Commercial washing machines like the LG FH0C7FD2MS and Speed Queen SCN060 have manageable running costs in Kenya, especially with inverter tech that optimizes energy amid KPLC’s tiered tariffs around KSh 19-28 per kWh for small commercial users.
Electricity Usage Breakdown
These models average 1.5-3 kWh per cycle, far higher than home washers (0.4-0.7 kWh) due to larger capacities and frequent use. For a dobi running 80-200 cycles daily, monthly consumption hits 3,600-14,400 kWh, but efficiency features cut this by 30-50%.
LG FH0C7FD2MS (15kg): 1.8-2.5 kWh/cycle (TurboWash shortens to 39 min). At 100 cycles/day, ~200 kWh daily or 6,000 kWh/month.
Speed Queen SCN060 (20kg): 2.5-3.5 kWh/cycle. High-volume at 200 cycles/day totals 500-700 kWh daily or 15,000-21,000 kWh/month.
LG FH069FD2MS (10.5kg): 1.2-1.8 kWh/cycle. 80 cycles/day: ~120 kWh daily, 3,600 kWh/month.
Maytag MHN33 (16kg): 2.0-2.8 kWh/cycle. 150 cycles/day: ~350 kWh daily, 10,500 kWh/month.
Hisense WF3S1043BT (10.5kg): 1.0-1.5 kWh/cycle (budget inverter). 60 cycles/day: ~75 kWh daily, 2,250 kWh/month.
Cold water cycles and off-peak TOU rates (KSh 9.50/kWh for SC3) slash usage further.
Monthly Electricity Costs
Using KSh 19/kWh average for commercial (SC3 band over 100kWh), costs scale with volume. Solar backups or efficient scheduling yield 20-40% savings.
| Model | Cycles/Day | kWh/Month | Cost/Month (KSh) | Cost/Cycle (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG FH0C7FD2MS | 100 | 6,000 | 114,000 | 1.90 |
| Speed Queen SCN060 | 200 | 15,000 | 285,000 | 1.90-2.80 |
| LG FH069FD2MS | 80 | 3,600 | 68,400 | 1.70 |
| Maytag MHN33 | 150 | 10,500 | 199,500 | 2.10 |
| Hisense WF3S1043BT | 60 | 2,250 | 42,750 | 1.40 |
Peak Nairobi dobis offset via 50-100 clients/day at KSh 100-200/kg revenue.
Other Running Costs
Water: 100-150L/cycle (KSh 50-70/m³ NWSC). Monthly: KSh 20,000-80,000. Softener adds KSh 5,000/year.
Detergent: Auto-dosing saves 20%; KSh 0.50-1/kg load. KSh 10,000-40,000/month.
Maintenance: KSh 5,000-15,000/year (filters, belts). LG/Speed Queen: 5-year motor warranty.
Total per Machine: KSh 150,000-350,000/month for mid-volume, dropping to KSh 1-2/kg processed with scale.
Cost-Saving Tips
Schedule off-peak (night TOU at KSh 9.50/kWh) for 50% bill cuts. Pair with heat-pump dryers (3kWh/cycle vs. 10kWh). Track via apps; Gosstech.co.ke installs meters for KSh 10,000.
High upfront yields 25-40% ROI yearly for busy dobis