Hobart Ecomax vs Ecomax Plus Undercounter Dishwashers: What’s the Difference?

When choosing a Hobart undercounter dishwasher, many professional kitchens narrow their decision down to two ranges: Ecomax and Ecomax Plus. 

Both deliver Hobart’s proven wash performance and build quality, but they are engineered for different usage patterns, efficiency expectations, and service demands. Understanding these differences helps ensure the dishwasher you choose performs reliably without being pushed beyond its intended operating profile. 

This guide explains the practical differences between Hobart Ecomax and Ecomax Plus undercounter dishwashers, and when each range is the right choice. 

Overview: Ecomax vs Ecomax Plus 

Feature	Ecomax	Ecomax Plus
Intended usage	Predictable, controlled workloads	Regular to sustained daily use
Cabinet construction	Single-skinned	Double-skinned
Heat retention	Standard	Improved
Water efficiency	Standard	Optimised
Cycle control	Fixed programmes	Enhanced programme control
Overall cost profile	Lower upfront, higher long-term costs	Higher upfront, lower long-term costs
Typical environments	Cafés, bars, staff kitchens	Restaurants, pubs, professional kitchens

 

Hobart Ecomax Undercounter Dishwashers

Best suited to professional kitchens with predictable workloads 

The Hobart Ecomax range is designed for straightforward professional applications where usage patterns are controlled and service demands are consistent. 

Key characteristics include: 

• Reliable wash performance 
• Simple, robust operation 
• Clear, easy-to-use controls 
• A strong balance between performance and initial investment 

Ecomax undercounter dishwashers are well suited to: 

• Cafés and coffee shops 
• Smaller bars 
• Staff kitchens 
• Sites with defined service periods rather than continuous use 

When used within their intended duty cycle, Ecomax machines deliver dependable results with minimal complexity. 

Hobart Ecomax Plus Undercounter Dishwashers

Designed for regular use and higher operational demand 

Ecomax Plus builds on the Ecomax platform with enhancements focused on efficiency control, durability, and performance consistency during busier service periods. 

Key differences include: 

• Double-skinned construction, improving heat retention 
• Optimised wash tank design 
• Reduced energy loss between cycles 
• Enhanced wash programme options 

These refinements make Ecomax Plus particularly well suited to professional kitchens where the dishwasher is used repeatedly throughout the day. 

Key Differences Between Ecomax and Ecomax Plus 

While both ranges share Hobart’s core engineering principles, the differences become most noticeable in construction, efficiency, and performance under sustained use. 

Construction & Heat Retention 

One of the most important distinctions between the two ranges is cabinet construction. 

• Ecomax machines use single-skinned cabinet construction with a double skinned door, which is suitable for predictable workloads and lighter daily use. 
• Ecomax Plus machines feature double-skinned construction, helping to retain heat within the wash chamber and reduce heat loss between cycles. 

Improved heat retention allows Ecomax Plus machines to: 

• Maintain wash temperatures more consistently 
• Reduce reheating demand during busy service 
• Operate more efficiently when cycles are run back-to-back 

As daily usage increases, this difference becomes increasingly significant. 

Wash Chamber Design, Capacity & Throughput 

Ecomax Plus models offer increased usable wash chamber height and support optional double racking, allowing more items to be washed per cycle. An optimised wash tank design also reduces the volume of water heated, helping improve efficiency compared with standard undercounter machines. 

This results in:  

• Faster heat-up times 
• Reduced energy required to bring water to temperature 
• Lower overall water consumption across the working day 

For kitchens running multiple cycles per hour, these incremental savings quickly add up. 

Wash Programmes & Cycle Control 

Ecomax machines offer straightforward wash programmes designed for consistent, repeatable operation. 

Ecomax Plus introduces greater flexibility and control, including: 

• Additional wash programme options 
• Specialised cycles for different ware types 
• Optimised rinse volumes that maintain hygiene while reducing water usage 

These features allow Ecomax Plus machines to adapt more effectively to changing loads and service conditions. 

Energy Management & Daily Operation 

Ecomax Plus dishwashers incorporate enhanced energy-management features designed to minimise unnecessary consumption during normal operation. 

These include: 

• Reduced rinse water volumes on short cycles 
• Optimised cycle times that maintain wash performance 
• Improved efficiency during continuous use 

For kitchens focused on controlling long-term operating costs, these refinements provide a clear advantage. 

Performance During Busy Service 

The practical difference between Ecomax and Ecomax Plus is most apparent during busy service periods. 

• Ecomax performs best where usage is steady and controlled. 
• Ecomax Plus is engineered to cope more comfortably with repeated cycles, higher throughput, and variable loading throughout the day. 

This makes Ecomax Plus the preferred option when an undercounter dishwasher is relied upon as the primary warewashing solution rather than a secondary unit. 

Integrated Water Softening 

Both Ecomax and Ecomax Plus ranges are available with integrated water softening options. 

In hard-water areas, integrated softening helps to: 

• Prevent limescale build-up 
• Protect heating elements 
• Maintain consistent wash temperatures 
• Reduce servicing and maintenance requirements 

For sites in hard-water regions, choosing a softener-equipped model is strongly recommended regardless of range. 

Which Should You Choose? 

Choose Ecomax if: 

• Usage is predictable and controlled 
• Service periods are clearly defined 
• Simplicity and reliability are the priority 

Choose Ecomax Plus if: 

• The dishwasher is used frequently throughout service 
• Efficiency and heat retention matter 
• Long-term running costs are a key consideration 

If usage is expected to increase over time, Ecomax Plus often provides better future resilience. 

Final Thoughts 

Both Hobart Ecomax and Ecomax Plus undercounter dishwashers deliver professional wash performance. The right choice depends on how intensively the machine will be used and how demanding the kitchen environment is. 

For predictable workloads, Ecomax provides dependable performance. 
For regular or sustained use, Ecomax Plus offers enhanced efficiency and long-term value. 

If you’re unsure which range best suits your kitchen, our Hobart Experts can help assess your requirements and recommend the most appropriate option.