Starting the journey to establish a thriving vended laundromat requires thoughtful consideration on laundromat equipment.

We are often asked about what equipment is right for new laundromat ventures, however there isn’t a one size fits all equipment solution.With numerous factors in play, this article aims to assist laundromat investors in making informed decisions regarding their commercial and industrial washing machines, dryers, and other equipment options.

COMMERCIAL VS. INDUSTRIAL LAUNDROMAT EQUIPMENT
When it comes to laundromat equipment, you’ll find both commercial and industrial options. Understanding the distinctions between them is vital for making the right choice for your business:

• Equipment Lifespan
  Commercial washers and dryers are engineered to endure approximately 10,000 cycles, while industrial counterparts boast a designed life of up to 30,000 cycles, which equates to 8 cycles per day for a decade of constant use.
• Wash Quality
  Commercial products prioritise water efficiency and adhere to domestic standards, making them suitable for lightly soiled items. In contrast, industrial machines are fully programmable, allowing customisation for optimal wash results, delivering a more professional wash experience for customers.
• Time Efficiency
  Vended laundromats cater to customers seeking a time-efficient laundry solution. Both commercial and industrial washers complete cycles within 30 to 40 minutes. However, industrial dryers shine in speed, often drying laundry in 20 to 30 minutes, compared to 40 to 60 minutes with commercial dryers.

LAUNDROMAT EQUIPMENT BRANDS MATTER
Choosing the right brand of commercial or industrial washers and dryers is extremely important when investing in laundromat equipment. Opt for well-supported brands with local technical and parts support. LG Commercial Laundry and Electrolux Professional, for example, have consistently delivered on their promises, maintaining strong relationships with laundromat operators for decades.

EQUIPMENT FEATURE TO CONSIDER
Commercial and industrial washers and dryers come equipped with various features. Here are some key considerations:

• Soft Mount – High-spin washers with a 450G force speed up dryer throughput and often reduce energy consumption by 1/3. They can also be installed on suspended floors, expanding location options.
• LCD Display – A user-friendly screen simplifies cycle selection and enhances the customer experience.
• Liquid Dosing – As the industry trend shifts towards liquid dosing, ensure your washer is equipped with liquid dosing connections that are simple to connect to, this helps reduce installation times & costs.
• Water Operated Drain Valve – This feature minimises maintenance and reduces “dead-water” under the washer, potentially saving up to 450,000 litres per washer over its 30,000-cycle life.
• Power Balance – Washers with accelerometers manage imbalances during extraction, optimising extraction and reducing dry times.
• Reversing Drum – Dryers with this feature redistribute the load, cutting dry times by up to 7 minutes and preventing “balling” of large items.
• Axial Airflow – To minimise energy usage, select dryers with axial airflow, eliminating common issues associated with radial airflow dryers.

CAPACITY AND DEMOGRAPHICS
Consider capacity and demographics when selecting equipment. While commercial appliances range from 8 to 15 KG capacity, industrial machines used in vend spaces span 8 to 33 kg. Larger equipment, such as 20 to 27 kg washers, have gained popularity, accommodating customers who prefer loading all their laundry into one or two machines for convenience.

Demographics also play a crucial role in selecting the right site. Locations with a high concentration of single individuals or young couples may benefit from smaller equipment, while locations dominated by large families require larger machinery. Richard Jay will supply demographic reports once an investor has narrowed down their preferred site.

If you’re thinking about investing in a laundromat or upgrading an existing one and want to chat with experts in laundromat equipment, get in touch. With over 50 years of experience helping laundromat owners in Australia realise their business goals, you’re in good hands with a Richard Jay laundromat professional.