If your business needs small commercial washing machines, it’s important to do your research and determine which model is right for you. Choosing between front load and top load machines will largely depend on your intended use as well as your budget. We’ve compared the two so you can make a more informed decision.
Top Load Washing Machines
Top loader washing machines have been around for decades; it’s the type of machine most people grew up with. Compared to most front loaders, they often will wash a load faster. Top loaders are ideal for infrequent loads of light to medium soiling where disinfection to Australian Standards is not necessary.
Customers involved in Hospitality also find top loaders more convenient for soaking stained linen, due to greater accessibility. Another handy feature of the top loader is that extra washing can be added mid-cycle, simply by opening the lid.
Top Load Disadvantages
Because of their inherit design, all mechanical action is provided by a single agitator in the middle of the drum. For heavier soil loads, top loaders may not provide the action necessary to clean heavy soiled items.
If you work in health care, the top loader machines do not have inbuilt heaters or automatic chemical dispensing connections, therefore these machines are not suitable for washing where thermal or chemical disinfection needs to occur as per AS4146:2000. It’s also helpful to remember that these machines cannot be used in stack configuration, with a dryer over the top. Often the dryer would need to be mounted too high to reach so that the lid can be opened on the top-loader.
Front Load Washing Machines
Commercial front loader washing machines often win out over their top loading counterparts because they use up to 50% less water and often less electricity due to inverter drive technology. Over the life of the machine, the savings could pay for the machine itself. Freely programmable front loaders have the ability to program a soak cycle and normal wash back-to-back, automating the soak process.
If you’re running a commercial or industrial business that needs a washing machine to match, front load washing machines are most effective. They can handle much larger capacities and they spin faster, meaning they remove more water, cutting down your drying time significantly. If you have high-frequency washing needs, you’ll be able to get more done quicker with a front loader.
Most commercial washing machines offer the flexibility to modify aspects of the wash programs such as wash time, temperature and spin speed. Some models have soap dispenser connections, so the chemical company can connect auto-doing pumps. These systems provide peace of mind and simplified operation, whilst reducing the risk of chemical contact injury and controlling your chemical costs.
Front Load Drawbacks
Front load washing machines are generally more expensive to buy upfront. Depending on whether a mounting stand is used, there is some bending down required to load/unload the machine. By design these machines don’t like to be opened mid-cycle, as the water needs to be drained to open the door.
In the end, your choice should be determined by the purpose and projected frequency of use. Looking for new washing machines for industrial or commercial applications? Contact Aqualogic, Leaders in Laundry.
