If you want sparkling clean dishes with less effort, you might find a high temp dishwasher is exactly what you need. This machine uses very hot water—sometimes up to 180°F—to blast away stubborn food like egg or cheese and even remove lipstick from glasses. You get dishes that dry fast, so you can keep up during busy meal times. Restaurants, big families, and anyone who cares about top-notch sanitization love the results.
What Is a High Temp Dishwasher?
A high temp dishwasher uses superheated water to clean and sanitize your dishes. You will often see these machines in busy kitchens where speed and cleanliness matter most. They work by blasting dishes with water that reaches temperatures much higher than standard home models. This process removes tough food, kills germs, and leaves dishes dry and ready to use.
Key Features
You might wonder what sets a high temp dishwasher apart from other types. Here’s a quick look at the main features:
Feature | Temperature Range (°F) | Operational Standard |
|---|---|---|
Wash Temperature | 140 to 165 | High temperature machines use superheated water for cleaning. |
Final Rinse Temperature | 180 to 190 | Requires a booster heater to maintain high rinse temperatures. |
Incoming Hot Water Supply | 140 to 150 | Essential for performance and cleaning efficiency. |
When you compare a high temp dishwasher to a low temp model, you notice some big differences:
Feature | High-Temp Dishwashers | Low-Temp Dishwashers |
|---|---|---|
Operational Temperature | 150-160°F wash, 180°F rinse | 120-140°F wash |
Cleaning Efficiency | Removes stubborn stains easily | May struggle with tough stains |
Chemical Use | No chemical sanitizers needed | Needs chemical sanitizers |
Drying Speed | Fast drying with hot water | Slower drying |
Environmental Impact | No chemical waste, energy-efficient | Chemical waste from sanitizers |
You get faster cycles, better drying, and no need for chemical sanitizers. Many commercial dishwasher models also include energy-efficient designs and booster heaters to keep water hot.
Who Needs One
You will benefit from a high temp dishwasher if you run a restaurant, café, or any food service business. These machines handle heavy loads and tough stains in one cycle. You save time and avoid the ongoing cost of chemical sanitizers.
Tip: If you want to meet strict health standards and keep up with busy meal times, a high temp commercial dishwasher is a smart choice.
Large families and health-focused users at home also enjoy the extra sanitization. You get peace of mind knowing your dishes are truly clean and ready for the next meal.
How High Temp Dishwashers Work
Sanitizing with High Temperatures
You want dishes that are truly clean, not just free of crumbs. High temp dishwashers make this possible by using water that gets hotter than 180°F during the rinse cycle. This level of heat is key for sanitizing because it kills germs by breaking down their proteins. You don’t have to worry about leftover bacteria or the taste of chemical sanitizers on your plates. High-temperature sanitizing gives you a bacteria-free clean every time.
Research shows that when you use temperatures above 60°C, you get much better sanitizing results than with cooler water. Lower temperatures just don’t do the job as well. If you handle foods like raw meat or eggs, you need a sanitize dishwasher cycle that can remove dangerous pathogens. The combination of heat, time, and detergent makes sure your dishes are safe for everyone at the table.
Tip: High-temperature sanitizing is especially important if you want to protect your family or customers from germs after every meal.
Cleaning Cycle Overview
You might wonder what happens inside your dishwasher during a sanitize dishwasher cycle. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
Everything Off: Turn off the detergent dispenser and remove any leftover detergent. Switch off the dishwasher and booster heater.
Water Out: Drain all water from the dishwasher and empty the wash tank.
Cleaning Time: Check and clean the rinse jets and wash arms. Replace the drain screen and scrap trays if needed.
Water In: Fill the machine with fresh water.
Descaler In: Add descaling solution as the manufacturer recommends.
Cycle Time: Run a cycle with the deliming agent, but keep the heating elements off.
Inspection Time: Look inside the dishwasher after the cycle. If you see buildup, add more solution and run another cycle.
Drain & Refill: Drain the wash tank and refill with clean water.
Done & Ready: Turn the dishwasher and booster heater back on. Activate the detergent dispenser.
This process helps your machine stay in top shape and keeps every sanitize dishwasher cycle working at its best. You get reliable sanitizing and sparkling dishes, ready for the next round.
Commercial Dishwasher Temperature Requirements
Wash and Rinse Temperatures
When you use a commercial dishwasher, you need to pay close attention to the temperature settings. The right temperatures make all the difference in getting your dishes clean and safe. Most machines wash at 150°F to 160°F and rinse at a minimum of 180°F. This high heat blasts away food and germs, leaving your dishes spotless.
