Choosing the right ironing roller can be challenging due to the variety of options on the market, but with the right information, you will make the best decision for your needs and business. We have prepared a detailed guide on the types of ironing rollers and their features to help you choose the most suitable one.
Ironing rollers are specialized machines designed for processing flat laundry such as bed linens, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases, blankets, and similar textiles. Their operation is based on foot pedal pressure and evenly distributed heat. Laundry is placed in front of the roller, allowing quick and easy ironing of large quantities and sizable pieces of laundry. The straightened laundry is then returned to the storage area beneath the roller.
What sets these ironing rollers apart from regular ironing devices is their speed, power, and ability to handle large volumes of laundry. Let’s explore the different types of rollers together!
WHAT TYPES OF IRONING ROLLERS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are three types of rollers to choose from based on your needs:
- Household ironing rollers
As the name suggests, household rollers are designed exclusively for domestic use. Although affordable, they are not suited for frequent use in professional environments such as laundries. Additionally, if used for professional purposes, they wear out faster and lose their warranty. In other words, using household ironing rollers for business operations voids the warranty.
- Professional ironing rollers
This type of ironing roller is ideal for smaller quantities of laundry, recommended for processing about 30 kg of laundry per day. They are an excellent choice for apartments, small restaurants, and similar businesses. Their advantage is compactness, foldability, and smaller dimensions, but they are slower than industrial ironing rollers.
- Industrial ironing rollers
This type of roller is most commonly found in commercial laundries. Designed for high-capacity and intensive use, they are a favorite among laundry business owners. Their strength lies in their resistance to high temperatures, ability to operate for extended hours, and an excellent forward return function, meaning that despite their robust, non-foldable design, they can be placed against a wall to save space. Additionally, they offer a wide range of programs, making them highly adaptable to different types of fabrics. While they may seem more expensive initially, they are more cost-effective in the long run because they are built for frequent use in professional laundries, ensuring durability.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT IRONING ROLLER FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Now that you have a better understanding of the different ironing rollers available in the industry, let’s go through the criteria that will help you choose the right one.
1. PURPOSE AND CAPACITY
The first question to ask yourself is how much laundry you process daily. If your laundry service handles large volumes and offers ironing services, an industrial roller is essential. It saves time and increases the number of customers you can serve, boosting revenue. For smaller establishments, professional ironing rollers offer an excellent balance of price and performance.
2. WORKING SURFACE WIDTH AND ROLLER DIAMETER
The width of the ironing roller’s working surface is crucial. It should match the width of the largest piece of laundry you plan to iron. The roller’s diameter affects pressure and contact time with the fabric, enhancing ironing efficiency and moisture removal.
Consider whether one or more people will operate the roller. If only one person will use it, the width should not exceed 140 cm, which aligns with the average arm span. Otherwise, inserting laundry into the roller may become difficult, leading to poor ironing results.
3. HEATING SOURCE
Ironing rollers can be powered by electricity, gas, or steam. Electric models are the most commonly used due to their easy installation. It is essential to check whether you have a single-phase or three-phase electrical connection and sufficient power capacity for operating alongside other machines in your laundry. Gas-powered rollers require specific installations, while steam-powered ones are mainly used in large facilities like hospitals. Your choice depends on the available heating source in your space.
4. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
It is crucial to align the roller’s performance with the rest of your laundry equipment. Ironing rollers require a specific moisture level in the laundry before processing. This means using a professional washing machine with a lower spin cycle and transferring the laundry to dryers before feeding it into the roller.
5. PRICE
Last but not least, price is a significant factor. The initial high cost is often the biggest obstacle for new businesses investing in industrial ironing rollers. However, considering all the mentioned factors, they are the most cost-effective and long-lasting option. Many opt for second-hand rollers, which unfortunately lack warranties and spare parts, making them a less viable investment. A roller is not a one-season purchase, so think long-term! Carefully evaluate your needs and all the listed factors to choose the best roller for your business.
The best advice we can give you is to consult with a team of experts before purchasing laundry equipment, including an ironing roller. Our team will gladly listen to your needs and provide guidance on equipping your laundry efficiently and cost-effectively. Choosing the right roller enhances the quality of your service, so choose wisely!
