CMA Dishmachines Undercounter Dishwashers - 180-VL TALL
3-door, single-rack, heat-recovery hood – built to run without a vent hood
Replace your costly overhead hood and slash utility bills with CMA Dishmachines’ flagship tall-hood dishwasher. The 180-VL TALL captures otherwise-wasted steam to pre-heat incoming water, delivering a consistent 180 °F sanitizing rinse while using less than one gallon per rack—perfect for kitchens that demand full-size pan clearance and rapid turnaround.
Features
- Ventless heat-recovery & condensation removal – no dedicated exhaust hood required.
- Safe-T-Temp system guarantees a 180 °F final rinse every cycle for NSF-approved sanitization.
- Handles up to 40 racks per hour on a quick 90-second automatic cycle.
- Tall 28 inch interior clearance accommodates sheet pans, stock pots, mixing bowls and more.
- Energy-saving 12 kW booster heater & 6 kW wash-tank heater are pre-fed by captured steam for faster recovery.
- 1 HP wash pump and 52 GPM recirculation for sparkling results.
- Three-door hood works in straight-through or corner configurations—ideal for retrofit installations.
- Door Safety Interlock System (DSI) keeps doors locked until steam is evacuated.
- Rinse pressure regulating valve, dual wash-tank screens and automatic heat-exchanger wash-down keep performance consistent.
- All-stainless construction with adjustable bullet feet for years of corrosion-free service.
Performance snapshot
- Cycle: 60 s wash/rinse + 30 s steam evacuation (90 s total)
- Water use: only 0.89 gal (3.37 L) per rack
- Operating temps: 155–160 °F wash | 180–195 °F rinse
- Wash-tank capacity: 8 gal (30.3 L)
Specifications
| Model |
CMA-180-VL TALL (Energy Mizer® series) |
| Rack capacity |
40 racks/hr |
| Clearance |
28 in (71.1 cm) |
| Exterior (W × D × H) |
25-1/2 in × 29 in × 95-5/16 – 96-5/16 in
(65 cm × 76.7 cm × 242 – 244.6 cm) |
| Water consumption |
0.89 gal/rack • 36 gal/hr (3.37 L / 136 L) |
| Heat sources |
12 kW booster heater · 6 kW wash-tank heater |
| Wash pump |
1 HP motor · 52 GPM (197 LPM) |
| Electrical options* |
208 V 1Ø 78 A · 240 V 1Ø 88 A · 208 V 3Ø 49 A · 240 V 3Ø 55 A · 480 V 3Ø 25 A
(*factory wired 3-phase, field convertible to single-phase) |
| Water inlets |
½ in hot (120–140 °F) & ½ in cold (41–65 °F) |
| Drain connection |
2 in gravity, 11-1/2 – 12-1/2 in above floor |
What our Experts Think
- The CMA 180-VL TALL is a high-temperature, ventless, single-rack door-type commercial dishwasher built for high-volume kitchens needing fast, compliant sanitizing without a hood system.
- It delivers up to 40 racks per hour, with a fast 90-second cycle, making it suitable for busy restaurants, hotels, and institutional kitchens.
- Experts highlight its ventless heat recovery system, which captures steam and uses it to preheat incoming water—reducing energy use and eliminating the need for a dedicated exhaust hood.
- The built-in 12 kW booster heater + Safe-T-Temp system ensures a consistent 180°F final rinse, guaranteeing proper high-temp sanitization every cycle.
- Its tall 28-inch chamber clearance allows washing of larger pans, trays, and oversized ware that standard undercounter units can’t handle.
- Built with all stainless steel construction, automatic cycle operation, and wash tank filtration screens, it is engineered for durability, hygiene, and reduced operator error.
- Overall, professionals view it as a high-efficiency, space-saving commercial dishwasher that combines strong throughput, energy savings, and hood-free installation flexibility.
Q&A
Q: What is the CMA 180-VL TALL used for?
A: It is a commercial high-temperature, ventless undercounter/door-type dishwasher designed for restaurants, hotels, and institutional kitchens that need fast, sanitary dishwashing without a vent hood system.
Q: What makes the 180-VL TALL “ventless”?
A: It uses a heat recovery and condensation removal system that captures steam and preheats incoming water, eliminating the need for an external exhaust hood.
Q: How much capacity does it handle?
A: It washes about 40 racks per hour with a fast ~90-second cycle, suitable for high-demand dishrooms.
Q: What size dishes can it handle?
A: It supports up to 28-inch dish clearance, allowing larger plates, trays, and cookware.
Q: How does it sanitize dishes?
A: It uses high-temperature sanitizing with a built-in booster heater, delivering a 180°F final rinse every cycle for compliance-grade sanitation.
Q: Is it suitable for commercial kitchens with limited space?
A: Yes. Its tall, compact footprint and ventless design make it ideal for tight dishrooms or retrofits where installing a hood system is difficult.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean filters, scrap screen, and tank strainers daily to prevent clogs and maintain proper wash pressure.
- Run delime/clean cycle weekly (more often in hard water areas) to prevent scale buildup in the booster heater and wash tank.
- Inspect and clean wash & rinse arms regularly to ensure full spray coverage and proper sanitizing performance.
- Wipe door gaskets and interior seals daily to prevent leaks, heat loss, and bacteria buildup.
- Ensure Safe-T-Temp final rinse reaches ~180°F for proper sanitization every cycle.
- Keep ventless heat recovery system vents clean and unobstructed for efficient steam removal and energy recovery.
- Check and clear the drain system regularly to avoid backups and overflow issues.
- Maintain proper water supply temperature (120–140°F recommended) for stable cycle performance.
- Leave door open after service hours to air-dry the chamber and reduce odor or bacterial growth.
- Schedule professional servicing periodically for booster heater, pumps, and sensors to ensure long-term reliability.
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