Soft Kitchen Cabinet Hinges: When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, no detail is too small. Whether you are renovating a space or building it from scratch, ensuring the functional operation of your kitchen cabinets is key. Some of the most essential parts of any high-quality kitchen are unbelievably common, like this hinge. And soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges are the ultimate in luxury and ease when it comes to hinges.
In case you want your kitchen to turn a new leaf, we tested 5 of the best soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges available in the market. Independently verified knowledge, from installation tips to why to use soft close hinges, and everything in between.
What are Soft Kitchen Cabinet Hinges?
Before we get started with the best products available you may ask what is so important with soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges? These hinges are made to avoid slamming cabinet doors, a normal trait of cabinets with the outdated cabinets hinges. So, instead of the door slamming into the cabinet frame, the soft close slows down the door’s travel, allowing it to close silently and held firmly in place.
This is especially useful in a frequently used kitchen, and slamming cupboard doors can damage the doors themselves as well as the cabinet frames. Now, your kitchen will feel a bit more luxurious with soft close hinges that make pretentious nonsense of closing cabinets.
Why Choose Soft Close Hinges?
Before we get into the specific products, let’s take a moment to discuss the many reasons that soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges are a great choice for your kitchen. The benefits of these hinges go well beyond the practical to the aesthetic; they can dramatically improve your kitchen’s function, style and comfort!
Top 10 Best Quietest Kitchen Appliances in 2023
Perhaps the most visible (and veteran appreciated) benefit of soft close hinges is in their eradication of the loud, jarring sounds produced when a cabinet door slams shut. Picture a kitchen bubbling with activity: cooking, cleaning, conversation. The last thing you want is the repeated thud of doors slamming shut whenever someone opens a cabinet.
Soft close hinges use a mechanism that slows the movement of the door gradually, gently closing the door. That means no more disruptive sounds, no more angst from a door slamming in your face, and no more waking your baby up or ruining the peaceful vibe of your home. Soft close hinges operate in a quiet and smooth manner which helps maintain a calm atmosphere in the home, even when the kitchen is at its busiest, ideally suited for open-plan homes with the kitchen as part of a larger living space.
To top it all off, most soft close hinges also utilize an adjustable tension system which make adjusting the speed and the force on which the door closes, making it an even more pleasurable experience. If you’re in the process of cooking an elaborate meal or hosting a dinner party, the quiet but controlled shutting of the doors will lend an air of finesse and calmness to your kitchen.
Durability: Your Cabinets Will Last Long, And Its Protection
Traditional cabinet doors may become damaged over time from the constant slamming. The repeated slamming of doors into the cabinet frame can loosen screws, damage hinges and crack or chip the wood or veneer on the doors.
Soft close hinges are able to combat this issue by eliminating slamming doors. Backed by a hydraulic or pneumatic device, they slow the door slightly right before it closes to ensure that it shuts softly and silently. This solution protects your cabinets from harm, while also minimizing unnecessary stress on the hinges themselves.
Your cabinet doors will hold up much longer because the soft close mechanism minimizes friction and shock. It means that you will need fewer repairs or replacements, which can save you money and time in the long run. Installing cabinets in a kitchen that gets a lot of daily use or a space that’s used less often, either way, these hinges will help prolong the life of your cabinetry and keep it in great shape going forward.
More Safety: A Kids Kitchen Which Is Accident Free
Safety in the kitchen is a top concern for families with small children. Most kitchen cabinets have heavy doors that can cause injuries like pinched fingers if they are slammed; the door can also swing back too quickly and hit someone.
Soft close hinges help mitigate this issue a great deal. Because the hinges that keep the doors from closing suddenly, there’s a lower risk of them swinging open suddenly or slamming shut forcefully. This is especially critical in homes where children may not always be aware of the dangers of cabinet doors. These are especially sage if you have young kids because the danger of injuries from swiftly closing cabinet doors is greatly reduced with soft close hinges.
