The Best Cabinet Hinges

Buying Guide

Whether you’re getting new cabinets, doing a major reno or just want to give your existing cabinets a refresh, having the right cabinet hinges is a good idea. While they may seem like an afterthought or basic item, cabinet hinges are what help your cabinet doors to function properly. The simple device consists of two pieces of metal which are joined by a small pin. While there are many styles of cabinet hinges, they all work the same way. The hinge acts like a connector between the cabinet and its door, enabling it to do its job.

When deciding which type of cabinet hinges to get, you have to first look at what type of cabinet you have. There are two main cabinet styles: face frame and frameless. A face frame cabinet, as the name suggests, has a frame that is attached to the front face of the cabinet. The cabinet hinges get mounted onto the front face frame instead of the sides of the cabinet. The frameless cabinet style, as you may have guessed, has no face frame. The hinges get mounted onto the inside of the cabinet.

There are three main types of cabinet hinge mountings, and each have their advantages and drawbacks. Concealed hinges get mounted onto the inside of the cabinet door, so they are not visible from the outside of the cabinet when the door is closed. These types of hinges help you correct any imperfections you may have with your mounting skills as they only are visible once the cabinet is open. Semi-concealed hinges have the main mechanism on the inside of the cabinet, but there is a small portion which shows on the outside of the cabinet frame. Exposed hinges, as the name suggests, are fully visible on the outside of the cabinet. They often have a decorative appeal as compared to concealed and semi-concealed hinges.

• What kind of cabinet hinge mounting should you use? A major factor in this decision will be the aesthetic in your space. If you like the look of clean lines and have a modern style, go with concealed cabinet hinges as they will have a more contemporary look. However, if you prefer a more classic or traditional vibe, then semi-concealed or exposed cabinet hinges will work better with your style. You can typically find exposed hinges that have a more decorative appeal than their counterparts.
• Do you have a habit of leaving the cabinets open by accident? Self-close cabinet hinges may be the solution you need. They use hydraulic pressure or a spring-loaded mechanism to ensure the door closes by itself. To open the door, you have to apply a specific amount of counter-pressure to it.
• For those that accidentally slam cabinet doors closed, look for soft-close cabinet hinges. They use hydraulics to create a vacuum within the hinge, so that it closes slowly – no matter how hard you try to slam it shut. Keep in mind that these types of hinges can be quite difficult to install correctly, so it’s best to work with a professional on them.
• If you plan on doing repairs to the cabinet doors in the future, such as re-finishing, painting or cleaning them, and want to be able to remove the doors with ease, consider demountable hinges. You don’t need to unscrew the hinge in order to remove the doors in this case. You can simply lift the door up and put it back on the hinge without having to worry about tools.