Take five washing machines
Once the initial choice has been made to handle laundry in-house rather than outsourcing it, the key consideration is to balance washing performance against running costs. Many modern models are now packed with systems to reduce wash and spin cycle times along with energy, water and detergent consumption
BUBBLE BATH
Samsung Eco Bubble Professional Laundry Price £1,399
We say The washer dissolves detergent in air and water to create bubbles that allow the perfectly-dissolved detergent to penetrate fabric more quickly, evenly and deeply, slashing energy consumption by up to 70%.
Features
â- 13 programmes with easy controls, including sanitise and 25-minute quick wash
â- 14kg drum capacity and matching 14kg-capacity dryer
Dimensions 686mm (w) x 823mm (d) x 991mm (h)
Samsung Professional Appliances07918 706158http://www.jla.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">www.samsung.com/uk](http://www.samsung.com/uk)
CHOICE PROGRAMMES
Miele PW 6207 washer-extractorPrice £9,880
We say This recently-introduced appliance uses 47% less water and 40% less energy than its predecessors. The large drum can handle high volumes of towels and duvets while the intelligent Profitronic M controls offer a choice of 199 programme slots.
Features â- Large honeycomb drum with 20kg load capacity
â- Spin speed of 1,100rpm
â- The 199 programme-capacity includes standard programmes plus freely programmable slots
Dimensions 924mm (w) x 1,140mm (d) x 1,400mm (h)
Miele Professional0844 893 0750[www.mieleprofessional.co.uk](http://www.mieleprofessional.co.uk)
TOP LOADER
LSQ8033 American-style washer (Whirlpool)Price £930
We say An agitator with a unique roll-over system brings short wash times of 25-35 minutes to this high-capacity, top-loading American-style washer. Unlike front-loaders, items can be added after the wash cycle has started.
Features â- Accuwash auto-temperature control, self-clean filter and direct drive system
â- 8 programmes and 650rpm spin speed
â- Durable porcelain inner tub with load capacity of 8.2kg
Dimensions 686 mm (w) x 743mm (d) x 1,092mm (h)
Valera0845 270 4321[www.valera.co.uk](http://www.valera.co.uk)
EASY FIT
QuickWashPrice on application
We say QuickWash's Automatic Weighing System adjusts water intake to match wash load, slashing water and energy use and cycle times. QuickWash runs off a 13amp plug and so can be sited in any location equipped with a standard socket.
Features â- 5.5kg load capacity
â- 9 programmes, including 44-minute fast wash, and 1,300rpm spin speed
â- Stackable with the matching QuickDry tumble dryer
Dimensions 680mm (w) x 850mm (d) x 305mm (h)
Electrolux Professional0800 988 2809[www.electrolux-professional.co.uk](http://www.electrolux-professional.co.uk)
HIGH HYGIENE
JLA 40Price on application
We say The high-volume JLA 40 is packed with high-efficiency programmes that reduce water consumption. Further savings in energy and water are offered by the optional OTEX system that uses ozone to zap bacteria, viruses, moulds and yeasts at low temperatures.
Features â- 18kg-capacity drum and 1,000rpm spin speed
â- Over-sized door for easy loading
â- Single-button operation of six standard programmes and an infinite number of bespoke, hospitality-oriented programmes
Dimensions 780mm (w) x 980mm (d) x 1,175mm (h)
JLA0800 591 903[www.jla.com
BUYER'S CHECKLIST
â- Start by making a checklist of key features you will need - for example, do you require a sanitising programme? Check the machine is easy to use.
â- Running costs will be a critical factor in the lifetime cost of the machine. Is it "eco-friendly"? How much water will you use? How long are the cycles? Look into the energy, water and detergent-saving technologies that many manufacturers have developed.
â- Reliability is another key buying factor. Check that your supplier offers a full after sales service, including training and maintenance contracts. How expensive are spares? Are they readily available?
â- Size and capacity: will the machine cope with your requirements? Drum capacity is very important to the volume of washing that you are looking to put through on a daily basis.
â- The electrical consumption will depend on the kW of the heating power. This is a vital point when choosing a machine. Do you have the correct electrical capacity?
Source CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association)
020 7793 3030 www.cesa.org.uk