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Guide to Warewashing & Janitorial Equipment
Questions to Ask!
As with any significant purchase, asking the right questions comes first. Choosing a
warewasher isn’t just about matching specs to price tags. It’s about understanding how
your operation works — and ensuring the equipment you select will support your kitchen’s
speed, cleanliness, compliance, and cost-efficiency for years to come:
Type of Equipment
• Do you have space limitations?
• Do you have electrical limitations in your building and/or at the location where you want
to put the unit?
• Do you have a dedicated area for warewashing or is the area a multi-use area?
• Will you need a dishwasher in more than one location within your establishment?
Size, Capacity & Configuration
• Consider the estimated number of people and the number of meals that you’ll serve on
an average day.
• Consider the types of pieces you will wash – china, plateware, glassware, utensils?
• Consider the busiest time of the day for service and the requirements to meet the
demand of those times.
Energy Considerations
• Consider the estimated number of people and the number of meals that you’ll serve on
an average day.
• Consider the types of pieces you will wash – china, plateware, glassware, utensils?
• Consider the busiest time of the day for service and the requirements to meet the
demand of those times.
Brand & Warranty
• What brands are reputable with a good track record in the commercial kitchen equipment
industry?
• What are the warranties on the equipment?
• How responsive is the manufacturer’s customer service department?
• Are parts easy to access from local distributors?
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
• Is the equipment easy to clean?
• What internal filter system to you need monitor on a daily (or more frequent basis)?
• What ongoing maintenance needs to be done? Can you do this yourself or do you require
a technician?
• Is top mount or bottom mount refrigeration ideal for your location?
Price & Budget
• What is your budget? – think beyond the initial price tag
• Are there leasing or renting options available?