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Last updated: 17 Jan 2023

Why Owning the Best Door Knob Will Change Your Life?

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Published 3:27 am
Show contents
What is the Best Door Knob?
  • 1 Amazon Basics Door Knob
  • 2 Copper Creek Door Knob
  • 3 SCHLAGE Door Knob
  • 4 Kwikset Door Knob
  • 5 Probrico Door Knob
  • 6 Honeywell Door Knob
  • 7 KNOBWELL Door Knob

A doorknob is a simple machine used to control a door. The traditional doorknob or door handle is simply used to open or close a door. However, it becomes a pain if the doorknobs are not upgraded or replaced frequently. Having a beautifully designed home where your doors have the best doorknobs that are functionally updated adds more value and a good impression. Read on to find the top-rated doorknobs in 2023 that our team has evaluated and gone through our buying guide to select the unique and stylish door hardware for people like you.

Door knobs are an integral part of your house among other hardware that needs an upgrade. Whether you intend to put your house on sale or you want to add a unique touch to your doors, replacing doorknobs is always a good choice that makes your life a lot easier. For people who are keen on interior design or decorating their house with modern and high-end items, having classic design doorknobs must be on their list as they bring an aesthetic appeal to your doors and overall interior.

What is the Best Door Knob?

1

Amazon Basics Door Knob

– Top Pick
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Amazon Basics Exterior Door Knob is an entry style high-quality door knob. It comes in four classic colors, Matte Black, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Polished Brass, and Satin Nickle. Its matte finish type adds a distinctive appeal to your interior. Whereas, the brass body and steel internal structure ensure both longevity and style.

This reliable and long-lasting door knob consists of an adjustable latch from 2-3/8 – 2-3/4 inches (60-70mm). It also includes two brass keys, a KW1 keyway, a rounded steel faceplate and strike, and a zinc alloy latch bolt.c

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Simple functionality and affordable
  • Reliable and perfect for any interior.
Cons
  • Smaller keys than standard
  • No extension kit for thicker doors
2

Copper Creek Door Knob

– Runner Up
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This unique soft modern privacy door knob offers the ideal balance between excellent security and quality. The Copper Creek Privacy Ball Knob comes in six distinct colors including Satin Stainless. Its privacy locking function is a great option for your bedroom and bathroom while the high-quality plated bolts in durable nickel make it the finest hardware for your home.

The new exterior privacy release button in the Copper Creek Privacy Ball knob operates with a coin or standard screwdriver only. Hence, you do not need a privacy key. The satin stainless finish provides an appealing look and better durability. This lockset consists of a steel round corner adjustable latch and nickel-plated bolts.

Pros
  • 5-year finish warranty
  • Consists of two keys and can also be re-keyed.
  • Easy installation
Cons
  • The door handle feels light-weight
  • The instruction manual is detailed and confusing
3

SCHLAGE Door Knob

– Honorable Mention
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SCHLAGE Bowery Privacy Lock knob is a high-quality, easy-to-install door knob. Its privacy locking feature makes it a perfect choice for your bedrooms and bathrooms. You only need a screwdriver and follow 3 simple steps to install this hardware. The Schlage Bowery Privacy Lock knob is designed to protect the privacy of your home and offers a wide range of designs to choose from. 

Its superior matte black finish coordinates with plumbing and lighting, whereas, the metal construction brings strength and durability. You can easily fit the Schlage Bowery Privacy lock knob into all standard door applications.

Pros
  • Easy 3-step assembling
  • Privacy locking
  • Heavy sturdy feel, durable and secure.
Cons
  • Strike plate not standard
  • Hardware feels flimsy
4

Kwikset Door Knob

– Also Consider
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Kwikset Cove Bed and Bath Knob is a cost-effective, easy-to-install door knob that requires just a screwdriver and you’re good to go. This hardware is ideally designed to use on interior doors where you need a privacy locking function, such as a bedroom or a bathroom.

You can install this fully reversible conventional knob on either left or right-handed doors. The latch has an adjustable backset 2-3/8″ to 2-3/4″ that can fit all standard door preparations with exposed screws on the interior knob. The traditional Venetian Bronze finish serves as an eye-catching feature for your home interior. 

Pros
  • Universal handing
  • Easy assembling
  • Great functionality and affordability
Cons
  • Hardware feels flimsy
  • Smaller in size
5

Probrico Door Knob

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Probrico Matte Black Doorknob is perfect interior hardware for a bedroom or bathroom. It consists of multiple packs including a 6-pack keyless lockset. Its classic design features a modern flat ball knob that enhances your home decor. With an easy-to-grip circle design, this bed/bath doorknob easily becomes an ideal option for traditional and contemporary homes

Besides, you don’t need assistance for its installation as the lockset comes with all necessary accessories to assemble the hardware. Its firm internal structure offers strength and durability whereas the adjustable latch 60mm(2-3/8″) or 70mm (2-3/4″) is a good fit for all door preparations.

