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Warewashing Expenses Exposed:
How to Reduce Costs in Your Kitchen

22 May 2025

Understanding Warewashing Expenses

Warewashing is an essential but costly operation in foodservice establishments. The key components of these costs include:

Labor Costs

Labor is the largest warewashing expense, comprising 53% of total operational costs.

Rising Wages and Increased Expenses

  • In 2007, the federal minimum wage was $5.85 per hour.
  • In 2009, it increased to $7.25 per hour.
  • In 2024, many states have implemented minimum wages above $15 per hour.

Rising Wages and Increased Expenses

  • 3-Compartment Sink: Labor-intensive, requiring at least one employee for 2+ hours per meal period. Average cost: $50/day.
  • Dishwasher: Less labor-intensive than a sink, but still requires loading and unloading.
  • Decarbonator®: Items soak without manual scrubbing, reducing labor costs to less than $5/day.

Real-Life Savings Example

Le Chef Bakery installed an 85GAL Decarbonator®, freeing up two employees and saving over $42,000 annually in labor costs.

Water and Utility Costs

Water costs make up 23% of warewashing operational costs, with utilities contributing an additional 18%.

Water Consumption by Method

  • 3-Compartment Sink: Uses 840-1000 gallons/day, costing $35-$40/day.
  • Dishwasher: Uses 600-1000 gallons/day, costing $28-$32/day.
  • Decarbonator®: Uses less than 2 gallons/day, costing only $0.31/day.

Utility Costs and Sustainability

Decarbonator® energy costs are $1.57/day and maintain water at 185°F for continuous sanitization.

Chemical Costs

Chemical expenses, including detergents, sanitizers, and rinse aids, make up 9% of warewashing costs.

  • 3-Compartment Sink: Manually dispensed chemicals lead to excess usage.
  • Dishwasher: Automated but still requires detergent and sanitizer for each cycle.
  • Decarbonator®: Uses a single dose of CarbonZyme® that lasts four weeks, significantly reducing chemical consumption.

Consumables and Ware Replacement​

Water costs make up 23% of warewashing operational costs, with utilities contributing an additional 18%.

Water Consumption by Method

  • 3-Compartment Sink: Uses 840-1000 gallons/day, costing $35-$40/day.
  • Dishwasher: Uses 600-1000 gallons/day, costing $28-$32/day.
  • Decarbonator®: Uses less than 2 gallons/day, costing only $0.31/day.

Utility Costs and Sustainability

Decarbonator® energy costs are $1.57/day and maintain water at 185°F for continuous sanitization.

Consumables and Ware Replacement

Frequent scrubbing in a 3-Compartment Sink or Dishwasher leads to wear and tear on pans and utensils, increasing replacement costs. The Decarbonator® eliminates excessive scrubbing, preserving cookware.

The Bigger Picture: Indirect Costs

Improper sanitization can lead to foodborne illness outbreaks, costing businesses an average of $75,000 per incident. The Decarbonator® maintains a constant 185°F temperature, ensuring full sanitization and compliance with health codes.

The Decarbonator® is the Smarter Choice

Switching to a Decarbonator® reduces labor, water, chemical, and utility costs, potentially saving between $18,000 and $39,840 per year. For foodservice operators looking to streamline operations and maximize profitability, the Decarbonator® is a game-changer.

The Decarbonator® can revolutionize your warewashing process. 

Contact Us to Learn How!