Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions What is commercial washware? Commercial washware is the category of professional kitchen equipment used to clean dishes, glassware, cookware, and utensils in food service operations. How much does a commercial dishwasher cost in Australia? Undercounter commercial dishwashers start from approximately $3,500 AUD ex GST. Hood-type dishwashers range from $8,000–$18,000. Conveyor machines start […]
Common Buying Mistakes
Common Buying Mistakes Buying too small for actual volume: An undercounter machine in a 120-cover restaurant will be a permanent bottleneck. Ignoring chemical costs: Budget $150–$400 per month for a mid-volume undercounter machine; $400–$900/month for a hood-type. Not specifying a water softener in hard water areas: A $600–$1,200 inline water softener protects a $10,000 machine. […]
Total Cost of Ownership — What to Budget
Total Cost of Ownership — What to Budget Machine Type Purchase Price Annual Running Cost 10-Year TCO Undercounter glasswasher $3,000–$5,500 $1,200–$2,000 $15,000–$25,500 Undercounter dishwasher $3,500–$8,000 $2,000–$3,500 $23,500–$43,000 Hood-type dishwasher $8,000–$18,000 $3,500–$6,000 $43,000–$78,000 Conveyor dishwasher $25,000–$80,000 $8,000–$15,000 $105,000–$230,000
The Five Decisions Before You Buy
The Five Decisions Before You Buy 1. How Many Covers Per Service? Covers Per Service Recommended Machine Type Under 80 covers Undercounter dishwasher 80–150 covers Hood-type dishwasher 150–300 covers Hood-type (high capacity) or entry conveyor 300+ covers Conveyor / tunnel dishwasher 2. What Utilities Are Available? Commercial dishwashers require: Cold water supply (standard ½ inch […]
The Main Types of Commercial Washware
The Main Types of Commercial Washware Undercounter Glasswashers What they do: Compact machines designed to fit under a standard bar counter. Primarily used for cleaning glassware quickly in bar and café settings. Cycle time: 90–180 seconds Capacity: 25–35 racks/hour (approximately 350–500 glasses/hour) Best for: Bars, pubs, cafés, hotels with a bar operation Price range: $2,500–$5,500 […]
What Is Commercial Washware?
Commercial washware is the category of professional kitchen equipment responsible for cleaning and sanitising tableware, glassware, cookware, and utensils. Unlike domestic dishwashers, commercial washware machines are designed to operate continuously, sanitise at high temperatures (typically 82–85°C final rinse), and complete a full wash cycle in 60–180 seconds — not 60 minutes. In a commercial kitchen, […]
Commercial Washware Buying Guide (Complete 2026 Guide)
Commercial washware covers every machine used to clean dishes, glasses, cutlery, and cookware in a food service operation — from compact undercounter glasswashers to high-volume conveyor tunnel dishwashers. The right machine depends on your covers per hour, rack size, available utilities, and kitchen layout. For most Australian cafés and restaurants, an undercounter dishwasher ($3,500–$8,000) or […]