cabinet pulls for custom panel fridge

last year

We are on the tail end of a kitchen renovation. We are doing a built in Subzero fridge/freezer, 36" with single fridge door on top and pullout freezer below. We are using custom panels for a built in look. We did not buy the Subzero handle, since we want to have hardware that matches the rest of the hardware in the room.

Subzero webpage says that, if you're doing custom panels, you can use any hardware.

I assumed I would get something that was specifically marketed as an appliance pull, but most of the hardware styles I'm gravitating towards don't offer appliance pulls. Some do, but the universe of choices is a lot larger if I ignore my need for a cabinet pull.

If I do custom panels, do I actually need something labeled "cabinet pull"? Or can I use any hardware? As noted, Subzero webpage suggests anything goes.

If we don't need to limit ourselves to "appliance pulls", is there a minimum size we need? Some of the hardware I like only comes in 8" at largest. Is there any reason I need to use a minimum size (12"+) for appliance hardware? For example, would a smaller handle put too much pressure in one spot when we pull on the door?

Or is a larger handle only recommended for function, ie it may drive us crazy having only a small handle? But if we decide we can live with the function, then it's fine?

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Comments (5)

chispa
last year
The suction/seal of these fridges can be very strong, which is why I would not use a common drawer/cabinet pull. Appliance pulls tend to be thicker and longer.

Here are the two sub-zero installation I have done with panels and appliance pulls.

24" freezer on left and 36" fridge on right.

Note: that I ordered them both hinged on the left, which worked best for this kitchen layout.

42" FD fridge/freezer.

White toe-kick missing in this photo.
H202 thanked chispa
darbuka
last year
Sub Zero doors have the strongest seals on the market. And, the decorative panel attached makes the door quite heavy. It takes more of a yank to open the doors, i.e., more pressure than the average fridge door. An appliance pull is heftier than a cabinet pull, and is made to withstand the frequent pulling/yanking of a heavy door with very strong seals.

When I was looking for pulls for our SZ, I only looked at lines that included appliance pulls. The pulls don’t have to be majorly long. Mine are 18”, from Top Knobs.
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chicagoans
last year
I feel your pain. I kept a spreadsheet and looked at many, many pulls before I found what I wanted. Even some appliance pulls felt too skimpy when I saw them in person. (Order samples and check the return policies.) If it helps, I used Emtek Select because the appliance pulls are bigger in diameter than a lot of others I looked at, and because the cabinet pulls come in several lengths. Multiple finishes.
wdccruise
last year
Amerock offers 30 appliance pulls. Select a Collection in the left-hand menu and then deselect "Appliance Pull" to view matching pulls, knobs, and other hardware in the same collection.

Top Knobs offers appliance pulls in 29 Collections.
- The diameter of the Top Knobs "Morris" appliance pull, for example, is 3/4" while the diameter of the cabinet pull is only 1/2"
- The base diameter of the "Morris" appliance pull is 1 3/16" while the base diameter of the cabinet pull is only 3/4"
Amerock and Tops Knobs are both sold by Amazon
v Tekriwal
last year
Chispa, what brand are the pulls on the white fridge?