In households with older adults or people with limited mobility, soft close hinges are also safer. The decreased effort it takes to close the doors means less physical stress is involved in making cabinets work, at least with everybody in the family, without the risk of sudden, painful impacts.
Improved Aesthetics: Transforming Your Kitchen Appearance
In kitchen design, the devil is in the details. Soft close hinges are not only functional but also helps in enhancing the overall aesthetics of the kitchen. The fluid and controlled functioning of the cabinet doors sheaths your kitchen in elegance, transforming the space into an upscale, custom-designed experience.
Having a kitchen with soft close hinges has a feeling and look of quality workmanship. The closing action of the cabinet doors by itself is convenient that gives a high-end feel which is the goal of most kitchens. Plus, the soft close eliminates banging and clattering slams, making the design of your cabinetry and surrounding area stand out without interruption.
Soft close hinges give your whole kitchen a more cohesive and uniform appearance. Soft close function; whether you’re working with chic, flat-panel doors or classic, raised-panel designs, all doors close to the same ease and without that ominous bang. This kind of uniformity adds to the overall cohesiveness in your kitchen design — an important attribute for a modern, refined look.
If your intention is to improve the resell value of your home, soft close hinges can be an attractive purchase to potential buyers in regards to the impact it leaves on your kitchen. The luxury sense they offer is a determining element for those searching for premium quality, ready-for-occupancy houses.
Energy Efficient: A Helping Hand to A Greener Kitchen
Now, this might sound like relatively low-hanging fruit in terms of benefit, but soft close hinges can actually contribute to the energy efficiency in your kitchen. Here’s how: when cabinet doors close tightly and securely against their frames, they form a better edge seal. That really matters for anything in being stored in a food cabinet, or an appliance that needs to be in a stable environment.”
In some instances, cabinet doors don’t completely close or seal correctly, allowing air in, which can change the temperature inside. This could be an issue if you’re stashing food in kitchen cabinets, or even using some appliances that need to be kept at a uniform temperature. Soft close hinges make certain that doors are all the way in and tight, preventing the loss of warm or cool air to keep your environment working well.
Soft close hinges also represent part of a larger trend in home design toward sustainability. Now that we have talked about soft close hinges, let us discuss how they differ from modern traditional hinges in terms of environmental impact. As a result, they are not only an excellent option for extending the life of your goal and keeping them safe, but they are also a more eco-friendly option in the long run.
The energy savings from soft close hinges may not be great, but every little bit helps. A soft close hinge is a small change to incorporate, but it contributes to the overall sustainability of your kitchen in making it a more energy-efficient space that has better long-term functionality.
Having seen why soft close hinges are important, let’s look at some of the top 5 soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges on the market.
Clip Top Soft Close hinges (Blum 110°)
It is an impossible question to answer; there are so many likely contenders — but many people probably end up naming Blum. Those who want to improve their kitchen cabinets can opt for their 110° Clip Top Soft Close Hinges.
Features:
Function Silent and Smooth: The soft close function is really perfect, and the doors close quietly and smoothly.
Durability: Blum hinges are recognized for their durability, constructed to withstand the rigors of frequently used kitchen cabinets.
The Clip Top makes these hinges straightforward to install and adjust. They snap onto the mounting plate without any screws needed.
Brumation technology; offers adjustability that can accommodate various cabinet designs for a tight fit
Pros:
- The most durable and highest quality
- Smooth closing action
- Easy to install and adjust
Cons:
- It can be more expensive than other options, but it is worth the cost for the quality.
Where to Buy:
You can buy Blum soft close hinges from the big box home improvement stores or Amazon and Lowe’s.
Soft Close Hinges: Hettich Senses
Another such leading manufacturer is Hettich they make high quality, reliable cabinet hardware. Hettich Senses Soft Close Hinges The Hettich Senses Soft Close Hinges are for anyone who wants a reliable and smooth soft close mechanism.
