Washer/Dryer Ratio

[dkd926]

Hello all! While looking at classified ads for mats, I saw some washer dryer ratios that were 20/15 & 26/18. Shouldn't the ratio be close to 1/1? I also saw one that was 17/16 which seems like a good ratio, but I get the impression from reading the forums that around 20 /20 should be the minimum. Thanks in advance.
-Doug

[Rob Byrnes]

I am opening a laundry mat and trying to decide on equipment ratios. I am currently considering the following and would appreciate any feedback. (3) 75# Washers, (6) 40# Express Washers, (6) 20# Express washers, 3 top loaders. The dryers would be 8 50# stack dryers. Also, can I get feedback on card systems vs. cash and any comments on Dexter equipment. Thanks, Rob

[CENTEX]

As far as a ratio goes, you need enough drying capacity that equals your wash capacity. You have to be able to dry everything that comes out of the washers if they all stop at the same time. You even need more than that for the walk in drying folks (wish they would go some place else) and for the people that leave their laundry in the dryers while they fold the rest. Go to most mats and look around, you'll see the people waiting for dryers most of the time if the mat is not configured correctly.
In any mat you need enough of everything for the busiest time of day or day of the week, i.e. saturday and sunday. If they can't get in they will go someplace else, then they may not come back.
For DEXTER equipment, I have their current production model front loaders with the emergency stop button. They are great and people love them. I do not know how the dryers are, I just purchased a few for installation in January '08.
Good luck.

[DuboisLaundry]

Rob, you propose 4 sizes of washers but only one size dryer (50#). I think you will do well to have more than one size dryer.

Also, you have 621 lbs washer capacity and only 400 lbs dryer capacity.

Furthermore you have 18 washers and only 8 dryers.
It is remotely possible that 18 different customers will be it at exactly the same time using exactly 1 washer each. Less than 1/2 of them will find a dryer available. More realistically a few less people will be starting several minutes apart and some of them using more than one washer. Even then, there won't be enough dryers for everybody who wants one. Some of them will want 2 dryers: a hot and a medium or low)

I would consider adding one or two 80# dryers, and six to eight 30# dryers.

someone with several stores and decades of experience will have a more refined opinion

[KJD]

Rob, you propose 4 sizes of washers but only one size dryer (50#). I think you will do well to have more than one size dryer.

Also, you have 621 lbs washer capacity and only 400 lbs dryer capacity.

Furthermore you have 18 washers and only 8 dryers.
It is remotely possible that 18 different customers will be it at exactly the same time using exactly 1 washer each. Less than 1/2 of them will find a dryer available. More realistically a few less people will be starting several minutes apart and some of them using more than one washer. Even then, there won't be enough dryers for everybody who wants one. Some of them will want 2 dryers: a hot and a medium or low)

I would consider adding one or two 80# dryers, and six to eight 30# dryers.

someone with several stores and decades of experience will have a more refined opinion


He said 8 - 50# stacks... That would be 16 pockets for 800lb total

[KJD]

I would probably go with:

2 - 80lb
4 - 50stacks
4 - 30lb.stacks

total of 18 pockets minimum

[Gatorlenny]

Drying takes longer than washing. Formula is add up the capacity of all your washers in pounds. Multiply by 1.3 That should tell you how much drying capacity you need.

[pete f]

the dryers capacity and washer capacity match up pretty good.
As for the washer mix, I do not know the customer base. Could be great or could be alot of iron.

[Palmyra Jim]

I have 29- 30# dryers. The previous owner had too many complaints when he had 50#. I find most customers are using between 3 and 5 dryers. That means if I have more than 5 or 6 people in the stores and any one time, someone waits! It appears to be working thus far even during the busiest time of the week or maybe I have patient patrons!

I have thought about replacing some of the old SQ dryers with stacks to increase the number but do not know if there are enough use to justify it.

My 2 cents!

Jim