I've never used them in a kitchen, but I have used them. They work. Check the depth--it looks pretty deep. I'd think it would be good for a hatch or door, but not necessarily for a normal cabinet door, because, yes, it needs to be routed.

I hate the feeling of slipping my finger along the inner cup to get the ring, but that's personal. Not the easiest thing to do when your hands are full, however. :)

Have you considered a pressure latch instead? That's no exterior hardware at all. Push to open, push to close. Sometimes called "touch latch".

I don't know if you're even interested in this style, but I found a much better picture.

Here is a link that might be useful: Epco recessed pull

I wonder what the maximum depth would be to still work. i'm assuming they'd be mounted on the rail part and not the panel part of the door.

maybe i'll order one and see what it "feels like". I really do love the look, but if i'm going to hate opening the cabinet, it's not really worth it.

We have a travel trunk that is about 150 years old (we use it as a dresser) that has similar pulls (bigger though).

The best price I have found for them is in the UK where most basic hardware stores carry them (and if you are getting more than a few, it is worth it to have them shipped). A few sizes and styles to choose from as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: flush pulls

They'd definitely go on the frame of the door, but since that style was originally used for marine hatches, they might be deeper/thicker than a cabinet frame. It'd just help if you could find some specs. No stores nearby that might have some to look at in person?

I have those on the lids of some benches built in the 50s. I don't think it would matter if the middle of the pull had to penetrate the door as long as you don't have big frames behind the doors.

so this one says the recess is 1/2". No idea if that is "too deep". I do have a concern though. Do you think it would be difficult to actually get the door open with a pull like this? seems like it's a small area that would be "pulling" the door. Know what I mean....

Here is a link that might be useful: Recessed Pull

Ours are .55 inches deep, according to the manufacturer's website, so I think 1/2" should be fine. The pull is attached to the door at all four of those corners, so don't know why it'd be pulling from any smaller area than a knob? I think the only real concern is if you'll like how you have to pull it out to open it. I imagine you'd get used to it, but it's not easy to change if you decide it wasn't a choice you loved.

just thinking it might be a "two step" process that might get annoying. pull out the knob and then open. I'm thinking about going with just a flush pull like you have. I'll pay a visit to the hardware store to check it out.

I agree with Plllog. I have my SS refrigerator door bangs to the pantry's pull. I consider installing a recessed pull but I don't like to make a hole into my cabinet door. Now I consider installing a pressure latch. I just wonder if the dirty finger print will build up & damage the door's finish.

Please Plllog, give me the name of the latch that you posted in your picture. Thanks

How about just a ring pull? It would be a similar look and not stick out much at all. I like the look.

Anny, sorry, I just Googled until I got a clear image. I've actually seen versions of the same mechanism that looked sturdier. My own aren't in yet.

Do a search on "pressure latch" or "touch latch" and you should find plenty of leads.

I wonder if those pressure/touch latches would work w/soft-closer drawers... If so, it might be the compromise I need since my DH is still resisting the foot pedal on our trash pullout b/c you have to disengage the soft-close feature.

Others on GW have also asked about such a "compromise"....

rhome410 - 7 years later - do you still like your recessed pulls?!

Yep! We only have 2 of that particular style I linked. The rest of our pulls are not recessed. But I love how the recessed ones look, and they are no problem to use.

Thank you so much for your response to this old thread! We are considering something similar, but had reservations about them in hard-working kitchen.