Should You Ditch Handles in Your New Kitchen?
Handleless kitchens are fast emerging as the most popular option for those who want a streamlined, minimalist look for their kitchen cabinets.
Homeowners are loving the clean and effortless appeal of uninterrupted joinery, and design advancements mean that going handleless is easier than ever before.
From hidden finger pulls to touch technology, there are several ways that you can ditch the handles in your new kitchen. Here’s how you can get the look in your renovation.
Overhead cabinets
Overhead cabinet doors hang down further than the cabinet’s internal elements, creating a lip that allows you to pull them open and closed. This is an easy option to implement, though some may not like the look of the overhang disrupting the lines of your kitchen.
Push-to-touch mechanisms can also be fitted on your overheads for a more seamless finish.
True handleless
True handleless cabinets have continuous rails built in that sit behind each door and drawer front, creating a space that allows you to grip it easily. The continuous rail means that the kitchen joinery remains uninterrupted, with continuous lines throughout the space.
This is a great option for smaller or narrower spaces, as you can make the best use of deep cabinets by opting for pull-out drawers. You also don’t have to allow for an overhang of your bench or worktop.
Moulded finger pulls
Also known as shark tooth pulls, the moulded finger pull style has a channel routed into the top edge of the door or drawer, creating a small lip.
This style requires no additional hardware, making it a cost-effective solution for most kitchens. The lip of the cabinet may not be as easy to grip for those with larger hands, as the gap can be quite narrow. The gap may also accumulate crumbs over time and will require regular cleaning.
Aluminium finger pulls
Similar in appearance to moulded finger pulls, aluminium pulls involve a J-shape handle in the form of a piece of moulded aluminium applied to the top of each door and drawer front.
These create a streamlined effect, however are not always suited to every material as they require a small channel to be routed into the top of the kitchen joinery.
Push-to-open cabinets
Push-to-open mechanics can be either magnetic or electric, depending on your budget.
The true seamlessness of this profile creates continuous, unbroken lines throughout the space. This isn’t just limited to the kitchen, either – this style of cabinet also works well for entertainment units, home offices or study nooks and wardrobes.
One thing to be wary of is the build-up of fingerprints, which can be noticeable depending on the finish. Push-to-touch cabinets should also be avoided for any surface that gets frequently leaned on or stood in front of (such as cupboards under the sink), as the pressure will trigger the open mechanism.
It’s worth noting that despite needing less hardware, a handleless kitchen will usually end up costing between 20-50% more due to the additional labour needed to create the custom joinery, the resources required for installation and additional mechanisms like railings or magnets.
Despite the extra upfront costs, handleless kitchens are a timeless style that will look great for years to come. If you’re renovating your kitchen, consider ditching the handles for your new space.
Get hands on with a range of different kitchen joinery options at an Apollo Kitchens showroom, with four locations across Sydney and the Central Coast. See our opening hours or book a consultation here.
Ready to get started on building the kitchen of your dreams? Our 2021 eBook details everything you need to know before you do. Download it now.
