If you’re starting down the road of a kitchen revamp or just searching for ways to enhance your home’s functionality, soft close cabinet hinges are an integral piece of the puzzle you can’t afford to overlook.
Offering a blend of utility and sophistication, these ingenious devices not only keep your kitchen quiet by eliminating the jarring noise of slamming cabinet doors but also add a touch of modern refinement to your home.
In our comprehensive review, we’ll guide you through the distinctive attributes, features, and nuances of the top five best soft close cabinet hinges available in the market today. Let’s kick off our deep dive into the world of these small yet transformative kitchen upgrades.
The subtle beauty of a well-designed home often lies in the details that are easy to overlook. One such element is the cabinet hinge. You may not give them much thought, but these small devices are important to your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
What are soft close hinges?
Soft close cabinet hinges are a specific type of cabinet hinge that has seen a significant rise in popularity over recent years. What sets them apart is their unique mechanism designed to slow the speed at which cabinet doors close, thereby reducing noise and increasing the lifespan of your cabinets.
How do soft close hinges work?
These hinges incorporate a small hydraulic mechanism, or sometimes a magnet system, that catches the door before it slams shut, ensuring it closes gently and quietly. This ingenious yet simple mechanism reduces the chance of fingers getting caught, prevents slamming-induced stress on the cabinet structure, and contributes to a serene, peaceful ambiance in your home.
In essence, soft close cabinet hinges are all about adding comfort, quiet, and longevity to your home’s cabinets.
Why should you consider using them?
Well, if you’ve ever been jarred awake in the middle of the night by a loud cabinet door slam, you know exactly why. The noise reduction alone is a significant benefit, but there’s more to soft close hinges than just peace and quiet.
Firstly, they are a boon for the longevity of your cabinets. Regular hinges allow doors to slam shut, which over time can lead to wear and tear on the cabinet structure, potentially damaging the cabinet itself or causing the screws holding the hinges to loosen.
By ensuring gentle closing, soft close hinges reduce this wear and tear, thereby extending the life of your cabinets and maintaining their look and functionality.
Secondly, if you have little ones running around the house, soft close hinges can be a crucial safety feature. Cabinet doors can be hazardous to small children who might get their fingers caught. The slow, gentle closure of soft-close hinges makes these potential accidents far less likely.
Lastly, soft close cabinet hinges are an indicator of quality and attention to detail. They can give your kitchen or bathroom an upgrade in aesthetics and perceived value, proving particularly attractive if you’re planning to sell your home.
In the following review, we will be diving into the best soft close cabinet hinges of 2023, comparing features, ease of installation, durability, and of course, performance.
Whether you are a home renovator, a DIY enthusiast, or simply someone looking to bring a little more tranquility into your kitchen or bathroom, this guide is for you.
Now, our 5 best soft close cabinet hinges
1. Blum 110° BLUMotion Clip Top Inset Hinges for Frameless Cabinets
Price: 1 pr, Around $18.70 ($9.35 ea)
When we talk about the best soft close cabinet hinges, the name ‘Blum’ is almost certain to emerge in the conversation, usually at the top of the list.
An industry leader renowned for its best-of-class products, Blum brings a lot to the table when we talk about craftsmanship and innovation.
One of their standout offerings is the 110° BLUMotion Clip Top Inset Hinges, engineered specifically for frameless cabinets. With their seamless design and advanced technology, these hinges clearly show Blum’s dedication to improving your kitchen’s functionality.
Pros:
- Superior Soft Close Technology: Having Blum’s patented Blumotion system, these hinges ensure a consistently soft and silent close, no matter how forceful the door shut is.
- Adjustable Tension: The closing speed of these hinges can be fine-tuned based on the cabinet door’s weight, to give you optimal performance across various cabinet styles and sizes.
- Durable: Constructed from robust nickel-plated steel, these hinges are designed to last and hold up well even under frequent use.
Cons:
- Pricy: The premium quality and advanced features of these hinges come with a higher price tag, which means they may not work for those on a tight budget.
- Installation Complexity: The complex assembly of these hinges might necessitate professional installation, adding to the overall cost.
2. DecoBasics Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
Price: 10-pk, Around $24 ($2.40 ea)
DecoBasics is a brand that has made a pretty good name for excellent quality at an affordable price point. Their Kitchen Cabinet Hinges show a commitment to both quality and affordable and are why we have them at #2 on our list of best soft close cabinet hinges.
Despite their lower price, these hinges are crafted with the same attention to detail and precision as their higher-priced counterparts, delivering an uncompromised performance that adds significant value to your kitchen.
Pros:
- Value for Money: With their superior quality at a competitive price, DecoBasics hinges offer a great balance between cost and performance, making them a popular choice among homeowners and cabinet builders.
- Easy Installation: The user-friendly design of these hinges allows for easy installation with basic tools, saving on professional installation costs and making them an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts.
