Are you torn between kitchen handles or knobs? The difference comes down to three things: the number of screw holes, how easily you can open the cabinet, and the look you are going for. Below, you will find out what works best for each type of cabinet so you can order correctly the first time.
Short answer
A knob has 1 screw hole and is best suited for wall cabinets and small drawers. A handle has 2 screw holes (usually 96, 128, 160, or 192 mm center-to-center) and is easier to use for heavy drawers and base cabinets. Many kitchens combine both: for example, knobs on top and 160 mm handles on the drawers. At Grepenwinkel, both knobs and handles are available from €3.99.
What is the difference between a kitchen handle and a knob?
Knob
- 1 mounting point, 1 screw hole
- Compact and understated on small fronts
- Grip with two or three fingers
- From €3.99 at our store
Handle
- 2 mounting points, 2 screw holes
- Size = center-to-center distance (e.g. 128 mm)
- Pull with the whole hand, even with wet hands
- From €3.99 at our store, from 64 to 640 mm
Useful to know: the center-to-center measurement is the distance between the centres of the two screw holes, not the total length of the handle.
When should you choose a knob?
Choose a knob for doors that you mainly open and do not need to pull heavily: wall cabinets, narrow cabinets, and small drawers up to about 40 cm wide. Knobs are less noticeable, keeping a row of wall cabinets looking understated. They are also the quickest choice if your cabinets do not yet have holes: drill one hole and you are done. View the cabinet knobs. Read choosing cabinet knobs to find out which material and color knob suits your kitchen.
When should you choose a handle?
Choose a handle for anything that is heavy or needs to be opened frequently: pot drawers, base cabinets, dishwasher and refrigerator doors, and tall cabinets. A handle provides a better grip and distributes the pulling force over two screws. Rule of thumb for the size: a handle measuring about a quarter to a third of the front width will look balanced, so 160 mm or 192 mm on a 60 cm drawer.
| Area in the kitchen | Recommendation | Common size |
|---|---|---|
| Wall cabinets | Knob, or short handle for a continuous line | Knob or 96 mm |
| Small drawers (up to 40 cm) | Short handle or knob | 96–128 mm |
| Drawers and base cabinets (60 cm) | Handle | 128–160 mm |
| Wide pot drawers (80–90 cm) | Long handle | 192 mm or longer |
| Tall cabinet and refrigerator front | Long handle, vertical | 192–320 mm |
Can you combine knobs and handles in one kitchen?
Yes, and it often looks the best. Just use the same color and material. The Amsterdam and the Athene, for example, are available as both a knob and a handle, so wall cabinets and drawers match perfectly. Then choose your color: matte black, silver/stainless steel or gold.
Switching from a knob to a handle: what about the holes?
If you switch from a knob to a handle, you will need an extra screw hole. When switching from a handle to a knob, holes will be left over. Here is how to do it:
Measure the existing holes
For a handle, measure the center-to-center distance. If you choose another handle with exactly the same size, you do not need to drill.
Determine the new position
Place masking tape on the front, mark out the new holes, and check that they are at the same height on all doors.
Fill the remaining holes
Fill old holes with wood filler or 2K filler, sand them smooth, and finish in the color of the front. Or wrap your fronts after filling: then the old holes will be completely gone.
Choose directly
Frequently asked questions about handles and knobs
Are knobs cheaper than handles?
Not necessarily. At Grepenwinkel, knobs and handles both start from €3.99; the price depends mainly on the model and length.
What is better for drawers: a knob or a handle?
For drawers wider than 40 cm, a handle is better: you pull with the whole hand and the force is distributed over two screws.
Can I put a knob on a door with two holes?
Yes, but holes will be left over. Fill them or choose a handle with the same center-to-center measurement, then you do not need to drill.
What are the standard sizes for kitchen handles?
The standard sizes are 96, 128, 160, and 192 mm center-to-center. Always measure your own screw holes, as 64 or 320 mm also occur.
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