Advantages of professional washing machines

Automatic washing machines are no longer a novelty; even the most advanced models are taken for granted. Drum lighting, automatic weighing, intelligent controls, innovative washing technologies, and ergonomic design are all typical of a modern automatic machine. But how do professional washing machines differ from regular household ones? Should you replace your household machine with a reliable professional one that will last for decades? What are its advantages and disadvantages? We'll answer these questions.

Scope of application

A professional washing machine is used in a variety of industries. And it's not just laundries, where laundry can be brought in from various locations, including from home. Professional machines are used:

• In hotels, even in small ones, installing such a machine will only enhance the level of service. Furthermore, it's much more cost-effective to do laundry on-site by setting up a mini-laundry in the utility room. Bed linens will always be spotlessly clean, and guests' clothes can be laundered for an additional fee if needed.
• in self-service laundries, which have recently been organized in cottage villages.
• In restaurants, this is necessary to comply with sanitary regulations and to establish a serious and responsible business. Daily washing of table linens will ensure banquet halls and kitchens are always clean.
• in food enterprises, for example, a meat processing plant, a bakery, a dairy plant, a confectionery shop, etc. Installing a professional washing machine in a production facility is more profitable than working with a dry cleaner.
• in beauty salons and hairdressers.
• in maternity hospitals and hospitals.

Please note! For small businesses, where laundry volumes are low, a semi-professional automatic washing machine can be installed instead of a professional washing machine.

Advantages that distinguish professional machines from household ones

What is it about professional equipment that makes it different from household or semi-professional equipment?

• First, the washing quality. Only professional washing machines have the highest rating in this regard. Semi-professional washing machines are inferior in this regard, as they are based on the design of a household machine. However, in some cases, the difference in washing results may not be noticeable.
• Secondly, wear and tear of parts. Professional machines are designed to wash at least 30,000 cycles, while semi-professional ones are designed for 5,000, and some household ones are designed for only 1,000. Moreover, washing in domestic and semi-professional washing machines should be done intermittently, otherwise the heating element will overheat. For example, semi-professional machines should be used no more than 15-20 times a week, while professional machines can be used 24 hours a day.
• Third, the washing speed. Professional washing machines reduce this to 50-60 minutes, allowing for more frequent washing. This is achieved by installing multiple heating elements. Domestic automatic washing machines take an average of 2 hours.
• Fourth, the warranty period. If a household washing machine is used outside of a home, the warranty period does not apply, and if it breaks, you'll have to pay for repairs yourself. Professional machines have an extended warranty period for certain parts.
• Fifth, the size of the drum door. In professional machines, it's significantly larger, making loading and unloading easier.

Please note! All professional washing machines can be washed with liquid detergent without damaging the internal components, which is not the case with household and semi-professional models.

Weaknesses of professional machines

Commercial washing machines have undeniable advantages over household ones, so why don't consumers buy them for home use? They're reliable and durable, after all. That's because they have some weaknesses that can't be ignored.

1. Price. An important factor for most Russian consumers. Professional automatic machines are expensive and can be considered premium.
2. Dimensions. Such machines cannot be narrow or smallOn the contrary, their dimensions can even be slightly larger than a standard household washing machine, which is completely unsuitable for the small bathrooms and kitchens of Soviet-era buildings. They are only affordable for people living in large private homes where a separate room can be dedicated to laundry.
3. Cost-effectiveness. Most professional machines cannot be called economical. Their water consumption can reach up to 100 liters, and they may not be energy efficient either.
4. The Russian consumer mentality. Most consumers tend to replace and upgrade their appliances, embrace new technologies and inventions, and choose models with more appealing designs. People upgrade their phones to new models, and cars and washing machines are no exception. Therefore, they believe it's better to buy a budget-friendly washing machine that they won't regret throwing out in 5-10 years and replacing with a new one.

Conclusion: This is why professional automatic machines are rarely used for home use; they are primarily intended for industrial purposes.

Examples of models and their characteristics

Professional automatic machines are produced under such well-known brands as Miele, LG, Fagor, and Asko. Here are a few examples of such models.

The Vega V-10 washing machine is an automatic machine with a load capacity of up to 10 kg. This machine's controller has 50 memory programs, 10 of which are built-in. The controller can read SD cards. The spin cycle in this machine leaves much to be desired, as the humidity level is 70%, and the appearance is not impressive compared to competitors.Dimensions: 81 x 76 x 124 cm. Made in Russia. Price from $1,450.

The LG WD-12A9 washing machine is an automatic machine designed for a 6 kg capacity and a spin speed of up to 1200 rpm. It uses 66 liters of water per cycle. Its unique design features a painted steel frame and front panel. The drum is also made of steel. Dimensions are 60 x 65 x 55 cm. Price for this machine starts at $600.

The LG WD-1069BD3S washing machine is an automatic machine with a load capacity of up to 10 kg and a spin speed of up to 1150 rpm. The drum and frame are also made of steel. Dimensions are 69 x 93 x 75 cm. Prices start at $1,040.

The Miele PW6080 Vario washing machine is a front-loading machine with a capacity of 8 kg and a spin speed of up to 1300 rpm. It features 70 washing programs, divided into categories: "Hotel," "Stable," "Kitchen and Restaurant Linen," "Sport," and others. Its energy consumption is several times lower than that of a household machine, at 7.8 kWh. It is made in Germany. Prices for this model start at $4,600.

The Asko WMC84V washing machine (425865) is an automatic machine with a load capacity of up to 11 kg and a spin speed of up to 1400 rpm. It offers 22 wash programs and can be connected to both cold and hot water. The tank is made of stainless steel, the counterweights are made of cast iron, which ensures its reliability. The security system includes 6-stage leak protection. Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 70 cm. Price starts at $1,650.

The Fagor LA-25 ME washing machine is an automatic machine with a load capacity of up to 25 kg and a spin speed of up to 900 rpm. It has 16 wash programs and is controlled via an electronic panel. The drum capacity is 250 liters. It is made in Spain. Dimensions are 98 x 104 x 156 cm. Price starts at $4,500.

The LAVARINI LM14 washing machine has a load capacity of up to 14 kg. Its stainless steel frame is microprocessor-controlled with a graphic display. It features a self-cleaning function and can store up to 200 washing programs. Made in Italy, the machine measures 88 x 93 x 134 cm. Price starts at $6,500.

The Unimac UY180 washing machine is an automatic machine designed for washing up to 18 kg of laundry. Its stainless steel frame makes it ideal for laundries. Its microprocessor control allows you to store up to 99 washing programs, 20 of which are preset. The convenient 75 cm drum hatch is made in Belgium. Dimensions are 97 x 97 x 141 cm. Prices start at $7,300.

So, professional machines are expensive equipment that, in most cases, are not practical for home use. They consume excessive amounts of energy and water, although, of course, they offer the highest quality and reliability.

Just think, for the price you'd pay for such quality, you could replace your home washing machine every 5-7 years. Cheap professional machines under $1,000 are generally questionable. So, think twice before buying professional equipment for your home; it's better to use it for its intended purpose in laundries and other businesses.

   

1 reader comment

1. March 11, 2017 at 4:18 AM

   Passerby:

   The person who wrote THIS knows nothing about washing machines, much less professional ones. You'll throw out a budget machine, my dear, not after 5-10 years, but immediately after the warranty expires. Professional machines consume a lot of electricity in kilowatts, but they consume it in half an hour, not three like home machines. True, they consume 100 liters of water, but they wash 20-25 kg of laundry. And the main drawback is the need for a 380-volt power supply with a strong grounding system. They have no other drawbacks.

   Answer