- Adaptable: The versatile design of these hinges makes them compatible with a wide variety of cabinet styles and door types, offering greater flexibility during installation.
Cons:
- No Adjustment Feature: Unlike the Blum hinges, these hinges don’t offer an adjustable closing speed, which might be a downside for some users.
- Standard Aesthetic: While functional, the design of these hinges leans more towards the practical than the aesthetically pleasing.
3. Rok Hardware 25 Pack Soft Close Damper for Cabinet Doors
Price: 25-pk, Around $77.00 (3.08ea)
Next on our list is something a little different – the Soft Close Damper from Rok Hardware. While not a traditional hinge, these innovative devices earn their place on our list for their unique ability to transform any existing hinge into a soft close one.
By adding these dampers to your current hinges, you can upgrade your cabinets with soft close functionality, all with minimal hassle and expense.
Pros:
- Versatile: These dampers offer a flexible solution for those who wish to convert their existing hinges to soft close without replacing the entire hinge.
- Affordable: Sold in a pack of 25, these dampers offer an economical solution to upgrading your cabinets to soft close.
- Easy Installation: With their simple design, these dampers can be installed quickly and easily using only basic tools.
Cons:
- Not a Full Hinge: These dampers require existing hinges for installation. If you don’t already have hinges installed, you’ll need to purchase them separately.
- Durability Concerns: While generally long-lasting, some users have reported that these dampers wear out sooner than expected.
4. Lancher 4-Pack Hinge Easy Installation Hinges for Drawer Window Cupboard Cabinet Door
Price: 4-pk, Around $17.00 ($4.25ea)
Lancher’s Hinge Easy Installation Hinges represent a mix of value, convenience, and being very functional.
Designed with the user’s convenience in mind, these hinges eliminate the need for complex installation procedures, making them time-saving and hassle-free.
Without a need for drilling a recessed hole to mount them, they are great for homeowners looking to upgrade their cabinets. In addition, they offer a soft and silent closure, enhancing the lifespan of your cabinets, and making them easier to close.
Pros:
- Easy Installation: These hinges feature a unique, user-friendly design that simplifies installation. A screwdriver is all you need to install them.
- Quiet Soft Close: With their effective soft close mechanism, these hinges deliver a quiet and smooth closure of cabinet doors, helping to maintain a peaceful environment in your kitchen.
- Lifetime Warranty: These hinges come with an impressive lifetime warranty, testifying to their durability and Lancher’s confidence in their product.
Cons:
- Non-adjustable: Unlike some other options on our list, the closing speed of these hinges cannot be adjusted, which might be a limitation for some users.
- Aesthetics: While functional, the design of these hinges might not be to everyone’s taste. Their appearance leans more towards utilitarian, than stylish.
5. Probrico Soft Close Full Overlay Cabinet Hinge
Price: 1 pr, Around $9.98 ($4.95ea)
And last, on our review of the best soft close cabinet hinges, we have the Soft Close Full Overlay Cabinet Hinge from Probrico.
While not the easiest to install, these hinges do offer a balanced blend of practicality and elegance, with durable construction and good longevity, the soft close feature adds a sense of luxury to your cabinets.
The striking nickel finish adds a touch of elegance to any cabinet, making these hinges a stylish choice for your kitchen.
Pros:
- Durable Construction: Crafted from robust, cold-rolled steel, these hinges are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use.
- Quiet Close: These hinges feature a soft close mechanism that ensures a quiet, smooth closure, helping to preserve both your peace of mind and the integrity of your cabinets.
- Attractive Finish: The nickel finish of these hinges adds a touch of sophistication to your cabinets, enhancing their overall aesthetic appeal.
Cons:
- Installation Difficulty: While not overly complex, installing these hinges might require some better DIY skills, which could be a barrier for some users.
- Price: While not the most expensive option on our list, these hinges are priced slightly higher than some other options, making them less suitable for anyone on a budget.
Conclusion:
Your search to find the “best soft close cabinet hinges” will depend mostly on your specific needs and budget. The five options we’ve reviewed each offer different benefits and come with a few limitations.
Blum’s 110° BLUMotion Clip Top Inset Hinges offer a high-end solution for those looking for superior performance, adjustability, and durability. The DecoBasics Kitchen Cabinet Hinges provide a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
If you’re looking to convert your existing hinges to soft close, the Rok Hardware Soft Close Dampers offer a versatile and affordable solution. Lancher’s Hinge Easy Installation Hinges are an excellent choice for those looking for a hassle-free installation, while Probrico’s Soft Close Full Overlay Cabinet Hinge is ideal for those seeking a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal.
In selecting your soft close cabinet hinges, it’s important to consider not only the cost but also your own DIY skills and the style and weight of your cabinets. Your choice should align with your individual needs and help you achieve the kitchen upgrade you desire. Happy renovating!
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