Buying commercial laundry equipment is a major investment that will impact your operations for years to come. The right machines shape how efficiently your operation runs day to day, from throughput to long-term reliability. In this blog, we’ll show you exactly what to evaluate, compare, and ask before purchasing, helping you invest confidently and avoid costly mistakes.
What to Consider Before You Start Shopping
You begin smart equipment selection by understanding your operation’s unique needs. By considering a few key factors, you can narrow your options and ensure you purchase machines that fit your requirements.
Calculate Your Actual Capacity Requirements
Start by calculating your daily and weekly laundry volume in pounds. Accurate capacity planning prevents bottlenecks, wasted energy, and underutilized equipment.
- Daily and Weekly Volume: Know how much laundry you process regularly. High-volume operations, like hotels and healthcare facilities, often require washer-extractors that handle 60 to 120 pounds per load. Smaller facilities, like apartment laundry rooms, can typically get by with 20 to 40-pound machines.
- Peak Demand: Don’t just focus on average volume. Consider your peak demand periods. Undersized machines create bottlenecks during rush times, while oversized machines waste energy running partial loads. A commercial laundry dealer can help you model different throughput scenarios based on your specific patterns and growth projections.
Evaluate Your Space and Utility Infrastructure
Before choosing equipment, make sure your space and utilities are up to the task. Ensuring everything fits and runs smoothly from day one will save you from unexpected expenses later.
- Floor Space and Ceiling Height: Measure your available space. Stackable units maximize vertical space in tight areas, while side-by-side configurations provide easier access for maintenance and repairs.
- Electrical and Utility Needs: Check your existing infrastructure, specifically, electrical capacity, gas supply, water pressure, and drainage.
- Hard-mount machines require reinforced concrete floors to handle vibrations.
- Soft-mount machines with built-in suspension systems offer installation flexibility.
- Gas vs. electric dryers depend on your utility connections and local energy costs.
Matching equipment to your space and utilities prevents costly adjustments after the purchase. A site assessment before you buy helps you avoid these surprises.
Identify Operation-Specific Needs
Every operation is different. To get the most out of your equipment, ensure it aligns with your unique needs and workflow.
- Laundromats: Prioritize fast cycle times and compatibility with payment systems.
- Healthcare: Choose machines with programmable sanitization cycles to meet infection control standards.
- Hotels: Prioritize equipment designed for continuous, high-throughput linen processing with minimal downtime.
If your operation processes linens at scale, consider specialized equipment like ironers, folders, and finishing systems. These can boost productivity, especially in hospitality or healthcare settings. The key is to match equipment to your actual workflow.
ALSO READ: Choosing the Right Washer & Dryer Capacity for Your Business
Equipment Features for Long-Term Performance
The features you choose during the selection process will directly affect your operating costs and maintenance needs for years to come. Focus on durability, efficiency, and control flexibility when comparing models.
Construction Quality and Durability Standards
When it comes to commercial laundry equipment, the right construction can make all the difference in long-term performance. Machines built for true commercial use are designed to withstand the demands of daily, high-volume operations.
- Stainless Steel and Heavy-Gauge Materials: Look for equipment with stainless steel drums, heavy-gauge frames, and industrial bearings. These components handle repeated high-temperature cycles and heavy loads without breaking down.
- Welded Construction: Verify that manufacturers weld critical stress points rather than bolt them. Welding increases durability and reduces the risk of failures over time.
Many machines labeled as “commercial” are actually built for residential use and won’t last long under the pressures of daily commercial operations. While commercial-grade equipment may cost more upfront, it delivers a longer service life and fewer repairs. Don’t hesitate to ask about the expected lifespan and maintenance schedules of any models you’re considering.
Efficiency Features
Energy and water efficiency are key to reducing your operational costs. Here’s what to look for when evaluating efficiency:
- ENERGY STAR Certification: ENERGY STAR-certified commercial washers use measurably less water and energy per cycle, which directly lowers your utility costs.
- Water Factor (WF): A WF rating below 4.0 means the machine uses less water per cycle, which lowers your water costs.
- Modified Energy Factor (MEF): A MEF rating above 2.0 signals better energy efficiency, meaning lower electricity bills for your operation.
- High Extraction Speeds: Machines with high extraction speeds (measured in G-force) remove more moisture from laundry, reducing drying time and energy consumption.
High-efficiency models reduce water and energy consumption on every cycle, lowering operating demands without sacrificing performance. Be sure to crunch the numbers based on your expected cycle volume before dismissing efficient options.
