Dishwashers

[Whspa]

We're thinking of buying a dishwasher. Since we have 6 labs with 4 prep rooms over 3 floors, we would really like a portable one to start with. Do most schools have a dishwasher? Can anyone recommend one?
Thanks

[Pete]

We're thinking of buying a dishwasher. Since we have 6 labs with 4 prep rooms over 3 floors, we would really like a portable one to start with. Do most schools have a dishwasher? Can anyone recommend one?
Thanks

Hi Carol
The brands of small benchtop dishwashers that we used to recommend to schools are no longer available. Specialised scientific units are very expensive and probably beyond most school budgets. Our present best recommendation is to choose a suitable domestic unit of good reliable brand. The most suitable models are ones that have fold down racking rather than fixed racks for plates etc. This allows you to better stack glassware, and to use plastic cages for small items such as test tubes. Bosch model SGS 4002 is one that is in use here in schools, and for which there has been good feedback. Good luck!!

Pete (Science Project Officer, South Australia)

[rp]

hi carol
I just bought the little THOR model that sits on the bench top.
Its fairly plastic but it does the job.
I got it through Serrata but you can get them elsewhere.
When you buy one the washing stuff is very caustic, so I put it through again because I found it actually affected some titration results.
In saying that it is great to have one it saves a lot of time
Hope this helps
Rhonda

[buggman]

I have a small bench dishwasher, a Lemair Pony it's called, but over the years has now grown tired, but it never washed the glassware clean any way. I had to clean the glassware before putting it in. I'm now told to buy a new one and wondered if anyone had feedback on a dishwasher that works with our type of glassware: test tubes, etc.
The KMart store types are very cheap at the moment but I don't think they would handle the cleaning of the chemicals from glass.

[JudyM]

Hi Buggman,
I have a Simpson Silencio that I've had for a few years, that works pretty well.It was only a cheap one around $600 I think. Some things have to be handwashed regardless but generally it's pretty good.
I have bought baskets from Science Supply & wash the test tubes in those, I can give you the number if you need it.
Cheers
Judy

[ri]

Hello Bugman,
In January this year we purchased a Thor desktop dishwasher from Serrata P/L in Sydney (phone 02 9651 3033) for approx. $880.
We couldn't be happier - it's cycle is less than 1/2 hour and it does a very good job.
Cheers,
~Robyn