Difference between a regular and a professional washing machine
The main difference between professional washing machines and domestic washing machines is, of course, the amount of laundry you can put in the drum. On average, a professional washing machine has a fill weight of 14 kg, which is twice as much as a household of three needs.
In addition, there are a few other important differences:
The construction
A washing machine for professional use is built very differently than a consumer washing machine. The materials are sturdier, and this rugged design makes it suitable for long-term and intensive use.
Longer life
If you are looking for a washing machine with a long life, then a professional washing machine is exactly what you are looking for.
On average, a professional washing machine lasts ten times longer than household machines. The average number of washes is around 30,000, compared to around 3,000 for a regular model.
That translates to a lifetime of ten years for a household washing machine, to a lifetime of around thirty years for professional washing machines.
Better for your clothes
A (semi) professional washing machine is better for your clothes and other laundry than a household appliance. They are equipped with a clothes-protecting drum and the larger capacity also means that your clothes rub against each other and the wall less, so that you are less likely to suffer from wear.
This is mainly an advantage for restaurants that are looking for a (semi) professional washing machine to wash linen tablecloths and napkins. In a normal washing machine these will break down considerably faster.
Shorter wash cycle
If you choose a (semi) professional washing machine, it probably means that you also have a lot of laundry. You probably don’t have the time to wait very long for your laundry to be washed. Luckily, most professional washing machines have programmable controls, allowing you to specify how long a wash should take.
On average, a 90-degree cycle takes just under an hour, compared to up to two hours for domestic appliances.
Handy extra features
Professional washing machines are really set up to make it as easy as possible for you. An automatic weighing system ensures that you always use the right amount per kilo of laundry. This is environmentally friendly because you never use too much detergent and water. Over the lifetime of the washing machine, this allows you to make significant savings.
Through the extra features you also always have the best results. When used in a hair salon, for example, you can always be sure that the towels will come out of the drum equally clean every time.
Best professional washing machines of 2024
To rate these professional washing machines, we looked at a number of features:
- comfortable working position
- Intuitive interface
Professional washing machines that are height adjustable are more user-friendly than those that are not. A large display and the ability to operate the professional machine in different languages also contribute to the rating. Finally, special programs, for example for linen in the hospitality industry are also included in the rating.
These are the best professional washing machines of 2024:
1
Best professional washing machine
General Electronics present GE GFW550SSNWW, a brand-new front load washer featuring an extra-large total capacity of 4.8 cu. ft., just for you and your growing family. Because it has a reversible glass door, you can place it in many different locations and layout configurations. This stackable washing machine measures 32 inches deep, 39.75 inches high and 27 inches wide at just 246 lbs. The standard 27-inch width allows it to fit in many homes with no additional installation space required. Its Energy Efficiency Rating is an impressive Tier I, consuming a reasonable 158kWH/yr. Because the maximum spin speed is 1300 revolutions per minute (RPM), the cycle finishes with less moisture on your clothes and therefore less drying time. The generous 10 wash cycle options mean you have many choices to choose from.
Even without a steam feature, the GE GFW550SSNWW is packed with a load of incredible features! The UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock that eliminates excess moisture to help prevent odors and keep your washer fresh and clean. The Microban antimicrobial technology is built into components including the gasket, dispenser and draining system, keeping your washer clean and hygienic. Keep your family safe with Sanitize with Oxi which removes 99% of bacteria with a dedicated cycle that uses an Oxi additive to maximize your detergent’s cleaning properties. GE’s patented Dynamic Balancing Technology (dBT™) not only saves you time by sensing and rebalancing uneven loads during the spin cycle, but also keeps your machine quieter than ever. If you’re in a hurry, the 20-minute Quick Wash Cycle can save the day. What’s more to love? Aside from these exclusive
GE washing machine features, you also enjoy standard features like adaptive fill, add garment (pause), automatic temperature control, control lock, delay start, end-of-cycle signal and more.
The GE GFW550SSNWW does not come with any accessories.
Washing basket after basket of laundry is no longer an issue with the LG WM9000HVA front load washer, giving you a massive maximum capacity of 5.2. cu. ft. With measurements of 33.75 inches deep, 40.75 inches high and 29 inches wide and weighing 227 lbs., it’s sure to fit into smaller laundry spaces. Give it a little more height while washing one more load at the same time because it is compatible with the LG SideKick. This smart home enabled device has the control panel on its reversible door.
