Are you looking for the most dependable, longest-lasting washing machine on the market? If so, then you're probably looking at commercial washing machines for home use. These models are rare in the home appliances market, but they're out there. These washers are made with heavy-duty construction and often do not have the energy efficiency of consumer-grade models. They are priced similarly to many high efficiency top load washers but don't have as many of the modern "bells and whistles." You will have to make some trade-offs if you want one of these models, but if durability is your most important criteria, a commercial washing machine made for home use is a great choice.
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Who Makes Commercial Grade Washers?
When it comes to the best makers of commercial washing machines for home use, the brand that most often comes to mind is Speed Queen. When researching a new washing machine, you'll certainly want to consider the Speed Queen brand - and check out our washing machine buying guide for even more information!
Some brands like Maytag offer commercial technology in their residential washing machines. This can give you a small step up in reliability and the longevity of the appliance, but Speed Queen is known for extensively testing every aspect of their machines and designing them to resist decades of wear and tear. Even the electronic touch control panels are designed to last 25 years! Maytag now offers a true commercial grade washer for residential use, the the Maytag MVWP575GW, which seems to offer good performance and is a solid alternative to Speed Queen. Check out our review of the commercial grade Maytag vs Speed Queen.
Speed Queen is a specialty laundry manufacturer headquartered in Wisconsin that has been making great laundry products for both the commercial and domestic markets in the US for over 100 years - that's a pretty solid reputation right off the bat! Each of their machines have an expected life of 10,400 cycles - that's a cycle per day for 28.5 years. Their machines are made with the same durable, long-lasting components as their commercial washers used in laundromats, hotels, and other locations.
One example of that commercial technology at work can be seen in the solid mount suspension system. The full steel base and heavy-duty springs help reduce vibration and out-of-balance issues for a longer lifespan and noise reduction. Even the controls are designed to handle extreme testing conditions, including vibration and power surges.
Speed Queen has a few different washer lineups available as of this writing.
The TR Series: Released in 2018, these washers offer a one-of-a-kind wash system that offers an effective clean while being gentler on fabrics. The tub and agitator work in tandem. Read more about the TR lineup here.
The "Classic Clean" TC5: Released in 2019, this model has a dual-action agitator with the traditional rougher wash action. It appeals to people who want a no-frills washer and prefer a tougher wash action. Read more about the TC5 here.
Front Load Washers: Speed Queen also offers commercial grade front load washers for residential use. Read more about their front loader here.
Review: The Speed Queen TR3003WN
Speed Queen washers feature a one-of-a-kind wash system that not only gives users the best wash available, but also takes care of your clothes! The tub and agitator work together to create a gentle wash action that moves the maximum amount of water through the clothes. One of the most popular Speed Queen washing machines is the TR3003WN.
This Speed Queen commercial washer has the one of the best warranties in the industry: three years to cover all parts and in-home labor plus a lifetime warranty covering the outer drain tub and the stainless steel wash basket (see manufacturer's warranty for complete details). Many manufacturers today offer a one-year warranty on parts and labor with some additional warranties on parts like the motor or wash basket, but the Speed Queen warranty is truly impressive. Other Speed Queen washers have even longer warranties, as long as seven years.
This entry-level model has a 3.2 cubic foot capacity and simple turn-dial mechanical controls with four wash programs, a Heavy Soil option, and four load sizes. Cycle status lights let you know where the washer is in the cycle. The Heavy Soil option uses increased agitation to handle soils. It has a max spin speed of 840RPM. The Normal Eco cycle uses a lot less water than the other cycles, in part to meet energy usage requirements, so it's a good option for lightly soiled loads only.
Cycles & Options:
4 Cycles: Normal ECO, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Permanent Press
4 Load Sizes: Small, Large, Auto Fill, Auto Fill Extra Rinse
1 Option: Heavy Soil
3 Wash Temperatures: Cold, Warm, Hot
Dimensions:
Height: 42.75"
Width: 25.6"
Depth: 28"
Should You Buy a Commercial Washing Machine for Home Use?
You should consider a commercial washing machine for home use if...
You value reliability and durability over other factors. Speed Queen machines are built to last, and are repairable if they break (check out our video above to see an example of their build quality). The tradeoff: they're less energy efficient and use more water, and tend be louder as well (although Speed Queens get better noise ratings than most other agitator washers). The model lineup is limited and has a pretty traditional aesthetic.
You need serious washing action. The industry-standard washing machine tests used by review organizations usually focus on basic clothing and small towels. However, if your job involves machinery, construction, or other work that results in seriously dirty, grimy clothes in heavy-duty fabrics like canvas and denim, a washing machine that uses more water and has a stronger wash action may be what you need to get your workwear clean. Check out the TC5000WN in particular if that sounds like you.
You prefer simple wash programs and options. Speed Queen washers keep it simple - the one we reviewed above has just four preset cycles plus a water level selector and a heavy soil option.
You don't mind paying more for what you want. The warranty and build quality add to the price of a Speed Queen washer. More fully-featured machines that vibrate less, use less water, and have larger capacities can be found for similar pricing or lower prices. On the other hand, if a Speed Queen ends up lasting you twice as long, you'll see price savings that way. There are many dedicated fans of Speed Queen, but if you're not sure about what you need, check out our washing machine buyer's guide or visit your local appliance store for in-person help.
Speed Queen can also make a claim that no other laundry brand can make: in both the luxury washers and dryer categories, Speed Queen is the most recommended brand among US women. This is based on a national survey sent to hundreds of thousands of women. Speed Queen was voted the most recommended brand, earning the Women's Choice Award several years in a row, from 2014 to 2017.
We hope you've found this discussion of commercial washing machines for home use with a focus on Speed Queen to be informative. Want to see more blogs about washing machines? We've got plenty! Please leave a comment below. We'd love hear from you!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in March of 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.