Commercial Laundry Equipment VS Industrial Laundry Equipment

When it comes to selecting laundry equipment for your business, the terms “Industrial” and “Commercial” often come up. Whilst these words might seem interchangeable, they generally refer to different scales of laundry operations. However, it’s important to note that commercial and industrial references can vary depending on the business or industry type.

At Wolf Laundry, we define commercial laundry equipment as anything with a 10-27kg capacity, whilst anything with a 28kg or larger capacity is defined as industrial laundry equipment.

Let’s break down the general differences between these two types of laundry machines and how they fit into various sectors.

What Is Commercial Laundry Equipment?

Commercial laundry machines are typically designed for businesses that handle moderate laundry volumes. These machines are often small and compact, most often used in smaller-scale operations such as guest houses/small hotels, salons, care homes and gyms, to even larger businesses such as laundromats, shared housing accommodation such as apartments an university halls.

Capacity Range: Typically between 10 to 28kg

Target Market: Hotels, care homes, restaurants, salons and gyms.

Key Features: 

•    Durability for frequent use but not as rugged as industrial machines.
•    Flexibility in handling a variety of fabrics.
•    Available in sizes suitable for smaller spaces.
•    May have programmable settings for different wash cycles.

Usage: Designed for several loads per day but not operating around the clock.

Cost: Generally more affordable than industrial machines due to smaller capacities and less heavy-duty design.

What Is Industrial Laundry Equipment?

Industrial laundry machines are specifically manufactured to operate continuously and designed to handle high-volume laundry loads. Making them suitable for industries that require bulk processing of laundry at large scale or 24/7 operations, such as large hotels, hospital central laundries, linen hire laundry services.

Capacity Range: Machines with capacities larger than 28kg.

Target Market: Hospitals, hotels, factories, commercial laundries, and textile manufacturers.

Key Features:

• Built for extreme durability and continuous use.
• Equipped with advanced features such as thermal disinfection cycles, moisture control, and
  high-capacity drying.
• Capable of handling large bulk items such as linens, towels and uniforms.
• Large capacity machines to handle large heavy items, for example bedding.
• Stronger internal components designed for heavy-duty long-term use.

Usage: Ideal for businesses where machines operate **non-stop** and require efficient cleaning of bulk laundry items efficiently and quickly – to keep business operations running smoothly.

Cost: Higher initial investment due to the size, durability, and advanced features.

Overlap and Flexibility

While there is a general distinction, the line between commercial and industrial laundry equipment is not always clear-cut. The size and type of your business might dictate what’s considered “commercial” or “industrial.”

For example:

• A small hospital may opt for commercial equipment if they have fewer beds and lower laundry volumes.
• A large hotel may choose industrial machines to keep up with the constant operation of laundry cycles to keep up with demand.

This flexibility is essential for businesses to choose the right equipment based on specific needs, rather than rigid definitions.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

• 1. Capacity Needs: Depending on how much laundry your facility processes daily, you need to choose equipment that can handle the load without overburdening or underutilizing the machine.
• 2. Operational Demands: If your laundry operation runs 24/7 industrial equipment might be more suitable for the task. However, if you only need a few loads processed each day, a commercial-grade machine will likely meet your needs.
• 3. Longevity and Durability: Industrial machines are designed for tough conditions and longer lifespans. They are built to withstand heavier use, whereas commercial equipment might wear out faster under the same conditions.
• 4. Budget Considerations: Although industrial machines tend to have a higher upfront cost, they are an investment for facilities that require constant, heavy-duty laundry operations. For smaller operations, a commercial machine might be the better cost-effective solution.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Business

At Wolf Laundry, we help businesses of all sizes determine the right type of laundry equipment for their needs. Whether you operate a care home that needs reliable commercial machines or run a hotel that requires industrial-grade equipment to manage a high turnover of linens, understanding your laundry demands is key.

Conclusion

While the terms “Commercial” and “Industrial” laundry equipment have different connotations, the right choice depends on your facility’s needs, workload, and operational scale. 

Contact us today to help specify equipment for tailored advice on what type of equipment best suits your requirements!