High temp machines wash dishware at 150 to 160 degrees and rinse it at 180 degrees Fahrenheit, sanitizing through the sheer heat of the water.
You might wonder why these numbers matter. The FDA Food Code says your utensils must reach a surface temperature of 160°F. You can check this with a special temperature indicator. If you run a busy kitchen, you want to make sure every plate and glass meets these standards.
Here’s a quick look at the temperature requirements:
Process | Required Temperature |
|---|---|
Wash | 150°F to 160°F |
Rinse | At least 180°F |
These temperatures kill bacteria and help dishes dry faster. If you have hard water or heavily soiled dishes, you may need even higher temperatures or longer cycles.
Meeting Health Standards
You want your commercial dishwasher to do more than just clean. It needs to meet health codes and keep your customers safe. The FDA Food Code sets the national standards, but local health departments may have their own rules. Most codes line up with FDA guidelines, so you can trust certified machines.
The FDA Food Code sets national standards for commercial dishwashers.
NSF/ANSI standards for commercial warewashing equipment often exceed FDA guidelines.
Local health authorities may adopt the Food Code or create their own codes.
To stay compliant, choose equipment certified by organizations like NSF. Certification shows your machine meets or exceeds commercial dishwasher temperature requirements. You should also measure and document your dishwasher’s performance. This keeps you ready for inspections and gives you peace of mind.
Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
Utensil Surface Temperature | Must achieve 71°C (160°F) as measured by an irreversible registering temperature indicator. |
| Documentation | Operators must measure and document compliance with health standards. |
| Certification | Equipment should be certified by organizations like NSF to ensure compliance with FDA Food Code. |
If you follow these steps, you keep your kitchen safe and your business running smoothly.
High Temp vs. Low Temp Commercial Dishwashers
Pros and Cons of High Temp
When you look at a high temp commercial dishwasher, you see some clear strengths. These machines use water heated to about 180°F to sanitize dishes. That means you get rid of grease, lipstick, and tough stains without any chemical smell or residue. Health inspectors like these machines because they meet strict sanitation standards. You also avoid the ongoing cost of chemical sanitizers.
But there are a few things to keep in mind. High temp models need extra equipment, like a booster heater and a vent hood. This can make installation and operation more expensive. They also use more energy because they heat water to higher temperatures.
Tip: High temp dishwashers work best in places where you need fast, spotless results and want to avoid chemicals.
Pros and Cons of Low Temp
Low temp commercial dishwashers clean dishes using chemical sanitizers and water around 140°F. These machines usually cost less to install and use less energy since they don’t need to heat water as much. You won’t need a vent hood, which can save space and money.
However, you will need to buy chemical sanitizers regularly. These chemicals can be harsh on your dishes and may leave a smell or residue. Low temp models sometimes struggle with greasy or stubborn stains, so you might need to pre-rinse or wash by hand.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you see the differences:
| Feature | High Temp Dishwashers | Low Temp Dishwashers |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitization Method | Uses high-temperature water (around 180°F) | Uses chemical sanitizers |
| Effectiveness on Stains | More effective at removing fat-based stains | Can be harsher on dishes due to chemicals |
| Energy Consumption | Typically higher energy use | Generally consumes less energy |
| Impact on Dishes | Gentler on dishes | Can be harsher on dishes |
| Initial Cost | Higher installation cost | Lower installation cost |
| Steam Production | Produces more steam | Produces less steam |
Choosing the Right Type
You want to pick the commercial dishwasher that fits your kitchen’s needs. Think about how much you care about stain removal, energy use, and ongoing costs. High temp models give you top-notch sanitization and handle tough messes, but they cost more to run and install. Low temp models save energy and money up front, but you’ll spend more on chemicals and might not get the same cleaning power.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you need to meet strict health codes?
Are you worried about chemical smells or residues?
Is your kitchen set up for extra equipment like a vent hood?
How important is energy savings to you?
If you run a busy restaurant or need spotless results, a high temp commercial dishwasher might be your best bet. If you want to save on energy and installation, a low temp model could work well. Take a close look at your needs before you decide.
Buyers Guide: Choosing a High Temp Dishwasher
Assessing Your Needs
Before you buy a high temp dishwasher, you need to think about your kitchen’s demands. Start by looking at how many dishes you wash during your busiest times. If you run a restaurant or a large family kitchen, you want a machine that can keep up with your pace.
