Commercial washing machines come in a variety of sizes and capacities, so it’s important to choose the model that’s the right fit for your business.
If you’re unsure which size washing machine you need for your commercial laundry, our experts have put together this essential guide, including recommended models for businesses in a variety of industry sectors.
Classifying commercial washing machines by capacity
Typically, we classify commercial washers into three core categories:
1. Small, light-duty washing machines
2. Medium/large, heavy-duty washing machines
3. Industrial-grade washing machines
It isn’t just size and capacity that dictate into which category a washer belongs; durability, frequency of use, and required floorspace also play a part.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the three different categories of commercial washing machines available from JLA.
Small, light-duty washing machines
When we refer to a light-duty, small capacity washing machine, we’re talking about appliances that can accommodate loads of 5-8 kg, which are typically used for a maximum of 8-10 cycles per day. From a size perspective, they’re comparable to their domestic equivalents, while also being much more durable and built specifically for business use.
What are the pros and cons of small commercial washing machines
+ Durable build quality
+ Minimal space requirement
+ Stackable with other appliances
– Limited capacity
– Not suitable for very high volumes
Which types of businesses might suit a small commercial washer?
Typically, we would recommend a small, light-duty washer for businesses with a small-scale daily throughput of laundry. This might include:
- Bed and breakfasts and other smaller accommodation providers
- Gyms and healthcare centres
- Hospitality venues like pubs, restaurants, and cafes
- Hair salons, beauticians, and similar businesses
Examples of small, light-duty washing machines:
- JLA 7 & 8 Washing Machines
- JLA Mini Pro Washing Machines
Medium/large, heavy-duty washing machines
For businesses that process large laundry loads as part of their daily operations, medium/large washing machines built for heavy-duty use may be a smart step up versus smaller, lighter appliances. Typically, medium-to-large commercial washers have a capacity of anything between 20-80 kg, and are capable of processing large wash loads on a near-continuous basis.
What are the pros and cons of medium/large commercial washing machines?
+ Durable, high-performance build quality
+ Capable of processing large laundry loads
+ Built for continuous operation, cycle after cycle
– May not be stackable
– More space required
Which types of businesses might suit a medium/large commercial washer?
For businesses with a demanding daily throughput of laundry, a medium/large commercial washer is key to smooth, reliable delivery and processing. This could include:
- Small hotels, guesthouses and other medium-sized accommodation types
- Social care facilities
- Spas, leisure centres, and similar organisations
- Coin-operated appliances in launderettes and self-service laundries
Examples of medium/large, heavy-duty washing machines
- JLA SMART Washing Machines (20kg+)
- JLA High-Spin Washing Machines
- JLA Coin-Operated SMART Wash CW
Industrial-grade washing machines
Industrial-grade washers represent the upper tier of commercial washing machine technology, and are suited to organisations with a high turnover of laundry. Due to their floor space requirements, these powerful machines are suited to large-scale laundries only, and are capable of processing loads of up to 180kg per cycle on a continuous, round-the-clock basis.
What are the pros and cons of industrial-grade washing machines?
+ The pinnacle of laundry processing power
+ Capable of handling large loads on a continuous basis
+ High-performance components and exceptional build quality
– Significant floorspace requirements
– May require additional training and supervision to operate
Which types of businesses might suit an industrial commercial washer?
Industrial laundry machines are reserved only for organisations with the highest laundry turnover requirements. This might include:
- Large-scale hotels and accommodation providers
- Hospitals and care facilities
- Commercial laundries that specialise in linen processing
- Prisons and comparable facilities
Which factors determine the size and capacity of your commercial washing machine?
By now, you should have a general understanding of the types of commercial washing machines available and the organisations that they’re typically suitable for. But there are other factors that can affect the size and capacity of the washer that will be the right fit for your business, as detailed below.
Laundry volume
It goes without saying that your current volume of laundry is the number one deciding factor in the size and capacity of a washer that is right for your business. However, what if your average laundry volume were to suddenly increase? Is it possible to scale to accommodate?
In this scenario, it might be possible to install multiple machines, particularly stacked units that can sit one on top of another. This provides scope to scale up your laundry capacity without encroaching on available floorspace; it also means you’re not solely reliant on a single machine.
Industry sector
While equipment capacity varies based on demand and the size of the laundry room, different industry sectors often use different types of commercial washing machines.
Commercial outsourced laundry providers and hospitals typically use industrial-grade machines in order to fulfil high and consistent laundry volumes. Meanwhile, restaurants, hair salons and social housing often use smaller, more compact appliances to fulfil their laundry needs.
Physical space
It’s not uncommon for the availability of physical space to dictate the size and capacity of a commercial washing machine. We often work with businesses that are hamstrung by the limitations of their laundry space and must, therefore, find a suitable workaround solution wherein their laundry requirements are met.
When assessing the available space within a commercial laundry, it’s important to factor in the following:
- Available floor area
- Doorway and hallway width for delivery
- Height/ceiling clearance
- Ventilation and ductwork space
In many instances, stackable laundry equipment can often prove the perfect workaround solution, doubling your load capacity in the floor space of a single appliance. Stacking a washer and dryer together frees up floor space and utilises the usable height of your room, so you can increase your laundry processing throughput by 50%.
Specialist requirements
In some cases, the commercial washing machine you need isn’t dictated by size and capacity, but by the type of features and capabilities a certain type of machine affords. For instance, in environments like care homes and hospitals, barrier washing machines are needed to ensure maximum hygiene and infection control, so this will be the key deciding factor beyond general size and capacity.
We hope this guide helps steer you towards the perfect commercial washer for your business. Should you require further assistance or would like to learn more about any of the washing machine models recommended here, JLA’s team of experts can advise. Call us today on 0808 239 0015 or get in touch.
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