How to choose a commercial dishwasher

Why restaurants move to automatic dishwashers

Hand washing eats time and labor, gives inconsistent results, and strains hygiene during peak service. An automatic dishwasher delivers clean, fast-drying ware every cycle, cuts reliance on labor, and gives your team time back for service and the kitchen.

The three main types

Commercial dishwashers differ mainly by capacity and how racks are fed. Match the type to your size and pace:

• Undercounter — compact, fits under the counter; ideal for cafés, bars and small-to-medium venues (about 10–20 tables).
• Hood-type / Pass-through — higher throughput with continuous rack loading; for medium-to-large restaurants, hotels and hospitals.
• Conveyor — very high volume with automatic rack feeding; for canteens, factories and central kitchens.

Size it to your operation

Before choosing capacity, look at seats and customer turns per day, ware volume at peak, the ware mix (plates, glasses, trays, pots), and your space plus available water and power. These tell you which type and what capacity to choose.

Hot water and hygiene

A key advantage of commercial machines is the high-temperature hot-water wash and rinse, which removes grease and sanitizes far better than hand washing — consistently clean ware that meets professional kitchen hygiene standards.

Cost and value: buy or rent

Commercial machine prices span a wide range, from the low tens of thousands up to the low hundreds of thousands of baht, depending on type and wash capacity. Beyond the sticker price, weigh cost per cycle (water, power, detergent) and long-run labor savings together.

If you would rather not commit a large sum upfront, or want flexibility, renting lowers the initial outlay and usually bundles care. See our rental option as you decide.

Detergent and after-sales care

A good machine needs the right detergent and ongoing care. Use a machine-specific, low-foam detergent, and pick a supplier with real after-sales service, technicians and parts to minimize downtime.

In short

Choose from your real-world usage first, then look at specs and price, and never overlook the right detergent and after-sales service. The Streamwash team is glad to advise and help you choose, free.