In a busy commercial kitchen, efficiency and speed are paramount. With the constant flow of dishes, utensils, and cookware needing to be cleaned quickly, a reliable dishwasher is essential. One type of dishwasher commonly used in fast-paced kitchens is the pass-through dishwasher. These machines are designed to streamline the dishwashing process, providing both speed and convenience.
What is a Pass-Through Dishwasher?
A pass-through dishwasher, sometimes called a conveyor or door-type dishwasher, is a commercial-grade machine that allows kitchen staff to load dirty dishes from one side of the unit and unload clean dishes from the other. It features a design that facilitates the movement of dishes through the cleaning cycle, often using a conveyor belt or an opening where dishes can be loaded and unloaded manually. Pass-through dishwashers are ideal for busy kitchens, such as those found in restaurants, hotels, or large catering operations, where large volumes of dishes must be cleaned quickly and efficiently.
These dishwashers are typically larger and more robust than under-counter or compact models. They are capable of handling high volumes of dishes in a short time and are designed to withstand the heavy demands of a commercial kitchen while ensuring that dishes come out clean, sanitised, and ready for reuse.
How Does a Pass-Through Dishwasher Work?
The operation of a pass-through dishwasher is straightforward but highly effective. The machine typically consists of three main stages: washing, rinsing, and drying. Each stageplays a crucial role in ensuring that dishes are thoroughly cleaned. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
1. Loading and Passing Through
The process begins when kitchen staff load dirty dishes onto the dishwasher. In a pass-through model, dishes are often placed on racks, which are then slid into the machine through an opening or door. These racks may include plates, glasses, cups, and cutlery, which are all loaded in a specific manner to allow for thorough cleaning.
Once the dishes are loaded, the rack passes through a system of rotating arms or spray nozzles that spray hot water and detergent onto the items, removing food particles and grease. The racks move through the system via a conveyor belt or other mechanical means, ensuring that the dishes pass through the machine in an orderly and efficient manner.
2. Washing Stage
Once inside the machine, the dishes undergo a high-pressure wash. In the washing stage, hot water and detergent jets are sprayed directly onto the dishes. The water temperature is usually set between 50 and 70°C, which is hot enough to break down grease and food residue but not so hot as to damage the dishes. The detergent helps break down grease and food particles, ensuring the dishes are cleaned effectively.
The wash cycle typically lasts 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the model and the volume of dishes. During this cycle, the dishwasher’s powerful jets scrub and remove food debris, leaving dishes clean and sanitised.
3. Rinsing Stage
After the washing cycle is complete, the dishes move into the rinsing stage. They are sprayed with clean, hot water at a slightly higher temperature, typically around 85°C. The rinse water helps to remove any remaining detergent, food particles, or residue from the wash cycle.
Some pass-through dishwashers use a sanitising rinse as part of the final rinse stage, ensuring that dishes are clean and hygienic. The sanitising rinse often involves water heated to a high temperature or a chemical sanitiser to kill any remaining bacteria or germs on the dishes.
4. Drying Stage
Once the dishes have been rinsed, they move into the drying phase. In many pass-through dishwashers, the drying process is integrated into the final rinse stage, where the hot water used for the rinse helps to evaporate any remaining moisture from the dishes. Some machines also have a built-in drying mechanism, such as a heated air blower, to accelerate the drying process, ensuring that dishes come out ready to be put back into service without needingmanual drying.
Benefits of Pass-Through Dishwashers
Pass-through dishwashers offer several advantages, especially for high-volume kitchens that require a reliable and efficient cleaning solution. Below are some of the key benefits of using a pass-through dishwasher in a commercial kitchen:
1. Increased Efficiency and Speed
Pass-through dishwashers are designed to process large quantities of dishes quickly. With a continuous flow system, dishes can be loaded on one side and unloaded on the other, reducing the amount of time spent handling each load. This makes them ideal for busy kitchens, where quick turnaround times are essential.
2. Improved Hygiene
Pass-through dishwashers ensure that dishes are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. The combination of high temperatures, powerful jets, and sanitising rinses eliminates bacteria and germs, providing kitchen staff and customers with peace of mind regarding hygiene and food safety.
3. High Capacity
Pass-through dishwashers can clean a large volume of dishes quickly, making them ideal for commercial kitchens that need to handle high-demand periods. The large racks can accommodate various dish types, including large pots, pans, trays, and smaller items like glasses and plates.
4. Space-Saving Design
Unlike traditional conveyor dishwashers, which can require a lot of space, pass-through dishwashers are often designed to be more compact. This makes them a practical option for kitchens with limited space, as they provide high capacity and efficiency without taking up too much room.
5. Reduced Labour Costs
Pass-through dishwashers automate the dishwashing process and allow for continuous loading and unloading. This reduces the amount of manual labour required to clean dishes, allowing kitchen staff to focus on other tasks, improving overall productivity and reducing labour costs.