Control Systems and Smart Technology Options
Modern laundry machines offer advanced control systems that can help streamline operations and improve consistency across every load.
- Programmable Controls: Custom wash cycles let you adjust settings for different fabric types and soil levels. This ensures optimal results and prevents damage to delicate items. You can also save your most-used programs for one-touch operation, making staff training easier and reducing errors.
- Smart Technology: Smart-enabled machines offer remote monitoring, diagnostic alerts, and usage reports. This makes it easier to track performance and identify issues early, minimizing downtime.
- Integrated Payment Systems: If you run a vended operation, consider machines with integrated payment systems that support mobile apps and card readers. This improves convenience for customers and reduces cash handling, making your operation more efficient.
Connected equipment can also simplify multi-location management by centralizing performance data, giving you full visibility into your operation’s performance, no matter where you are.
Cost Considerations for Commercial Laundry Equipment
Your overall equipment investment includes more than just the purchase price. To make a smart decision, it’s crucial to evaluate the total cost of ownership, which includes installation, utility consumption, maintenance, and potential repairs.
Beyond the Purchase Price
When comparing options, it’s essential to look beyond the initial price tag. Machines selected primarily on upfront price often introduce higher ongoing costs through increased utility consumption, more frequent service needs, and unplanned downtime.
- Maintenance Costs: Request efficiency specifications and maintenance schedules for each model. Calculate projected utility costs based on your expected cycle volume. This will give you a clearer picture of how the ongoing costs compare across models, allowing you to make a well-informed decision.
By doing this analysis, you’ll uncover the true cost differences between competing models, and it will help you justify investing in better equipment that offers greater value over time.
Warranty Coverage and Service Support
A strong warranty signals a manufacturer’s confidence in their equipment. Look for extended warranties on crucial components like drums, bearings, and drive systems. Some manufacturers offer up to ten-year drum warranties and five-year parts coverage on their commercial laundry machines.
Before making your decision, carefully review the warranty terms:
- Understand Coverage Exclusions: Know what actions may void the warranty and what parts or labor might not be covered.
- Check Response Times: Ensure that the manufacturer provides clear response times for warranty claims.
- Service Providers: Verify whether there are authorized service providers in your area.
A comprehensive warranty with responsive claims processing provides meaningful protection. When selecting your equipment, prioritize dealers who can provide local warranty service. A limited warranty with restrictive terms provides little value, no matter how long the coverage period is.
Financing and Purchase Options to Consider
How you acquire your commercial laundry equipment impacts your cash flow and financial flexibility. By evaluating both new and used equipment options, along with various financing structures, you can find the solution that best fits your needs.
New Equipment vs. Used Equipment
Choosing between new and used equipment is one of the first decisions you’ll face, and each option has its advantages.
- New Equipment: New machines include manufacturer-backed support, current efficiency standards, and modern features, providing predictable performance from day one. You get the full design lifespan and a complete maintenance history, reducing the risk of unexpected repairs. Additionally, new equipment often qualifies for manufacturer financing programs and energy rebates, making it more affordable in the long run.
- Used Equipment: Used machines typically have lower upfront costs, but they require more careful consideration. The remaining lifespan may be shorter, and older technology can lead to higher operating costs. Make sure to have any used equipment thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician before you purchase it. Factor in likely repair costs and reduced efficiency when comparing it to new models.
Buying Outright vs. Leasing
The method you choose to finance your equipment can affect your cash flow and business operations.
- Buying Outright: Purchasing equipment outright gives you ownership, and once it’s paid off, you eliminate ongoing payments. This option makes sense if you have available capital and plan to use the equipment for its full lifespan.
- Leasing: Leasing preserves your working capital for other business needs. Some leases even include maintenance coverage, simplifying your budgeting and reducing unexpected expenses. Leasing also provides flexibility; at the end of the lease term, you can upgrade to newer equipment without the hassle of selling or disposing of old machines.
When considering leasing, be sure to compare the total lease costs against the purchase price to understand the premium you’re paying for these benefits. For many businesses, the flexibility and capital preservation that leasing offers outweigh the added costs.
RELATED ARTICLE: The Pros and Cons of Leasing vs. Buying Laundry Equipment
Measuring Return on Investment
Understanding your potential return on investment (ROI) helps justify equipment decisions and set realistic performance expectations. A structured ROI analysis reveals which equipment options deliver the strongest financial returns over time, ensuring that your investment pays off in the long run.