Enjoy savings because this machine is Energy Star Certified with an Energy Consumption Rating of Tier II, consuming only 120kWh or energy per year. The maximum spin speed of 1300 RPM ensures extra moisture is removed from your laundry, so your clothes spend less time drying. Enjoy 14 different wash cycles: choose from Delicates to Bedding to Jumbowash to Tubclean and more.
The LG WM9000HVA washer features are unbeatable. TurboWash® 2.0 Technology uses twin nozzles at the front of the washer to spray a concentrated detergent solution directly onto the clothes for quick and effective cleaning. The Allergiene™ Cycle uses the intense heat of steam to remove over 95% of common household allergens, like dust mites and pet dander. The ColdWash™ Technology saves you money by using cold water, along with enhanced washing motions, to penetrate deep into fabrics for the same performance achieved in a warm water washing. With the SenseClean System, the water level and wash time are set automatically based on the weight and size of each load for optimal washing care. TrueBalance Anti-Vibration along with the LoDecibel™ Quiet Operation are designed to minimize washer vibration for smooth, quiet performance in just about any room of the house - even on the second floor.
Enjoy a smart home enabled machine. The LG WM9000HVA is ThinQ compatible to help you diagnose problems without ever needing to call an LG representative. LG ProActive Customer Care uses artificial intelligence to offer useful maintenance tips, alert you to potential problems before they even occur and expedite repairs when needed.
The LG WM9000HVA comes with hoses and a power cord.
Your search for the perfect new washing machine is done with the GE GFW850SPNRS front load washer. Let’s start with the impressive 5.0 cu. ft. maximum capacity that will allow you to wash more laundry at once. With measurements of 34 inches deep, 39.75 inches high and 28 inches wide at 246 lbs., you can pair this washing machine with your favorite
GE dryer because it is stackable. Have more even space saving options and freedom to place your brand-new washing machine wherever you want with its reversible glass door.
Spoil yourself with 12 wash cycles, including Active Wear, Allergen, Bedding, Bulky Items, Cold, Delicates, Drain & Spin, Extra Rinse, Normal, Prewash, Rinse & Spin, Sanitize, Time Saving, Towels & Sheets, and Whites.
This baby is jam-packed with All-American GE technology. The UltraFresh vent system with OdorBlock eliminates excess moisture to help prevent odors ensuring your washer stays fresh and clean. The Microban antimicrobial technology is built into parts including the gasket, dispenser and draining system, delivering protection that lives on load after load. With SmartDispense Technology, you can save time and make laundry effortless with an intelligent dispenser that holds up to 32 loads of detergent that automatically dispenses the right amount each time. 1 Step Wash + Dry allows you wash a small load in your washer, removing the need to transfer clothes into the
dryer. Sanitize + Allergen kills 99% of common bacteria and irritants such as dust mites. Dynamic Balancing Technology (dBT™) is our patented, time saving technology that senses and rebalances uneven loads during the spin cycle, providing a quieter wash. PowerSteam safely penetrates deep into fabric fibers, loosening stains to deliver enhanced cleaning performance. Sanitize Cycle allows you to sterilize clothing with elevated temperatures designed to kill common household bacteria.
The GE GFW850SPNRS comes with a power cord.
From the long trusted, all-American company, GE, comes a brand-new washing machine. Introducing the GE GFW650SPNSN. This front load washer has a large maximum capacity of 4.8. cu. ft., perfect for a growing family. The beautiful satin nickel color covers the body measuring 32 inches deep, 39.75 inches high and 28 inches wide. You can place this machine in homes with many different layouts and configurations because it features a reversible glass door and is also stackable. It’s very cost efficient with an Energy Efficiency Rating of Tier I, and just using about 158kWH/year of power.
The GE GFW650SPNSN has maximum spin speed of 1300 revolutions per minute (RPM), power to dry your laundry enough so it spends less time in the dryer or the clothing line. With 12 wash cycle functions including Active Wear, Allergen, Bedding, Bulky Items, Cold, Delicates, Drain & Spin, Extra Rinse, Normal, Prewash, Rinse & Spin, Sanitize, Speed Wash, Time Saving, Towels and Sheets, and Whites, you have the option to choose the right setting for your laundry.
