Conveyor & Rack Dishwashers

A rack dishwasher loads dirty ware into a fixed chamber one rack at a time, then advances it automatically or manually to a clean zone. A belt-conveyor machine moves racks or loose items continuously along a track, so washing, rinsing and drying happen in separate zones without stopping the line. Both types suit kitchens that need far higher throughput than a standard door or undercounter machine can manage.

You can buy from Hobart, Meiko, Eswood, Washtech, Winterhalter, Fagor Professional, Comenda and Eurowash. Each brand takes a slightly different approach to rack speed, tank configuration and energy recovery, so there is a genuine choice rather than a single house brand. All are stocked for online purchase with Australia-wide delivery.

Rack-type machines suit kitchens with moderate volume and limited floor space. You load a rack, push it through and collect clean ware at the other end. Belt-conveyor machines suit very high-volume operations — large hotels, hospitals, contract caterers — where stopping the line even briefly creates a backlog. If your peak service runs a tight turnaround on mixed ware, a rack conveyor usually hits the sweet spot between footprint and throughput.

Start with your peak cover count and the number of items per cover — plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery trays. Convert that to racks per hour and match it to the machine's rated rack output. Then measure your available run length, including inlet and outlet table space, because a conveyor needs clear bench on both sides. Ceiling height matters too if the machine has a raised hood. Most manufacturers publish dimensional drawings, and our team can help you cross-check before you order.

Yes, and it matters for your kitchen flow. A left-hand entrance means dirty ware enters from the left and exits clean on the right; a right-hand entrance is the mirror image. Fagor Professional's Concept Rack range, for example, is available in both configurations. Plan your dirty-to-clean workflow before ordering so your team is not carrying ware across their own path, which creates both a safety risk and a cross-contamination risk.

Most units need a dedicated hot or cold water supply, a drain connection and a hard-wired electrical circuit. Some models also require a ventilation connection or an external drying tunnel. Exact electrical draw and water pressure requirements vary by model, so always check the specification sheet for the unit you choose and confirm your site's services can meet them before installation day.

Scrap plates thoroughly before loading — food debris is the main cause of blocked spray arms and dirty wash water. Drain and rinse the tanks at the end of every service, and clean the filters and spray arms daily. Descaling frequency depends on your local water hardness; machines in high-hardness areas need more regular attention. Check door seals and curtains weekly for wear, as damaged curtains let heat and steam escape and reduce wash quality.

Some machines are designed to accept a bolt-on drying tunnel as an accessory. Fagor Professional's TS-COO drying tunnel, for instance, is built specifically for their compact conveyor range. Not every brand or model supports an add-on tunnel, so check compatibility with the base machine before purchasing. A drying tunnel reduces the labour of hand-drying high-volume ware and keeps your clean bench clear during a fast turnaround.

Both. For a new fit-out you have full flexibility on entry direction, machine length and utility routing. For a refurbishment, measure the existing run carefully and note where your drain, water and power connections sit. Replacing a like-for-like machine is usually straightforward; upgrading to a longer or higher-capacity conveyor may need plumbing or electrical work. Either way, ordering the correct entry hand from the start saves a costly swap.

Entry-level rack conveyors sit at a lower price point than full belt-conveyor systems, which can run considerably higher depending on length, capacity and features such as heat recovery or integrated drying. Chefs Depot members save off RRP across the full range of fifty machines in this category. Prices are shown on each product page once you are logged in, and Australia-wide delivery is available on every order.