycle.
Water, power and chemical consumption
Running costs are going to keep going up, so check them before buying. Most manufacturers are trying to produce more energy- and water-efficient designs. For example, Classeq’s latest Hydro pass through dishwashers feature ‘full coverage’ filter systems that keep the wash water cleaner for longer, so it doesn’t need changing as often. This makes the Hydro energy efficient, since fewer changes mean less power is required for heating the water, and it reduces chemical consumption, too. Which means the new Hydro keeps fuel and detergent bills as low as possible.
Easy does it
Warewashing is often done by the least skilled workers – so check that the glass or dishwasher is easy to use. Just as important is to ensure it’s easy to keep clean – some machines clean themselves, which is a major bonus. For example, Classeq’s Hydro pass through has a wash chamber formed from a sheet of folded steel, so there are no dirt traps and cleaning is quick and easy. The continuous hood cleaning system ensures the interior is always spotlessly hygienic, while the automatic self-drain and clean-down programme, together with the self-draining wash pump, ensures no dirty water is left in the machine at the end of the day.
Spares and service
Make sure that the brand you choose has a good availability of spares in the UK. Some imported warewashers, especially from the Far East, can have serious problems in this area. If in doubt go for a British manufacturer (like Classeq) or a European one with a UK sales and service office.
Undercounter, pass-through or multi tank?
If in doubt about what sort of dishwasher to buy, get in an expert to give advice. Ideally, get in more than one to compare different options. A warewasheris a long-term purchase – getting it wrong could mean years of problems. Get it right and it should give years of trouble-free, economical cleaning.
Water Regulations
The warewasher needs to comply with all appropriate water regulations.
Classeq is the affordable warewasher brand and is manufactured in the UK. The comprehensive range of machines includes under-counter, pass-through and automatic rack systems. Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors: everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service. For information on the Classeq range of glass and dishwashers, including details of your nearest stockist, visit www.classeq.net, call 0870 224 7280 or email sales@classeq.co.uk.