Features:
Soft and Silent Closure: Senses mechanism enable soft and silent closures of doors, thereby completely eradicating the need to slam doors.
Consistent Performance: Providing perfect soft-close performance for years, Hettich Senses hinges are particularly ideal for busy kitchens.
Self-Closing Action: These hinges will subtly draw the door shut, even if you don’t swing it closed all the way.
Versatility: Senses hinges can work across different types of cabinet doors, from full overlay and gently inset doors.
Pros:
- Soft close performance; reliable and consistent.
- Easy to install and adjust.
- Cabinet doors full compatibility and versatility.
Cons:
- It is claimed that, after prolonged use, they need to service time-to-time.
Where to Buy:
Hettich Senses hinges can be found online at Amazon, Wayfair and from specialized kitchen hardware retailers.
Amerock 1/2-Inch Overlay Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
Pros: For homeowners on a budget, the Amerock 1/2-Inch Overlay Soft Close Cabinet Hinges are the best combination of quality and price. Amerock has long been a trusted name in the home improvement world, and these hinges are no different.
Features:
Soft Close Mechanism: The soft close mechanism of these hinges allows the door to close gently and quietly.
Robust Design: These hinges feature a high-grade steel construction ensuring their durability and longevity.
Simple Installation: These are made for an uncomplicated setup, with straightforward mounting hardware and versatile options.
The Amerock hinges feature a modern, streamlined design that will seamlessly complement contemporary kitchen décor.
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Not at the expense of quality
- Easy to install and adjust
- Best of all, they use high-quality materials that last.
Cons:
- Not quite as customizable as premium options.
Where to Buy:
The hinges can be found on Amazon or directly through Amerock’s site.
Europe Soft Close Hinges
If you need an affordable and sturdy substitute, consider Ameroze Soft Close Hinges For Europe. These hinges are smooth and soft close without the premium price.
Features:
Quiet and Smooth Close: The soft close needs of Europe offer a nearly quiet closet each time.
Built-in Soft Close Mechanism: Hinges are ready to use without installation as the mechanism is already built-in.
Durability: Built to withstand the weight of heavy cabinet doors.
Affordable Price Point: Europe hinges is the perfect solution for those who want to have a good kitchen without spending too much money.
Pros:
- Affordable with no performance compromise.
- Soft close mechanism (pre-installed).
- Robust and ultra-reliable for long-term use.
Cons:
- Higher-end brands have more adjustability.
Where to Buy:
Amazon/E-bay: Europe soft close hinges Europe soft close hinges.
HARDWARE: Richelieu Soft Close Concealed Hinges
Richelieu Soft Close Concealed Hinges are a good choice if you prefer a more discreet hinge option. If you prefer a hidden hinge mechanism, these are great as they are hidden within the cabinet.
Features:
Hidden Design — These Hinges are Hidden in Your Cabinet So You Can Have a Has a Sleek, Minimalist Look In Your Kitchen
Soft close: The soft close feature allows for whisper-quiet operation, combining silence with a smooth close.
Long-Lasting Build: Richelieu hinges are crafted from tough materials to bear the weight of heavier cabinet doors.
Versatile: It is suitable for most cabinet door types, including full overlay and inset doors.
Pros:
- Design of Invisible Hinge Only for Clean & Modern Look
- Silent, smooth closing action
- Its construction is strong and durable
Cons:
This can make installation more precise because more of the components are hidden.
Where to Buy:
You can buy Richelieu hinges directly from Richelieu’s website or from other online retailers such as Amazon.
