Best Whirlpool Commercial Washer Guide: Should You Buy One?

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Barry Juma

Barry began to teach himself to repair appliances as a teenager. In later years, his love of cooking led Barry to learn to troubleshoot kitchen appliances around his home. His background in education allows him to combine his love of repair work and passion for writing to bring the most helpful troubleshooting and repair guides to this site. He encourages appliance owners to plan ahead, think about their goals, and always read the manual!

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Whether you’re looking for a commercial washer for a laundry business or an apartment building, the washer you choose has to be durable enough to handle heavy use. Thankfully, Whirlpool is a brand that’s renowned for making reliable home appliances, and their commercial washers are no different. 

However, there are several things that you’ll need to consider before settling on a model. In this Whirlpool commercial washer guide, I’ve done all the research for you and come up with a list of the top things to consider before buying a commercial washer. I’ve also put together my top recommendations for Whirlpool commercial washer models to jumpstart your decision.

Bottom Line Up Front

Whirlpool’s commercial washers are well-built and can handle the rigors of heavy use. I recommend the Whirlpool CHW9160GW non-vend model because it’s highly efficient, and is compatible with card readers, allowing you to collect payment using a cashless method.

Top Picks At a Glance: Whirlpool Commercial Washers

What to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Washer

Coin Operated vs Non-Coin Operated

If you’re looking for a commercial washing machine for business, then you’ll need a mode of collecting revenue. You have the option of selecting a coin-operated or card-operated washer. Coin-operated washers require, well, coins. They come with a coin slot and operate just like a vending machine. These washers mainly accept quarters.

However, as the world increasingly shifts to a cashless economy, coin-operated washers are slowly becoming antiquated. Card-operated commercial washers offer more convenience by allowing users to operate them using smart cards.

These washers use pre-paid smart cards that can be loaded using a credit/debit card. Each time, a user will swipe their card and a specific amount will be deducted. I recommend the card-operated washers because they offer more security – there’s no need to handle cash. They also spare your customers from having to carry piles of quarters each time they want to do the laundry.

Top-Load vs Front-Load

Bot top-load and front-load washers offer various advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at some of these in our article on finding the best washer for your home. 

However, what you consider when choosing a commercial washer should be different from your considerations for a domestic model. The decision to choose a top- or front-load commercial washer should be based on your budget, the available space, washer performance, water efficiency, and energy efficiency.

Sadly, Whirlpool’s commercial front-load washers aren’t stackable because of the design of their top side. So, the benefit of saving space doesn’t apply to these models. Here’s a quick look at how each washer type performs in these categories.

The main advantage that top-load commercial washers have over their front-load counterparts is in the cost of purchase. For instance, Whirlpool’s commercial top-load washers cost about $700 less than the commercial front-loaders. 

However, if you have the extra cash to spare, you’ll save on water and electricity in the long term, which will boost your profit margins. Also, since front-load washers have a higher spin speed, the load will spend less time in the dryer, resulting in more energy savings.

Stacked Washer-Dryer vs Separate Units

If you’re also looking for a dryer, you’ll have to decide whether you’ll want a stacked unit instead of two separate units. The main benefit of a stacked washer/dryer is it saves floor space, allowing you to fit more units in one room and serve more people at a time. 

If you intend to serve fewer people or you have a laundry space with a low height then consider separate units. 

Build Quality

As you know, commercial washers are meant to run virtually the entire day. So, these appliances should be built to withstand heavy use. 

The washer you consider should have industrial-grade parts made of tough materials like steel. Thankfully, Whirlpool uses galvanized steel to make the cabinets of their commercial washers. Also, check the quality of parts like the door hinge, dispenser, and wash basket, all of which should be designed to withstand constant abuse. 

Ease of Servicing

Consider a commercial washer unit that offers easy access to the inner parts without the need to move the appliance. For instance, Whirlpool’s commercial washers have removable front panels, which allow access to the motor and other parts that require regular servicing.

Features of Whirlpool Commercial Washers

Deep Water Wash

Whirlpool’s top-load commercial washers have a deep-water wash feature that, as the name implies, fills the basket with water to the maximum level. Meant for heavily soiled loads, this feature works with an optimized wash action that removes tough stains. 

Flex-Vane Agitator

The company’s top-load washers have Whirlpool’s proprietary Flex-Vane agitator, which has a unique design with flexible vanes. As a result, Whirlpool claims that the agitator offers better performance than traditional agitators thanks to better load rollover. 

