High Temp Versus Low Temp Dish Washers

Nationwide, health inspectors require that commercial dish machine rinse temperatures be verified to reach between 180-212°F in order to kill bacteria. If you do not have sufficient electricity and or wiring in your facility to use a machine that gets the rinse water to this temperature then you will need a chemical sanitizing (low temp) machine. Let’s explain further…

High Temp Machines

High Temp machines use a device called a booster. What these do is take your incoming hot water and increase the temperature up to the sanitizing 180 degrees. Most dishwashers today are sold with a 70° rise booster. That means as long as your incoming water temperature is 110 degrees or higher, you will have no issues. Manufacturers may also offer a 40° rise for facilities that have an incoming water temperature of 140°. High temp rinsing machines are better for removing greasy residues such as sauce, lipsticks, cheese and eggs. It is important make sure that your incoming water temperature is checked prior to ordering your machines.

A high temp machine has a higher purchase price but in a short amount of time it will have a significantly less operating cost than the chemical (low) temp sanitizing machine. A high temp machine reuses the rinse cycle water from the previous cycle to wash the next and does not require a chemical for rinsing.

IMPORTANT: a high temp machine requires a dedicated electrical circuit.

Low Temp Machines

Low Temp machines do not come with a booster heater, so it uses less electricity however they use more water. A low temp machine uses chemicals for sanitation rather than 180° water. In some scenarios based on building conditions and electrical lines coming into the building, operators are forced into using a low temp machine.

A low temp machine may also be referred to as a fill and dump machine as each wash cycle requires fresh water due to the chemical use. Worth noting: wash and rinse pumps for your chemicals are a highly recommended accessory and will need to be included in the initial purchase of your machine. Otherwise you may not be able to have them installed at a later date or you will have to rent them from a chemical company. Monthly Chemicals, chemical pump rental and your increased water usage with this machine can get costly.

IMPORTANT: some areas do not allow for chemical machines due to environmental reasons or if you have a septic system. Please check with your town with regard to possible limitations.