What is the soft-closing device?

A soft-close system is a hydraulic or mechanical damping mechanism that makes the doors and drawers of a cabinet slow down automatically and close silently. The damping technology slows the movement in the final centimetres and then pulls the door or drawer gently and controlledly all the way shut. Closing therefore feels much more pleasant and calmer.

How does soft-close work?

As soon as you push a drawer or door shut, the damping mechanism takes over the last part of the movement. Instead of slamming, the door glides smoothly into its final position. If you push a door shut with force, for instance, it slows down by itself in the final centimetres, so there is no hard bang and objects in the cabinet stay put.

The main advantages at a glance

• No noise nuisance: no more slamming doors or drawers, so more peace in the house, including early in the morning and late at night.

• A longer life: the gradual closing protects hinges and material from the impact of slamming, so the cabinet lasts longer.

• Extra safety: the chance of fingers (a child’s, for instance) getting caught in a door or drawer becomes considerably smaller.

• Comfortable use: a pleasant, high-end action every time you use it.

The difference from traditional closing systems

In cabinets without soft-close, doors and drawers slam shut. That causes disturbing noise, faster wear of hinges, a risk of trapped fingers and vibration that can knock objects over inside the cabinet. With soft-close, all of these are prevented by the controlled, gentle closing.

Soft-close is integrated as standard in the hinges and drawer runners of our washing machine cabinets. Curious about the finish and the action? Have a look at the full range of our washing machine cabinets or request personal advice without obligation.