At a Glance
Know the Different Types of Handles Available
Factors When Choosing Appliance Handles
Customize Your Appliance Hardware with Select Brands
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
There are so many factors to consider when shopping for appliances. You need to know the physical measurements of your living space while also researching the various features and technology that come with different options. It’s not uncommon for customers to create spreadsheets and pro-con lists for a few top appliances to choose the right one.
After you choose your new favorite appliance at Spencers, there are even more factors to consider. You will need to evaluate your hardware and select the best appliance pull options to match your designs. The handles and hardware you choose will affect how your kitchen looks but will also impact the comfort levels and grip of these units. Learn more about appliance pull design choices so you can make informed decisions for your home.
What is an Appliance Pull?
As you research different design options, you will start to see the word “pull” regarding your appliance handles. The hardware that you grip when you open a drawer or cabinet is a pull. Conversely, the hardware used to open a refrigerator or oven is a handle.
Handles tend to be larger and more durable because they need to be used to open heavier doors. Think of how much energy goes into pulling open your oven compared to reaching into a cabinet for a place. A handle provides more grip and covers a larger space, which makes it easier to open the appliance.
However, there are times when you might have an appliance pull instead of an appliance handle. If you have panel-ready appliances, then you will have a cabinet facing over the units. You might have pulls on these appliances instead of handles. For example, your dishwasher handle might be a pull once you place a cabinet panel on the front.
Most hardware companies and local appliance stores will know what you mean when you are talking about handles and pulls, so you can use them interchangeably. But it sometimes helps to know the difference between the two when looking at specific items.
Know the Different Types of Handles Available
There are two factors to keep in mind as you explore different appliance handles: the style and the feel. You don’t want to buy handles that are beautiful but uncomfortable to use. Otherwise, your handles will get sore every time you prepare a meal. Here are a few different handle options to test out.
- Bar: These are some of the most common pulls out there. A single bar is installed in the cabinet for you to grip. This hardware comes standard with most appliances and is the easiest to replace.
- Tubular: This option is similar to your bar pulls, except the bar is more pronounced to create a round tube.
- Arched: These pulls curve into a soft arch. They are easy to grip because they match the natural curve of your hand.
- Finger pulls: These handles often look like small shelves or door handles. While they are stylish, make sure they are comfortable to use in your home.
- Recessed: These pulls sit against the cabinet or are built into the panel. You reach into the pull to open the compartment. This option is ideal for minimalist looks.
- Ring: With this option, each handle has a small ring attached that you use to pull open the cabinet. This can add a vintage or antique feel to your kitchen.
You can also work with designers to create custom pulls that match your preferences and needs. Just make sure you have enough handles to outfit your entire kitchen.
→ Learn More: Where to Buy Subzero Refrigerators in Arizona
Factors When Choosing Appliance Handles
While it might be tempting to look at new appliance handle options as soon as you select the right equipment for your home, there are logistical factors to consider when shopping for these items. Here are a few things to consider.
- Size: Your appliance manufacturer already drilled holes where the handles are located. If you buy smaller or larger handles, you will need to drill new holes and figure out how to seal the old ones.
- Shadow: The old handle could leave residue or missing paint on your refrigerator once you remove it. This is called a shadow because you can still see evidence of the old pull even after you install the new one.
- Durability: Some appliances need more durable handles. Small or weak handles could be ineffective on a refrigerator or oven. It will take more effort to open these appliances and the work could be painful.
- Grip: Make sure you feel comfortable holding the handle and pulling with it. No one wants to use painful pulls.
- Style: Choose handles that match your other cabinets, appliances, and accessories in your kitchen. Think about your design elements, not just these small pieces.
Going through a kitchen remodel and updating your appliances is exciting, but it also takes a lot of planning and thought. A choice that seems simple, like choosing handles, actually comes with a lot of considerations ranging from the size and weight of the pulls to whether or not they pair well with your lighting.
Customize Your Appliance Hardware with Select Brands
You can choose the cabinetry and hardware for most panel-ready appliances, but you don’t have to go with panel-ready designs if you want unique appliance pull options. More brands are increasingly exploring different colors and textures in their handles and pulls, which creates a more engaging buying experience. Here are a few brands that allow you to customize your hardware.
- Café: This company has been one of the pioneers in hardware finishes. There are six Café appliance handle finishes to choose from, ranging from a pinkish brushed copper to a dark flat black. The hardware applies to all accents, including knobs and handles. This is your chance to design your kitchen with white appliances with gold handles if that’s the design you prefer.
- Monogram: While Monogram doesn’t offer many handles as Café, there are still options if you want to elevate your appliances with unique pulls. The company currently has a line of minimalist pulls if you want to create a more subtle look in your kitchen. This could also be a good choice if you have black appliances in your home.
- Miele: Miele recently launched its signature handle collection. Multiple colors match its luxury products. This allows you to further elevate your kitchen by starting with Miele products and then choosing finishes that suit your design needs.
Appliance manufacturers tend to copy each other when they discover a design element or feature that customers like. As more people demand unique refrigerator handle options, more brands will roll out these options. However, some companies do not want you to change their handles. Sub-Zero specifically does not recommend changing the handles for its Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products.
→ Learn More: How to Style Your Kitchen with Black Appliances
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about appliance handles.
Can you change the handles on your appliances?
Different brands have specific requirements for changing handles and pulls on appliances. This is because the existing handles could leave shadows after they are removed and because there are specific places where the new hardware needs to be screwed in. See if your appliance brand offers handle alternatives or replacements if you aren’t happy with your current option.
Can you change the hardware on appliances?
You can easily replace the hardware on your appliances if it is damaged or broken. You can reach out to the brand and ask about replacement equipment. You might also be able to replace handles that are unfashionable. Learn about the customization options related to your specific brand and appliance.
Do appliance handles have to match?
You do not have to match the appliance handles across your kitchen. Some homeowners enjoy mixing and matching their hardware throughout the space. However, matching all of your appliances creates a unified look in your space. If you are planning to sell your home, buyers might prefer handles and pulls that match.
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencers TV & Appliance has grown to 11 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencers and see what you’re missing!
Shop Appliance Pulls at Spencers
At Spencers TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop appliance pulls online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the right appliance pull. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
→ Learn More: Phoenix Appliances: Where to Find the Best Deals and Selection