How to choose an industrial washing machine?

The basis of any laundry is industrial washing machines, which must perform their functions as well as possible, last as long as possible and cost as little as possible. This raises a logical question: how to choose such washing machines, because the market offers a huge number of options and it is completely unclear what to give preference to. Let's try to understand this issue.

Features of washing machines for business

Some try to compare household and industrial washing machines. They say that modern household machines in terms of maximum load are close to industrial ones (10, 12, or even 15 kg), and cost much less. So why pay more? In fact, professional equipment has a number of fundamental differences, let's look at them.

Washing machines for laundries are assembled from more reliable and expensive units and components. Thanks to this, such machines last much longer than household ones.
Design and assembly features provide such equipment not only with long-term operation, but also with the ability to withstand significant loads. For comparison: a high-quality household washing machine, according to standards, can withstand 4 hours of continuous operation per day, an industrial one - 8-10 hours.
The control units of laundry machines are equipped with high-performance microprocessors, which allows them to remember a large number of specific washing programs and user settings.
Despite the fact that some household automatic washing machines have a load of 10 kg or more, they are still far from some professional laundry machines, which are capable of washing 30, 35 or more kg of laundry at a time.
Industrial washing machines have intelligent powder receivers, high-quality automatic laundry weighing systems, and even on-board computers capable of storing and processing quite a large amount of information, which is good for business.
Industrial washing machines have much more connectivity options. For example, simultaneous connection to hot and cold water supply, steam supply device, waste water treatment plant, etc.

Note! The entire appearance of the industrial washing machine inspires confidence - a durable body and fasteners, reliable, virtually wear-free buttons on the control panel and multi-layer hoses and pipes that are difficult even to cut with a knife.

Despite the fact that industrial washing machines with a load of 30 and 35 kg experience heavy loads, they can last 5-7 years without service. And if you properly care for such a machine and periodically carry out preventive inspections, then its service life can be extended to 30-35 years. The electric motors of such machines are designed for this period.

The after-sales service for industrial washing machines is also excellent. After all, every hour of downtime of such equipment costs the entrepreneur money, so only those companies that carry out high-quality repairs in the shortest possible time remain on the market.The manufacturer of laundry machines also offers extended warranty periods for its equipment.

Types of washing machines for business

There are a lot of varieties of industrial washing machines, so it is more convenient to consider it within the framework of the classification. Experts identify several classification bases that allow us to cover and explain the features of most industrial washing units, let's look at them.

Depending on the design of the drum, there are barrier and barrier-free machines.
Depending on the installation features, there are spring-mounted and static machines.
Depending on the number of laundry care steps, washing machines, washer-extractors, and washer-dryers are distinguished.
Depending on the possible intensity of the drum operation, there are machines with a high speed of drum rotation and low-speed ones.
Depending on the control features, there are automatic machines with control units and automatic machines with computer control.
Depending on the method of heating water, heating elements, steam and mixed connection machines are distinguished.

So, barrier and barrier-free industrial washing machines with a load of 10, 30, 35 or more kg, how do they differ from each other? The loading of the drum in this case plays a secondary role; the capacity can vary from 10 to 240 kg, the main thing is the design. Barrier drums have special sections that allow you to wash clothes separately. This makes it possible to wash different types of laundry at the same time, including different types of soiling. industrial washing machines

Barrier-free machines are similar in design to household ones, since their drum is an undivided solid container.Suspension machines differ from static ones in that they have spring compensators for centrifugal force built into them, which means they can be installed anywhere, on any surface without restrictions. Static machines do not have springs, so when the drum rotates, they vibrate more strongly, which requires installing them on a special coating that dampens strong vibration.

Different models of industrial machines have different functionality, some are designed only for washing and then the laundry has to be pulled out and sent to a centrifuge for spinning, and then to a dryer to dry. Others can wash and spin, but cannot dry; others can do everything: wash, spin, and dry.

Note! Washer-dryers are convenient due to their versatility, but they cannot be called economical. Most of these machines require connection to industrial electrical communications.

Typically, industrial machines with a load of 150, 200 or more kg have slowly rotating drums, up to approximately 500 rpm. Such machines can only wash clothes, while spinning and drying are carried out by other equipment, although there are exceptions. On the contrary, industrial machines with drum loads of 10, 30, 35 and 50 kg are much more versatile and are capable of washing, wringing and drying clothes in a fully automatic mode.

Modern models of industrial washing machines are equipped not only with the usual control units, but also with fully functional on-board computers. This allows you to program the units the way the entrepreneur needs it for more efficient business.Also, industrial machines can heat water using a heating element - heating element, using steam or in different ways. Machines with the ability to combine water heating are much more profitable than all others.

