If you have an investment property with multiple units, you might be interested in adding a coin-operated washer and dryer to the communal space.
This allows people to clean their clothes where they live (instead of visiting a laundromat) without driving up costs too much.
There are multiple financial considerations to keep in mind when installing laundry units for communal use. Along with the upfront cost, you need to remember the utility use that comes with washing and drying clothes.
This guide will dive into six often-overlooked factors related to coin-operated washing machines. Use this information to make smarter investment decisions.
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Shop Commercial Washer and Dryer1. Not All Coin-Operated Machines Are Truly “Coin-Operated”
When searching for commercial laundry equipment, you might use the term "coin-operated washer and dryer," but the machines you find are likely to accept more than just coins.
The days of people carrying pockets full of quarters—or even cash—are largely behind us. Today, most prefer the convenience of credit cards or digital payments for everyday transactions.
This leaves you with a choice: invest in traditional coin-only machines or embrace modern technology. Units that accept card or digital payments may require a bit more effort to set up, but they’re far more convenient for tenants, potentially leading to higher usage.
Your decision will hinge on your comfort with modern systems and the preferences of the people who’ll be using the machines.
➜ Learn More: Buy Appliances in Bulk: Commercial Washing Machine
2. Commercial Washers & Dryers Are Built Differently
At first glance, a coin-operated washer and dryer might resemble a residential set, but these machines are engineered to handle far greater demands. Commercial units need extra durability for a few key reasons:
- Higher Usage: Unlike a single household, multiple families or tenants may use them daily.
- Bigger Loads: Users often cram everything into one cycle to save money, pushing capacity limits.
- Faster Cycles: Designed for speed, these machines churn through washes quickly to accommodate more users.
While built to last, commercial units endure significantly more wear and tear than residential models. That’s why it’s smarter to invest in purpose-built commercial machines rather than retrofitting residential ones to accept coins—they’re simply not designed for the same level of stress.
3. Maintenance & Repairs Are Inevitable—Plan for Them
Your coin-operated washer and dryer is just like any investment.
Along with the initial upfront cost, there will be additional bills that come with routine maintenance and repairs for your units. A coin jam, drain blockage, or worn-out motor will come with parts and labor costs that lower your overall profits.
Make sure you have a reliable service provider who can respond quickly and who will charge reasonable prices. People need to wash their clothes, so you can’t wait several days to get these units repaired.
You also might want to schedule an annual maintenance checkup to look for signs of wear before your machine breaks. This can prevent emergency issues.
➜ Learn More: 6 Heavy-Duty Washers Perfect for Large Loads
4. Location & Setup Impact Revenue & Efficiency
You can’t control how often people do laundry, but you can maximize the value of your units by making them convenient to use.
Quality placement means more people are going to use these units. Consider the difference between asking tenants to walk outside to a shed to do laundry versus installing units in a hall closet.
Effective ventilation and drainage can maximize efficiency for you while also creating a more positive laundry experience.
If using your laundry units is too difficult, your tenants might look for other options.
They might consider laundry services or run bigger loads, wearing out your washer and dryer faster while reducing profits. Placement plays an important role in success.
5. Energy Efficiency Can Make or Break Your Profits
Along with your investment and repair costs, you will want to budget for water and electricity usage.
Look for Energy Star-rated commercial machines that use less water and power. You also might want to consider a front-load washer model that naturally uses less water. This way you don’t lose your profits to utility costs.
Eco-friendly options can also attract tenants or customers because they show that you chose to invest in high-quality machines that have minimal environmental impact.
6. ROI Takes Time—Know Your Payback Period
You won’t immediately see a return on investment (ROI) from your commercial laundry installation.
It might even take a few years before you break even or turn a profit. To calculate your ROI, consider what profit you expect from each load. This is the income from the laundry fees minus the utility costs. Multiply that by the number of loads per month.
This will tell you your monthly profit, which can help you estimate how long it will take to break even.
