If you don’t know what you’re looking for, commercial washing machines can be a little overwhelming. They have a lot of features and options, many that are unique to commercial models. We’ve done the hard-yards and broken it all down for you and put together this Buyer’s Guide, outlining important considerations so you can find the right washer for your business.
When it comes to commercial washers, there is more to consider than simply front loader or top loader.
Capacity is an important factor when purchasing a washing machine. Wash capacity refers to how many kilos of dry laundry will fit in each washing load. The capacity you need is driven by four major factors: your par levels of linen, the number of people and estimated personal garments, your required turn-around times, and the number of hours per day/per week your laundry will be operating.
We’ve created a general guide to washer capacities, but we recommend speaking to one of our laundry experts for a deeper analysis on the right capacity for your business:
| Washer Size | Loads |
|---|---|
| 5 - 7kg |  |
| 8 - 13kg |  |
| 18 - 24kg |  |
| 35 kg |  |
| 35kg+ | Speak with us |
When selecting a commercial washing machine, we recommend choosing a machine that is fully programmable, giving you control over the care of your linen and garments. The best machines come with factory installed programs, designed for specific material types. Using these programmes will extend the life of your linen as well as create machine efficiency, lowering your energy and water bills and saving you time.
Our IPSO commercial washers are all fitted with SmartWAVe technology, the only technology on the market that handles your washing load based on material type, rather than just weight. The precision-engineered technology automatically determines the best level of water, making adjustments at every segment of the wash programme for the perfect level. As a result, not only is the water consumption optimised, but also the energy consumption, detergent consumption, and cycle time.
Different washing machines can reach different speeds. The higher the speed of the washing machine, the more water is extracted from the linen. This means that at the end of the cycle, the linen retains less water, which consequently results in a shorter drying time in the dryer or on the line. Speed is an important factor when considering the right commercial washing machine. If you find your business washes a lot of heavy linen like sheets and towels, or heavy fabrics such as wool or cotton, a high speed washing machine will save you significant time and money over the lifetime of the machine.
Best for lightweight and moisture wicking fabrics, such as polyester, or delicates. Suitable for garments that require extra care but can still be machine washed.
Best for heavier fabrics, such as cotton and wool. Will produce less wrinkles and better fabric care than high speed.
Best for sheets, towels and any other heavy fabrics, particularly if you are pressed for time. High speed will require significantly less drying time.
Capacity is an important factor when purchasing a washing machine. Wash capacity refers to how many kilos of dry laundry will fit in each washing load. The capacity you need is driven by four major factors: your par levels of linen, the number of people and estimated personal garments, your required turnaround times, and the number of hours per day/per week your laundry will be operating.
We’ve created a general guide to washer capacities, but we recommend speaking to one of our laundry experts for a deeper analysis on the right capacity for your business:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Vended | Vended machines can take coins, tokens, or cashless payments that allow the machine to start. |
| Programmable controller | A programmable controller allows the machine to treat each fabric specifically to their characteristics, adjusting the water, spin speed, cycle duration, and chemical dosing. accordingly. It ensures a better quality clean, better care of your linen , and better use of your resources. |
| Ergonomic design, including a large door opening | Higher employee satisfaction, minimised work related injuries, and increased productivity. |
| Machine footprint | The machine dimensions are not the only thing to factor in when measuring up for a new washing machine. Enough space needs to be allowed at the front of the machine for trolleys, as well as at the back of the machine for utility connections and for machine servicing. |
| Operation height/plinth | The operational height refers to the height of the door. This is an important factor in caring for the health and safety of your laundry staff. We always recommend purchasing a plinth along with your washing machine. Plinths are customisable so they can be matched to your specific laundry environment for the best ergonomic design. |
| Size of drum holes | Drums with larger holes are also known as Sluice Drums. These allow for foreign matter to pass through. This feature is popular among health and aged care industries. |
| Material quality of the drum and tub | Stainless steel is the best quality material choice for a washing machine drum and tub. It's sturdy and will last longer than alternative materials. Any other material is simply just inferior. |
| USB portal | Allows machine programming to be uploaded and downloaded. |
| Temperature Control | Temperature control will allow for hot washes and is important in meeting AS/NZS4146:2000 compliance which requires minimum wash temperatures. |
| Auto chemical dosing | Auto chemical dosing releases an accurate detergent dose every wash. Chemicals aren't wasted, linens aren't left with a residue, and AS/NZS4146:2000 compliance can be met without concern. We highly recommend engaging with your preferred chemical provider immediately after purchasing a washing machine. |
| Delayed Start | Kickstarts the laundry while saving staff from waiting around for a load to be done. Set the delayed start time to be completed just before the laundry opens, so a clean load is ready to be dried. |
Our smaller front loader and top loader washing machines, as well as our stacked washer-dryers are available for delivery only or delivery and installation. Depending on how your laundry is set up you may be able to simply plug in the machine yourself, and not require an installation. If you're not sure, you can always check with us.
For our commercial sized washers, we highly recommend our Professional Installation team install your machines. This ensures that the machine is installed to the manufacturer's specification, preserving your product warranty and guaranteeing a quality installation of your brand new asset. Read more on Our Process.
Caring for your washing machine regularly will help you continue to get the best out of it, as well as extend its life. Simple actions such as reading the manual, gaining feedback from your staff, and regularly cleaning the machine to prevent build up of grime and nasty smells, can make a big difference in looking after your washing machine. Read more on our post on DIY Laundry Preventative Maintenance.
When purchasing a commercial washing machine, we strongly recommend signing up to regular machine servicing. Even the best commercial laundry brands require preventative maintenance to ensure they are performing at their best and keep on top of any wear and tear before it becomes a costly breakdown. It's important you partner with a laundry team you can rely on. Check out our industry leading Protection Plans to learn more.
It's inevitable that over the years, especially as your washing machine starts to clock up the number of washes, that it will break down. Commercial washing machines are solid and durable, but with any machine that is used as often as they are, it's expected they may fault from time to time. That's why it's important to partner with a laundry team who are quick to respond and have spare parts on hand, ready to get your machine up and running ASAP. Learn more about our Urgent Repairs Service.
Speak with our laundry experts to help you with machine selection, technical information, site issues, and any other laundry support you need.
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