Commercial Washing Machines -- Things to Consider Before Buying

When considering what washing machine to buy, there are some important things to know first. Buying a commercial washing machine is not like buying a video game system or a TV. There are some crucial things to know that will help you get the perfect laundry system for your needs, especially if you are looking for industrial washing machines for a business, like a laundromat.

Here is a comprehensive list of factors that will help you choose the best commercial washing machine for your specific needs.

The Washing Machine Drum Capacity

The drum capacity of a washing machine directly affects how much you can wash each load. In a setting that require constant washed, it’s best to go for a laundry machine that has a high drum capacity. This will save money and time because fewer loads will need to be completed, resulting in less time spent washing and less laundry resources used (power, water, etc). If you have a commercial laundry business, this means the machine will be open for more use by more customers.

You should look for a machine that has an automatic water level sensing, or a manual half load option – this will save you from using unnecessary water and power if the machine is not completely full.

Commercial Washing Machine Size

This is one of the major factors you will have to consider. If short on space, you may consider a front loader – you can then stack a dryer on top. If you want a serious commercial washing machine, you could consider a top loader.

Performance and Reliability

It’s crucial to know how reliable the washing machine model is. You can either do research or ask someone who knows. Don’t just trust the company spiel that promotes the product – get 3^rd party unbiased advice. If you purchase a commercial laundry machine from a retail store, take what the sales person says with a grain of salt – they are influenced by the brands that their company stocks. I suggest unbiased websites or consumer report type magazines.

Price/Running Cost

Commercial washing machines take some serious energy and water resources. It’s essential that you think of the long term costs of your machine. Bigger machines serve more people but cost more to run. Different models and brands will have different running costs. Make a careful comparison and select one that suites your needs. But the important thing is to make sure you look at the figures. Don’t just buy a commercial washing machine based of the initial price. What’s cheap now may be more expensive in the long run. What’s more expensive may turn out cheaper over time.

Commercial Washing Machine guarantees, repairs, and parts

This is something that you need to think about. Don’t buy a machine that doesn’t have a solid guarantee. Commercial washing machines will be used constantly – this means they are more likely to break down. You need ones that are reliable. If a machine breaks down, there should be a good infrastructure in place to quickly get it repaired.

Commercial Washing Machine Features

Create a laundry list of all the features you are looking for. If you don’t know all the main features present in washing machines, do research. But you should know all the key features before buying a machine. You will ultimately have to inform yourself. Don’t rely on marketing gimmick or sales pitches. Do the research and get the facts, then pick a machine that delivers those. Not all features are equal.

Front Loaders or Top Loaders

While for some the choice of what type of loader is mere personal preference, if you are running a laundromat business you will need to know exactly what type is best suited. Most laundromats opt for Front Loaders – they are better on space. However, there may be situations where you want a top loader commercial washing machine.

Wash Cycle Length

The length of a washing machines wash cycles will very depending on the type of machine. As a rule of thumb, a top loader’s regular cycle is generally faster than that of affront loader. Note that this can very depending on brand and model. I suggest if you do lots of washing cycles, it’s better to opt for a machine that has a bigger drum. This will ultimately mean less washes preformed.

Washing Machine Spin Speeds

Commercial washing machines generally have very fast spin speeds, but this will vary depending on the model. Faster spin speeds mean clothes will come out of the machine much drier and won’t need to spend as much time in a drier. You can save a lot of money here by having faster spin speeds.

Determining the right commercial laundry machine for your needs can be a bit of a challenge. It’s true that you could just pick any washing machine, but by knowing what to look for, you can tailor the machine to fit your exact needs and budget. By doing so, you can save a lot of money in the long run and stave of potential headaches! So make sure you choose your commercial washing machines with care.