Five Signs It’s Time to Have a New Commercial Dishwasher Installed

People in Nova Scotia are used to working hard, but that doesn’t mean your kitchen staff should have to constantly struggle with cleaning dishes. Whether it’s caked-on grease or stubborn food residue, if your commercial dishwasher can’t keep up, it might be time to consider a replacement.

Here are five signs your commercial dishwasher might have reached the end of its lifespan.

Dishes Come Out Still Dirty

The main function of a commercial dishwasher is to clean and sanitize dirty dishes and utensils. This is important from a guest experience standpoint, but it’s also critical for health and safety reasons. If even after a full cycle you’re noticing leftover food, grease, or spots or your team is stuck rewashing everything by hand, your dishwasher isn’t doing its job. Not only are dirty dishes a serious hygiene concern, one which could leave you facing fines or health code violations, but it's also a waste of time and water.

It’s Slowing Down Your Whole Kitchen

Commercial kitchens are busy. Your dishwasher should support your workflow, not drag it down. If your commercial dishwasher is frequently needing to be reset or restarted, is not draining, not drying, or not starting at all, it will impact the efficiency of your entire kitchen. You wouldn’t expect your chef to cook on a broken range; the same goes for your dish pit. A commercial dishwasher is critical to running a smooth kitchen operation.

Your Energy or Water Bills Are Creeping Up

Electricity costs in Nova Scotia are relatively high compared to the rest of Canada. That means every dish cycle you run is adding more to your monthly overhead. Older dishwashers become less efficient over time. Even commercial dishwashers that are still functioning and are well maintained use more electricity and water, and will cost more to run. While buying and installing a new commercial dishwasher is not an insignificant expense, you could see a noticeable reduction in your utility costs that helps offset the investment. Combined with improved performance and faster cycle times, it’s a win-win.

You’re Constantly Paying for Repairs

It’s normal for an appliance like a commercial dishwasher to need maintenance or repairs every now and then. If these repairs are minor, like a leaky hose or a clogged drain, it’s generally a quick and easy fix. However, if you are finding yourself calling for repairs every few months, or major components like the heating element or control board seem to be breaking down frequently, it could be a sign that it’s time to have your commercial dishwasher replaced. If you are on the fence about whether your current dishwasher is worth the continued investment, your repair technician is a great person to ask! They work on these appliances day in and day out and will be able to give you an honest opinion. Plus, if you decide to purchase a new commercial dishwasher, they can take care of the installation too.

It’s Just Old

You might love your dishwasher, but these commercial appliances have a finite life expectancy. Most commercial dishwashers last, on average, about 10 to 15 years. Depending on how regular you were with maintenance and the level of usage, you might get to the higher end of that estimate or even outlive it. However, even a meticulously cared-for dishwasher won’t last forever. Eventually, parts wear down, performance declines, and the cost of keeping it running outweighs the benefits. When that time comes, upgrading to a newer model will save you money and stress in the long run.

At the end of the day, there’s no sense in throwing good money after bad. If your commercial dishwasher is no longer pulling its weight, it may be time to consider an upgrade. In the long run, the new installation will save you time, money, and headaches!