Classeq C400WS Undercounter Tank Dishwasher
400 x 400mm basket dishwasher with integrated automatic water softener
The Classeq C400WS combines rapid commercial dishwashing with an integrated automatic water softener in a compact 460mm-wide cabinet. It is particularly useful in medium and hard water areas where there is insufficient space for a separate external softener.
- ✓Integrated automatic water softener helps protect the machine against damaging limescale
- ✓Choice of 2, 3 and 5-minute dishwasher programmes once the machine is hot and ready
- ✓400 x 400mm basket holds up to nine dinner plates
- ✓Maximum rated throughput of up to 30 baskets or approximately 270 plates per hour
- ✓Drain, rinse booster, detergent and rinse-aid pumps included as standard
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Product Overview
The Classeq C400WS is a compact undercounter tank dishwasher with an integrated automatic water softener, providing fast crockery turnaround and limescale protection without requiring a separate softener beside the machine.
Its 400 x 400mm basket holds up to nine dinner plates, while the choice of 2, 3 and 5-minute programmes allows the operator to select an appropriate cycle for different levels of soiling. The maximum quoted throughput of 30 baskets per hour assumes that the machine is hot, ready and continuously loaded with correctly prepared crockery.
The integrated softener is particularly useful in medium and hard water areas where installation space is restricted. It regenerates automatically using granular dishwasher salt, although staff must keep the salt reservoir topped up and respond promptly to the machine’s salt warning. Suitable applications include Food & Beverage, Hotels & B&Bs, Schools, Colleges & Universities, Care Homes, Offices and Churches & Village Halls, as well as many others.
At a glance
How a&f can support you
Buying commercial equipment is about more than choosing the machine. We help you get the right professional solution for your site from day one, and support you long after it is installed.
We can help with site survey, correct electrical version selection, water-hardness testing, installation, commissioning, user training and long-term service support.
- ✓ Manufacturer-trained engineers
- ✓ Around £12,000+ of spare parts carried on each service van to improve first-time fix rates
- ✓ Warranty handling, annual servicing and service contracts
- ✓ Rental and finance options available alongside outright purchase
Need this machine supplied, installed and supported?
Speak to a&f about purchase, rental, installation and service contract options for this product. Call us on 01243 55 55 25, option 1 for sales support, email sales@a-f.co.uk, or click the green button.
Features & Benefits
Practical features designed to provide rapid commercial dishwashing, straightforward daily operation and automatic protection against limescale in a compact footprint.
Integrated water softener
Automatic regeneration inside the dishwasher
Removes the need for a separate external softener where space is limited, while helping protect heaters and rinse components against limescale.
Simple salt management
Uses granular dishwasher salt
Staff only need to keep the internal salt reservoir topped up and respond to the machine’s warning, without carrying out a separate manual regeneration process.
Flexible programmes
2, 3 and 5-minute dishwasher cycles
Allows the operator to select an appropriate programme for lightly or more heavily soiled crockery during busy service periods.
Compact basket format
400 x 400mm commercial basket
Provides rapid commercial washing in a machine only 460mm wide, making it useful where kitchen space is restricted.
Practical plate capacity
Up to nine dinner plates per basket
Supports smaller restaurants, cafés, pubs, schools and staff kitchens without requiring a larger 500mm basket machine.
Commercial throughput
Up to 30 baskets or approximately 270 plates per hour
Offers fast turnaround when the machine is hot, correctly supplied and supported by effective scraping, loading and unloading.
Standard dosing and pumps
Drain, rinse booster, detergent and rinse-aid pumps included
Provides the main pumping and chemical-dosing functions required for a professionally installed commercial dishwasher.
Straightforward controls
Simple colour-coded display
Helps operators identify machine status and use the correct programme with less risk of confusion during busy periods.
Easy daily cleaning
Click-in wash arms and moulded tank rails
Key internal components are designed for practical removal and cleaning, helping staff maintain wash quality and hygiene.
Double filtration
Improved control of food debris
Helps prevent larger food particles from circulating through the wash system, subject to effective pre-scraping and regular filter cleaning.
Heat and noise control
Double-skinned door and cabinet
Helps limit heat loss and reduce operating noise compared with a single-skinned commercial cabinet.
Connected machine information
Wi-Fi portal and Bluetooth app access
Compatible UK machines manufactured after 1 February 2026 can provide access to user guides, settings, performance information and service data.
Technical specifications
Key specifications for selecting, installing and operating the Classeq C400WS undercounter tank dishwasher. Final electrical, water, drainage and water-hardness requirements should be checked against the proposed site before ordering.
