Knobs are the most basic type of kitchen hardware, and they’re easy to swap out yourself. They’re usually installed using a single screw. Knobs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they’re made from various materials such as stainless steel, brass, stone, zinc, crystal, glass, marble, ceramic and more. Common shapes for kitchen knobs include round, square and birdcage. There are also plenty of novelty pulls to choose from, so you can add an element of your personality to your space.
The pros of choosing knobs:
- You enjoy many options. You have seemingly endless options for kitchen knobs. You can choose something economical or opt for a luxurious knob to accent a formal, elegant kitchen. Large or small, colorful or wood, round or square, there’s an option to suit any kitchen. You can get as personal and detailed as you like when you choose knobs for your kitchen.
- Knobs are generally less expensive. You can purchase standard knobs at a lower cost than standard pulls. Of course, high-end knobs will cost more than a standard pull, but if you’re looking for the most economical choice, you will find a larger variety of inexpensive knobs than pulls.
- Knobs are easy to install. Within minutes, you can transform the look of your kitchen by switching out the knobs. They are attached using a single screw, so all you have to do is unscrew the old knob and screw on the new one.
- Round knobs will never go crooked. Knobs are attached with screws, and screws can become loose over time. If you choose a round knob, it will always be centered. Novelty knobs, square-shaped knobs, and knobs that aren’t round can lose their center and look unbalanced when a screw inevitably becomes loose. Although not a difficult problem to fix, it can be annoying to see crooked and uneven knobs throughout a kitchen, which is why many people prefer round options. Cabinet Hardware, Inc’s knobs have brads at the base of the knob that stick into the cabinet and prevent rotation.
The cons of choosing knobs:
- Knobs are harder to grasp. When compared to pulls, knobs are typically harder to grasp and pull. This can be an issue for people with arthritis or people with a disability.
- They can be hard to clean. If you choose novelty knobs or highly embellished knobs, they may be hard to clean. Grease splatters, messy hands and occasional spills are common in kitchens. Intricately detailed knobs will add flair and personality to your kitchen, but if you can’t easily clean them, you may end up replacing them too soon.
- Some drawer knobs and knobs on lower cabinets can catch on clothing. Although pulls that extend on both sides are more likely to catch clothing, knobs can also pose the same problem. Depending on the size, shape and location of the knob, it can catch on clothing and become an annoyance.