Comparison Table: Best Soft Close Kitchen-Cabinet Hinges
| Brand | Hinge Type | Soft Close Mechanism | Adjustability | Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blum | Clip Top Soft Close | Integrated Blumotion | Highly Adjustable | High-quality steel | Premium ($$$) |
| Hettich | Sensys Soft Close | Self-closing mechanism | Moderate Adjustability | Steel | Mid-Range ($$) |
| Amerock | 1/2-Inch Overlay Soft Close | Integrated Soft Close | Basic Adjustability | Steel | Budget ($) |
| Europe | Soft Close Concealed | Built-in Soft Close | Limited Adjustability | Steel | Budget ($) |
| Richelieu | Concealed Soft Close | Soft Close Mechanism | Moderate Adjustability | High-quality steel | Mid-Range ($$) |
FAQs Regarding Soft Close Kitchen-Cabinet Hinges
Soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges: What are they?
Soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges are designed to avoid cabinet doors slamming shut. They have a hydraulic or pneumatic system that slows the door as it closes, letting the door close easily, noiselessly and softly.
“But how do soft close hinges work?
Soft close hinges utilize an integrated damping mechanism, usually hydraulic or pneumatic, that cushions the force of the door as it begins to close. This mechanism slowly decreases the movement of the door before it strikes the cabinet frame, therefore preventing a loud slamming sound while minimizing wear on the cabinet.
Can you put soft close hinges on existing cabinets?
Yes, the soft close hinges are usually retrofitted on existing cabinets, provided the cabinet doors and frames are compatible. If your current hinges are removable and your door overlay or size enables it, softer close hinges can be fitted to your existing cabinetry without replacing the entire system.
Do soft close hinges fit all styles of cabinet doors?
Soft close hinges are available for the majority of cabinet doors, including a full overlay, partial overlay, inset, and many more. But you need to select the appropriate hinge type for your particular cabinet setup. Always confirm compatibility against the manufacturer’s specifications.
How long do soft close cabinet hinges last?
Soft close cabinet hinges can last several years, but they will vary depending on who built your hinge and how often you use it. Good quality hinges, for example those by Blum or Hettich, last for many years even with daily use. A good soft close hinge will typically last between 10-20 years so on average.
Are soft close hinges adjustable?
Yes, most of the soft close hinges are of adjustable type. Most hinges have built-in mechanisms for you to adjust the closing speed, tension and even door alignment to make sure the door shuts how you want it to. The level of adjustability can vary, so it’s good to choose a hinge to fit your needs.
This brings us to the main question—are they easy to install?
Soft close hinges are relatively simple to install, especially if these are clip-on ones, which makes installation faster and simpler. If you are replacing old hinges with the same type, installation should be a relatively straightforward process, given that the install might require some adjustments to the cabinet doors. For first-time do-it-yourselfers, it’s a good idea to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are soft close hinges good on heavy cabinet doors?
Yes, you can use soft close hinges on heavy cabinet doors, but the hinges will have to be rated for heavier loads. Soft close hinges are also typically reinforced for larger, heavier cabinet doors, such as those made of solid wood or with glass fronts.
soft close hinges maintenance?
Typically, soft close hinges do not need to be monitored much. But as time goes on, the soft close mechanism can fail, especially if the hinges themselves are cheap crap, or were installed poorly. If you notice any roughness in the way the doors are closing, it’s worth checking whether they might just need cleaning or lubrication on the hinges.
Learn about the cost of soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges.
How much do soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges cost?
For example, basic soft close hinges are typically $2–$10/hinge; premium stuff like Blum or Hettich can be $15–$30+ per hinge. Might save a few bucks with bulk purchases or kits for multiple doors, so shop around.
Ultimately, the team here at Soft Close Hinge developed both the tear-off and a complete guide for the best soft close hinges available for your kitchen.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate soft close kitchen-cabinet hinges is determined by your personal preferences, budget, and style considerations. No matter if you decide to use high-end brands such as Blum or Hettich or more affordable ÖN RAND or Europe, you can screed between if you’re going to invest into quality, long-lasting, useful, and fabulous kitchen.
The combination of convenience, safety and luxury provided by soft close hinges is worth every penny of the investment. Therefore, it is very important to select the proper.
