The Ultimate Laundromat Guide: Soft Mount vs Hard Mount Washers

When in the market for new commercial front-load washers for your business, one of the initial decisions you'll need to make is whether to opt for a hard-mount or a soft-mount machine. Your choice will be influenced by various factors, including your budget, the intended location for the machines, and the available space.

At first glance, both types of machines may seem quite similar, but their differences become apparent upon closer examination. Hard-mount washers, also known as solid-mount or rigid-mount washers, require installation on a sturdy foundation such as a thick concrete floor, steel base, or concrete slab capable of withstanding the force generated during the machine's spinning cycles. Since hard-mount washers lack an internal shock absorption system, they transmit this force directly into the concrete slab beneath them. As a result, hard-mount machines need to be securely bolted down to ensure safe operation. This leads to higher installation costs and restrictions on where they can be placed, with limited flexibility for future repositioning.

In contrast, soft-mount washers employ a specialized suspension system that isolates the drum from the frame, effectively absorbing and dissipating the force, instead of transferring it to the underlying slab. Heavy-duty coils efficiently manage the force without causing imbalances. The outcome is reduced installation expenses, enhanced installation flexibility, the capacity to achieve higher G-forces during spinning, and an improved overall laundry experience for your customers.

Here are eight advantages of opting for soft-mount high-spin washers:

Lower Installation Costs: Soft-mount washers do not necessitate reinforced concrete or expensive steel bases, resulting in significantly lower installation costs. Say goodbye to the complexities of designing, pouring, and finishing concrete foundations and the time-consuming processes of drilling, bolting down, and grouting the machines. Soft-mounts can be delivered and installed in a matter of hours, as opposed to the several days or weeks often required for hard-mount machines.

Installation Flexibility: Soft-mount machines, equipped with shock-dampening technology, can be installed on a wide range of surfaces, floor types, and thicknesses, including over basements. This grants you more flexibility when selecting a commercial space for purchase or lease, as you have a broader range of options to consider. Electrolux Professional EUD soft-mount washers come in capacities ranging from 18 to 80 pounds, catering to the needs of any laundromat owner.

High-Spin Speeds: Soft-mount washers push the boundaries of high-speed spinning, offering up to 450 G-force extraction compared to the traditional 100G or 200G found in hard-mount machines. While some hard-mount washers can approach higher G-forces, it's important to note that these speeds are typically achieved for only a brief period during the final spin cycle. Soft-mount machines reach higher G-force thresholds more quickly and for a significantly longer duration.

Superior Extraction: In the past, extraction machines were a common sight in laundromats, with the sole purpose of removing more water to reduce drying times. Today, this functionality is integrated into washer-extractors through advancements in inverters and suspension systems. Soft-mount high-spin washers initiate the drying process by removing more water from the load, resulting in shorter drying times. Recent real-world tests have confirmed that Electrolux Professional Ultra Dry washers outperform leading hard-mount competitors, removing significantly more water.

Better Cleaning: In commercial environments like laundromats, front-load washers handle heavily soiled loads. Soft-mount washers excel at removing more dirt, water, grit, and soap residue from the load, leading to superior cleaning results. Customers can visibly and tangibly notice the difference after the wash cycle, setting your business apart from the competition. In contrast, hard-mount washers may leave dirt and residue behind, which can become ingrained in clothing during the drying process, resulting in dingy, lackluster garments.

Lower Gas Costs: Electrolux Professional soft-mount washers are designed to work seamlessly with Electrolux Professional dryers. During the final washer spin, the drying process begins with high G-force extraction, reducing the time clothes spend tumbling in the dryer. This translates to energy, time, and cost savings. In fact, dry times can be reduced by up to 15 minutes compared to standard 100G hard-mount washers.

Faster Throughput: To maximize profit potential, laundromats need to increase the number of turns per day for each washer and dryer. Soft-mount washers are ideal for achieving this goal. With faster laundry cycles, customers can complete their laundry in under an hour, making your laundromat the "fastest laundry in town." This not only enhances the customer experience but also frees up machines and valuable parking spaces, especially on weekends, where 50% of laundromat sales occur. This advantage can be effectively marketed to distinguish your store from the competition.

Enhanced ROI: Faster throughput leads to serving more customers with fewer machines, resulting in cost savings and a higher profit margin. You'll require fewer washers and dryer pockets, reducing the square footage and parking space requirements. All these benefits add up over the equipment's lifespan, potentially saving you hundreds of thousands of dollars and boosting your profitability.