Kitchen fittings will always be hidden from prying eyes. This is probably why many people prefer not to attach much importance to their choice and simply buy the one that is cheaper.
However, inexpensive, and even low-quality fittings will definitely make themselves felt after a couple of years. For example, when the cabinet doors stop opening normally or the facade suddenly falls straight on your head.
But how can you choose good, reliable, high-quality fittings without paying too high a price? We'll teach you in this article!
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Types of accessories
Kitchen fittings are divided into 3 groups:
- front - decorative accessories mounted on the front surfaces of furniture;
- fastening – fixing parts with the help of which individual elements of the headset are fastened into a single structure;
- components – products responsible for the functionality of furniture.
Facial fittings: supports, plinths and clamps
The group of facial products includes legs and arms, the former can be of 3 types:
- supports – standard figured legs;
- plinths – solid support strips;
- wall clamps – fittings for hanging furniture.
Mounting hardware
The group of kitchen fastening fittings includes ties, brackets, hinge pairs, corners and hinges. The first 4 types of components differ mainly in material - they can be made of metal or plastic.
Accessories
Components, as a separate group of fittings, include:
- dampers - dampen the processes of opening/closing cabinets and drawers;
- guides - a kind of rails that ensure the movement of individual furniture elements;
- lifting mechanisms – systems used for raising and lowering facades.
Advice. For small cabinets, it is recommended to buy roller guides, but if the set is massive and its individual elements will create large loads, it is more advisable to choose ball systems.
The mechanism responsible for lifting the cabinet in a vertical plane
The mechanism for lifting the façade of a mezzanine cabinet in a vertical plane is a stylish solution, and perhaps the most expensive. Indeed, the prices for such fittings can scare a client in the “budget” category, and, despite all their advantages, they will not force him to buy it, since sometimes equipping a kitchen with similar details can cost as much as a couple of cabinets from a set for a medium-sized kitchen price segment.
Folding mezzanine cabinets, the doors of which move in a vertical plane, are a real boon for short people
That is why fitting solutions were invented that ensure the cabinet is lifted not in a horizontal, as usual, but in a vertical plane. Of course, in this position it will be much easier for you to reach the door, pull it towards you and close it without any problems.
The cost of this equipment is high and not everyone can afford it.
What you need to know when choosing kitchen fittings
You need to know that in addition to a variety of fasteners, the fittings segment includes a variety of devices, special mechanisms and complex systems that greatly facilitate the work process. High-quality fittings are available on the market in different forms; they can be supplied ready-made or made to order from the client, in accordance with the features of the interior. There is no need to overly trust images in catalogs. Be sure to view the finished samples “live”; often their quality, color, and other parameters differ significantly from the samples provided in the photographs.
3 important factors in choosing fittings
First, set your priorities clearly. You need to put forward your own requirements for different groups of accessories: when choosing facial accessories, focus on their presentability, and evaluate fasteners and components, first of all, for quality of workmanship and functionality, rather than aesthetics.
Handles and other accessories must be presentable, and fasteners and components must be functional and reliable.
Secondly, pay attention to the materials. Kitchen fittings are most often made of metal, various types of plastic, glass or wood. The issue is especially important when choosing fasteners and components - savings are inappropriate here: the cheaper the products, the less they will serve you. So it’s better to give preference to reliable metal to protect yourself from the costs of regular repairs of fittings.
When choosing accessories, give preference to metal products
Thirdly, consider style features. The fittings should fit harmoniously into the interior of the kitchen, so choose details that will match the style direction of the space:
- for classics - gilding or bronze coating;
- for high-tech – chrome parts;
- for Art Nouveau - painted products;
- for Mediterranean styles - accessories imitated in wood or stone.
Brands
Since the idea of designing a kitchen without handles is still relatively new, there are not many players in the market who can provide a quality product. Let's list them.
Miele
A German brand that launched a line of handleless kitchen appliances. Depending on the type of equipment, the opening will be different. For example, for a dishwasher you only need to knock once. Moreover, the equipment is so smart that at the end of the program it will automatically open the door to dry the washed dishes.
The oven, steamer and microwave have touch buttons. But to open the built-in wine refrigerator, you just need to press the front panel. In this case, the facades do not open completely, but only slightly open.
Gola
The goal is qualified on profile false handles. The company does its job well and provides a huge selection of these profiles:
- vertical - for pencil cases and upper cabinets;
- horizontal - for the lower set.
The latter are further divided into:
- L-shaped - for drawers under the countertop;
- C-shaped - for drawers of the second and subsequent rows;
- spacers - upper wall cabinets.
Interestingly, the profile system can be combined with “push-to-open” - this will make opening cabinets and drawers more convenient.
Bloom
The Blum company specializes in push-to-open systems (here it is called Tip On) and electric Servo Drive, that is, thanks to these systems you can open the door with a light touch of your hand, elbow or knee anywhere. The fittings of this Austrian company are considered quite expensive, but at the same time very high quality and almost eternal.