Choosing the right machine
Is the Classeq C400WS Undercounter Tank Dishwasher the right model for me?
The C400WS is a strong choice when you need rapid crockery turnaround, have limited installation space and require automatic water softening within the dishwasher itself.
A tank dishwasher retains hot wash water for repeated cycles and introduces fresh water for the final rinse. It therefore requires effective pre-scraping, regular draining and thorough cleaning, particularly after each main service period.
What should I check before purchasing this machine?
The C400WS is designed for rapid commercial dishwashing in a compact space. Confirm that its 400 x 400mm basket and nine-plate capacity are sufficient for your busiest service period. A 500mm basket dishwasher or pass-through machine may be more suitable for larger kitchens, oversized plates, trays or substantially higher throughput.
Before purchasing this machine, it is worth checking:
- Peak demand: calculate the crockery that must be washed during your busiest period, rather than relying only on the daily total.
- Basket size: confirm that your largest plates and other items fit the 400 x 400mm basket.
- Staffing: allow for an operator to pre-scrape, load, unload and correctly stack clean crockery.
- Water hardness: test the incoming supply so the integrated softener can be correctly commissioned.
- Electrical supply: select the correct 13A single-phase, 30A single-phase or 13A three-phase version.
- Kitchen workflow: provide suitable pre-wash facilities, chemical storage and separation between dirty and clean items.
Services, drainage and cycle times
The dishwasher requires a correctly rated electrical supply, suitable mains water, pumped waste connection and space for detergent and rinse-aid containers. Unlike the standard C400 with a separate automatic softener, the C400WS does not require additional space, power or drainage services for external water-treatment equipment.
The 2, 3 and 5-minute figures are active wash-programme times, not the complete operating process. Initial filling and heating, temperature recovery, pre-scraping, loading, unloading and changing baskets all affect real throughput.
- Water supply: confirm suitable flow, pressure, temperature and an accessible isolation valve.
- Drainage: confirm the waste position, height and capacity before installation.
- Electrical connection: higher-powered versions may provide faster heat-up and recovery during intensive service.
- Softener commissioning: the internal softener must be set according to the measured incoming water hardness.
- Softener salt: use granular dishwasher salt and keep the internal reservoir topped up.
- Chemical commissioning: detergent and rinse-aid dosing should be matched to the selected chemicals, crockery and local water conditions.
Replacing an older model?
The Classeq C400WS may be suitable for replacing an older undercounter tank dishwasher of a similar width, particularly where the existing installation uses internal water softening or there is insufficient space for a separate external automatic softener.
Before ordering, check the precise dimensions, basket size, electrical supply, water connection, waste position and height, water hardness, chemical storage and working clearances. Do not assume that an existing external softener should remain connected without first confirming the intended water-treatment arrangement.
A free a&f site survey can confirm whether the C400WS will fit the available space, whether its basket capacity is suitable and whether any service alterations are required before installation.
Compliance, hygiene and environment
The C400WS incorporates a Type AB WRAS-approved air gap and uses fresh water for the final rinse. Hygienic results depend on correct temperature, detergent and rinse-aid dosing, effective pre-scraping, correct loading, regular cleaning and separation between dirty and clean crockery.
The integrated softener helps prevent limescale where it is correctly set and supplied with salt. Without sufficient salt, the machine may not soften the incoming water effectively, increasing the risk of scale on heaters and rinse components and potentially affecting wash results.
- Test water hardness: confirm the local water condition and commission the internal softener accordingly.
- Use the correct salt: the built-in softener requires granular dishwasher salt, not tablet salt.
- Respond to warnings: refill the salt reservoir promptly when requested by the machine.
- Check for scale: visible deposits can indicate that the softener is empty, incorrectly set or not operating correctly.
- Clean after service: drain the tank and clean the filters, wash arms, tank and basket rails after each main operating period.
- Use suitable chemicals: follow the chemical supplier’s concentration, handling and safety guidance.
Product downloads
Helpful documents for this machine
Download the available operating guidance for the Classeq C400WS below. If you need current installation information, internal water-softener guidance or help confirming the correct electrical version, contact a&f and we will be happy to help.
Classeq C400WS Undercounter Tank Dishwasher Operating Instructions
Guidance for operating, cleaning and maintaining the Classeq undercounter dishwasher range, including important daily-care and water-softener principles.
Need another document or more product information?
If you need installation instructions, a current technical specification, water-softener guidance, user training information or help choosing the correct power version, call us on 01243 55 55 25, option 1 for sales support, or email sales@a-f.co.uk.
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