Kim Jennings
27 Mar 2023
commercial washing machine cost
Commercial washing machines are the backbone of laundromats, hotels, and healthcare facilities—but their costs vary wildly based on size, features, and brand. Whether you’re starting a new venture or upgrading equipment, this guide breaks down 2025 pricing trends, hidden expenses, and strategies to maximize your investment.
Commercial Washing Machine Cost Breakdown (2025)
Machine Type | Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
Top-Load Washers | 15–30 lbs | 2,000–2,000–6,000 | Budget laundromats, small hotels |
Front-Load Washers | 30–75 lbs | 5,000–5,000–15,000 | High-volume laundries, hospitals |
Barrel Washers | 75–150 lbs | 15,000–15,000–40,000 | Industrial textile processing |
Tunnel Washers | 100–300 lbs/hour | 80,000–80,000–200,000+ | Large-scale facilities (military, prisons) |
Key Factors Affecting Cost
Capacity:
Small (15–30 lbs): 2k–2k–6k (e.g., Maytag MHW3505FW).
Medium (30–75 lbs): 5k–5k–15k (e.g., Speed Queen SFNSE3).
Large (75+ lbs): 15k–15k–40k+ (e.g., Dexter T-600).
Features:
Basic: Manual controls (2k–2k–5k).
Advanced: IoT monitoring, steam cleaning (8k–8k–20k).
Energy Star: 20–30% utility savings but 10–15% pricier.
Brand Reputation:
Budget: Whirlpool, Norge (2k–2k–7k).
Mid-Range: Maytag, Dexter (5k–5k–15k).
Premium: Speed Queen, Electrolux (10k–10k–40k+).
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Installation: 500–500–2,000 (electrical/plumbing upgrades).
Maintenance: 200–200–600/year for parts and labor.
Utilities:
Water: 3–5 gallons per lb (e.g., 50-lb washer = 150–250 gallons/cycle).
Electricity: 0.50–0.50–2.00 per cycle (varies by efficiency).
Warranty Extensions: 300–300–1,000 for 3–5 years of coverage.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Small Laundromat (10 Machines):
Machines: 6 x 30-lb Maytag (Front-Load) = $60,000.
Extras: Installation + 10k,maintenance=10k,maintenance=5k/year.
Total Startup Cost: ~$75,000.
Hotel Laundry (2 Machines):
Machines: 2 x 50-lb Speed Queen = $30,000.
Extras: Energy-efficient upgrades = +$3k.
Total Cost: $33,000.
Cost-Saving Tips
Buy Refurbished: Save 30–50% on certified pre-owned models (e.g., Dexter T-300).
Lease Instead of Buy: Payments as low as $200/month (preserve cash flow).
Negotiate Bulk Deals: Order 5+ machines for 10–15% discounts.
Target Off-Peak Discounts: Buy during trade shows (e.g., CLEAN Show) or Q4 sales.
Top Brands & Their Price Ranges
Brand | Entry-Level | Mid-Range | Premium |
Maytag | 2,500–2,500–5,000 | 6,000–6,000–12,000 | – |
Speed Queen | 4,000–4,000–8,000 | 10,000–10,000–18,000 | $20,000+ (tunnel) |
Dexter | 5,000–5,000–9,000 | 12,000–12,000–25,000 | $30,000+ |
Electrolux | 8,000–8,000–15,000 | 20,000–20,000–40,000 | $50,000+ |
FAQs About Commercial Washer Costs
Q: Can I finance a commercial washer?A: Yes—many suppliers offer 0% APR plans for 12–24 months.
Q: Are used commercial washers reliable?*A: If refurbished by certified dealers, yes. Avoid >5-year-old models.*
Q: How long do commercial washers last?*A: 7–15 years (Speed Queen/Dexter last longest).*
Q: Do I need a 3-phase power supply?A: For machines >30 lbs, usually yes—factor in 1k–1k–3k for electrical upgrades.
Buyer’s Checklist
Calculate Capacity Needs: Avg. load size × daily cycles.
Compare Energy Ratings: Save $1k+/year with Energy Star models.
Verify Service Networks: Choose brands with local technicians.
Budget for Extras: Installation, water softeners, training.
Conclusion
Commercial washing machine costs range from 2,000forbasicmodels∗∗to∗∗2,000forbasicmodels∗∗to∗∗200,000+ for industrial giants, but the right choice depends on your business size, usage, and long-term goals. Prioritize energy efficiency, warranty coverage, and scalability to maximize ROI.