An unexpected repair can push your payback period off track, which is why routine maintenance is so important.
Top Commercial Laundry Machines Worth Considering
There are several appliances to choose from if you are interested in coin-operated washers and dryers. Here are five options for commercial laundry machines that can support your rental goals.
Whirlpool Commercial White Front Load Laundry Pair
Shop Whirlpool Commercial Front Load Laundry Pair
This pair is a great example of modern coin-operated laundry from Whirlpool.
The front-load washer uses a minimal amount of water and electricity, so it can clean clothes without driving up your utility bills.
The advanced suspension keeps these appliances quiet, so they don’t disturb other tenants. The front panel is easy to use with a minimal learning curve.
Whirlpool Commercial White Front Load Laundry Pair
Shop Whirlpool Commercial Front Load Laundry Pair
Equipped with a gas dryer, this Whirlpool coin-operated washer and dryer ensures quicker drying and energy-saving operation.
You may consider gas-powered appliances if you already have the connections in place.
Owners can choose their laundry prices and adjust them as needed. This makes the coin-op washer and dryer more advanced.
Whirlpool Commercial White Front Load Laundry Pair
Shop Whirlpool White Commercial Laundry Pair
This commercial laundry pair comes with three cycles each. Users can run heavy loads when they have soiled clothes or delicate cycles if they need to wash dresses and other soft items.
This Whirlpool washer and dryer also comes with a reversible door hinge so you can choose the ideal configuration for your laundry space.
The door window allows other tenants to see if the washer or dryer is in use.
Whirlpool Commercial White Laundry Pair
Shop Whirlpool Commercial White Laundry Pair
You can also choose a traditional top-load coin laundry washer for your space.
With a slightly larger capacity, this Whirlpool set helps reduce the number of loads, making laundry day easier.
The dryer has a commercial-grade motor but will still handle clothes carefully and dry them thoroughly.
Whirlpool Commercial White Laundry Pair
Shop Whirlpool Commercial White Laundry Pair
One valuable component of commercial washers and dryers is the ability to easily clean them.
You can wipe down this pair and remove any dust, stains, or grime. This keeps your laundry room looking nice for various users in the community.
The dryer in this set is exceptional and vents up to 100 feet.
Make an Informed Decision When Buying Coin-Op Laundry Machines
A coin-operated laundry unit can add value to your multi-family housing unit while also creating an additional revenue source to support your investment.
However, you need to be strategic about the types of units you choose and where they are placed.
Investing in efficient units that accept digital payments will make it easier to make money while also improving the experience for tenants. Good placement and unit maintenance will also make these units better to use.
Visit your nearest East Coast Appliance location to browse coin-operated washers and dryers for your building. You can find affordable units that are also durable and easy to use. Find your perfect fit today.
➜ Learn More: Speed Queen vs Maytag: Commercial Quality Tested
Frequently Asked Questions
Several companies create coin-operated washers and dryers but Whirlpool is one of the best. It offers a diverse product line with both front-load and top-load models. Whirlpool appliances are also known for their durability so they will keep running.
It’s possible to buy a quality coin-operated washer for around $1,000 which means the total cost for a pair is around $2,000. While you can find machines for less, you want to make sure your laundry units will last. This ensures you get the most from your investment.
It’s possible to convert standard washers and dryers into coin-operated models. There are kits you can find online if you want to do this project yourself. However, residential laundry units aren’t as durable and might wear out faster, making commercial investment a better long-term option.
Most washers and dryers are designed to last between 10 and 15 years. While commercial laundry units are more durable, they also experience more wear because they are often used by multiple households. This means good commercial units should last about a decade.
More people prefer card-operated washers because they don’t carry cash and coins with them. This increases their flexibility and allows almost anyone to wash their clothes. However, this technology is more advanced so the units might cost more.
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Shop Coin Operated Washer and Dryer at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop laundry appliances online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the best coin operated washer for your home, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
→ Learn More: 6 Heavy-Duty Washers Perfect for Large Loads