Not only does this washing machine have standard GE washer features like Adaptive Fill, Adjustable Legs, Advanced Vibration Control, Cycle Status Indicator, Delay Start, Door Window, Front Control, Odor Blocking, Spin Speed Option, and Wi-Fi, but it’s also packed with GE exclusive technology. Enjoy functions such as the UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock – keeps extra moisture in control so your washing machine stays fresher and cleaner. The Microban antimicrobial technology is built into the parts like the gasket, dispenser, and the draining system, controlling bacterial growth. Save time with the SmartDispense function, allowing your machine to hold up to 32 loads of detergent at one time. The patented GE Dynamic Balancing Technology (dBT) saves wash time by sensing and rebalancing uneven loads during the spin cycle. Discover more when you buy this amazing product.
The GE GFW650SPNSN comes with a power cord.
The Samsung WF45R6100AP high-efficiency front load washing machine looks great with its platinum exterior finish. The 4.5 cu. ft. maximum capacity is just right for you and your family. It has a left swing, round metal door and surface measurements of 31.4 inches deep, 38.75 inches high and 27 inches wide at just 201 lbs. The standard width along with being stackable will allow you to place this machine in many different home layouts. You can pair it with matching Samsung dryers: DVG45R6100P (gas) or DVE45R6100P (electric), both sold separately.
Power efficient with a Tier I Energy Efficiency Rating, consuming only 80kWh per year. Impressive! The maximum spin speed is 1200 revolutions per minute (RPM). It includes 10 different wash cycles: Bedding, Delicates, Heavy Duty, Normal, Permanent Press, Rinse & Spin, Sanitize, Speed Wash, and Whites.
On top of this machine’s many different features is the steam function, which provides powerful stain removal without the need for pretreatment. Self Clean+ keeps your washer drum fresh and clean, while Smart Care allows for easy troubleshooting from the convenience of your smartphone. The GE VERT Plus Technology which reduces noise and vibration allows for an overall quieter wash. The Swirl + Drum interior improves the drum pattern and lets the water flow more quickly and therefore limiting excess moisture. The Closet Depth Fit3 provides space-saving design, great for flexible installation in any laundry space. The ADA Compliant4, AUI, Braille accessibility feature, allows easy use of this machine for more people. 5 Temperature Levels for the ideal temperature to wash your clothes gently and thoroughly. Other features include adjustable legs, control lock, control sounds on/off, cycle status indicator, delay start, door window, end-of-cycle signal, remote diagnostics, water heater and more.
The Samsung WF45R6100AP comes with hoses and a power cord. The matching pedestal WE402NP can be bought separately.
Why should you buy a professional washing machine?
Want to know if and large capacity professional washing machine is for you? Then consider the following.
The average household machines have a fill weight between 7 kg and 10 kg, which is enough to get all the laundry clean. For businesses, this fill weight is often not enough. Hairdressers who wash a lot of towels or catering establishments that wash a lot of linen would benefit more from a washing machine with a larger fill weight.
Professional washing machines have a fill weight between 6 kg and 120 kg of laundry. In doing so, professional washing machines wash much faster than home appliances. An average wash cycle takes less than 60 minutes to get all the laundry clean, while it can take up to two hours with a household model.
For businesses, it can be more economical to purchase a washing machine yourself rather than taking all the laundry to the laundry. The purchase price of and professional washing machine is slightly higher than that of a regular model, but this is offset by a significantly longer lifespan. In the long run, the machine pays for itself.
Before you buy a professional washing machine, you should consider the space you need for it. Chances are that you will need multiple outlets, power currents and a larger drain.
What does a professional washing machine cost?
If you are looking for a professional washing machine you should expect to spend at least €2500. The most expensive professional washing machines cost even more than €4000.
Of course, a professional model also has a longer lifespan than a domestic washing machine. You can assume that a professional washing machine will last for about 30,000 washes, while a household washing machine will last for an average of 3500 washes.
Do keep in mind that a professional washing machine will of course consume more, your average cost for water and energy will also go up a bit as a result.
But, you should also keep in mind that washing large amounts of laundry with a household washing machine will again be much more expensive than when you use a professional washing machine for that.
On average, a professional washing machine consumes 2.3 kWh and 92 liters of water for a 95 degree wash. Per wash, that comes down to about 50 cents per wash.
For household washing machines, that cost is about between 10 and 30 cents per wash, but that does wash less than half of the laundry.
If you were to wash the same amount of kg of laundry in a normal washing machine, you would probably be more expensive than if you were to use a (semi) professional washing machine for that.
What is the cheapest option for you, therefore, always depends on your needs in terms of washing. A more expensive (semi) professional washing machine can certainly be the cheapest option for you if used efficiently.
