Kitchen Equipment News & Information Warewashing

Best Commercial Undercounter Dishwashers: Review of 5 of the best models to suit every site

by : Tim Taylor - Eco Catering Equipment 9 months ago

Looking for the best commercial undercounter dishwashers? The world of commercial dishwashers can be a tricky place to navigate. There are the usual big names heading up the show. However, over the past decade, more and more brands have appeared and sometimes disappeared. With new household names entering the commercial dishwasher market, brands we’ve never heard of before, and some dealers white labelling dishwashers, it really can be difficult to know which commercial undercounter dishwasher is best.

Because of the ‘new’ names making an appearance, some of the major industry players have improved their existing dishwashers or created whole new ranges. Using their wealth of knowledge and industry leading technology they are producing more affordable models. Reducing specification that isn’t always needed, particularly for smaller independent sites, can create very effective and affordable commercial dishwashers.

In between entry-level and top tier there are a whole range of models aimed at different establishments. With differing performance demands, and varying budgets here’s our pick of the standout undercounter commercial dishwashers currently available in the UK:

2024 Update:

As we step into 2024, the commercial dishwasher market continues to see advancements that cater to the evolving needs of hospitality businesses. This year, several manufacturers have introduced upgrades and innovations that push the boundaries of efficiency, durability, and performance. At Eco Catering, we’ve reassessed our top picks to bring you the most up-to-date recommendations.

Notably, Maidaid remains a strong contender in our top 5 recommended undercounter commercial dishwashers, thanks to its impressive specifications, competitive pricing, and reliable 2-year warranty. Meanwhile, DC units have also undergone significant development and upgrades, enhancing their appeal in the market. Additionally, the Hobart Premax FPS-10C still tops the charts with its outstanding performance and energy-saving features. However, it’s important to note that while this model delivers exceptional results, its high cost may not make it the most practical choice given the current market conditions.

Top Commercial Undercounter Dishwashers

Check our top picks of commercial undercounter dishwashers.

1. Hobart Premax FPS-10C & FP-10C

A high-performance commercial dishwasher combined with ultimate efficiency.

Rack Rating: 40 p/hr (720 plates) Rack Size: 500 x 500 mm (18 Plates) Wash Tank: 10.8 ltrs Water Cons: 1.0ltr p/cycle Cycle Times: 80 / 150 / 170 secs. (Plus Special Programmes)

+ Industry leading economy

+ Excellent Performance

– Expensive

– Warranty length

If you are looking for the ultimate undercounter dishwasher in 2024, then the Hobart Premax FPS-10C remains an exceptional choice. Although this tech-packed dishwasher comes with a hefty price tag, the value it delivers is unparalleled. With every conceivable feature, including some that are exclusive to this model, it continues to set the standard for high-performance dishwashers.

One of the standout qualities of the FPS-10C is its incredible efficiency. It’s one of the most economical units to operate, ensuring that the upfront investment is quickly offset by lower running costs over time. The dishwasher features Hobart’s patented Genius X Filtration system, a compact wash tank, double racking options, and industry-leading water usage per cycle, making it incredibly cost-effective to run.

In this latest iteration, the FPS now includes an advanced drying cycle. This feature uses innovative technology to ensure that your plates and cutlery emerge not only sparkling clean but also dry and ready to use immediately. While the Hobart Premax FPS-10C still comes at a premium, its extensive performance and energy-saving features make it a top contender, though the cost may be a consideration in the current market conditions.

Watch our Hobart FX & FPS overview video here:

2. Hobart Ecomax Plus F515SW & F515W

Reliable undercounter dishwasher, efficient performer with unique double racking option.

Rack Rating: 60 p/hr (720 plates) Rack Size: 500 x 500 mm (18 Plates) Wash Tank: 10.6 ltrs Water Cons: 2.3ltrs p/cycle Cycle Times: 60 / 120 / 180 secs.

+ Easy to use

+ Double racking option

– Accessory prices are high

– Warranty length

Hobart has taken the flagship FX range’s key features and distilled them into this mid-tier undercounter dishwasher, creating a unit that continues to impress in 2024. The result is a reliable and efficient commercial dishwasher that is well-suited for a wide range of establishments.

One of the standout features of the F515SW is its unique double racking option, allowing the unit to wash two racks simultaneously. This feature significantly reduces wash time and, consequently, cuts down on energy, water, and detergent usage, making it an even more efficient option. Additionally, the small wash tank and double-skinned cabinet ensure that the Hobart Ecomax Plus F515SW remains a very cost-effective machine to run at this price point, especially in today’s market where operational costs are a key concern.

Whether for a busy café or a small to medium sized restaurant, the Hobart Ecomax Plus F515SW continues to be a practical and economical choice for those seeking reliable performance without the premium price tag of higher-end models.

3. Maidaid C525WS

A nicely specified undercounter commercial dishwasher at a good price point with a 2-year warranty.

Rack Rating: 40 p/hr (720 plates) Rack Size: 500 x 500 mm (18 Plates) Wash Tank: 20 ltrs Water Cons: 2 ltrs p/cycle Cycle Times: 90 / 120 / 150 secs.

