Restaurants often employ dishwashers as part of their kitchen staff for several reasons:
Volume and Efficiency: Restaurants typically have a high volume of dishes, glasses, and utensils that need to be cleaned throughout the day. Commercial dishwashers are designed to handle large quantities of items efficiently, but they still have limitations in terms of capacity and speed. Having dedicated dishwashers allows restaurants to keep up with the demand for clean dishes and maintain smooth operations during peak hours.
Specialty Items: Restaurants often use specialized dishes, cookware, and glassware that may require careful handling or specific washing methods. Dishwashers, especially those with high heat and powerful jets, may not be suitable for delicate or unique items that could get damaged. Dishwashers can be more suited for general-purpose items, while hand washing allows for greater control and attention to detail when dealing with delicate or specialty items.
Pre-cleaning and Inspection: Dishwashers are effective at removing food residue and sanitizing items, but they may not entirely eliminate certain stubborn stains or stuck-on food particles. Dishwashers also cannot inspect items for cleanliness after the cycle is complete. Hand washing allows dishwashers to pre-clean items by scraping off excess food and visually inspect them to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before being used again.
Flexibility: Hand washing provides restaurants with the flexibility to clean items on-demand. If a specific item is needed immediately, it can be washed by hand quickly instead of waiting for a full dishwasher cycle to complete. Hand washing also allows for greater control over the washing process, ensuring items are cleaned to the restaurant's standards.
Safety and Hygiene: Dishwashers are effective at sanitizing items using high temperatures and detergents. However, some restaurants prefer to have the extra assurance of hand washing for certain items, especially those used in food preparation or handling. Hand washing can provide an additional layer of cleanliness and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
It's important to note that many restaurants do use commercial dishwashers alongside manual dishwashing. They may use dishwashers for high-volume items or items that can withstand the dishwasher's cleaning process, while reserving hand washing for specialty items or those requiring extra attention. The specific approach can vary depending on the restaurant's needs, menu, and operational preferences.