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Handles for an panel ready fridge. Manufacture v. Cabinet handles?

2 years ago

I just bought a 42" Jenn-Air, French Door, Panel Ready Fridge with bottom Freezer.

I had a question regarding the handles for the fridge/freeze. I want to do the same handles as my cabinets however, my cabinet guy says that I might be better off going with the manufacture handles.

Q: Is there any issue with sticking with the cabinet handles or should I go with the Manufacture handles?

Some side notes:

- The manufacture handles would be $900 (CND) and not refundable once delivered where as the cabinet handles are likely free (or much less)

- The cabinet handles, in the style chosen, only come in 12" long

- As per the cabinet guy, the cabinet handles would only be fastened into the panels were as the manufacture handles are larger screws and fastened into the actual fridge/freeze door (therefore more sturdy)

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Comments (4)

chispa
2 years ago
No, you should not use regular cabinet pulls on your fridge. They are too narrow in the hand, for the force needed to open the fridge/freezer doors. Many cabinet hardware lines have matching or coordinating Appliance Pulls, which is what you should order.

I've had no issues using Appliance Pulls, that match my cabinet hardware, on my Subzero fridge.
darbuka
2 years ago
Like @chispa, I have appliance pulls (from Top Knobs) on my Sub Zero, in the same style as my cabinet pulls. They are large, and sturdy.
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palimpsest
2 years ago
I think it depends how wide or thick they are in addition to the 12" length. If they are sturdy 12" should be wide enough.
S G
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for your help.

I think the way to go is NOT use the cabinet handles but to find an appliance version of the handles similar to my cabinet handles. This would be a cleaner look.

The manufacture handles are large and stainless steel and would look odd with the rest of the kitchen and would defeat the purpose of an integrated Panel Ready fridge.

Thanks everyone

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