Commercial Dishwashers
Achieving dishwasher sanitization without the use of caustic chemicals is a challenge. Most commercial dishwashers are tank systems, which recirculate dirty water until the final rinse. One high-end model, the only NSF/ANSI 3 approved/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant freshwater commercial dishwasher, uses fresh water intake for each new fill with no need for caustic chemical or fear of cross-contamination. NSF International is accredited by the American National Standards Institute to develop voluntary standards for public health and safety. NFA/ANSI 3 covers commercial warewashing (the cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and utensils). Performance features of premium models may include:

Cycle times. Fast cycle times that include a high temperature sanitizing final rinse will save staff time.

Water consumption. An efficient machine using precise metered water intake will consume less gallons per cycle than a typical dishwasher.

Sanitization. A commercial dishwasher can achieve sanitization by setting the final rinse at high temperatures.

Polishes silverware. A commercial-scale dish and cutlery washer replaces the tiresome task of polishing silverware.

Service and support
In addition to identifying performance, cost savings and sustainability features, conscientious design professionals look at installation and service support. “Older established manufacturers with direct services are more likely to be available for long term support,” says Royal. “When purchasing higher quality products with longer life cycles, it’s important to consider service support further into the future.”

Moreover, a manufacturer offering a number of highly efficient equipment options is a useful resource for design professionals. Whether helping calculate savings or estimating product life cycle costs, a manufacturer with hands-on experience of assessing the environmental impacts of its operations could offer invaluable input for both specifiers and their clients—particularly if the client is requiring green construction. Some manufacturers have a personal use program where licensed professionals are invited to enjoy products for their personal use.

Conclusion
Identifying truly green premium commercial cleaning systems requires more than reading a list of sustainability characteristics. It requires attention to the manufacturer’s commitment to environmental responsibility and how that is expressed in producing reliable, long life systems that improve productivity and have as little environmental impact as possible. It also requires understanding the performance features of many different cleaning systems. High-end longer life cleaning systems require less water to heat, use less power, require less chemicals and discharge less chemically tainted effluent. More efficient systems are also easier to manage and save labor. Commercial cleaning systems that offer these immediate cost savings and longer-term environmental benefits should help meet today’s requirements for sustainable design.

Miele Professional is the commercial products division of Miele, Inc. The professional division leads the way in the development of innovative technology and meets the highest demands in washing, dishwashing, cleaning and disinfection in commercial applications. www.miele-pro.com