- Check the number of racks the dishwasher can clean per hour. This tells you if the machine can handle your peak hours.
- Think about the number of customers you serve. The more people you feed, the bigger the capacity you need.
Quick drying time matters in high-traffic kitchens. You want dishes ready for use as soon as possible.
Measure your available space. Look at height, width, and depth. Make sure you have room for loading and unloading.
Consider how many dishes you need to wash in one cycle. This helps you pick the right size.
If you want to boost kitchen efficiency and keep your kitchen workflow smooth, choose a model that matches your daily needs. A high temp dishwasher with the right capacity will help you avoid bottlenecks and keep your operation running smoothly.
Key Features to Consider
When you shop for a high temp dishwasher, you want features that make your life easier and your dishes cleaner. Here are some must-haves to look for:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Temperature regulation | Electronic controls and digital displays let you set exact water temperatures for better results. |
Low water cut-off | This feature stops the machine if water levels drop, protecting your dishwasher from overheating. |
Tank type | Stainless steel tanks last longer and resist rust better than other materials. |
- Look for a built-in booster heater. This helps you reach the right rinse temperature for sanitizing.
Some models offer a Sani-Sure feature. It keeps temperatures steady throughout the wash cycle.
Adjustable racks make it easier to fit large pots or delicate glassware.
Energy efficiency is key. An energy-efficient dishwasher saves you money on utilities and helps the environment.
Easy-to-use controls help your staff learn quickly and avoid mistakes.
If you want to go green and save on bills, consider an energy star commercial dishwasher. These models use less water and power, making them a smart choice for any kitchen.
Tip: The right features not only give you cleaner dishes but also help your team work faster and safer.
Certifications and Safety
You want peace of mind when you invest in a high temp dishwasher. Certifications and safety standards show that your machine meets strict rules for performance and safety.
UL 749 testing is essential for manufacturers and engineers dedicated to creating reliable dishwashers that align with industry safety benchmarks.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code specifically states that… ‘Hot Water and Chemical-Methods Sanitizing Food-Contact Surfaces…[must achieve] a utensil surface temperature of 71°C (160°F) as measured by an irreversible registering temperature indicator.’
UL 749 is a critical safety standard for household dishwashers, ensuring these appliances meet specific electrical and performance safety requirements.
When you read a dishwasher buying guide, always check for NSF and UL certifications. These labels mean the machine has passed tough tests for safety and sanitization. You also want to make sure your commercial dishwasher meets FDA Food Code requirements. This keeps your kitchen safe and helps you pass health inspections.
A high temp dishwasher with the right certifications will protect your staff, your customers, and your business. You get reliable performance and fewer worries about compliance.
Note: Always keep your certification documents handy. Health inspectors may ask to see them during routine checks.
A smart dishwasher buying guide will remind you to balance features, safety, and efficiency. Take your time, compare models, and choose the high temp dishwasher that fits your kitchen best.
Top Commercial Dishwasher Brands
Leading Brands
When you look for a commercial dishwasher, you want a brand you can trust. Some brands stand out for their performance, reliability, and features. Here are a few top names you should know:
Ampto gives you affordable machines with all the essentials. Their 1510 High-Temp Hood Dishwasher is a popular choice for busy kitchens.
Jackson offers a great balance of power and eco-friendly features. The DYNASTAR door type commercial dishwasher is a favorite for many restaurants.
CMA Dishmachines keeps things budget-friendly and uses less water, which helps you save money over time.
Moyer Diebel is known for high-quality machines like the 383HT High Temperature and the MD2000 HR door-type models.
Jet-Tech focuses on energy efficiency. Their 737E High-temp Deluxe model is a standout for those who want to save on energy bills.
If you need a commercial glass dishwasher or a commercial conveyor dishwasher, these brands offer specialized models to fit your needs.
Best for Home Use
You might want a high temp dishwasher at home, especially if you have a large family or care about sanitization. Some brands make models that work well in home kitchens. Here’s a quick look at some favorites:
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
| LG SIGNATURE | Premium features, QuadWash, TrueSteam, EasyRackPlus, very quiet (38dB) |
GE Profile | Smart Home tech, modern design, strong cleaning performance |
KitchenAid | Over 50 wash jets, 360° Max Jets, ProDry System, self-cleaning filtration |
Samsung | Dual wash arms, Smart Dry with AutoRelease Door, high-pressure cleaning jets |
StormWash | Rotating jets, AutoRelease Door for better drying |
These models give you advanced cleaning, quiet operation, and smart features that make dishwashing easy.
