If you’re planning to launch a laundromat business, you’re probably wondering where to buy the laundromat equipment you need and how much it will cost you. While those factors are important to consider, you should also prioritize how to power your laundromat equipment.
Without the proper power source, your business won’t be successful. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of laundromat equipment available and what you need to power it the right way.
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Laundromat Equipment Buying Guide
These are the key pieces of equipment you’ll need to start your laundromat.
Commercial Washers
Laundromats use commercial washers to wash clothes, towels, bedding, and other household items. The two main types of commercial washers are top-loading and front-loading. Here’s a breakdown of each type, along with some pros and cons.
Top Loading
Just as the name implies, a top-loading washing machine is one that loads from the top.
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Front Loading
A front-loading washing machine, on the other hand, loads from the front.
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Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Commercial Washers
Load Capacity
While standard washers accommodate 12 to 16 pounds of clothes, larger models can accommodate up to 20 or more pounds of clothes. We recommend offering washers of varying load capacities to serve a wider range of customers.
Laundromat Size
Note the dimensions of your laundromat to determine how many washers it can accommodate. Stackable washers—which are front-loading—are ideal for smaller spaces because they require less floor space.
Coin vs. Card-Operated
Although coin-operated washers are more common, they do pose a security risk. Customers have been known to break into the machine to steal the coins inside. If you decide to offer coin-operated machines, you’ll need to change machines where customers can exchange cash for coins.
The user-friendly nature of card-operated washers makes them more convenient for customers. They’re also more secure and offer easy online cash flow tracking for your business. Unfortunately, the card reader system they use isn’t cheap.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Star washers and dryers are more energy-efficient, meaning they use less energy to do the job. Investing in equipment that uses less energy means you can look forward to a lower monthly energy bill.
Commercial Dryers
Laundromats use dryers to dry the clothes and other items that washers clean. These are the two main types of commercial dryers with their respective pros and cons.
Gas
A conventional gas dryer requires a gas line to be installed, which is costly and poses some safety risks.
Electric
A conventional electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet to operate and is safer than gas dryers.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Commercial Dryers
Load Capacity
Dryers should generally have double the load capacity as washers to ensure wet clothes have plenty of room to fully dry.
Laundromat Size
Your laundromat must be large enough to accommodate plenty of washers and dryers for your customers to use.
Product Warranty
Brands with a good reputation offer product warranties. Warranties come in handy if parts malfunction or break down at any point. The warranty ensures your dryer receives the repairs or replacement parts it needs at no extra cost.
Energy Efficiency
Exclusively look for dryers with an Energy Star rating to reduce your monthly energy usage and, thus, your monthly energy bill.
Additional Laundromat Equipment
These are some additional pieces of equipment you’ll need to get your laundromat up and running.
- Bill to coin changer (for coin-operating machines)
- Laundry soap dispenser
- Laundry detergent and other resale supplies
- Chairs
- Folding tables
- Vending machines for snacks and drinks (optional)
Why Power Supply Matters for Laundromats
While most modern-day laundromat equipment is high-voltage, not all laundromats have access to the three-phase power required to operate it. These are the top four reasons why it’s essential to consider how to power your laundromat equipment before setting up shop.
- Safety: Washers and dryers that receive an inadequate power supply are more likely to malfunction or break down, which can put customers at risk.
- Cost: Energy efficiency is best achieved with a reliable power supply. The more energy-efficient your equipment is, the more money you’ll save each month.
- Efficiency: Sufficient power will ensure your commercial washers and dryers operate at peak efficiency.
- Reliability: If customers can’t rely on your equipment to wash their clothes without causing problems, they’ll take their business elsewhere. Ensuring reliable equipment operation means powering it with the right power supply.
Using Three-Phase Power for Laundromat Equipment
Three-phase power uses three alternating currents to deliver electricity more efficiently and evenly than single-phase systems. It’s commonly used in environments involving high-power applications, like laundromats.
It powers commercial washers, dryers, and other laundromat equipment by providing a balanced and efficient supply of electricity, enabling it to handle heavy loads and operate with consistent performance. Just one single-phase to three-phase converter can power all necessary equipment.
Using a phase converter for your laundromat equipment will help:
- Enhance your equipment’s energy efficiency
- Reduce the cost of your monthly energy bill
- Ensure reliable business operations
Power Your Laundromat With Phoenix Phase Converters
Phoenix Phase Converters is the trusted choice for high-quality phase converters at an affordable price. We even offer custom sizing for all our digital and rotary phase converters. Whatever laundromat equipment you’re planning to buy or already have, we’ll help you power it. Get started today by browsing our phase converter collection.