custom panel fridge--is there a rule for handle placement?

15 years ago

I have a Thermador french door paneled fridge and I bought some handles to go on it but I'm not sure where to put the ones for the refrigerator section; the pulls are about 13" long total but the actual handle part is only about 9" long.

I have seen pulls mounted centrally and also down lower towards the bottom edge of the panel...is this just personal preference or is there some rule for proper ergonomics? Dh and I are both over 5'8" but we do have kids (all over 4' at this point) if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful:

Featured Answer

sue36

15 years ago

This is what I did. I walked to the fridge with my eyes closed and reached (as if reaching for a handle). I put a piece of blue tape where I touched. I then had DH (who thinks I am nuts) do the same thing. I then placed the handle so he would reach for the upper part of the handle. I didn't want them too high (he is tall). The height seems perfect. My handle is about 10". Mine are centered on the (vertical) side stile.

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Comments (8)

plllog
15 years ago
The most important thing is to have them close enough to the opening edge to get a good lever action when you pull, but not so close to the edge that it feels precarious or cramped. I'd say not more than a quarter of the width of the panel away from the edge. Also, to get the best pulling action, it should be at a level where most people can grab it with a bent elbow, i.e., between waist and shoulder for the adults in the household.

You can overridge that for looks. The important thing is that it opens.
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shanghaimom
15 years ago
Hi Honeychurch,

I also have the Thermador French door with panels. I had to just guess on size and placement, but luckily, it worked out great! They are placed just right for easy opening. Here is a photo-- HTH!
shanghaimom
15 years ago
Oh, my!! I just now opened the photo link for your pulls--those are SO beautiful and unusual. Love, love, love them!!!
marcydc
15 years ago
It's important to pick a pull that your hand can fit behind. I was surprised at the number of them I ruled out because of that.

Mine is about 4 feet off the ground (the bottom of it).
Put it where it is comfortable for you.
From Bathroom and more remodel
honeychurch
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone for the advice and photos--I actually held the handle in my hand and did a version of sue36's test, "Pin the handle on the panel", and we were able to determine a comfortable height for us this way.

Marcy, though I didn't think of grip clearance before I ordered my handles, fortunately there is enough space.

Pllog, yes, as long as it opens...considering it has been installed and yet panel-less for going on two weeks, opening it will be quite nice!

Shanghaimom, how is your Thermador working for you? I remember your kitchen, it is truly lovely!
shanghaimom
15 years ago
Thank you, Honey. (-:

I like everything about the Thermador except that it is so shallow. I was well aware that a built-in fridge was going to be that way, though, and a standard fridge would have looked weird sticking out from that wall. So...form over function in this case! My favorite thing about it is the big drawer freezer. I can find things in it so easily and it holds a LOT.
marcydc
15 years ago
I love the shallowness of the built-in, bright lights, and things at my eye level. Things aren't getting lost in there.

The electric company came and took the old GE top freezer yesterday. I wasn't sad at all to see them whack the heck out of it with a hammer to remove enough of it to get it through the doorway. We were always losing leftovers in that cave!

So in my case, function and form both have been achieved! (and they gave me $35 for the old guy !)