Budget Options
If you run a small business or need an undercounter commercial dishwasher, you probably want something affordable but reliable. The Jet-Tech F-18DP High-Temp Undercounter Dishwasher is a great pick. Here’s what you get:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Model | Jet-Tech F-18DP High-Temp Undercounter Dishwasher |
Price | $5,662.13 |
Wash Cycle Temperature | 150°F |
Rinse Cycle Temperature | 185°F |
Compact, fits under standard counters | |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star rated |
Cycle Time | Full cycle in 160 seconds |
Material | Stainless steel body and components |
Special Features | Integrated booster, tool-free wash arm removal |
Shipping | Free Shipping, Drop-Shipped |
You get a compact machine that fits in tight spaces and finishes a load fast. This model works well for cafes, bars, or any spot where space is tight and speed matters.
Tip: Always check the features and certifications before you buy. The right dishwasher can save you time, money, and stress.
Quick Buyers Checklist
Questions to Ask
Before you buy a high temp dishwasher, you want to make sure it fits your needs. Ask yourself these questions to avoid surprises later:
- What is the capacity of the dishwasher? Will it handle your busiest shifts or family gatherings?
How energy efficient is the model? Can you save money on utility bills over time?
What is the noise level during operation? Will it disrupt your kitchen or dining area?
How many wash cycles does it offer? Do you need special cycles for glassware or pots?
Does it have smart features? Can you control it from your phone or get alerts when a cycle finishes?
What is the durability of the unit? Will it last for years, even with heavy use?
How much water does it use per cycle? Will it help you cut down on waste?
What is the price range? Does it fit your budget, or should you look into restaurant equipment financing?
What warranty options are available? Will you get support if something goes wrong?
Tip: Write down your answers and compare them with different models. This helps you make a smart choice.
Final Tips
You want your investment to pay off, so keep these expert tips in mind:
- Research the pros and cons of high- and low-temperature dishwashers. This helps you pick the right commercial dishwasher for your kitchen.
Investigate reputable brands. Reliable machines save you money and stress in the long run.
Consider your specific needs. Think about guest volume, menu type, and available space before you decide.
Plan the location carefully. Place your dishwasher away from customer areas and make sure you have a vent hood for steam.
Explore restaurant equipment financing options. Financing can help you get the best machine without straining your budget.
Ask your supplier about restaurant equipment financing. Many dealers offer flexible payment plans.
Compare restaurant equipment financing rates. Some lenders give better terms for new businesses.
Use restaurant equipment financing to upgrade your kitchen faster. You can start serving more guests right away.
Restaurant equipment financing can cover installation costs. This makes the process smoother for you.
Note: Take your time and don’t rush. The right dishwasher and financing plan will keep your kitchen running smoothly for years.
Choosing a high temp dishwasher gives you powerful cleaning, fast drying, and no chemical residue. You get better grease removal and eco-friendly performance, but you need to watch for higher costs and regular maintenance.
Benefit | Consideration |
|---|---|
Fast drying | May damage delicate items |
No chemical residue | Needs booster heater |
Eco-friendly | More steam and noise |
Better grease removal | Higher purchase and operating costs |
Make sure you use the buyers checklist to match features like sanitizing rinse, quick wash, and smart controls to your kitchen’s needs. If you avoid common mistakes—like skipping daily cleaning or ignoring wash temperatures—you keep your dishwasher running smoothly. Research models and ask an expert if you want extra confidence in your choice.
FAQ
How hot does a high temp dishwasher get?
You can expect most high temp dishwashers to reach at least 150°F during the wash and 180°F or more during the rinse. This heat kills germs and helps dishes dry quickly.
Do I need special plumbing for a high temp dishwasher?
You usually need a dedicated hot water line and sometimes a booster heater. Check your kitchen’s water supply before you buy. Most commercial models need at least 140°F incoming water.
Can I use regular dish detergent in a high temp dishwasher?
Yes, you can use standard commercial dishwasher detergent. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Some machines work better with detergents made for high temperatures.
Will a high temp dishwasher damage delicate items?
High heat can harm fragile glassware or plastics. You should check your dishes for heat resistance. Use the gentle cycle if your machine offers one.
How often should I clean my high temp dishwasher?
You should clean your dishwasher daily. Remove food debris, wipe down surfaces, and check spray arms. Regular cleaning keeps your machine running smoothly and helps prevent breakdowns.
