Dexter vs. Unimac: Comparing Commercial Laundry Machine Durability, Features, and Support

Summary: This page compares Dexter and Unimac commercial laundry machines, focusing on durability, features, and support to help you select the right machine for your needs. It highlights key comparisons like energy efficiency, maintenance access, and U.S. manufacturing. Curious to know which machine offers the best long-term value, which might be the smarter investment? Dive deeper into the detailed head-to-head comparison and FAQs
for a complete picture.

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    For industrial and on-premise laundry equipment, choosing the right machine can impact everything from utility bills to machine downtime. Two top names in the industry — Dexter and Unimac — both offer durable equipment, but only one truly leads in performance, technology, and ROI.

    As two of the largest commercial laundry equipment dealers in the U.S., we’ve partnered with Dexter to help thousands of businesses boost efficiency and performance — and we believe it’s a smarter long-term investment.

    Head-to-Head Comparison: Dexter vs. Unimac

    When choosing commercial laundry equipment, the details matter. From build quality to energy savings, the right machine can mean fewer breakdowns, lower costs, and a better user experience. Below is a side-by-side comparison of Dexter and Unimac, highlighting key features that can impact performance, reliability, and total cost of ownership.

    Feature Dexter UniMac Source
    Build Material 100% AISI 304 stainless steel on all key components Stainless steel front/top/sides; structural-grade steel frame Dexter, UniMac
    Control System DexterLive – cloud-based remote management and programming UniLinc – onboard controls with performance tracking DexterLive, UniMac UniLinc
    Energy Efficiency ENERGY STAR® certified on key models; meets CEE Tier 1 standards Energy-efficient design varies by model; not all units are ENERGY STAR® certified Dexter Efficiency, UniMac Green Tech
    Warranty 10-year limited warranty on frame, tub, cylinder, and key components; 3 years on parts 5-year limited parts warranty Dexter Warranty, UniMac Warranty PDF
    Maintenance Access Tool-free front panel access for fast service Durable, but requires more complex disassembly Dexter Maintenance
    U.S. Manufacturing 100% made in Fairfield, Iowa Headquartered in Wisconsin, parts and manufacturing are sourced globally Dexter USA, UniMac About

    Durability: Dexter’s All-Stainless Steel Build for Long-Term Reliability

    Dexter washers are engineered for lasting performance, using AISI 304 stainless steel throughout the tub, cylinder, top, front, and side panels. This level of construction resists corrosion and maintains appearance, even in the harshest commercial environments. Heavy-duty bearings are supported by a cast iron bearing housing and a welded steel spider and shaft, adding to the machine’s overall strength. Each Dexter model undergoes a 1,000-hour out-of-balance test to ensure it can handle rigorous daily use. 

    In contrast, UniMac machines often use a combination of stainless steel and other materials, which may not offer the same durability or long-term resilience as Dexter’s all-stainless design.

    Energy & Water Efficiency: Dexter’s High-Performance Extraction and Water Savings

    Dexter machines are designed with energy and water efficiency in mind. Their powerful 200 G-force extraction helps remove more water during the spin cycle, which means faster drying times and lower utility costs. The machines also feature perforated cylinders and raised baffles that boost wash performance while conserving water. An electronic pressure sensor provides multiple water level options, allowing operators to tailor usage based on specific load requirements.

    While UniMac models also promote efficient operation, the specific energy and water savings may vary across its product line and may not consistently match the performance of Dexter’s latest models.

    Smart Controls: DexterLive for Remote Management and Customization

    Dexter’s proprietary DexterLive system offers unmatched flexibility and control for laundry operators. This cloud-based platform allows users to remotely manage machines, adjust settings, track performance, receive alerts, and even create time-based promotions—all from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Whether you operate one location or several, DexterLive makes it easy to stay in control without being on-site. 

    While UniMac offers the UniLinc control system with valuable performance tracking and programmable features, it lacks the real-time remote access and advanced customization that make DexterLive such a powerful tool for modern laundry operations.

