Dryers are designed with many different lines of businesses and industries in mind. Residential homes, coin operated laundromats, high usage businesses and multi-housing units all require a dryer machine with different specifications.

While the basic dryer is still available, most of the units being manufactured today have become more sophisticated, using sensors, microprocessors and complex electronic controls to operate them. The following three steps should provide you with sufficient dryer information to educate you on products currently in the marketplace that meet the needs of your business.

1. Compare several dryer appliance models to help you narrow your dryer list to just a few selections.

2. Ensure the dryer you select can handle the volume of laundry your business generates.

3. Consider drying time speeds to maximize usage.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare and review several dryer appliance models

A first step to avoid becoming overwhelmed is to read expert reviews. An impartial analysis can help you rule out certain models and keep some on your list. A second step is to compare various models side by side, or apples to apples. Once these two steps are complete, your list of clothes dryers should be narrowed down to a more manageable size.

I recommend: AJ Madison allows you to select by style, price range, manufacturer and more, and then compare various selections side by side. This site is ideal for builders and renovation contractors in the market for a household dryer. Alliance Laundry Systems carries all types of dryers, but has a fairly large inventory of different styles of coin-operated dryers more suitable for laundromats.

Select a dryer machine that can handle the volume your business requires

If your business generates a lot of laundry, as is the case in hospitals, hotels, etc., then load capacity is an essential selection criteria. Commercial lines on the market today come complete with programming capabilities and sensor detection technology. Capacity is also important to businesses such as restaurants and beauty salons, which generate more laundry than an average family and require more capacity than a household dryer.

I recommend: Sterling Equipment's line of on-premise dryers can handle 30-to-80 pounds of laundry. Steiner Atlantic's inventory includes dryers that can handle from 20 to 550 pounds of laundry.

Choose from dryers with fast drying times to maximize usage

For laundromat owners or multi-housing units with coin operated machines, faster drying times mean more cycles per day, which translates into greater earnings. Quicker drying times also make for satisfied customers who are thrilled at the prospect of shorter waiting times. If this is your line of business, these factors highlight why it's so important to select a dryer designed for completing a load quickly and effectively.

I recommend: HK Laundry Equipment carries dryers designed to dry rapidly, consistently and precisely. A&B Equipment carries the Ipso line of dryers that are energy efficient and with fast drying times.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are an architect, builder or contractor, consider going with a manufacturer or clothes dryer provider that can offer you a volume discount.
• •  Used and reconditioned laundry equipment can save you money and provide you with a dryer that may be as good as new.