Underbench or Pass-Through? How to Choose a Commercial Dishwasher

When the dishwasher can't keep up, everything else slows down: plates run out, glasses pile up and staff end up washing by hand. The right commercial dishwasher turns clean ware around fast enough for your busiest service and fits the space and power you have. This guide explains the types and how to choose.

The main types at a glance

Glasswashers and underbench dishwashers

Underbench machines are the most common choice for cafés, bars and smaller restaurants. They take up no extra floor space and are easy to load at bench height.

• The Asber GE-400BDD is a compact 470mm wide glass and dishwasher that washes up to 30 baskets per hour and plugs into a 240V 15A outlet.
• The Fagor iNova WGT-400BDD washes up to 40 baskets per hour, with three wash cycles and built-in rinse aid and detergent dispensers.
• The Asber GE-500BDD is a full-size 600mm underbench dishwasher with three wash cycles, rated at 30 baskets per hour on a 15A plug.
• The Fagor iNova Concept WUC-502TBD takes 500 × 500mm baskets, washes up to 40 baskets per hour and has 385mm of clearance for taller items.

Shop underbench dishwashers and glasswashers →

Choose underbench if:

• You wash mainly glasses, cups and a moderate number of plates
• Space is tight and you want the machine under a bench
• You'd like a model that runs on a standard 15A outlet

Pass-through (hood type) dishwashers

Pass-through dishwashers sit between a dirty-side bench and a clean-side bench. Staff slide a basket in, pull the hood down to start the cycle, then lift it and slide the clean basket out the other side. It's a faster, more ergonomic workflow for kitchens washing a lot of plates, pots and trays.

• The Asber GE-H500DD washes up to 40 baskets per hour on 3-phase power.
• The Fagor iNova WHC-502TRCBD adds a heated recovery system, washing up to 40 baskets per hour.
• The Fagor EVO-CONCEPT CO-142BDD is the high-volume option at up to 65 baskets (about 1170 dishes) per hour, with 440mm of clearance.

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Choose pass-through if:

• You serve a high volume of meals and need fast turnaround
• You have room for dirty and clean benches on either side
• You have 3-phase power, which most pass-through models need

How to size your dishwasher

Commercial dishwashers are rated in baskets per hour. That figure is the maximum using the shortest cycle, and real-world output is usually lower once you allow for loading, unloading and longer cycles for heavily soiled ware.

Before you buy

• Power: smaller underbench models often run on a 240V 15A outlet, while pass-through models usually need 3-phase power installed by a licensed electrician.
• Water and drain: dishwashers need a water connection and drain. Have them connected by a licensed plumber.
• Water quality: hard water leaves scale on glasses and inside the machine. In hard water areas, a water softener helps protect the machine and gives cleaner results.
• Chemicals: check whether the model has built-in detergent and rinse aid dispensers or needs an external dosing pump.
• Space and ventilation: allow for bench space on either side of pass-through models, and remember dishwashers release steam when opened.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a glasswasher and a dishwasher?

A glasswasher is set up for glasses and cups, usually with a smaller chamber and baskets. A dishwasher takes full-size baskets and has more clearance for plates. Some underbench models, like the Asber GE-400BDD and Fagor WGT-400BDD, handle both.

Why are commercial dishwashers so much faster than domestic ones?

Commercial machines heat water in a separate boiler and tank and use powerful wash pumps, so they can run short cycles of one to three minutes instead of an hour or more.

Do I need 3-phase power?

Many underbench models plug into a 15A outlet, but most pass-through dishwashers need 3-phase. Check the power requirement on the product page before you order.

Find the right dishwasher for your kitchen

Browse our full range of commercial dishwashers, with delivery Australia-wide. Not sure which suits you? Email us at sales@supplymykitchen.com.au with your busiest-hour volume, power supply and space, and we'll help you choose.