+ Good level of specification

+ 2-year warranty

– Dishwasher has to be empty to top up the water softener

– Some might feel there are too many cycle choices when setting the dishwasher up

While Maidaid may be a newer addition to our range at Eco Catering, they are far from new to the industry, boasting over 40 years of experience in producing high-quality warewashers. The Maidaid C525WS is one of their most recent models and continues to impress in 2024 with its comprehensive features and reliable performance.

This dishwasher is equipped with a set of advanced features, including inbuilt dosing equipment, a drain pump, a break tank, and the all-important inbuilt water softener, making it an ideal choice for those in hard water areas. It offers three wash cycles, an automated intelligent controller, and a self-cleaning function, all designed to make the C525WS incredibly user-friendly and efficient.

Efficiency is a hallmark of Maidaid’s design philosophy, and the C525WS exemplifies this by using only 2 litres of water per cycle. Coupled with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, this makes the Maidaid C525WS a compelling choice for businesses looking for a cost-effective, high-performance dishwasher that meets the demands of today’s commercial kitchens.

4. Hobart Ecomax F504SW & F504W

German quality commercial dishwasher at an affordable price point

Rack Rating: 60 p/hr (1080 plates) Rack Size: 500 x 500 mm (18 Plates) Wash Tank: 25.0 ltrs Water Cons: 2.3ltrs p/cycle Cycle Times: 60 / 150 secs.

+ Good spec. for price point

+ Big throughput on short cycle

– Unlikely to use 60 second cycle for everything

– Machine must be drained to top up the softener

Yes, it’s another Hobart, but with the ranges currently offered—Profi/Premax, Ecomax Plus, and Ecomax—it’s hard not to consider a model from each. The Ecomax F504SW remains a standout in Hobart’s undercounter dishwasher lineup, offering reliable German engineering at a price point that suits tighter budgets.

The F504SW is an ideal choice for sites that don’t require all the bells and whistles but still demand top-tier performance and reliability. This model features an intuitive control panel and excellent efficiency and reliability, making it a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Its interior design includes a pressed interior surface that is easy to clean and less prone to dirt buildup, ensuring the machine stays in optimal working condition with minimal maintenance. With the Hobart Ecomax F504SW, German quality and efficiency continue to be accessible, making it a top choice for establishments where cost-effectiveness and performance are key considerations.

Watch our Hobart F504 & F504S overview video here (Please Note: the dishwashers have now been updated to the F504W and F504SW, however the fundamentals are the same):

5. DC SD50

Affordable workhorse of a commercial dishwasher.

Rack Rating: 20 p/hr (360 plates) Rack Size: 500 x 500 mm (18 Plates) Wash Tank: 26.0 ltrs Water Cons: 2.4ltrs p/cycle Cycle Times: 180 secs.

+ Price point

+ Ability to choose your preferred specification, controlling your budget

– Everything is an optional extra

– Basic warranty, unless you pay extra

At the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum compared to the Hobart FX is the DC Standard range, featuring the SD50. The SD50 is designed with simplicity and affordability in mind, making it a practical choice for those who need a reliable dishwasher without unnecessary extras.

DC dishwashers like the SD50 come in a basic format with an extensive options list, allowing you to customise the machine to fit your needs. You can choose to add features like a break tank, drain pump, and water softener, but only if you actually need them. This flexibility allows you to keep your specification—and your purchase price—down, avoiding the cost of features you may not require.

The SD50 features an easy-to-use control panel and delivers good, reliable performance. While it may not be suited to environments with high demand on their machine, it’s perfect for establishments that don’t need top-tier performance but do want a decent, cost-effective undercounter dishwasher that gets the job done efficiently.

Watch our comparison video between the Ecomax F504W and F515W dishwashers:

Looking to buy one of the products in this article:

Hobart PREMAX FP-10C

Hobart PREMAX FPS-10C

Hobart Ecomax Plus F515W

Hobart Ecomax Plus F515SW

Under Counter Dishwasher FAQs

What is the best overall commercial undercounter dishwasher?

As commercial dishwashers go, there are hundreds of products to choose from. Whilst our top pick, the Hobart Premax FP-10C, is an excellent choice, here at Eco Catering Equipment, we also really like the Maidaid C525WS commercial undercounter dishwasher. And the additional 2-year manufacturer warranty is an added bonus to what is a great product at a fantastic price point.

Are undercounter dishwashers worth it?

In a word. Yes. A commercial dishwasher is able to handle much more volume than a domestic unit. As a business owner in the catering industry or pub owner, having the ability to clean dishes to a high standard at scale allows you to spend more time with customers and running your business as well as saving you money on additional salaries for kitchen staff. An undercounter unit is also able to save some space by slotting into spaces underneath the preparation areas.

What should I look for in a commercial undercounter dishwasher?

When you’re looking for a commercial dishwasher, there are a number of features you should be aware of and looking into. These include the Rack Rating (how many plates the product can clean at a time), Rack Size, Wash Tank, Number of Cycles, Cycle Times and general efficiency.

Are commercial undercounter dishwashers the same size as normal dishwashers?

The main differences between commercial and domestic undercounter washers is the speed and overall capacity of the unit. Otherwise, domestic rack dishwashers are of a similar size in dimensions to commercial ones.