CHICAGO — Smart washers and dryers are reshaping how laundromats operate, pairing real-time data and connectivity with faster cycles, lower utilities, and smoother customer experiences. As advanced controls and IoT-driven features are rolled out, upgrading is quickly becoming less about replacing equipment and more about staying competitive in a technology-forward marketplace.
At American Coin-Op’s invitation, several manufacturers and key distributors weighed in on the topic by answering questions, sharing benefits of their market entries, and gauging the ROI potential for those willing to elevate their equipment choices. Let’s conclude:
Q: What support infrastructure — training, remote diagnostics, distributor partnership, etc. — exists to help operators manage smart equipment?
Tyler Willman, regional sales manager, Continental Laundry Solutions, distributor of Girbau Commercial equipment: Our distributors are factory-trained and located across North America. Continental headquarters and many partner distributors also provide ongoing service training workshops.
Brad Dunnigan, director, Digital Products, Alliance Laundry Systems, maker of Huebsch and Speed Queen equipment: The simple answer is all of the above. Smart equipment is only as valuable as its support. Laundromat owners investigating a transition to smarter equipment need to make sure they are going to receive world-class service and support. That means a true partnership that comes with a stable of services to drive use and return on investment.
Jason Fleck, senior vice president of strategic partnerships for Laundrylux, principal distributor of Electrolux Professional and Wascomat laundry equipment in North America: Operators aren’t just buying smart equipment — they’re tapping into a full support framework built to keep stores running. It starts with local sales and service support, where owners and staff get hands-on training for high-spin operation, Laundry Pulse/Laundry Pay setup, and all the energy- and water-saving features.
On top of that, Laundrylux tech support and our expanding network of factory-trained field technicians provide deeper coverage. Smart machines deliver detailed diagnostics and real-time data, allowing many issues to be identified or resolved remotely before they ever impact customers.
Modern equipment is engineered specifically to minimize downtime and maximize profits. Features like high-spin extraction and moisture sensing reduce utility usage, improve performance, and cut down on service calls.
Mackenzie Swanson, marketing manager, Dexter Laundry: Dexter Laundry provides lifetime support to help owners and operators get the most out of their equipment, and our network of distributors hosts shows and open houses so operators can see equipment first-hand and receive in-depth training. DexterLive further supports store management by allowing owners and select users to monitor machine status, revenue, and alerts in real time.
Q: What trends suggest that 2026 may be a major upgrade year?
Fleck: There are several, including:
- Rising demand plus growth across the board. That growth drives vendors to roll out newer, smarter, more efficient machines — meaning more inventory and competitive pricing for adopters.
- Operating cost pressures plus energy/water efficiency mandates. With utility costs rising and energy-efficiency requirements tightening, more owners are incentivized to switch to modern high-spin, moisture-sensing, water-saving equipment.
- Customer expectation and payment evolution. Consumers increasingly expect seamless, cashless experiences — mobile payments, cycle notifications, app-driven convenience — and newer machines plus modern POS/payment platforms support that demand.
- Higher revenue per square foot for upgraded stores. Data shows laundromats with modern, commercial-grade and efficient equipment tend to generate 15–30% higher revenue per square foot than other facilities.
- Competitive advantage as older machines age out. As more operators adopt smart gear, stores still running legacy washers/dryers risk falling behind — slower cycles, higher utility consumption, less appeal to customers used to convenience. That puts pressure on laggards to upgrade just to stay competitive.
In short: between rising utility costs, evolving consumer expectations, better revenue potential, and a growing market — conditions are aligning in 2026 for smart-equipment upgrades to pay off big.
Swanson: The industry continues to see an uptick in growth with newer, younger ownership that values technology. Additionally, IRS Section 179 allows 100% depreciation, which makes it attractive to upgrade older stores with newer equipment.
Willman: IRS bonus depreciation is expected to extend into 2026 under the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allowing 100% depreciation for equipment purchased in 2025 or 2026. Combined with rising customer expectations, technology adoption and sustainability mandates, many owners will upgrade to differentiate from nearby competitors. Technology is increasingly the deciding factor for customers choosing where to wash.
Q: Anything else you’d care to add about your company’s smart washers and dryers?
Swanson: One thing that we often hear is that smart technology might be too complicated for a customer base, but many are experiencing the opposite. Customers are naturally gravitating toward smart washers and dryers, and many find them even easier to use than traditional controls. We’ve designed our equipment to combine advanced features with intuitive controls, so owners can feel confident in managing their stores while customers enjoy a seamless laundry experience.
Willman: We’re only beginning to tap the potential of Genius. With regular feature updates and expanding capabilities, Genius keeps GS Series Washers ahead of the curve — delivering long-term value for operators and consistently improving the customer experience.
Fleck: If there’s one thing I’d add, it’s this: you really should take a serious look at the smart technology Laundrylux provides, because the impact on your store isn’t subtle. The combination of high-G extraction, Automatic Savings water control, moisture-sensing dryers, and our digital tools creates a level of efficiency most operators haven’t experienced before.
If you missed an earlier part of this article: Part 1 — Part 2
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].
