Short answer: in most kitchens, no. A pass through dishwasher running on its standard 15A plug, in a well ventilated space, does not need an exhaust hood, and it does not need to be a condenser machine either. We hold a written ruling on it. If you have been told you need one, call us on 0412 034948 before you spend the money.
What you have probably been told
As a service technician I work on more and more pass through dishwashers with a condenser built in. Nearly every owner tells me the same thing: they were told the regulations required a hood, a hood was not practical to retrofit, so the condenser machine was the only way. They paid thousands more for the machine, ran in three phase power, and now have more parts that can go wrong.
What I found
During lockdown I went through the Australian standards myself and put my questions in writing to the people responsible for them. I built my case on a simple comparison: an undercounter dishwasher and a pass through on the same 15A plug have the same power, the same wash and rinse temperatures, the same rack and the same cycle times. Nobody puts a hood over an undercounter. The answer came back that if the undercounter does not need one, neither does the pass through, provided the space is well ventilated.
Every question was answered, and I have the ruling in writing. As far as I know, nobody else in Australia has it.
Which machines it covers
The ruling was made on the 15A plug. These Washtech pass throughs all come on one:
- The Washtech XM, the compact 450mm rack machine for a 510mm bench gap
- The Washtech XP, the simple 500mm rack machine
- The Washtech M2, the professional machine with a touchscreen and an assured rinse
Undercounter dishwashers on a standard plug do not need a hood either.
We stand behind this for the Washtech machines we supply. If you buy your machine from us and the hood question comes up, we back you.
Where it still needs thought
- Higher power. If you want the machine set up on 25A or three phase for faster rinse recovery, that changes things. Talk to us first.
- Hardwired three phase machines. High speed machines like the XL are hardwired on three phase, so the 15A ruling does not cover them.
- Small, closed-in rooms. If the dish area is a small room with the door shut and the machine runs all day, plan the ventilation so you do not get condensation running down the walls.
What a condenser machine costs you
A condenser pass through has a heat recovery unit on top. It runs on cold water and three phase, because it has to heat cold water all the way up instead of boosting a hot supply. In my experience it still lets steam out every time the hood lifts. Here is the difference in price for the same size machine:
| On a 15A plug | Price ex GST | Condenser version | Price ex GST | Extra cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washtech XM | $5,980 | Washtech M1C | $10,580 | $4,600 |
| Washtech XP | $5,980 | Washtech XPC | $9,980 | $4,000 |
| Washtech M2 | $7,580 | Washtech M2C | $11,680 | $4,100 |
That is before the cost of running three phase to the machine. There are sites where a condenser machine is the right call, for example a closed-in room with no way to ventilate it. Just do not buy one because someone told you a hood is the law on a 15A machine.
Been told you need a hood?
Call us on 0412 034948 before you spend money on a canopy or a condenser machine. If you are buying a pass through from us and a designer, certifier or council inspector says you need one, we back you with the ruling. We support the machines we supply, so tell us the machine, the power and the room before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pass through dishwasher need an exhaust hood?
Not if it runs on its standard 15A plug in a well ventilated space. We hold a written ruling on this. Higher power setups, hardwired three phase machines and small closed-in rooms are different, so talk to us before you plan around it.
Does an undercounter dishwasher need an exhaust hood?
No. An undercounter on a standard plug does not need a hood.
Do I need a condenser dishwasher if I cannot fit a hood?
Not if you are running a pass through on its standard 15A plug in a well ventilated space. A condenser machine costs thousands more and runs on three phase. Call us before you buy one on the strength of a hood requirement.
Which Washtech pass throughs come on a 15A plug?
The Washtech XM, XP and M2 all come with a 15A plug.
What if my certifier or council says I need a hood?
If you are buying your machine from us, call us on 0412 034948 before you spend money on a canopy or a condenser machine. We hold the ruling in writing and back the machines we supply.
Do I still need to think about ventilation?
Yes, in three cases. If the machine is set up on higher power or three phase, if it is a hardwired three phase machine, or if it is going in a small, closed-in room that runs all day. In a small room, plan the ventilation so you do not get condensation on the walls.
Contact
Phone or Text: 0412 034948
Email: sales@eattucker.com