Two Serious Contenders, Very Different Philosophies
If you’re looking beyond the Speed Queen/Dexter duopoly, Continental Girbau is the brand that keeps coming up. They’ve been quietly building market share in the US coin-op market with machines that prioritize efficiency and programmability. But how do they stack up against Speed Queen, the undisputed king of commercial laundry?
I’ve researched both brands extensively and talked to operators running each. Here’s the honest comparison.
Company Background
Continental Girbau
Continental Girbau is a Spanish company (Girbau S.A., founded 1960) that entered the US market through Continental Girbau, Inc., based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. They manufacture in Spain and have a growing US distributor network. They’re known for water and energy efficiency and their ProfitPlus programmable controls.
Speed Queen
Speed Queen is made by Alliance Laundry Systems in Ripon, Wisconsin. They’ve been building commercial washers since 1908 and have the largest market share in the US coin-op segment. Speed Queen is the default choice for most operators and distributors.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Continental Girbau | Speed Queen |
|---|---|---|
| 30 lb Washer Price | $5,000 – $6,000 | $5,500 – $6,500 |
| 40 lb Washer Price | $6,500 – $8,000 | $7,000 – $9,000 |
| 60 lb Washer Price | $8,000 – $10,500 | $8,500 – $12,000 |
| Expected Lifespan | 10-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Water Usage | Best in class (lowest) | Good |
| Energy Efficiency | Best in class | Good |
| G-Force Extract | 300-400 G | 200-400 G |
| Controls | ProfitPlus | Quantum Gold/Platinum |
| Programming Flexibility | Excellent (most customizable) | Very Good |
| Parts Availability (US) | Good (improving) | Excellent (best in industry) |
| Distributor Network | Growing, still smaller | Largest in US |
| Resale Value | Moderate | Highest in industry |
| Manufacturing | Spain | Ripon, WI (USA) |
| Warranty | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
Continental’s ProfitPlus vs Speed Queen Quantum Controls
This is where the two brands diverge most significantly.
Continental ProfitPlus
Continental’s ProfitPlus control system is arguably the most flexible in the industry. You can program multiple wash cycles with different water levels, temperatures, soak times, and extract speeds. For operators who want granular control over cycle programming (for example, creating a “heavy duty” cycle that charges more and uses more water), ProfitPlus is hard to beat.
The system also offers detailed cycle tracking and diagnostics. You can see exactly how much water and energy each cycle uses, which is valuable for managing utility costs.
Speed Queen Quantum
Speed Queen’s Quantum controls (Gold and Platinum tiers) are well-designed and user-friendly for both operators and customers. The Quantum platform offers remote programming, revenue tracking, and machine monitoring through Speed Queen Insights. It’s not as deeply customizable as ProfitPlus, but for most coin-op applications, it does everything you need.
Quantum’s advantage is simplicity. The interface is straightforward, distributors and techs know it inside and out, and updates are well-supported through the Speed Queen network.
Bottom line: If you’re the type of operator who wants to optimize every cycle parameter and squeeze maximum efficiency, Continental wins. If you want reliable, set-it-and-forget-it controls with strong support, Speed Queen wins.
Water and Energy Efficiency
Continental Girbau machines consistently use less water and energy per cycle than Speed Queen equivalents. In independent testing, Continental front-load washers use 15-25% less water per cycle than comparable Speed Queen models.
For a 30-machine store running 5 turns per day, that 20% water savings translates to roughly $200-$400/month in reduced water and sewer costs. Over 10 years, that’s $24,000-$48,000 — real money that can offset Continental’s slightly lower resale value.
Continental also tends to achieve higher G-force extract speeds, which means clothes come out drier and spend less time (and less gas) in the dryer. This indirect savings is often overlooked but adds up.
Reliability and Service
Speed Queen’s Advantage
Speed Queen’s biggest edge isn’t the machine itself — it’s the ecosystem. Their distributor and service network is the largest in the US. No matter where your laundromat is, there’s a Speed Queen distributor and certified tech within reasonable distance. Parts are stocked locally. Service calls are responsive.
Continental’s Challenge
Continental’s US distributor network is smaller and still growing. In major metro areas, support is solid. In smaller markets or rural areas, you may have fewer local options for service and parts. This is the most common complaint from Continental operators.
Parts availability has improved significantly in recent years, but Speed Queen parts are still easier to source quickly. When a machine is down, every hour without a part is lost revenue.
Coin-Op vs Multi-Housing
For Coin-Op Laundromats
Both brands work well in coin-op. Speed Queen is the safer choice because of resale value, service network, and industry familiarity. If you ever sell your laundromat, buyers know Speed Queen and trust it. Continental requires more explanation.
However, if utility costs are a major factor (high water/sewer rates in your area), Continental’s efficiency advantage can shift the equation. Run the math for your specific utility rates.
For Multi-Housing (Apartments, Dorms)
Continental has a stronger case in multi-housing. These installations are typically managed by route operators who value efficiency and remote management. Continental’s programming flexibility and lower utility costs per cycle make them attractive for high-volume, managed environments.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Continental Girbau if:
– Water/sewer costs are high in your market ($8+ per 1,000 gallons)
– You want maximum programming flexibility and cycle customization
– You have a strong local Continental distributor
– Energy efficiency is a priority (for cost or environmental reasons)
– You’re operating multi-housing or managed laundry
Choose Speed Queen if:
– You want the safest, most widely supported choice
– Resale value matters (you may sell the business)
– Your local service network favors Speed Queen
– You prefer simplicity and proven reliability
– You’re a first-time laundromat owner and want the lowest risk
For additional brand comparisons, read our Speed Queen vs Dexter vs Huebsch breakdown. To see how these machines fit into your overall budget, check our commercial washer and dryer pricing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Continental Girbau a good brand for laundromats?
Yes. Continental Girbau makes reliable, efficient commercial washers that are used in thousands of laundromats. Their main advantages are water/energy efficiency and programming flexibility. The main consideration is whether you have good local distributor and service support. Check with your nearest Continental distributor before committing.
Is Continental Girbau cheaper than Speed Queen?
Continental machines are typically 5-15% less expensive than comparable Speed Queen models. A 30 lb Continental washer runs $5,000-$6,000 versus $5,500-$6,500 for Speed Queen. The savings are more significant on larger machines. Factor in Continental’s lower utility costs per cycle, and the total cost of ownership gap widens further.
Where are Continental Girbau machines made?
Continental Girbau machines are manufactured in Spain by Girbau S.A. The company’s US operations are headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, which handles distribution, sales support, and parts for the North American market.
Do Continental washers last as long as Speed Queen?
Continental washers are well-built and typically last 10 to 14 years in a coin-op environment. Speed Queen machines have a slightly longer average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Both will give you a decade-plus of reliable service with proper maintenance. The difference is relatively small and depends heavily on usage volume and maintenance quality.
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