Hettich
Hettich's signature feature is the push-to-open system. It is presented in a huge assortment:
- with self-closing option;
- without self-closing option;
- mechanical;
- with electric drive;
- with full/partial opening;
- with recognition of interfering objects.
This is the most popular manufacturer of kitchen fittings without handles.
Schuco
Shuko is another manufacturer that specializes in handleless kitchen profiles. The only materials available are aluminum and the choice of colors is not very extensive:
- black matte chrome;
- anodized aluminum.
Made in Germany, expensive, installed only by a specialist. The assortment is quite large, but Gola is considered a more popular brand due to its greater prevalence.
Handles for doors and drawers
One of the most frequently requested elements are furniture handles for doors and drawers. These products must have a sufficient margin of safety and be covered with a protective layer. In addition, components should be securely fastened, since constant mechanical load can quickly lead to their failure. Regarding the material of manufacture, the choice is yours.
The most common are metal handles. Less common are plastic products. Its advantage is the absence of corrosive processes. A disadvantage can be considered the risk of deformation, especially in conditions of elevated room temperature. Porcelain components are particularly elegant. They fit perfectly with many interesting stylistic solutions.
Gas elevator design
It is a structure consisting of the following components made of plastic and metal:
- Sleeve.
- Elevator cone.
- External and internal cavities.
- Lifting rod.
- Landing, outer and inner cones.
- Button.
- Sealing element.
- Gas valve.
- Bearing.
- Gas bypass channel.
Legs
Pay special attention to such components as legs; they should not only serve an aesthetic function, but also be reliable, practical (after all, when choosing legs, you need to take into account the weight of the furniture) and safe. For example, if the legs are chosen for a massive cabinet based on natural wood, then you should pay attention to leg models that have increased strength, also pay attention to the configuration of the leg supports so that they do not damage the floor: they do not cut or push through the linoleum or scratch the laminate .
Choose legs for kitchen furniture without protruding parts of the body and supports; the presence of stiffening ribs and other protrusions can play a cruel joke; an accidental and light kick can lead to serious injuries to the toes. Don’t forget about the ability to adjust the height of the legs, because not every home has perfectly flat floors, and the quality of furniture assembly sometimes leaves much to be desired.
Door hinges
Hinges are presented in a wider variety of species - they are classified according to the type of fastening:
- overhead – standard models, attached completely to the ends of the furniture walls;
- semi-overhead – mounted only on half of each end;
- corner – mounted at an angle from 30 to 180 degrees;
- internal - hidden products for internal fixation of doors in furniture niches.
When selecting hinges, you need to carefully study the quality, check how well they fit in the grooves. The components must be highly durable and silent during operation.
How to install correctly
It is not enough to choose good fittings; the method and order of installation is no less important. The packaging with the mechanism usually contains instructions. Popular brands also post a brochure for each model on the company website. If you bought a product from a Chinese manufacturer without a name and want to assemble the mechanism yourself, but there is no documentation available, we offer a universal guide to installing a gas lift.
To attach the door closer, follow these simple rules:
- Before installing the gas lift, draw markings according to the template on the door and cabinet body.
- Screw the loops into the marked places.
- The mechanism should be finally installed after the hinges have been securely fastened.
- Insert the ends of the closer into the special holes inside the hinges until you hear a characteristic click.
A detailed explanation of the process is presented in the video. After installation, check the operation of the mechanism. If the door does not close completely, adjust the tightness of the closer fastening with the screw.
For installation of other types, read the relevant instructions.
Pull-out fittings
It is rare that a modern kitchen can do without retractable systems. These options significantly increase the usability of the kitchen and facilitate access to the necessary tools and products. To use comfortable drawers for a long time without problems, pay due attention to the selection of components.
It is recommended to opt for rollers and retractable mechanisms from well-known manufacturers who have proven themselves to be the best. This approach will help to avoid incorrect operation of retractable systems. The purchase of low-quality components will initially lead to jerks during the extension process, and then to jamming of the mechanisms. But any guide rollers, even the most reliable ones, will not last long without systematic care and maintenance. Try to keep expensive kitchen components clean, which add a significant element of comfort to the workplace.
Maintaining cleanliness and order contribute to the long service life of all kitchen components, but the main thing is to avoid mistakes when hastily selecting components.
Main types of retractable fittings
Fittings for drawers come in several varieties:
- Roller guides are based on the movement of rollers along guides. The most common type of retractable fittings. It is inexpensive and easy to install. The disadvantages are the presence of strong noise when the mechanism operates, the fragility of the design and the ability to open the box to 2/3 of its capacity.
- Ball guides are telescopic fittings, they are characterized by smoother movement compared to rollers, the ability to take on a high degree of load, and durability.
