Cost Of Replacing A Commercial Dishwasher Control Board: What You Need To Know
A commercial dishwasher control board is a critical part of any restaurant or food service establishment’s dishwashing system. It regulates essential functions like cycle management, water temperature, drainage, and more. When the control board malfunctions, it can cause major disruptions in the kitchen workflow. Understanding the costs associated with replacing this vital part is important for restaurant owners and kitchen managers to maintain operations without exceeding the budget. This article explores the factors influencing the replacement cost, provides pricing estimates, and highlights key considerations to ensure an efficient replacement process.What Factors Affect Commercial Dishwasher Control Board Replacement Cost?
Several factors influence the cost of replacing a commercial dishwasher control board, including the brand and model of your machine, the type of control board, labor costs, and the availability of parts.
How Brand and Model Impact Control Board Replacement Costs
The brand and model of your commercial dishwasher play a critical role in determining the cost of a control board replacement. High-end and specialized brands tend to charge more for parts compared to budget-friendly models. Additionally, because components for older or discontinued models are harder to find, they may cost more.
A breakdown of possible expenses by brand and model is provided below:
High-End Brands: $300–$600
Mid-Range Brands: $150–$400
Budget-Friendly Brands: $100–$250
For some premium brands, the cost of a control board can reach up to $800 or more, especially if the dishwasher model is specialized or custom-built.
How Type of Control Board Affects Costs
There are different types of control boards based on the complexity and functionality of the dishwasher. Simple models with basic features (like a mechanical control board) are less expensive to replace than those with advanced capabilities such as touchscreens or Wi-Fi connectivity for remote diagnostics.
Basic Control Boards: Depending on the type and manufacturer, these usually cost between $100 and $300.
Advanced Control Boards: These can range from $300 to $600 or more, depending on features like advanced sensors, electronic components, and integration with other kitchen equipment.
The complexity of the control board will directly impact both the cost of the part and the labor required for installation.
Labor Costs and Time Required for Replacement
In addition to the cost of the control board itself, labor costs can be a significant factor in the overall price of the replacement. Hiring a qualified technician to install the new control board ensures that the job is done correctly and safely. Labor costs typically range from $75 to $150 per hour, and replacing a control board generally takes between 1 to 3 hours.
Labor Cost (1–3 hours): $75–$450
If additional repairs are required, such as fixing wiring issues or addressing faulty components, the labor time and cost will increase.
Parts Availability and Additional Repair Costs
If the control board is a specialized part or is no longer in production, it may need to be specially ordered, which can increase the price. On the other hand, if the part is readily available from suppliers or manufacturers, you may pay less.
Readily Available Parts: $150–$400
Special Order Parts: $200–$600
Furthermore, additional repairs may be needed during the replacement process. Issues like damaged connectors, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning sensors can complicate the replacement and lead to additional costs, ranging from $50 to $200.
Average Costs of Replacing a Commercial Dishwasher Control BoardUnderstanding the typical costs associated with replacing a control board can help you budget for this repair. The average costs are summarized as follows:
Cost Component
Estimated Cost
Control Board
$150–$600
Labor (1–3 hours)
$75–$450
Additional Repairs (if needed)
$50–$200
Total Estimated Cost
$250–$1,200
As you can see, the total cost of replacing a commercial dishwasher control board can range from $250 to $1,200, depending on the factors discussed above.
DIY vs. Professional ReplacementWhen it comes to replacing a dishwasher control board, you may wonder whether it’s worth attempting a DIY replacement or hiring a professional. The advantages and disadvantages of each choice are broken out as follows:
DIY Replacement
Advantages:
Cost Savings: Handling the replacement yourself saves on labor costs.
Hands-On Experience: If you have the technical know-how, DIY replacement can offer valuable experience for future repairs.
Disadvantages:
Time-Consuming: DIY replacements can take longer, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process or the model of the dishwasher.
Risk of Further Damage: Incorrect installation can lead to additional damage, potentially resulting in higher repair costs.
Professional Replacement
Advantages:
Expertise: A certified technician guarantees a safe and accurate replacement.
Warranty: To provide customers peace of mind, many experts provide warranties on their work.
Drawbacks:
Increased Costs: Hiring a professional comes with labor costs, which raises the replacement's total cost.
It's a big expense to replace a commercial dishwasher control board, but knowing what influences the price will help you make wise choices. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, it's important to factor in the cost of both parts and labor. Your dishwasher will operate more effectively and have less downtime if you do routine maintenance to help avoid future control board failures. Maintaining optimal efficiency and providing a high level of customer service can be achieved by being proactive.