Key Metrics to Track
To calculate your expected ROI, measure these key performance indicators against your current baseline or competing equipment options:
- Utility Cost per Pound of Laundry Processed: Compare energy and water consumption across machines to see how much you’re spending per load.
- Revenue per Machine Hour: This is particularly important for vended operations, as it reflects how much revenue each machine generates in a given time.
- Maintenance Cost as a Percentage of Equipment Value: Track your annual maintenance costs relative to the equipment’s value to understand the long-term cost implications.
- Downtime Hours Per Month: Record downtime and the associated revenue loss due to machine failure or inefficiency.
- Labor Hours Required Per Load: Factor in cycle times and automation features to assess the labor cost efficiency of your equipment.
Establish baseline measurements before installation, then track monthly performance to validate your investment and ensure you’re on track to meet ROI expectations.
Calculating Lifecycle Savings
Project your savings over the expected lifespan of the equipment using this framework:
- Annual Utility Savings: Compare efficiency ratings from your current equipment against newer models. Multiply the efficiency difference by your annual cycle volume and local utility rates. High-efficiency commercial laundry machines often deliver thousands in annual water and energy savings alone.
- Maintenance Cost Reduction: Newer equipment typically lowers short-term repair exposure, reducing maintenance spend during the early years of operation. Factor in the average repair costs for aging equipment when comparing options.
- Productivity Gains: Faster cycle times and higher extraction speeds increase throughput capacity. For vended commercial laundry operations, this translates directly to additional revenue potential per machine.
Add these savings together and subtract your net equipment cost (purchase price minus trade-in or sale of old equipment) to determine your payback period. Well-matched commercial laundry equipment typically achieves payback within three to five years through operational savings.
Brand Comparison at a Glance
Each major commercial laundry equipment brand serves different market segments, bringing unique strengths to the table. Understanding these differences will help you choose the brand that best aligns with your operation’s needs and priorities.
| Brand | Key Strengths | Best Suited For | Capacity Range |
| Speed Queen | Proven durability, fast cycle times | Laundromats, high-traffic locations | Up to 120 lbs |
| Maytag | Rugged construction, extended warranties | Heavy-duty commercial use | Medium to large |
| Whirlpool | Trusted brand, intuitive controls, space-saving options | Multi-housing, small to mid-size operations | High-capacity |
| Huebsch | Commercial-grade reliability, strong service network | Multi-housing, vended operations | Full range |
No single brand is the right fit for every operation. Focus on matching the brand’s strengths to your operational requirements, rather than choosing based on name recognition alone.
Your Comparison Checklist
Before you make your final decision, ensure you’ve evaluated each option against these key criteria. Finding the best commercial laundry equipment for your operation requires a thorough, systematic approach:
- Manufacturer Reputation: Research the brand’s track record and how well it serves your industry segment.
- Energy and Water Efficiency Ratings: Verify performance aligns with your operating cost targets.
- Warranty and Service Support: Confirm coverage terms and local service availability align with your uptime requirements.
- Capacity and Extraction Speed: Confirm the selected machine supports your peak load volume and required turnaround times.
- Smart Features and Control Options: Consider whether the equipment’s features align with your operational requirements.
- Infrastructure Compatibility: Verify that the equipment fits within your available space and utility infrastructure.
- Ownership Costs: Compare installation requirements, ongoing utilities, and maintenance obligations, not just the equipment price.
Using this checklist ensures you evaluate each option thoroughly, helping you avoid decisions based on incomplete information. By doing so, you’ll confidently choose the best equipment for your business.
LEARN MORE: Checklist for New Commercial Laundry Business
Partner with a Dealer Who Supports Your Success
You choose the right commercial laundry equipment by looking beyond the lowest price. It’s about evaluating your capacity needs, efficiency ratings, warranty terms, and long-term service access. The decisions you make now will impact your operational costs and reliability for years to come. When your equipment decisions account for operating realities, you reduce disruptions and protect long-term performance.
ACE Commercial Laundry Equipment Inc. has been a trusted partner for Southern California operators since the 1950s. We work with laundromats, property managers, hotels, and institutions to find the best equipment solutions for their unique operational needs. With a full range of commercial laundry equipment from top brands, a local parts inventory, and factory-trained technicians, we’re equipped to keep your business running smoothly.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your equipment needs and receive a tailored recommendation for your operation.
