Spin speed is a major consideration when choosing a new commercial washer. But faster doesn’t always mean better, so you need to choose the model that’s the right fit for your business.
While high spin speed can be a great benefit for commercial laundering – dramatically reducing drying times and related costs – you need to consider fabric care and longevity, too. This guide highlights the pros and cons of high spin washing machines, comparing them directly to standard speed appliances.
Key takeaways
- High spin machines operate at 1400-1800 RPM
- Standard spin machines run at 800-1200 RPM
- Higher spin speed reduces moisture content by around 50%
- Energy savings can reach 30% in drying costs with high spin
- Fabric wear increases with higher spin speeds
- Commercial laundries typically favour high spin for efficiency
Table of Contents
Understanding washing machine spin speed
You may glance at spin speed on a washing machine’s spec sheet, but what does it mean in practice?
What is spin speed and how is it measured?
Spin speed is the rate at which a washing machine’s drum is capable of spinning. It’s measured in revolutions per minute, better known as RPM, along with G-force.
Why is a washing machine’s spin speed important?
You’ll often see high spin speeds cited as a beneficial characteristic of commercial washers. That’s because high spin speeds force more water out of the drum, reducing laundry throughput times and negating the need for intensive tumble drying.
Think about it: the faster the drum is spinning, the more water is pushed out by centrifugal force. That means less residual moisture at the end of the cycle for faster drying times.
A high spin speed isn’t always the best option, however. If you’re processing delicates and sensitive fabrics, an ultra-fast spin can damage fibres and cause premature wear.
Happily, most commercial washing machines allow you to adjust the spin speed per cycle, so you can choose the setting that’s compatible with the load.
High spin washing machines explained
Some commercial washing machines are designated as high spin appliances. This means they’re capable of a typical maximum speed range of 1400-1800 RPM.
At these speeds, high spin washers deliver an impressive water extraction rate, with 45-55% moisture retention at the end of the cycle. This can significantly reduce drying times, so you achieve a faster throughput rate.
What type of commercial applications are high spin washers suitable for?
Businesses with large capacity laundry requirements may benefit from a high spin washing machine. That includes hospitals, hotels, and healthcare facilities that need quick laundry turnaround times without compromising hygiene and results.
Standard spin washing machines explained
Standard spin washers don’t reach the same RPM as their high spin counterparts. Their speed ranges from 800 to 1200 RPM, which offers a medium-duty water extraction rate, with 55-65% moisture retention at the end of the cycle.
Although standard spin commercial washing machines may not offer the expedited drying times of high spin variants, they may be more suitable for processing delicates. That’s thanks to their reduced G-force performance, which helps to protect fabrics that could become damaged and worn in high spin cycles.
What type of commercial applications are high spin washers suitable for?
Standard spin commercial washers are recommended for use in small care homes and healthcare facilities, particularly those that launder delicate guest clothing and other items. They’re also suitable for hospital venues that process decorative linens and fabrics, as well as for any other business that regularly needs to launder items that could easily become damaged during the laundry cycle.
Direct comparison: High spin vs standard spin
It’s easy to get drawn in by the promise of high spin speeds when choosing a new commercial washing machine. But you may not require a high-performance machine capable of the fastest RPM spin speeds, depending on your business’s requirements.
To help you decide which type of machine is best, and get to grips with the pros and cons of both, here’s a useful comparison chart.
Factor | Standard spin | High spin | Difference |
Spin speed (RPM) | 800 to 1200 RPM | 1400 to 1800 RPM | 40-60% faster |
Post-cycle moisture retention | 55-65% | 45-55% | ~43% more water removed |
Drying time | Baseline | 15–20% shorter | 15–20% reduction |
Dryer energy requirement | Baseline | Potentially ~15–20% lower | 15–20% saving |
Residual moisture | Higher | Lower | Significant reduction |
Wash-water consumption | Generally similar | Generally similar | Little/no direct saving |
Spin-cycle electricity | Lower | Higher | High-spin uses more electricity |
Overall laundry energy | Higher because of drying | Lower where drying follows | Depends on dryer and cycle |
Fabric stress | Lower | Potentially higher | Standard has an advantage for delicate textiles |
Creasing | Generally less | Potentially more | Fabric/programme dependent |
Dryer throughput | Lower | Higher | More loads can potentially be processed |
Cycle time | Baseline | May be similar or longer in extraction | Machine dependent |
Operating cost | Higher downstream drying cost | Lower downstream drying cost | High extraction can reduce total cost |
Capital cost | Usually lower | Usually higher | High-extraction equipment commands a premium |
Energy efficiency and cost implications
While high spin commercial washing machines may cost more to run than standard appliances, you need to consider knock-on energy efficiency and cost savings, too.
Drying cost savings
Don’t forget that high spin machines dramatically cut down moisture retention, meaning faster laundry drying times. Extracting the optimal volume of water from fabrics during the wash cycle could reduce your reliance on extensive tumble drying – unlocking high cost and energy savings in the long term.
Water and utility costs
Although standard and high spin washing machines consume roughly the same volume of water per cycle, high spin washers may offer optimal cleaning results. Consider, too, that water extraction rates are much higher in ultra-fast spin appliances, so you’ll benefit from utility savings while using the same amount of water.
Fabric care and longevity considerations
As alluded to earlier, high spin laundering is best suited to fabrics that can deal with the intensive speed and power of these machines. You may need to reduce the RPM on a per-cycle basis if you’re processing delicates.
Consider, too, that even hard-wearing fabrics may show signs of premature wear if exposed to high spin speeds for a prolonged period. As such, you need to strike the right balance between speed and longevity; high spin speeds and reduced drying times are only beneficial if they don’t come at the cost of frequent garment renewal and replacement.
FAQs
What spin speed is best for hotel bed linens?
A washing machine spin speed of 1000-1200 RPM is recommended for hotel bed linens. This offers the perfect balance between water extraction and performance, without causing excessive creasing or damaging material fibres.
Do high spin machines wear out faster than standard spin?
No, not necessarily. Don’t forget that commercial washing machines are constructed from durable materials like stainless steel, so they’re designed not to wear out, even during intensive, round-the-clock use.
However, regular servicing and maintenance is required to ensure optimal durability, as well as safe handling and usage.
How much can I save on energy costs with high spin machines?
Figures suggest that high spin machines can save 15-20% energy per cycle, which accounts for reduced laundry drying requirements too. However, you do need to factor other costs into the equation – including the replacement of damaged items.
Can I use high spin for all fabric types in commercial settings?
No, certainly not. Delicates will require gentler processing to avoid damage and premature wear, so always adjust your machine’s spin speed and extraction rate depending on the load.
What's the typical lifespan difference between high and standard spin machines?
There’s no difference between the lifespan of standard and high spin commercial washers. You can expect a high-performance commercial washer to last 15+ years based on intensive daily usage, provided that you stick to the manufacturer’s servicing and maintenance schedule.
How does spin speed affect wash quality and cleanliness?
Spin speed has only a minor impact on wash quality and cleanliness. Both these elements are taken care of through mechanical action (and the right detergent dosage) during the wash phase of the cycle; spin speed predominantly affects moisture extraction.
Let JLA take care of your commercial laundry needs
There’s a lot to consider when comparing high spin versus standard spin commercial washing machines. While a higher spin rate is certainly a benefit for lots of businesses, others may need to prioritise fabric care over out-and-out speed.
If you need help choosing new commercial laundry equipment, JLA is here to help. We offer a wide range of commercial washers to suit all needs and requirements, including high spin industrial variants for heavy-duty laundering.
Contact us today on 0808 239 7578, and we’ll be happy to help.
