Best Door Closer for Internal & External Doors: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Drafty hallways and slamming doors are common complaints in the properties I visit. Whether you are looking to keep the warmth inside a living room or you need to meet strict fire regulations for a rental property, choosing the right door closer is essential.
There is a significant difference between a simple mechanical closer that just pulls a door to, and a fully certified hydraulic unit that controls the speed and latching action safety. In York's older properties, where frames are rarely square and timber moves with the damp, a poor closer can cause doors to bind or fail to latch entirely.
In this review, I've selected three distinct options: a budget-friendly closure for simple internal doors, a heavy-duty British Standard unit for fire safety, and a problem-solving option for lighter applications.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Universal Fit Claims"
"Marketing often claims a closer fits 'all' doors."
Weight is the critical factor. A closer designed for a 10kg hollow core door will do nothing for a solid oak fire door. Always match the 'Size' rating to your door's mass.
The Spec: "Fire Ratings"
"Any closer keeps a fire door shut."
Only closers certified to BS EN 1154 (like the IRONZONE option below) are legally compliant for fire doors. Using a cheap spring closer on a designated fire door puts lives and insurance at risk.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Vibe Concealed Door Closer - Square End Chrome Plated
VIBE
This is a straightforward, budget-friendly solution for standard internal doors where security or fire ratings aren't a concern. The chrome finish is smart, and it offers a simple way to ensure doors don't drift open, keeping drafts at bay in main living areas.
The Good
- Extremely affordable at under £6
- Smart chrome finish looks tidy on modern doors
- Simple mechanism reduces maintenance needs
The Bad
- Not suitable for heavy or fire-rated doors
- Lack of hydraulic dampening means the door may slam
- Conflicting installation descriptions (check if recessed or surface)
Installer Tip:
If this is indeed a chain-style 'Perko' closer (as suggested by 'Concealed'), be careful when drilling the door leaf. You need to keep the drill perfectly straight to avoid breaking out through the face of the door. If it is surface mounted, ensure the screws go into solid timber, not the hollow void of a cheap door.
Priced at £5.79 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonIRONZONE® Door Closer Shutter Size 3 - Commercial/Domestic BS EN 1154
IRONZONE
This is the only option on this list I would recommend for a landlord or a fire door application. Certified to BS EN 1154, this hydraulic overhead closer handles doors up to 60kg. It features adjustable closing and latching speeds, allowing you to stop the door from slamming whilst ensuring it fully engages the catch.
The Good
- Fully compliant for fire doors (BS EN 1154)
- Hydraulic action prevents dangerous slamming
- Adjustable closing speed allows for seasonal timber movement
The Bad
- Bulky appearance compared to concealed options
- Requires a solid fixing point on the frame head (check for loose architraves)
Installer Tip:
When fitting overhead closers in York's older properties, the top rail of the door frame (architrave) is often not securely fixed to the masonry. I always drive a long screw through the architrave into the stud or brickwork behind where the closer arm bracket will sit. This prevents the closer from ripping the woodwork off the wall after a few weeks of use.
Priced at £21.98 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonAutomatic Door Closer, Adjustable Hydraulic Door Spring Closer
Rikmody
This is a clever little unit for specific domestic issues, like keeping a kitchen door closed to stop pets or cooking smells escaping. It sits vertically on the hinge side and uses a bar system. However, note the weight limit of 10kg—this is strictly for very lightweight internal hollow doors.
The Good
- Very discreet and less obtrusive than an overhead box
- Adjustable tension allows for fine-tuning
- Helps reduce noise compared to simple spring hinges
The Bad
- Only suitable for very light doors (under 10kg)
- Not robust enough for high-traffic areas
- Will struggle with any door that binds or rubs on the carpet
Installer Tip:
Do not overtighten the tension rod. Because this device is small and acts on a short leverage point near the hinge, too much tension can actually twist the hinges of a cheap hollow door. Adjust it just enough to latch the door, no more.
Priced at £9.89 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fire door closer and a standard closer?
Why does my door slam shut with a closer?
Can I fit a door closer on a bathroom door?
How do I maintain my door closers?
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