Commercial washers and dryers play a pivotal role in high-traffic businesses like laundromats, hospitals, hotels, and other various residential facilities.
With the rise in demand in several industries, the need for better efficiency heightens too along with demand for eco-friendly, environmentally conscious options.
This means that sellers can position themselves uniquely when it comes to retail for commercial washers and dryers. For that, they need to choose the right products, derive insights into customer preferences, and pick washers and dryers for different end customers—all of which are covered here.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
The market for commercial washers and dryers
How to select a commercial washer and dryer
1. Capacity & size
2. Technology & smart features
3. Types of commercial washers and dryers
4. Wash cycles and settings
5. Efficiency & ratings
Commercial washers and dryers for various end customers
Small to medium businesses
Laundromats
Hospitality & healthcare
Bottom line
The market for commercial washers and dryers
According to a study conducted by Allied Market Research, the commercial laundry equipment market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 4% from 2021 to 2030.
It is indeed a consistently growing industry scaling the demand for commercial washers and dryers. One of the primary contributing factors to this increasing demand is the booming hospitality and healthcare industry.
The rising urbanization and disposable income also add dramatically to this, resulting in a surge in business potential for laundry equipment.
Rapid technological advancements and innovations attract businesses with solutions to enhance service quality and improve efficiency. This is another contributing factor boosting the business potential for commercial washers and dryers.
How to select a commercial washer and dryer
1. Capacity & size
Commercial washers and dryers are available in various capacities, usually ranging from 30 lbs to over 500 lbs. Segregating the target buyers based on their business model, infrastructure, real estate or space, budget, and requirement helps retailers generate more sales.
Overall, there are two major categories considering capacity and size quotient i.e. large capacity machines and small-capacity machines. Large capacity units (40-500lb) are ideal for high-demand and massive-scale enterprises and organizations such as hotels and hospitals. Small-capacity machines (under 30 lbs) are just right for small business requirements.
2. Technology & smart features
Choosing laundry equipment with technology advancements adds significant value for end-users. Retailers must focus on attaining next-gen technology and smart features in the commercial washers and dryers they choose to sell.
Opt for machines featuring programmable or custom wash cycles allowing customizable settings for temperature, spin speed, and cycle type to provide flexibility for various fabrics and cleanliness standards.
Tap into the market smart feature washers where features like remote monitoring and control are in demand. A Wi-Fi-enabled washer and dryer can notify users of cycle completion, helping businesses streamline laundry management.
Another feature to consider is automatic detergent dispensing where by adding the right amount of detergent based on load size, these systems reduce waste and optimize wash quality.
3. Types of commercial washers and dryers
Front load washers
Front load washers feature a horizontal axis design which comes with a front loading door similar to most residential washers. These types of washers are known for their optimal efficiency and ability to process bulkier loads.
Also, these ones tend to use less water and detergent, making them more environmentally conscious. For brands or businesses with high demand who prioritize eco-friendly and energy-saving options, this can be the perfect product to sell to.
Top load washers
Top load washers are best for shorter washing cycles. They are ideal for infrastructures where quick wash turnaround is essential. Even though these washers use more water, they are relatively easier to load and unload which makes them appealing for smaller businesses where priority is convenience instead of higher efficiency.
Washer extractors
This particular type of washer combines the mechanism of washing and spinning within one machine featuring a significant reduction of moisture in clothes.
As a result, it becomes much faster to dry clothes. Washer extractors are better for businesses where faster turnaround time for overall washing and drying is required such as healthcare and hospitality.
Combo washer extractors
Combo washer-dryers are perfect for small businesses or infrastructures where space optimization is critical for them.
This is because these combo washer extractors combine the functionality and features of a washer and dryer in a single machine, saving a lot of real estate for businesses.
4. Wash cycles and settings
Every type of commercial washer and dryer comes with different configurations for wash cycles and settings as pre-programmed. They are designed to handle all sorts of fabrics and soils.
Having an in-depth understanding of wash cycles and settings allows retailers to address the specific needs of their potential buyers.
5. Efficiency & ratings
High-efficiency models can reduce utility costs, which is particularly beneficial for laundromats or other businesses with frequent laundry demands.
More and more environmentally conscious buyers prioritize a combination of high energy and water efficiency ratings.
This makes it essential for sellers to position their products as both an eco-friendly and value-for-money investment. Retailers must prioritize investing in Energy Star washers and dryers.
Commercial washers and dryers for various end customers
Small to medium businesses
Small to medium-sized businesses across industries where laundry is an essential part of their operation, customer service, or service/product itself often require in-house equipment.
Some primary examples of these can be gyms, fitness centers, sports clubs, hostels, etc. These businesses usually require small, compact, and space-saving machines that are highly efficient and quick in both washing and drying.
Also, they prefer to go for more affordable, easy-to-use, and compact machines with smart features like a programmable washing cycle.
Laundromats
For laundromats, specific capacity and high efficiency are essential factors when they consider choosing a commercial washer and dryer. The ease of use and speed of washing and drying are also their top priority.
They prefer smaller or compact size machines that are efficient enough to handle bulk batches for maximized output and rapid delivery to their customers.
Some coin-operated laundromats prefer to opt for coin or card payment machines to apply a self-service system in their store. These establishments prefer to go with models featuring multi-cycle settings, customization, and fast drying.
Hospitality & healthcare
Hospitality and healthcare are the most demanding industries where high-capacity large-size washers and dryers are required to meet their large-scale bulk batches processed at regular intervals.
They also demand advanced features such as enhanced sanitization settings, and quick drying that are essential for hotels and hospitals to achieve the best quality and safe wash in a shorter turnover time.
Bottom line
The commercial washer and dryer market is a highly promising and profitable opportunity for sellers to leverage. The rising urbanization, technological advancements, economic growth, and increasing purchasing power of people are key contributors to the uptick growth trajectory of this market.
Retailers can make much more informed decisions in terms of investment in products by understanding the key factors in choosing the right laundry equipment such as capacity, functionality, efficiency, technology features, standards, and cost.
Commercial washers and dryers offer a profitable avenue for sellers who cater to diverse industries ranging from healthcare and hospitality to laundromats.
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