Wascomat Gen 6 VS Dexter?

[radoson]

My father and I are getting close to opening a Coin Laundromat in Florida. We have talked to both sale reps with Wascomat and Dexter. They both have taken us on tours and showed their equipment. Both company’s washers and dryers look great. Wascomat have there new Gen 6 out and Dexter seem still the same. We think we might choose the brand on the better/cheaper priced equipment. Can any one help us with making a choice between the two brands? Or is this like trying to decide between a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator?(just personal preference?) [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[Laundry_Mike]

NO! Popular opinion from veteran operators will tell you Wascomat is the best, all the way around, from quality, reliability, parts availability, and product support.

[Howard]

Anything other than Wascomat is third best!

[Avery]

Two questions...
1. How does the Wasco Gen 6's compare to the Wasco Gen 4's? The frame seems much thinner.
2. Does anyone out there have Continental hard mounts? What do you think?

[Howard]

Frames are a non issue. That was the same issue that was talked about when cars were first made of unibody construction rather than full frame. You are comparing technologies of two different eras. The new construction is much better. Sure, they may not last 40 years, but who wants a 40 year old washer.

[Jim_F]

Now that we've heard from the Wasco Lobby...Wascomat while a pretty good washer they make, their new dryers suck big time. The washers are no better than most of the other brands out there. This is an old argument. A person needs to go with what is best for their situation and what they prefer. A lot of it depends on what you have for distributors. I have mainly used Dexter for my big washers and have been very pleased. No problems and I mean none. They have more than paid for themselves.

The frame issue IS an issue and not related to the machine lasting 40 years or more. Having it last 4 or 5 would be nice. I know of many people who bought the "new" Wascomat when they came out with the Gen 5 machines and the frames were craking after only a year. There was also problems with wiring shaking loose. This is what started this discussion about the Wasco frames in the first place.

[Howard]

Thats a bunch of crap. I've had Gen5 equipment that is 10 years old and the "frames" are in perfect shape. I know many others with the same equipment and have never heard of such a problem. This is a bunch of BS that was started by Wascomat competitors when this new design came out. Why?- because it is a more cost effective design and they wish they had thought of it first. Let's see a few people post that they have actually had this happen to them - instead of BS that "I have heard that". And if anyone really had such a problem it is most likely caused by improper installation not a design flaw. Wasco Gen5 machines are great. Gen6 are probably as good if not better, but it is a little too soon to be sure of that.

[SecretarytoBraveDave]

I have yet to see a rebuilt anything other than Wasco, does this mean anything?

[Jim_F]

It's not BS and not "crap" I said I know of people who have had this problem, NOT I heard of them. That means I talked to them directly.

My local distributor built their business by selling Wascomat, Gen 4 that it. When the Gen 5's came out they almost went broke dealing with all of the complaints and warranty issues. This led to a big fight with Wascomat and my distributor dropped them as a line. If you want to say that Wascomat once had some problems and these have been overcome, then fine. After all. every make has some problem somewhere along the line.

I'm sure they have a fine washer now. Just there are a lot of other fine ones also.

[trek]

I have two stores - one with a combination of Speed Queen and Wascomat, and the second store has all Dexter. When comparing maintenance issues and repair costs, along with how the machines have held up over time, I would pick Dexter, hands down. The Wascomat machines generally look dated, and have little things happening to them all the time. They have more than paid for themselves, but when comparing them to the Dexter model's, I feel there is no choice. I am currently planning a new laundry, and am looking to go 100% Dexter.