Best Brass Kitchen Handles for Renovations: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Kitchen Specialist
Choosing the right ironmongery is often the final hurdle in a kitchen renovation, yet it makes a massive difference to the finished look. I've seen beautifully crafted Oak shaker doors let down by cheap, lightweight handles that rattle or lose their finish within months.
In York, where we often balance traditional architecture with modern living, brass has seen a huge resurgence. It adds warmth to dark painted units and ages beautifully. However, there is a significant difference between solid brass, plated steel, and zinc alloy. The wrong choice can lead to snapped screws and tarnished metal.
In this review, I'll compare three brass finish options available today: a budget-friendly knob for quick updates, a substantial handle for heavy pan drawers, and a standard-sized pull perfect for retrofitting existing cabinets.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Material: Solid Brass vs Zinc Alloy"
"Marketing often uses 'brass' to describe the colour, not the metal content."
Most affordable handles are Zinc Alloy with a brass finish. This is lighter than solid brass but durable enough for standard use. If you want the 'living finish' (patina) that develops over time, you need solid unlacquered brass, which costs significantly more.
The Spec: "Universal Screws"
"Handles come with 'snap-off' screws to fit any door thickness."
Snap-off screws can be a nightmare; if they snap unevenly, they ruin the thread. In bespoke joinery, doors are often 22mm plus the frame thickness. I always recommend buying specific M4 machine screws of the correct length rather than relying on the free ones in the packet.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
TsunNee 12PCS Vintage Cabinet Knobs, Antique Brass Finish (30mm)
TsunNee
For a simple refresh on a budget, these TsunNee knobs are excellent value. At this price point, you get robust zinc alloy sturdy enough for standard cupboards. The 30mm diameter is proportionate for typical shaker drawers or smaller cupboard doors found in cottage-style kitchens.
The Good
- Exceptional value at less than 70p per knob
- Antique finish hides fingerprints well
- Classic design suits Victorian terrace renovations
The Bad
- Single screw fixings can spin over time if not secured properly
- Screws provided may be too short for thick bespoke doors
Installer Tip:
Single knobs have a habit of spinning loose with daily use. A joiner's trick is to place a tiny dab of clear silicone on the back of the knob base before tightening the screw. This creates friction against the door face and stops the handle form rotating without damaging the paintwork.
Priced at £7.90 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFURNIWARE 12Pack Antique Brass Kitchen Cupboard Handles (160mm)
FURNIWARE
Modern kitchens often feature wide, deep pan drawers which require a substantial handle to pull the weight. These 160mm handles from Furniware offer excellent leverage and a solid grip. The antique brass finish works brilliantly against Navy or Forest Green units, a popular choice locally in York.
The Good
- Wider 160mm centres distribute load better for heavy drawers
- Includes two sizes of screws (25mm and 45mm)
- Solid feel in the hand, doesn't feel hollow
The Bad
- Requires precise drilling of two holes - no margin for error
- Significantly more expensive than knobs
Installer Tip:
Never measure hole centres individually for every drawer; you'll drift out of alignment. Make a 'jig' using a scrap of plywood. Drill the 160mm holes into the wood template first, then clamp this template to each drawer front to ensure every handle is perfectly aligned and identical.
Priced at £35.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFURNIWARE 12Pack Antique Brass Handles (128mm Hole Centre)
FURNIWARE
If you are updating an existing kitchen rather than installing a new one, hole spacing is critical. 128mm (approx 5 inches) was a standard industry size for decades. These handles allow you to upgrade dated chrome or plastic handles to stylish brass without filling holes and repainting the doors.
The Good
- Standard 128mm size fits most existing kitchen pre-drilled holes
- Sturdy zinc alloy construction
- Elegant profile suits both modern and traditional styles
The Bad
- Slightly smaller grip area than the 160mm version
- Care needed to ensure existing holes are exactly 128mm before ordering
Installer Tip:
When replacing old handles, existing holes can sometimes be blown out or slightly loose. If the new screw spins, push a cocktail stick (or matchstick) dipped in wood glue into the hole, snap it off flush, and then drive the screw in. Ideally, check your existing hole centres measure exactly 128mm before buying.
Priced at £31.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Knobs or Pull Handles: Which is better for a kitchen?
How do I stop brass handles from tarnishing?
How do I measure for replacement handles?
Can I install kitchen handles myself?
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