Keeping dishes, glassware, cookware, and utensils clean is essential for every commercial kitchen. From busy restaurants and hotels to bars, schools, and healthcare facilities, an efficient commercial dishwasher helps maintain hygiene, improve productivity, and reduce labor costs. Among the trusted names in the foodservice industry, CMA Dishmachines has built a reputation for manufacturing durable, high-performance commercial warewashing equipment for more than four decades.
If you're considering CMA dishwashers for your business, this guide explains their features, types, benefits, and what to consider before making a purchase.
What Are CMA Dishwashers?
CMA Dishmachines is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in commercial dishwashers, glasswashers, pot and pan washers, conveyor dish machines, and warewashing accessories. Since the 1970s, the company has focused on producing reliable equipment that delivers effective cleaning while helping businesses reduce water, energy, and operating costs.
CMA dishwashers are commonly used in:
Restaurants
Cafés
Bars and pubs
Hotels
Schools and universities
Hospitals
Catering businesses
Institutional kitchens
Why Choose CMA Dishwashers?
Proven Reliability
CMA machines are engineered for demanding commercial environments and are designed to operate continuously throughout busy service periods. Their durable construction helps minimize downtime and supports long-term performance.
Efficient Cleaning Performance
Commercial kitchens need spotless dishes quickly. CMA dishwashers use powerful wash systems combined with either high-temperature sanitizing or chemical sanitizing methods to deliver clean, food-safe results.
Durable Stainless-Steel Construction
Many CMA models feature stainless-steel interiors and exteriors that resist corrosion, simplify cleaning, and stand up to years of heavy use.
Water and Energy Savings
Many CMA dishwashers are designed to reduce water and energy consumption while maintaining effective cleaning performance, helping lower operating costs over time.
Simple Maintenance
Several CMA models use straightforward mechanical components, making routine maintenance and servicing easier compared with more complex electronic systems. Many foodservice technicians value this simplicity for long-term reliability.
Types of CMA Commercial Dishwashers
Undercounter Dishwashers
Compact and space-saving, undercounter models fit beneath standard countertops while providing commercial-grade cleaning.
Best for:
Coffee shops
Small restaurants
Bars
Bakeries
Door-Type Dishwashers
Also called upright or single-rack dishwashers, these machines are ideal for medium-volume operations that require fast cleaning throughout the day.
Suitable for:
Restaurants
Hotels
School cafeterias
Conveyor Dishwashers
Designed for high-volume operations, conveyor dishwashers automatically move racks through the wash and rinse process, allowing hundreds of racks to be cleaned every hour. Some CMA conveyor models can process up to 249 racks per hour while using less than half a gallon of water per rack.
Glasswashers
Specially designed for delicate glassware, these machines help bars and restaurants maintain crystal-clear glasses while reducing breakage.
Pot and Pan Washers
Heavy-duty models built to clean large cookware, baking trays, stock pots, and kitchen utensils used in commercial food preparation.
High-Temperature vs. Low-Temperature Models
CMA offers both sanitizing methods to suit different operations.
High-Temperature Dishwashers
These machines sanitize dishes using a final rinse of approximately 180°F (82°C), meeting commercial sanitation standards without relying on chemical sanitizers.
Benefits include:
Faster drying
No chemical residue
Excellent for high-volume restaurants
Low-Temperature Dishwashers
These units sanitize using approved chemical solutions at lower water temperatures.
Advantages include:
Lower energy requirements
Simpler installation
Ideal for locations without high-temperature water systems
Features to Look For
When choosing a CMA dishwasher, consider features such as:
Stainless-steel construction
High-capacity wash pumps
Adjustable wash cycles
Automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensing
Easy-access controls
Built-in scrap collection systems
Efficient rinse systems
Energy-saving operation
Choosing the right combination of features can improve workflow while reducing water and utility costs.
How to Choose the Right CMA Dishwasher
Before purchasing, evaluate:
Daily Dish Volume
Estimate how many racks you'll wash each day.
Small café: Undercounter model
Mid-size restaurant: Door-type machine
High-volume kitchen: Conveyor dishwasher
Available Kitchen Space
Measure installation space carefully, including clearance for loading, unloading, plumbing, and ventilation.
Utility Requirements
Confirm electrical, water, and drainage requirements before installation.
Menu and Kitchen Equipment
Operations using large pots, sheet pans, and baking equipment may require dedicated pot washers in addition to standard dishwashers.
Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance keeps your dishwasher operating efficiently and extends its service life.
Follow these best practices:
Clean filters daily.
Empty scrap trays after each shift.
Inspect spray arms regularly.
Check detergent and rinse aid levels.
Remove mineral buildup as recommended.
Schedule preventive maintenance inspections.
Keep door seals clean and undamaged.
Routine maintenance also improves cleaning performance and helps reduce unexpected repairs.
Benefits of Investing in a CMA Dishwasher
Quality CMA dishwashers provides several operational advantages:
Faster dish turnaround
Lower labor costs
Improved sanitation
Consistent cleaning performance
Reduced water usage
Better workflow during busy service periods
Long equipment lifespan
These benefits help restaurants improve efficiency while maintaining high food safety standards.
Why Buy CMA Dishwashers from The Horeca Store?
The Horeca Store offers a wide selection of commercial warewashing equipment to meet the needs of restaurants, hotels, bars, schools, and institutional kitchens. Whether you're looking for a compact undercounter dishwasher or a high-capacity conveyor system, you'll find reliable equipment designed for professional foodservice environments.
Our team can help you compare machine capacities, sanitizing methods, installation requirements, and operating costs so you can select the best dishwasher for your business.
Final Thoughts
CMA dishwashers are trusted by foodservice professionals for their durability, dependable cleaning performance, and efficient operation. With options ranging from compact undercounter units to powerful conveyor systems, CMA offers solutions for businesses of every size.
By choosing the right dishwasher based on your daily volume, available space, and sanitizing requirements, you can improve kitchen efficiency, maintain health code compliance, and provide faster service to your customers. A well-maintained CMA dishwasher is a long-term investment that supports cleaner operations, lower operating costs, and a more productive commercial kitchen.