    Warranty Confidence: Dexter’s Industry-Leading 10-Year Coverage

    Dexter backs its equipment with one of the strongest warranties in the industry. The 10-year limited warranty covers the frame, tub, cylinder, shaft, seals, bearings, and bearing housing, while a 3-year parts warranty covers the rest of the machine. This extensive coverage is a testament to the company’s confidence in its product quality and durability. Dexter also offers lifetime technical support, ensuring that customers can access expert assistance whenever needed.

    UniMac, by comparison, offers a 5-year limited parts warranty for its washer-extractors, with more limited coverage and duration than Dexter’s comprehensive plan.

    Applications Across Industries

    Dexter machines are built to perform across various industries—from busy laundromats to high-demand environments like healthcare facilities. They offer faster throughput to handle heavy laundry loads efficiently, simplified operation that reduces training time for staff, and lower total cost of ownership thanks to their durability and energy efficiency. This combination makes Dexter a smart, scalable solution for businesses that depend on reliable laundry performance every day.

    Why Partner With Scott Equipment?

    Ready to upgrade your laundry operations with proven performance and support you can trust? When you partner with Scott Equipment, you’re choosing more than just top-tier equipment — you’re gaining a team with decades of experience serving laundromats, hotels, healthcare facilities, and more. We understand the demands of your business and deliver expert guidance every step of the way.

    From fast, local delivery and professional installation to responsive maintenance programs and flexible financing options, we’re here to make your transition to Dexter equipment seamless and successful.

    Contact us today to explore the right solutions for your needs and see how we can help you reduce downtime, boost efficiency, and get more
    from every load.

    FAQs: Dexter vs. Unimac

    Yes, Dexter washers are designed with serviceability in mind. They feature tool-free front panel access, allowing quick and easy maintenance, reducing downtime and service costs.

    UniMac machines, while durable, may require more complex disassembly for specific maintenance tasks, potentially leading to longer service times and increased labor costs.

    Dexter's commitment to ease of maintenance ensures businesses can keep their laundry operations running smoothly with minimal interruptions.

    Dexter washers are engineered for high efficiency, featuring powerful extraction speeds up to 200 G-force, which removes more water during the spin cycle, leading to shorter drying times and reduced energy consumption. Additionally, Dexter machines offer multiple water level options and programmable cycles to optimize water usage based on load size.

    UniMac emphasizes energy efficiency, with features like high-speed extraction and advanced control systems. However, the specific energy and water savings can vary across its product line, and detailed comparisons require model-specific data.

    Dexter's proprietary DexterLive system offers unmatched flexibility and control for laundry operators. This cloud-based platform allows users to remotely manage machines, adjust settings, track performance, receive alerts, and even create time-based promotions—all from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.

    UniMac offers the UniLinc control system, which provides on-premise management and performance tracking. While UniLinc includes features like advanced start and maintenance reminders, it lacks the real-time remote access and comprehensive features of DexterLive.

    Dexter machines are constructed with AISI 304 stainless steel for the tub, cylinder, top, front, and side panels, ensuring resistance to corrosion and maintaining appearance over time. They feature heavy-duty bearings housed in a cast iron bearing housing and a welded steel spider and shaft, contributing to their robust design. Each model undergoes a rigorous 1,000-hour out-of-balance test to ensure durability in demanding environments.

    Dexter may have a slightly higher upfront cost, but the long-term savings on energy, maintenance, and downtime make it the better value.

    Installations can usually be completed within 1–2 days, depending on the size of the facility and local scheduling.

    No — Dexter’s user interface is intuitive, and we provide on-site training for your team at installation.

    Contact Us Today

    If you are interested in investing in a laundromat or would like to learn more about our current promotions, contact us today at 1-800-321-7268. You can also reach us by email at [email protected] or chat with us online.

    Corporate Headquarters

    6525 Cunningham Rd, Building C

    Houston, TX 77041

    Email: [email protected]

    Call us toll-free at 1-800-321-7268

    Phone: (713) 686-7268

    Contact our Houston, TX office at (713) 686-7268