Powerful Motor

For the best performance, Whirlpool uses a powerful ½-horsepower motor in each of its commercial washers. This is strong enough to handle heavy use while effectively washing large loads.

Automatic Load Balancing

This feature, which is found in front-load washers, prevents the load from collecting on one side of the drum. It makes sure that the entire load is evenly distributed for an even clean.

Variable Pricing

Whirlpool’s front-load models allow owners to set different prices for different cycles or water temperatures. You can also program different prices for peak and off-peak days and hours.

Top Whirlpool Commercial Washer Models

Selection Criteria

• Durability – I considered models that have strong build quality. The main indication of this is the industrial-grade hinges and galvanized steel parts. 
• Performance – The models on this list have features that give them excellent washing performance. 
• Water/energy efficiency – I also considered models that save on water and energy, to lower the operating cost and maximize profits.
• Price – These models have varied prices to appeal to buyers with different budgets.

Whirlpool CAE2745FQ Commercial Top-Load Washer, Coin-Equipped

Main Features

• This model has a width of 27 inches, a depth of 26 inches, and a height of 44.5 inches.
• This is a coin-operated washer.
• It has a Flex-Vane agitator.
• The washer has a galvanized steel body.
• The lid is made of porcelain enamel.
• Its front panel is easily removable.
• There’s a ½-horsepower motor.

This washer looks hardy thanks to its industrial design that underscores its commercial pedigree. Some might argue that it looks a little too industrial but you don’t buy a commercial washer for its looks, do you?

It’s simple to use, with just two knobs and a button on the front, and the coin slot next to these. I also love that it has just four cycles to choose from; you don’t want too many cycles in a commercial unit. Plus, there are four temperature levels that are selected using the second knob.

Whirlpool used heavy-duty parts in this washer, with galvanized steel making up the front panel, side panels, and base. The top is made of porcelain enamel, which is scratch-resistant and able to withstand the rigors of daily use.

Whirlpool CAE2795FQ Commercial Top-Load Washer, Non-Vend

Main Features

• It has a width of 27 inches, a height of 42.5 inches, and a depth of 26 inches.
• Its capacity is 3.27 cubic feet.
• The washer has 7 cycles.
• There are 5 water temperature levels.
• It has a steel body.
• The top is made of porcelain enamel.
• There’s a ½-horsepower motor.
• This washer has a deep-water wash system.
• It has a Flex-Vane agitator.

This non-vend commercial washer has a similar design to the coin-operated model above. Just like its counterpart, it boasts a hardy build-quality that’s made up of galvanized-steel side panels, front, and base, and a porcelain enamel top.

Its control panel has two knobs for selecting the cycles and water temperature. Incidentally, this model has 7 wash cycles: bulky, heavy-duty, delicates, mixed, Normal Eco, rinse & spin, drain & spin. 

Despite the extra cycles, it’s as easy to use as the model above; just select the cycle, temperature, and press start. 

Whirlpool CHW9150GW 27″ Commercial Front-Load Washer

Main Features

• The washer has a width of 27 inches, a height of 38 inches, and a depth of 29 inches.
• It has a capacity of 3.1 cubic feet.
• Its body is made of galvanized steel.
• It is a coin-operated washer.
• There are 3 wash cycles.
• It has 3 water temperature levels.
• The front panel is removable.
• It is Energy Star certified.
• Its door has an industrial-grade hinge.

This commercial front-load washer isn’t like your regular front-loader; it has a coin slot and a coin–collection box built in. This offers a method of collecting revenue if you want to use this as a pay-as-you-go laundry machine. However, using coins in the 2020s is rather antiquated and I would prefer a card-operated model. Still, I’m sure many people still carry around loose change so this model has a place in the market.

It’s quite easy to use, with three buttons for the cycles and three for selecting the water temperature. 

This model’s main appeal is in its efficiency; it’s labeled as a high-efficiency washer and is also Energy Star certified. Therefore, expect low operating costs if you buy the Whirlpool CHW9150GW.

Whirlpool CHW9160GW 27″ Commercial Front-Load Washer, Non-Vend

Main Features

• It is a non-coin washer model.
• This model is compatible with card readers.
• It has a galvanized-steel body.
• There’s automatic load balancing.
• It’s a high-efficiency washer.
• Its capacity is 3.1 cubic feet.

There are 3 wash cycles and 3 water temperature levels. It has variable pricing.

