When outfitting a communal laundry, body‑corporates must choose between domestic and commercial machines. There are many factors to consider including: purchase price, durability, utility costs and resident satisfaction. Domestic washers are designed for occasional household loads and typically hold about 110-150L.
Commercial machines, by contrast, are engineered for continuous use in laundromats, hotels and multi‑housing properties; they often handle 10-27kg of laundry per load and use heavy‑duty materials in their construction. This article compares capacity, durability, efficiency and cost to help property managers select the right equipment for their communal laundry.
Commercial vs Domestic Machines: Key Differences
Capacity & Throughput
- Commercial machines: Can process larger loads (10-27kg). Larger drums mean fewer loads and shorter wait times for residents, which improves satisfaction and reduces wear and tear on individual machines.
- Domestic machines: Typically hold 110-150L. They require more cycles to handle communal‑laundry volumes, leading to longer queues and increased breakdown risk when overused.
Durability & Lifespan
- Commercial machines: Built with high‑grade materials to withstand constant use. They last 10–15 years (5 000–8 000 cycles) when properly maintained.
- Domestic machines: Use consumer‑grade parts optimised for quiet operation and energy efficiency. In a high‑use environment, they fail prematurely.
Cycle Speed & Cleaning Power
- Commercial machines: Have faster spin speeds and higher agitation, which means shorter cycle times and better stain removal.
- Domestic machines: Offer multiple cycle options but are slower and less powerful, suiting small households.
Energy & Water Efficiency
- Commercial machines: Despite their size, they use water and energy efficiently; high spin speeds extract more water, reducing dryer time. Many models are designed to conserve both resources.
- Domestic machines: Focus on energy efficiency but cannot match commercial units’ performance for heavy loads.
Cost Considerations
- Upfront price: Commercial machines cost more to purchase; however, route operators can provide them with no upfront capital cost, recouping the expense through vend revenue.
- Operating costs: Because commercial machines last longer and require fewer repairs, the cost per cycle is lower over time. Domestic machines may be cheaper initially but often need replacement and repairs sooner.
Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Choose Between Commercial and Domestic Machines
- Assess Property Size and Usage – Determine the number of apartments and expected laundry loads. Use the guideline of one washer/dryer pair per 20 one-bedroom units.
- Calculate Long‑Term Costs – Compare the lifespan and maintenance costs of commercial vs domestic machines. Consider the cost of repairs, downtime and effort to replace or repair broken equipment.
- Evaluate Utility Costs – Check water and energy consumption; commercial machines use resources more efficiently.
- Consider Resident Experience – Factor in wait times, capacity for bulky items and payment convenience. Faster cycles and larger drums improve satisfaction.
- Explore Leasing/Route‑Operator Options – If capital costs are an issue, partner with a route operator who can supply and maintain commercial machines.
- Make Your Decision – Choose the option that balances cost, durability and user experience. For most multi‑housing facilities, commercial machines via a route operator provide the best long‑term value.