Buying Guide: Door Type Dish Machines
Last updated on October 3rd, 2023 at 02:57 pm
Door type dish machines are the most popular style dish machine sold on the market and are used by a wide variety of food service establishments. Door type dish machines are available in two styles, including chemical or low temp dish machines, and high temp dish machines.
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) approves both types for the commercial foodservice industry and provides specific standards for temperature ranges and chemical solutions to ensure the proper cleaning and sanitation of pots, pans, and utensils. Let’s take a deeper dive into both types of dish machines and review their standard features and tips for purchasing a pass through machine for your establishment.
Low-temp/Chemical Dish Machines
Low temp chemical door type dish machines utilize three types of chemicals that are dispersed via three separate chemical pumps. These chemicals include a liquid detergent for the wash cycle, a rinse aid for spots, and a sanitizing chemical for final sanitation. Low temp chemical machines require an incoming water temperature of 120 to 140 degrees for each of the cycles. While the chemical pumps will arrive from the factory pre-set for the correct amount of chemical solution for each cycle, they can be field adjusted as needed. Cycle times for low-temp chemical dish machines average 60 to 90 seconds per cycle and can run 37 to 60 dish racks per hour.
Low temp chemical dish machines are ideal for leased locations that have limited access or prohibit you from installing an exhaust system and condensate hood.
High Temp dish machines also utilize a liquid detergent and a rinse aid. However, they use a high temperature for sanitation in the final cycle, unlike the low temp machines which use a sanitizing chemical. Cycle times for high temp machines average 58 seconds per cycle and can accommodate up to 60 dish racks per hour.
High temp door type dish machines feature a built in booster heater and tank that raises incoming water temperatures to 180 degrees during the final rinse cycle to achieve proper sanitation. Boosters are available in either a 40 or 70 degrees. It’s important to specify the booster size when you’re purchasing a dish machines as 40 degree boosters require an incoming water temperature of 140 degrees, while 70 degree boosters only require an incoming water temperature of 110 degrees to reach the final required rinse temperature.
Keep in mind that high temp dish machines do not come with chemical pumps, so you’ll need to contact a chemical company to provide the pumps and chemicals. Typically pumps are supplied with no charge upon an annual chemical supply contract.
Most state and local codes require a Class II Condensate Hood above high temp dish machines to exhaust the steam produced during the cycles. After you’ve made your purchase, you’ll need to contact a licensed plumber to install the water and drain lines as well as a HVAC contractor to install the vent duct, condensate hood, fan curb and exhaust fan.
Standard features for both low and high temp dish machines include the following:
- Type 304 stainless steel base legs, cross braces, front and side panels for durability and corrosion resistance.
- A stainless steel ¾ horse power water pump housed in the lower frame for the fill and dump cycle and a removable perforated stainless steel strainer for residual food by products.
- Removable stainless steel rack slides and stainless steel upper and lower wash rinse arms. These arms are interchangeable and are easily removable without the use of tools.
- Spring assisted doors that lift simultaneously.
- Easy field conversion from straight pass through to corner style.
A couple of final shopping notes: Door type dish machines require a dish table or soil table with a scrap sink for pre-rinsing utensils, as well as clean tables for utensils exiting the machine. Make sure you measure your warewashing area to ensure you’re purchasing the proper size. Finally, door type dish machines do not feature a cord and plug. You will need a licensed electrician to hard wire the dish machine to the buildings power source.
