A new UniMac washer-extractor typically costs about $8,000-$30,000 for the machine, with larger-capacity models and a complete installed setup costing more. Capacity, controls, electrical and plumbing requirements, freight, and local labor are the main price drivers; used machines can cost substantially less but may need repairs or installation work.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New washer-extractor | $8,000 | $16,000 | $30,000 | Machine price varies by capacity and configuration |
| Installed new machine | $10,000 | $20,000 | $38,000 | Includes typical delivery and installation, not major building work |
| Used machine | $2,500 | $7,500 | $16,000 | Condition, age, testing, and warranty affect price |
| Installation labor | $1,000 | $2,500 | $6,000 | Higher when utilities or floor conditions need changes |
Assumptions: U.S. commercial laundry equipment pricing in USD; estimates are planning ranges, not a manufacturer price list or dealer quote.
What a New UniMac Washer-Extractor Typically Costs
A new UniMac washer-extractor generally falls in the $8,000-$30,000 equipment-only range. A standard mid-capacity machine may land around $12,000-$20,000, while a larger model with advanced controls, higher spin performance, or specialized configuration can exceed that band. Actual model availability and pricing depend on the dealer, market, and current product lineup.
For a typical commercial purchase, budget roughly $16,000 for the machine and about $20,000 installed. These averages assume a mid-size unit, ordinary access, existing utilities, and no major structural or electrical work. The final total can be much higher if the job includes a new drain, a reinforced pad, long-distance freight, or multiple machines.
Capacity is often quoted in pounds of dry laundry per load. Smaller machines suited to limited-volume operations cost less than larger units intended for hotels, healthcare facilities, laundromats, or institutional laundry rooms. Compare the rated capacity and the machine’s dimensions, not just the model name, when checking estimates.
Per-pound equipment pricing is not a fixed retail metric, but a rough comparison can help: a $12,000-$20,000 machine rated around 40-60 lb works out to approximately $200-$500 per pound of rated capacity. This calculation does not account for controls, spin speed, warranty, or installation, so it should not replace model-to-model quote comparisons.
How Freight, Rigging, and Utility Work Shape the Quote
A dealer quote may cover only the washer-extractor, or it may include delivery, placement, hookups, testing, and removal of old equipment. Request an itemized estimate so that the machine price is not confused with the cost of preparing the room and putting the unit into service.
| Quote component | Typical price | Pricing basis | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine | $8,000-$30,000 | Per unit | Capacity, controls, configuration |
| Freight and delivery | $300-$1,500 | Per shipment or unit | Distance, access, liftgate, appointment |
| Rigging and placement | $500-$3,000 | Per installation | Stairs, tight doors, crane, floor access |
| Hookups and commissioning | $1,000-$4,000 | Per unit | Existing service, drain, testing, crew time |
| Permits or utility changes | $0-$5,000+ | Per project | Local rules and building work required |
| Old-unit removal | $150-$800 | Per unit | Disconnection, hauling, disposal fees |
Freight and installation can add $2,000-$8,000 before major building upgrades. The low end assumes a ground-level delivery and ready utilities. Difficult access, electrical changes, or drainage work can push a project above the table’s typical installation range.
Labor rates vary by trade and location, but commercial equipment installers and service technicians commonly charge about $75-$150 per hour, with a minimum visit or travel fee possible. Electricians and plumbers may bill separately at similar or higher rates. Use the quote’s listed crew hours and hourly charges to check whether labor is consistent with the stated scope.
Capacity, Controls, and Voltage That Move the Price
Capacity is a major price variable. A compact commercial machine in the roughly 20-30 lb class may cost about $8,000-$14,000, while a 40-60 lb unit can run around $12,000-$22,000. Models in larger commercial ranges, such as roughly 80-100 lb, can reach $20,000-$30,000 or more, depending on options and availability.
Compare machines at the same rated load size and configuration before judging a price gap. A larger drum may reduce the number of cycles needed, but it also requires adequate water, drain capacity, electrical service, and floor space. A low equipment quote can become expensive if the building needs upgrades to support the chosen model.
Control packages and operating features also affect price. Basic controls may suit straightforward operations, while programmable cycles, payment or network interfaces, and specialized wash programming can increase the upfront amount. Ask the seller to identify included controls and options rather than assuming that two similarly sized machines have identical features.
Electrical configuration matters as well. Commercial units may require different voltage or phase arrangements depending on model and location. Confirm the exact nameplate requirements and compare them with the building’s service before ordering. A new circuit, disconnect, wiring, or panel work can add hundreds to several thousand dollars to the installed project.
Installation conditions create another threshold. A route with door openings narrower than the machine’s shipping dimensions, a basement location, or a placement distance of more than 50-100 ft from a practical loading point may require additional rigging or handling. A slab that needs reinforcement or a drain that must be relocated can change the project from a standard hookup to a construction job.
How Long Installation Takes and Which Labor Charges Apply
A straightforward replacement may take one crew about 4-8 hours for disconnecting the old machine, moving the new unit, connecting services, and testing. A first-time installation or a project with multiple machines can require 1-3 days, particularly when electricians, plumbers, or concrete contractors need to complete separate work.
