High Temperature Cleaning vs. Low Temperature Sanitizing
It is difficult to not only clean, but “sanitize” dishes. A low-temp system typically washes dirty dishes at 120°F, and rinses them with a chemical sanitizing solution to neutralize any remaining bacteria or pathogens. A high-temp system washes dishes at 160°F and then rinses them at 180°F, relying on heat to sanitize the dishes.
Low-temp systems do not require a “booster” water heater or a large electrical service, so they’re typically less expensive to manufacture and install. The tradeoff is the ongoing expense of a steady chemical supply that can quickly erase your initial savings. Another tradeoff is their limited application. Low-temp machines are not recommended for stemware. The glasses can come out streaked, spotted or with lingering lipstick stains.
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Low Temp Sanitizing (120°F wash, Chemical solution rinse) |
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PROS |
CONS |
| Uses standard 115 v electrical service | Requires chemical sanitizer for rinse cycle |
| Less expensive to manufacture and purchase (no booster heater) | Not recommended for stemware |
| Installation can be less expensive (no need to upgrade electric service or existing water heater) | Potentially higher reject rate (and labor costs) due to difficulty with proteins, fats and lipstick |
| Can be purchased or leased from chemical companies in most markets | Corrosive sanitizer can limit service life of machine |
| Dishes come out cooler to the touch | Dishes come out wet |
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High Temp Cleaning (160°F wash, 180°F rinse) |
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PROS |
CONS |
| Unlimited applications | Requires booster water heater |
| Hot water cuts through grease, proteins, lipstick | Requires larger electrical service |
| Machine lasts longer without caustic sanitizer | Typically more expensive to manufacture and purchase due to booster heater |
| Lower chemical costs | Installation can be more expensive if electrical upgrades or a new hot water heater are needed |
| Less spotting | |
| “Green” solution | |
High-temp systems typically cost more at startup, but once running, there are no chemical sanitizers to buy. High-temp systems also have limitless applications. Hotter water cuts through grease, proteins and lipstick. They’re better for stemware and have a much lower reject rate in general. High-temp machines typically last longer because they don’t have corrosive chemicals constantly eating away at their interior.
Champion Industries makes both low-temp and high-temp machines. For overall performance, longevity and a “greener” option, many people prefer the high-temp solution for most applications, but there are situations where a low-temp machine might be the best choice.