CMA Dishmachines Undercounter Dishwashers - 180-VL FL
Front-loading • Single-rack • 21 racks / hr
Get high-temperature sanitation without a costly hood system. The CMA 180-VL-FL reclaims its own steam to slash energy costs and fits almost anywhere thanks to a compact 25 ½" × 29" footprint.
Features
- Ventless heat-recovery condenser eliminates the need for a dedicated vent hood.
- Only 7.1 ft² of floor space—about 75 % less than traditional pass-through machines.
- Ergonomic front-loading door at 34" working height speeds up turns.
- Safe-T-Temp feature guarantees a 180 °F sanitizing rinse every cycle (NSF compliant).
- 21 racks / hour with ultra-low 0.89 gal water usage per rack (ENERGY STAR® design).
- Generous 16" dish clearance handles sheet pans, pitchers and mixing bowls.
- Built-in 12 kW booster plus 6 kW wash-tank heaters keep cycles consistent during rushes.
- Dual stainless-steel tank screens and automatic wash-down keep spray arms clog-free.
- Door safety interlock, water-level control & rinse-pressure regulating valve protect staff and machine.
- Stainless-steel construction with adjustable feet for rock-solid durability.
Specifications
| Model |
CMA-180-VL-FL (Energy Mizer®) |
| Rack capacity |
21 racks / hr • 20" × 20" racks |
| Total cycle time |
≈170 sec (60 sec wash/rinse + 110 sec steam evacuation) |
| Water use |
0.89 gal / rack (≈19 gal / hr) |
| Dish clearance |
16" |
| Wash pump |
1 HP • 52 GPM |
| Heaters |
6 kW wash tank • 12 kW booster |
| Water inlets |
½" cold 41–65 °F & ½" hot 120–140 °F • 20 ± 5 psi rinse pressure |
| Electrical |
208/240 V 1-ph 78–88 A
208/240 V 3-ph 49–55 A
480 V 3-ph 25 A |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
25 ½" × 29" × 85 ⅜–86 ⅜" |
| Listings |
NSF • cULus • ENERGY STAR V2.0 |
What our Experts Think
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Ventless high-temperature performance: The CMA 180-VL FL is a single-rack, front-loading commercial dishwasher with built-in ventless heat recovery, allowing installation without an external hood system.
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Efficient mid-volume throughput: Rated for up to ~21–40 racks per hour, it is designed for steady operation in restaurants, cafés, and institutional kitchens.
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Energy Mizer heat recovery system: Captures steam heat to preheat incoming water, reducing booster heater workload and improving overall energy efficiency.
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High-temp sanitizing reliability: Built-in booster system delivers a ~180°F final rinse (Safe-T-Temp system) for consistent NSF-level sanitation without chemicals.
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Space-optimized front-load design: Compact 25.5” footprint and front-opening door improve workflow in tight dishroom layouts while maintaining full commercial capacity.
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Durable stainless-steel build: Heavy-duty construction ensures long-term resistance to corrosion and supports continuous daily use in demanding environments.
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Low water consumption efficiency: Uses approximately ~0.89 gallons per cycle, helping reduce operating costs while maintaining strong cleaning performance.
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Service-focused engineering: Features wash tank filtration, automatic fill, and internal condensation handling to minimize maintenance effort and downtime.
Q&A
Q: What is the CMA Dishmachines 180-VL FL used for?
A: It is a high-temperature, ventless undercounter (door-type) commercial dishwasher designed for restaurants, cafés, and commercial kitchens needing fast, efficient dish sanitizing in a compact footprint.
Q: What makes the 180-VL FL different from standard dishwashers?
A: It is ventless, meaning it does not require a hood system, which reduces installation cost and kitchen ventilation needs.
Q: How many racks can it wash per hour?
A: It can handle about 21–40 racks per hour, depending on cycle conditions and configuration.
Q: What sanitizing method does it use?
A: It uses high-temperature sanitizing with a 180°F final rinse, ensuring commercial-grade hygiene compliance.
Q: Does it save water and energy?
A: Yes, it uses about 0.89 gallons of water per cycle and includes a heat recovery system that reduces energy usage by preheating incoming water.
Q: What are its key features?
A: It includes stainless steel construction, built-in booster heater, heat recovery system, automatic cycle operation, and door safety interlock for consistent ventless performance.
Q: Why choose the 180-VL FL dishwasher?
A: It offers high-temperature sanitizing, no-hood installation savings, strong rack capacity, and efficient water/energy usage, making it ideal for busy commercial kitchens with limited space.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean scrap screen/drain filter daily to prevent pump clogging and drainage issues
- Inspect and clean wash & rinse spray arms regularly to maintain full coverage and pressure
- Maintain proper high-temp sanitizing cycle (final rinse ~180°F) for safe dish sanitation
- Check and flush chemical lines (detergent, rinse aid, sanitizer) daily for correct dosing
- Clean door gasket daily to prevent leaks and heat/steam loss
- Run end-of-shift drain and rinse cycle to remove food soil and chemical residue
- Keep wash tank and interior free of debris buildup after each shift
- Ensure adequate water supply pressure for consistent wash and rinse performance
- Descale regularly to prevent mineral/lime buildup on heating and spray components
- Keep unit level and properly drained for stable operation and leak prevention
Damage 
Loss 
Theft 
