Choosing the Right Handle for Integrated Appliances: The perfect pull makes all the difference

When designing or renovating a kitchen with integrated appliances, selecting the right appliance handle is key to balancing style, function, and durability. Built-in appliances like fridges and dishwashers blend into your cabinetry for a seamless look, but without a suitable handle, they can be difficult to use or disrupt your design flow.

Whether you're a home builder, interior designer, renovator, or doing a new build, here’s what to consider when selecting appliance handles that elevate both performance and appearance.

1. Design Style: Complement or Contrast
Appliance handles are more than a finishing touch - they can define the tone of your kitchen.

In minimalist or handle-less kitchens, integrated appliances like fridges and dishwashers still require functional handles - they can’t use push-to-open mechanisms due to their weight and design. Fortunately, there are sleek, streamlined handle options available that blend effortlessly with modern cabinetry and can even become standout design features.

If you'd like to create visual interest, opt for a striking appliance pull in a contrasting finish or distinctive shape. Match the handle style with your overall kitchen theme:

- Bar handles: Ideal for modern, industrial, or contemporary styles

- Rounded or vintage-style pulls: Work well in traditional or shaker kitchens

- Oversized designer pulls: Make a bold impact in luxury spaces

Maintaining consistency across all cabinetry and appliances ensures a cohesive, polished look.

2. Comfort & Ergonomics
A stylish handle needs to feel good in the hand, especially on heavy or high-use appliances.

Ergonomics: Ensure a comfortable grip with enough depth to avoid catching knuckles or nails.

Clearance: Fridges with active vacuum seals (such as Sub-Zero models) require handles with a thicker diameter and greater clearance for better grip and leverage.

Ease of use: Make sure all household members - including children and older adults - can open and close appliances with ease.

Cleaning: Smooth surfaces and fingerprint-resistant finishes make everyday maintenance easier.

3. Strength, Stability & Mounting
Integrated appliances are significantly heavier than cabinetry, which means you need handles designed for strength.

Choose appliance-rated pulls, which are thicker and more robust than standard cabinet handles.

Ensure you use the correct mounting hardware: these handles typically come with longer, heavy-duty screws to support additional weight.

Avoid using delicate or lightweight cabinet pulls on appliances - they may loosen, bend, or fail over time.

4. Materials & Finishes That Last
The material and finish of your appliance pull affect both durability and appearance.

Choose materials that are built to perform under daily use:

Solid brass and zinc alloy are ideal choices for strength, durability, and design versatility. These materials offer weight, stability, and a premium feel - perfect for appliance-grade handles.

Stainless steel is another excellent option, known for its strength, rust resistance, and low maintenance - ideal for modern and high-use kitchens. Stainless steel can often be a more cost-effective option as well.

Whilst aluminium is a strong and versatile metal, it’s generally lighter and more malleable than solid brass or alloy. In longer handle lengths, aluminium can flex or bend over time, making it a less suitable choice for heavy-duty applications like integrated fridges or dishwashers.

In terms of finishes, consider:

Brushed or matte options for a sleek, fingerprint-resistant appearance

Powder-coated finishes: Tough, colourful, and scratch-resistant

Electroplated coatings: Offer a high-end, durable sheen

PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition): A premium finish offering superior resistance to tarnishing, corrosion, and daily wear

Coordinate your appliance handles with cabinetry hardware, tapware, and lighting for a cohesive, designer look.

5. Size & Placement: Get the Scale Right
Choosing the right size handle is crucial for both usability and proportion. Match the handle size to the scale of the appliance:

Large integrated appliances (like fridges and dishwashers) require longer, thicker handles for secure grip

Compact appliances (like microwaves or warming drawers) work best with shorter, sleeker pulls

Handle placement also affects function - position them at heights that are intuitive and accessible for everyone in the household.

6. Budget & Maintenance
Appliance handles are available at a range of price points depending on materials, quality, and design.

Investing in high-quality handles pays off long term with better performance, less maintenance, and fewer replacements

Final Thoughts: The Detail That Defines Your Kitchen
Choosing the right appliance handles is about more than just style - they impact the functionality, comfort, and cohesion of your kitchen.

Whether you love a sleek, integrated aesthetic or want to make a statement with bold hardware, make sure your handles are:

Durable and built for appliance use

Comfortable to grip and ergonomically placed

Styled to suit your overall kitchen design

Need Help Choosing the Right Handle?

At Avoca Interiors, we offer a curated collection of appliance-rated pulls in a wide variety of finishes and styles - ideal for modern, coastal, traditional, and high-end kitchens.

We also offer:

- In-home consultations across the Central Coast NSW 
- Zoom consults for new builds and renovations Australia-wide
- Delivery to all regions across Australia
- Trade coordination with cabinetmakers and installers for a seamless process

Book in for a Complimentary Zoom Consultation for expert guidance on your new build or renovation project

Click here for a range of handles suitable for integrated appliances or contact us today for expert advice on selecting the perfect hardware for your next kitchen project!