- Metal-box structures are retractable furniture fittings: the guides move due to rollers. The main difference is the presence of additional metal side walls, which increase the load on the mechanism. Boxes equipped with metal box fittings can be loaded up to 30 kg. At the customer's request, retractable mechanisms of this design can be equipped with closers.
- Tandem mechanisms. They are a complete box made to individual specifications. Guides and reinforcing devices are located on the side and bottom of the drawer. Due to the large number of guides and supporting elements, this design works easily and smoothly. It is durable. The box can be supplemented with a closer or an electric drive. The main disadvantage is the high cost of the structure.
- Cargo systems - this mechanism is a retractable drawer of a certain shape, which is attached directly to existing furniture and is used mainly in the kitchen.
Sliding systems
This is a fundamentally different installation method.
The doors will not be attached to the body. They must slide along it using special guides. The doors themselves can be moved, folded, and also wound on a special shaft.
If you look at the catalog or visit a hardware store, you can buy the following options.
Sliding doors
. A popular mechanism for opening facades. The doors move to the left as well as to the right. They slide along the guides. The downside is limited access to content. Such systems can be suspended (coplanar), as well as supporting (roller).
Compartment sliding mechanism
Accordion
. This mechanism for opening facades is good because access to the cabinet contents is completely open. Whether it's a kitchen cabinet or a room cabinet. But you need a reserve of space in front of the furniture where the doors will be folded.
Accordion mechanism
Roller shutters and blinds
. Special furniture. Not every company offers such systems. Although many consider them underrated. The reason is that for installation you need a reserve of space in the cabinet where the shaft for winding the elements will be placed. If this is a kitchen cabinet, then such a solution is not always appropriate.
Furniture roller shutters
Electric blinds have now appeared. Convenient and also effective. But objectively expensive.
Furniture screed
Furniture screed is used only in furniture production. When making furniture, you should not use traditional fasteners instead of furniture ties, because it has special properties that not only facilitate the assembly of furniture, but also allow you to hide the fasteners.
Confermat
This type of furniture screed, which is better known as a screw screed or a confermat, has become very popular. But this type of furniture connection has a number of disadvantages. For example, furniture fittings of this kind cannot be assembled and dismantled countless times. In addition, when using conferments, the finished result will depend solely on the master who works with the furniture.
Confirmat - used to connect parts at an angle of 90 degrees. The two parts are connected with 2 confirmed screws. The confirmat is installed at a distance of 3-7 cm from the end of the parts to be connected.
Eccentric coupler
An eccentric coupler is more often used in the factory production of furniture, and the reason for this is the difficulty of drilling holes. It consists of two parts: a pin and an eccentric: the pin is installed in one part, and the eccentric in the other, used for hidden connection of 2 parts at an angle of 90 degrees. To connect 2 parts, 2 eccentric couplers are needed; they are installed at a distance of 5 cm from the end of the parts being connected.
The main advantage of this type of fastener is that this fastener is hidden and therefore does not spoil the appearance of the furniture. In addition, this type of fastener, unlike confirmat, allows you to repeatedly assemble and disassemble furniture, which is important, for example, when moving. Also, using an eccentric coupler, you can connect parts at different angles.
When making furniture yourself, it is not often used due to the difficulty of drilling holes and the inability to correct the joint during assembly. The main difficulty in drilling holes lies in the hole for the eccentric. This hole is not through and requires the use of a special drill - a Forstner drill.
Attaching wall cabinets to the wall ↑
The upper cabinets of a modern kitchen are hung on a common mounting rail (bar) using special devices - hangers. The rail, the length of which is equal to the length of the entire upper row of cabinets, is secured securely and strictly horizontally.
The mounting rail common to all cabinets greatly simplifies their installation.
The mounting rail has special holes for the hooks that are available on the hinges. In the upper cabinets of modern kitchens, as a rule, hanging units are already installed. If not, installing them is easy, you just need to make a small hole in the back wall. The design of the hinge allows you to adjust the pressure of the cabinet against the wall, making it possible to raise or lower it by a few millimeters.
Hinge mechanism with decorative cover removed. The top screw adjusts the height of the cabinet, the bottom screw adjusts the depth (degree of pressure against the wall)
When using rails and hinges, it is advisable that in upper cabinets the back wall is inserted into the grooves with a slight recess, rather than secured over the body at the back.
Upper cabinets where the fiberboard back wall is slightly offset inwards (to the right) will be pressed closer to the wall
Which manufacturer’s accessories to choose: top 5
Another important criterion for choosing kitchen fittings is the manufacturer. Give preference to professionals in your industry - there are many time-tested companies on the market, and the most popular and widespread in our market are presented below. In addition to the reliability and durability of components, these representatives are distinguished by an affordable price for a wide range of consumers.
Bloom
Blum is a well-known premium Austrian brand that produces multifunctional hardware components with a main emphasis on ergonomic qualities.
Blum kitchen fittings