Labor time depends more on access and utility readiness than on the machine’s listed capacity alone. A single unit with accessible hookups may incur around $1,000-$2,500 in labor and placement costs. A complicated installation with restricted access, rerouted pipes, or new electrical service may reach $4,000-$8,000 before the machine price.
Ask whether the installation quote includes anchoring, leveling, water and drain connections, electrical connection, startup testing, and operator handoff. Some dealers include commissioning but exclude building trades, permits, or disposal. Clarifying those items avoids a low initial quote becoming a series of add-on charges.
Why UniMac Quotes Differ Across U.S. Markets
Regional pricing reflects freight distance, local labor rates, dealer coverage, and project demand. As a planning comparison, a buyer in a lower-cost rural or small-city market may see a total about 5%-15% below a comparable quote in a high-cost metro area. Large coastal cities and dense downtown sites may run 10%-25% above a national midrange when labor, access, and delivery are difficult.
Regional percentages are comparison guides, not fixed surcharges. A nearby dealer with stock may beat a lower-cost region’s quote once delivery and travel are included. Conversely, a remote location may add several hundred dollars or more for freight, technician travel, or a special delivery appointment.
Ask at least two authorized commercial laundry dealers to quote the same model, capacity, options, delivery location, and installation scope. Compare the equipment subtotal separately from taxes, freight, labor, and any local permit charges. State and local sales-tax treatment varies, so tax should be calculated for the actual delivery address rather than assumed from the advertised machine price.
Three Realistic UniMac Washer-Extractor Budget Examples
These examples show how scope changes the installed total even when the purchase is for one machine. They are illustrative U.S. budgets, not guaranteed dealer quotes; local labor, current availability, and building conditions can move the final amount.
| Scenario | Machine and scope | Labor and extras | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small operation | 25-30 lb unit, $9,000-$13,000; local delivery | 6 labor hours at $90-$125 per hour; basic hookup and testing | $10,500-$15,500 |
| Mid-size replacement | 40-60 lb unit, $14,000-$21,000; old unit removed | 10-14 crew hours; $500-$1,200 delivery and removal | $17,000-$26,000 |
| Large installation | 80-100 lb unit, $22,000-$30,000; long-distance delivery | 16-24 labor hours; rigging and limited utility changes | $29,000-$42,000 |
For example, a mid-size replacement might include a $17,000 machine, $900 freight, $1,800 installation, and $400 removal, for a subtotal near $20,100 before applicable tax. A quote with a similar machine price but no freight or removal is not necessarily cheaper once those services are added.
Used Versus New UniMac Equipment at Similar Capacities
Used UniMac washer-extractors commonly list around $2,500-$16,000, depending on age, load capacity, condition, seller, and whether the machine has been inspected or refurbished. Refurbished equipment with tested operation and a limited warranty often costs more than an as-is unit. Freight, rigging, and installation still apply, so the delivered and working price can be far above the listing price.
A used machine is most cost-effective when its operating history, parts condition, and service support are documented. Before purchase, confirm the model and serial details, inspect the drum and bearings, test controls and spin operation, and ask which parts were replaced. A bargain unit needing a major bearing or control repair can absorb several thousand dollars in labor and parts.
New equipment usually carries a higher initial price but can provide clearer warranty coverage and a more predictable service history. Compare the dealer’s written warranty, parts availability, and service response with the used machine’s inspection records. For a business that cannot tolerate downtime, a lower purchase price may not offset the risk of an unavailable part or extended repair wait.
Which Purchase Choices Can Lower the Installed Price
Match capacity to actual daily laundry volume rather than buying the largest available unit by default. If a 40-60 lb machine can handle the expected loads, stepping up to an 80-100 lb model may add thousands to equipment cost and may require more utility capacity. At the same time, undersizing can create excessive cycles and labor, so compare expected loads per day and operating hours.
Keeping the existing hookups and delivery route usable is often the largest controllable saving. Verify door widths, floor access, water supply, drain location, and electrical service before ordering. Measuring these conditions in advance can prevent rush rigging, return freight, or change orders after the machine arrives.
Compare equivalent bids, not just equipment prices. Request the same capacity, controls, warranty, delivery terms, startup service, and disposal scope from each dealer. Ask whether a standard control package meets operational needs before paying for network or specialty options, and check whether warranty coverage requires installation by a specific service provider.
Replacing a failed machine may be urgent, but planned purchasing can provide more time to compare stock and freight schedules. If replacement is not immediately necessary, obtain a repair diagnosis and written estimate first. A repair costing hundreds or a few thousand dollars may be reasonable for a relatively young machine with a localized fault; repeated major repairs or unavailable parts can make replacement more economical.
Finally, ask for a written total that separates machine, delivery, installation, permits, removal, tax, and optional upgrades. Confirm whether the price is valid for the exact model and delivery address, and whether any site work is excluded. Clear scope makes bids easier to compare and reduces the chance of unexpected charges after installation begins.