It's the same job to fix your home washing machine, dryer, or oven as to fix a restaurant oven or a laundromat washer and dryer-right? Wrong. While these appliances do basically the same thing, residential and commercial units often differ in key ways. Some appliance repair companies do fix both residential and commercial appliances, but not all technicians are licensed or qualified to do both.

Appliances are expensive, and having one break down can range from frustrating and inconvenient to, in the case of commercial units, a significant problem leading to a loss of income. It's never a good idea to trust appliance repairs to someone who's under-qualified. Do your research by visiting various companies' Web sites and by asking over the phone if they have experience with your brand and model.

Washer/Dryer Repair

Your home washer and dryer probably clean a few loads a week. The units at a laundromat, on the other hand, are in near constant use throughout business hours. Commercial washing machines and clothes dryers are built to stand up to the strain of serious hard work. They're utilitarian in terms of design, but may have more cleaning power than a smaller, sleeker residential unit. Additionally, commercial washing machines and dryers are generally either coin- or card-operated. Most technicians who are trained in commercial washer/dryer repair will know how to handle those malfunctions that are unique to commercial units, such as the coin system not working.

Dishwasher Repair

As with washer and dryer models, the biggest difference between residential and commercial dishwashers is the sheer volume of items being washed. You might run your dishwasher once every few days, but a restaurant needs a constant stream of clean dishes for diners to use throughout the day. Commercial dishwashers are often designed to complete the wash much quicker than a home unit, and to sterilize the dishes at a much higher heat. A dishwasher repair technician will need to understand the cleaning requirements in a commercial setting. Particularly for restaurants, you need an appliance repair pro who can make your dishwasher adhere to all health codes.

Cooking Appliance Repair

A huge amount of food goes through a restaurant kitchen, and commercial ovens, stovetops, and ranges have to be up to the challenge of preparing hundreds of meals a day. Like other commercial appliances, restaurant kitchen units are built for speed and volume, rather than style. They get hotter faster and are configured for efficiency rather than sleek home design. Many commercial ovens are not self-cleaning. Commercial kitchen appliances may also require more gas or electricity to function, so you'll need to bring in a stove repair expert who knows the energy requirements for your unit. And, as with commercial dishwasher repair, you need an oven repair technician who can ensure that your unit meets all health codes.

Dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, and cooking appliances aren't the only appliances that come in residential and commercial models. Refrigerators, ice makers, garbage disposals, and other appliances can differ depending on their intended use and the setting in which they're installed. Don't just assume that an appliance repair company that advertises it works on all brands and models is qualified for commercial appliance repair-always ask. And don't forget the biggest benefit of a commercial appliance repair specialist: He'll understand how important your appliances are to your business and will strive to get your unit working again absolutely as soon as possible.