Dishwasher Inlet / Outlet Benches

Why passthrough dishwashers require inlet & outlet benches

A passthrough washline relies on a one-direction dirty→clean pathway. Inlet and outlet benches create the structured surfaces required to feed racks into the dishwasher, receive clean racks as they exit, and keep water contained within the W6/W7 boundaries.

These benches are not standard stainless benches — they are wet-zone infrastructure engineered to withstand continuous moisture, food soil, chemical sanitisers and repetitive rack movement without corrosion or workflow failure.

Engineering fundamentals for wet-zone durability

• 304 stainless steel throughout: Resists chlorides, heat, sanitisers and constant moisture exposure.
• Raised rear lip / upstand: Prevents splashback, protects wall junctions and meets AS4674 splash-containment rules.
• Anti-drip front edge: Directs runoff back toward the bench, reducing WHS slip hazards.
• Integrated bench fall (micro-slope): Ensures water drains toward sink or collection points; prevents pooling.
• Rack-sliding finish: Brushed or polished surface reduces friction for 500×500 passthrough racks.
• Heavy-duty hat-channel support: Prevents sagging from concentrated rack loads and repetitive pre-rinse impact.
• 150mm floor clearance: Required for mop access, pest visibility and drainage inspections under AS4674.
• Adjustable feet: Allows precise alignment with dishwasher hatch height for seamless pass-through operation.

Correct dirty→clean flow for a compliant washline

A compliant passthrough dishwashing line follows a strictly linear path:

• Inlet Bench → Scrap Sink → Passthrough Dishwasher Entry
• Dishwasher Exit → Outlet Bench → Drying/Storage Area

This layout prevents cross-contamination (FSANZ 3.2.2A) and eliminates the most common washroom design failure: clean racks crossing paths with dirty racks.

Fitout mistakes to avoid in W6/W7 zones

• Using inlet/outlet benches with underbench dishwashers: Incorrect and non-functional — passthrough only.
• No rear upstand: Causes splash contamination on walls, violating AS4674.
• Incorrect bench height relative to dishwasher hatch: Racks jam and workflow slows.
• Inlet and outlet benches placed too close: Dirty and clean racks intersect — critical FSANZ breach.
• No bench fall: Water pooling leads to hygiene and WHS issues.
• Bench placed flush to wall (<75mm): Stops cleaning access, traps mould and pests.
• Depth too narrow for passthrough racks: Causes tipping, spilling or splash-zone incidents.
• Under-shelf below 150mm height: Non-compliant and blocks mop access.
• Obstructed drain or grease-trap access: Bench placement must allow full plumbing access.

Essential accessories for a complete passthrough washline

• Pre-rinse spray units: Improve soil removal and reduce dishwasher labour.
• Scrap sinks: Capture solids before they enter the dishwasher or grease trap.
• 500×500 passthrough racks: Designed for low-friction movement across inlet/outlet surfaces.
• Overshelves: For chemicals, drying trays and clean-side organisation.

Recommended internal links

• Dishwasher Sink Benches — scrap & pre-rinse zone integration
• Passthrough Dishwashers — required for inlet/outlet compatibility
• Infill Benches — used to complete washline runs
• Flat Stainless Workbenches — for drying & post-wash staging

Frequently asked questions

Are inlet/outlet benches mandatory for passthrough dishwashers?

Yes. They are expected in any AS4674-compliant washline layout.

Do these benches fit all passthrough machine brands?

Yes — alignment may vary by hatch height, but inlet/outlet benches are universally compatible with passthrough-format machines.

Can they be used with underbench dishwashers?

No. Underbench dishwashers require standard benches or sink benches, not inlet/outlet benches.

Do inlet benches require a rear upstand?

Yes — essential for splash prevention and meeting AS4674 wall-junction hygiene requirements.

Need help designing your washline?
Call 1300 001 336 for engineered advice based on your kitchen layout and dishwasher model.

Wet-zone engineering & FSANZ compliance validated by KW Commercial Kitchen.