Running a restaurant means dealing with heavy volumes of dishes daily — and choosing the right commercial dishwasher is crucial for keeping your kitchen running smoothly. But with so many models and brands on the market, how do you know which one suits your needs?
In this guide, we break down what you need to consider before buying a commercial dishwasher, and compare top-rated models from trusted brands like Washtech, Eswood, Meiko, and Sammic.
Why a Commercial Dishwasher Is Essential
A quality commercial dishwasher saves time, reduces labour costs, improves hygiene, and ensures compliance with food safety regulations. Compared to domestic dishwashers, commercial models are built for speed, durability, and higher temperatures — delivering sanitized, spotless results in minutes.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Dishwasher
Before buying, consider the following:
1. Type of Dishwasher
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Underbench Dishwashers – Ideal for small restaurants, cafes, or bars.
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Pass-Through (Hood-Type) Dishwashers – Best for medium to large kitchens with high turnover.
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Glasswashers – Designed specifically for bars or venues with a high volume of glassware.
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Conveyor or Rack Dishwashers – Suited for large-scale operations, catering halls, or hospitals.
2. Capacity and Speed
Think about how many racks you need to clean per hour. Busy restaurants typically need machines that can handle at least 30–60 racks per hour.
3. Water and Energy Efficiency
Look for models with eco modes, heat recovery systems, and low water usage per cycle to save on utilities and boost sustainability.
4. Ease of Use and Maintenance
Touchscreen controls, self-cleaning cycles, and easy access for servicing make life easier for your kitchen team.
5. Hygiene and Compliance
Check for features like thermal disinfection and built-in temperature displays to meet food safety standards.
Best Commercial Dishwasher Brands in Australia
🧼 Washtech
Known for: Reliability, energy efficiency, and easy servicing.
Top model: Washtech XP Pass-Through Dishwasher
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Up to 1,000 plates per hour
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Low water consumption (2.4L per cycle)
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Made in New Zealand
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Suited for medium to high-volume kitchens
Best for: Restaurants looking for durability and low running costs.
🧼 Eswood
Known for: Australian-built, cost-effective machines with fast cycles.
Top model: Eswood ES50 Underbench Dishwasher
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Up to 600 plates per hour
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2-minute wash cycles
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Compact footprint with robust stainless-steel build
Best for: Small to medium restaurants, cafes, and bistros.
🧼 Meiko
Known for: Premium German engineering, hygiene-focused features, and sustainability.
Top model: Meiko M-iClean H Hood Type Dishwasher
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Heat recovery system for lower energy use
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Active drying system
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Innovative hood opening for ergonomic operation
Best for: High-end restaurants and venues prioritizing hygiene, speed, and eco-performance.
🧼 Sammic
Known for: European-built dishwashers with easy operation and solid performance.
Top model: Sammic X-60B Pass-Through Dishwasher
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40 racks per hour
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Electronic control panel
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Optional drain pump and water softener
Best for: Mid-sized kitchens needing dependable washing with flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The best dishwasher for your restaurant depends on your space, dish volume, staff flow, and budget. For compact kitchens, an Eswood underbench is a strong choice. If you're handling large volumes, Washtech and Sammic pass-throughs are reliable workhorses. And for ultimate performance and hygiene, Meiko is hard to beat.
