· Michael Blair
Two kitchens with identical doors can feel completely different, and the difference is hardware. It is also the least visible place to economise, which is why cheaper cabinetry does exactly that.
Drawer runners
Full-extension runners let the drawer come all the way out, so the back is usable. Three-quarter extension leaves the rear third permanently awkward.
Undermount runners are hidden and generally smoother than side-mount. Soft-close is now standard on decent cabinetry and is worth insisting on.
Hinges
Concealed European hinges with six-way adjustment let doors be aligned properly and realigned as the house moves. Soft-close is either integral or a separate damper.
A kitchen with doors that will not line up usually has hinges without adequate adjustment rather than a fitting problem.
- Full-extension undermount drawer runners
- Soft-close on both doors and drawers
- Six-way adjustable concealed hinges
- Dovetailed or well-made drawer boxes, not stapled
- Weight rating on runners for pan drawers
Drawer boxes
The box matters as much as the runner. Dovetailed solid timber or good plywood boxes survive heavy pan drawers; stapled particleboard boxes come apart.
Check the rating if you are putting crockery or pans in deep drawers, which is heavier than manufacturers sometimes assume.
Upgrading existing cabinetry
Fitting soft-close dampers to existing hinges is inexpensive and transforms how a kitchen feels. Replacing side-mount runners with undermount is harder and often not worth it.
New handles and knobs are the cheapest change with the largest visual effect in any kitchen.