Review of manufacturers

Let's start with manufacturer ratings. Let us note right away that different experts have different approaches to compiling ratings, so it is quite difficult to come to a common opinion in this regard. Nevertheless, we managed to create a summary rating that reflects a more or less real picture.

The first place in our ranking was taken by three companies producing industrial washing machines: Electrolux, Mile and Akira Industrial. They produce the highest quality equipment in the world, and also provide a very long warranty (24 months).
LG rightfully occupies second place. In terms of quality, their machines are somewhat inferior to those from Mile and Electrolux, but their equipment is much more technologically advanced, which opens up new opportunities for business.
The third place is occupied by domestic brands Vyazma and Prokhim. These companies produce high-quality and inexpensive industrial washing machines. In addition to an attractive price, such equipment is highly economical and can be connected to various communications.
We gave fourth place to the Spanish manufacturer Fagor. Industrial washing machines from this company are compact, ergonomic, equipped with computers, but their price often scares off businessmen, but in vain.
Fifth place belongs to the Italian manufacturer Kandy.Their equipment does not have any “supernatural” characteristics, but they provide very high-quality service for their equipment and have a very flexible pricing policy.

Note! Italian equipment breaks down quite often, apparently, which is why manufacturers are trying to compensate for this deficiency with inexpensive components and high-quality service.

Review of models: which machine is better?

We've sorted it out with the manufacturers, now our task is to review the best models of professional washing machines. We use the same approach as in the case of manufacturers and highlight several of the best models, according to most experts. washing machine for laundry

Miele PW6321. One of the best professional washing machines in the world with computer control and a huge working resource. Maximum drum load 30 kg, 1000 rpm, electric heating. Without exaggeration, this is the best German technology, its functionality and reliability are amazing. The price is also amazing. The average cost of this model on the market of the CIS countries is 30,000 USD.

LG WD-1069BD3S. Experts rightfully considered this professional washing machine to be one of the best. This is an ideal example for small businesses - launderettes. Such a machine has a real drum load of up to 10 kg, is highly reliable and has intuitive controls, which are not much different from the controls of household washing machines. The price is also quite attractive - an average of 1400 USD.

Vyazma VO6001. An excellent professional machine for a large laundry or hotel. This machine is actually capable of washing clothes on an industrial scale, because its drum has a real load of up to 60 kg. The reliability and performance of the machine is unprecedented; add here cheap spare parts and competent service, and you will get the best equipment for serious business. Average price – 20,000 USD

Fagor LR-11ME. An almost ideal machine that will be useful for any small laundry. The maximum drum load for this model is only 10 kg, but it has an ultra-reliable inverter motor with a colossal working life. Some experts jokingly call these engines “indestructible” and this is not far from the truth. The machine is equipped with a powerful programmable microprocessor, and its drum can rotate at a speed of 820 rpm. Price – 4000 USD

Note! Our review indicates the average retail price for one unit of equipment; if purchased in bulk for a business, the price may differ significantly.

What to look for when choosing such a machine?

Now it’s time to determine the priority criteria for choosing an industrial washing machine. What should you pay attention to first in order to ultimately purchase the best equipment for your business?

Nature of the business. The features of the future professional machine will depend on the field of activity for which it is purchased. For example, if you need a machine for a large laundry, then perhaps you should pay attention to universal models with a drum load of at least 30-35 kg. If this is a hairdressing salon, then perhaps you should opt for a model with a load of up to 10 kg, which will connect to the household power supply.
Amount of laundry, load. Assess the expected load on the unit. After all, machines with a long working life and a load of at least 30-35 kg will cost much more.Why overpay for more powerful equipment if you don’t need it?
What kind of laundry will need to be washed. When choosing a washing machine, you should think about what things will have to be washed in it, and what typical stains will be on them. For example, it is better to wash hospital bed linen in barrier machines; they provide much better disinfection. Most models with a drum load of at least 35 kg.
Possibility of connecting to communications. For small businesses, this is a very important factor, because it is not always possible to lay the necessary communications in rented premises. Therefore, you need to select models of equipment that are not too demanding in terms of its installation and commissioning.
Reliability, price. These selection criteria can be considered decisive for any businessman. After all, its depreciation expenses will directly depend on them. You should try to choose such equipment so that it represents an almost ideal ratio of price and quality. We have already given examples of such techniques.

To summarize, we note that industrial and household washing machines cannot be distinguished from each other in terms of maximum drum load. An industrial machine can have a load of 7, 10, 20, 30, 35 or more kg, while it is superior to a household washing machine in many other characteristics. Choosing a professional machine is not easy; you need to evaluate many factors, study ratings of models and manufacturers, correlate this information with a business plan, and only then make a final decision.