This Whirlpool commercial front-loader is similar to the model above, except that it doesn’t have a coin vending system. This is why it’s priced at about $100 less than the model above. However, if you do opt to collect revenue, you can connect a card reader and let your customers use their debit or credit cards to pay. This, I think, is a better mode of collecting revenue than coins. 

Other features remain the same as its coin-operated counterpart: it has a capacity of 3.1 cubic feet, a galvanized-steel cabinet, and a powerful motor. It’s also Energy Star certified and has an impressive  CEE Tier II rating. 

Whirlpool CGT9100GQ Commercial Stack Washer/Dryer

Main Features

• This model has a width of 27 inches, a height of 74 inches, and a depth of 29.5 inches.
• The washer’s capacity is 3.1 cubic feet and the dryer’s capacity is 6.7 cubic feet.
• Its dryer uses gas.
• There are 3 wash cycles and 3 drying cycles.
• It has a gas dryer stacked on top of the washer.
• This is a high-efficiency unit.
• It has a galvanized-steel body.
• There’s automatic load balancing.
• It’s compatible with card readers.

If you’re looking for both a washer and dryer, consider this stacked unit and save floor space on your premises. As you’d expect, it has the same galvanized-steel body that we’ve seen in the other Whirlpool commercial washers. This unit is compatible with card readers, just like the washer model above. However, Whirlpool has coin-operated models like this one if you prefer collecting coins.

You get a gas dryer here, which I prefer for a commercial unit since gas is cheaper than electricity. Plus, this model is also Energy Star certified. Whirlpool also says that this model will use just 12.24 gallons of water per cycle.

Alternative Commercial Washer Models

Maytag MAT20PRAWW Commercial Top-Load Washer

Main Features

• It has a top-load design.
• Its width is 29 inches, depth is 27.5 inches, and height is 49 inches.
• It has a ½-horsepower motor.
• Its capacity is 3.27 cubic feet.
• The washer has a deep-water wash system.
• It has a flex-vane agitator.
• There are 4 wash cycles and three wash options.
• It has a PowerWash cycle.
• The washer’s cabinet is made of galvanized steel.
• It’s compatible with card readers.
• Its top spin speed is 700 RPM.
• Maytag offers a 5-year limited warranty.

This Maytag washer is an excellent alternative to Whirlpool’s options because it offers a similar level of durability. It also has the flex-vane agitator found in Whirlpool’s top-load washers, offering a similar level of performance.

I also love that this washer is compatible with card readers, allowing you to collect revenue if you choose.

Speed Queen SYT020 Vended Softmount Washer-Extractor

Main Features

• It has a 7-inch touch-screen control panel.
• There are 3 cycles and 3 temperature levels.
• It can wash a load of up to 20lbs (9kgs).
• The washer has a stainless steel finish.
• The front panel is removable for easy servicing.
• It’s compatible with coin and cashless payment systems.

The Speed Queen SYT020 is part of a series of commercial washers in the company’s Quantum-Touch lineup. These models have a touch-screen control panel on the front, a high-tech feature that’s unique among commercial washers. In fact, these Speed Queen washers are quite sleek compared to the Whirlpool competitors, since they come with stainless steel finishes. 

However, they cost a premium, with prices starting from about $7000.

LG GCWF1069CS3 3.7 cu.ft Standard Capacity Frontload Washer

Main Features

• The LG commercial washer has a capacity of 3.7 cubic feet.
• It has a width of 27 inches, a height of 39 inches, and a depth of 30 inches.
• Its maximum spin speed is 1,200 RPM.
• Its sound level is 57 dB.
• There’s an Inverter Direct Drive drum.
• Its exterior is powder coated.
• This model is Energy Star qualified.
• It has WiFi connectivity.
• The washer has a built-in card reader.

As is characteristic of LG washing machines, this commercial washer has a sleek look but doesn’t lack the industrial-level durability of its competitors. Its exterior is powder coated to make it resistant to rust.  Its control panel has an LED display and cycle-selector buttons. There’s also a card slot to the right, for accepting payments. 

FAQs

Best Whirlpool Commercial Washer Guide: Should You Buy a Whirlpool?

Yes, consider a Whirlpool commercial washer if you’re looking for an affordable and durable washing machine for your business or even your home. These models are built to handle heavy use and offer different modes of revenue collection. I also love how easy they are to use, which is ideal for an appliance that will be used by different people. 

Granted, the Whirlpool commercial washers are spartan, especially when placed next to the Speed Queens and LGs of the world, but they’re also significantly cheaper than these brands.