Pros
  • Sleek and modern finish
  • Value for money
  • Great functionality
Cons
  • Easily scratchable
  • Hard to install
6

Honeywell Door Knob

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For a stylish yet functional look, the Honeywell Classic Entry doorknob is your best buy. This traditional style bronze finish door knob features two similar large head entry keys and rekeyed KW-1 keyways. This door knob meets grade-3 residential security standards and can be a perfect addition to any door in your entryway. 

Another feature that makes Honeywell Classic Entry door knob outstanding is the anti-bump resistance that keeps your doors securely closed. The oil-rubbed bronze lockset comes with a window box package and ensures complete in-house privacy to your home or office.

Pros
  • Quick installation
  • Easy-to-rekey lock
  • Bump-resistant
  • Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Difficult locking and unlocking
7

KNOBWELL Door Knob

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KNOBWELL Modern Globe Crystal doorknobs allow you to install the lockset within minutes. You don’t need to call a locksmith, but just a door and a toolset to do it all on your own. These high-end door knob sets offer extreme security and long-term use. The modern globe crystal door knob adds an elegant yet modern look to your door in any area of the house.

Its dual-sided nature lets you buy just one product as this diamond glass knob is double-sided, perfect for both left-handed and right-handed doors. The oil-rubbed bronze glass door knobs leave an exquisite touch to your home and you would love to have this lockset. This door knob is suitable for 1-3/8″ to 1-3/4″ doors and you can lock it without keys. However, the lock can open from outside in case of an emergency.

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Quality guarantee
  • Beautiful design
Cons
  • Incompatible latch

Buying Guide for the Best Door Knobs

Door knobs are an essential component of our life. They might be a small item to buy but selecting the right door handle for your home is as necessary as a door itself. It doesn’t only add privacy to your rooms but also brings a modern touch to your home interior if the selection is right.

So if you’re looking for the best door knobs for your home, our buying guide will help you learn important information to buy the most suitable door lockset for your home.

Things To Consider Before Buying the Best Door Knobs

You should keep the following factors in mind before heading out to buy the best doorknob for your home or office:

Measurements

It is important to ensure that the doorknob aligns with your door thickness. Following are the three main measurements that you should determine:

  • Cross Bore – Big round hole where you mount the doorknob. The standard cross borehole is 2 ⅛ inches in diameter.
  • Backset – The distance from the center of the cross bore to the doorknob. This is either 2 ⅜ inches or 2 ¾ inches.
  • Door Thickness – Door thickness often varies from 1 ¼ inch to 3”. Most doorknobs can fit with different door thicknesses.

Types of door knob

The three main types of interior door knobs are listed below:

  • Privacy Door Knobs – As the name suggests, privacy door knobs are used for any door in your house that needs a lock. These knobs feature a locking mechanism and that is why they are commonly installed in bathrooms and bedrooms to ensure the privacy of your family members. However, they are not suitable for exterior doors as they do not come with a key but just a lock on the knob. 
  •  Dummy Door Knobs – This type of doorknob is often used on appliances and closets just to have something to hold for opening. You can use dummy knobs if the doorknob is not essentially required except for decorative purposes. Dummy knobs have non-locking, no rotation build and are commonly used for interior doors.
  • Passage Door Knobs – You can use passage doorknobs in rooms where privacy is not necessary. Passage knobs do not have a locking function hence they are suitable for closets or hallways. 

Easy installation

It is comparatively easier to install a doorknob, hence most of the buyers do not face any difficulty while installing it on their own. Most doorknobs come with a detailed installation guide to help buyers complete the installation process. 

Online reviews can help you determine which doorknobs provide ease of installation. Usually, passageways and privacy doorknobs are a little difficult to install.

Easy use

Door knobs should offer ease of use specifically for people who have weak bone or muscle issues. They might find it difficult to turn a knob instead a door handle will be easy for them to manage. In general, doorknobs should be easy to use for anyone without having to figure out its handling.

Pricing

The price range of doorknobs starts from $10 and goes up to $500 depending on your budget and brand. So, it’s important to decide your budget before buying the best doorknob for your home or office. However, many buyers find good quality doorknobs under $100 as there are several styles available at different price brackets.

The more high-end doorknob you would want to purchase for your home interior or exterior, the more price you must be ready to pay.

Privacy

As much as exterior doorknobs are essential for the outside protection of your home or office, interior doorknobs serve the purpose of privacy among family members. Nobody in the family would want his privacy invaded if there is no secure door lock in the bedroom or bathroom.

The right kind of doorknob with a functional locking system can be a great addition to your doors so that you can enjoy a safe and healthy time in your home.

Door Knob FAQ

Q: How should I take care of my doorknobs?

A: Taking care of your doorknobs is easy. Always remember to clean the door handle with warm, soapy water and then cloth-dry it. Avoid using chemicals if you want the door knobs to last longer.

Q: How to determine the door handing?

A:  It’s fairly simple to determine the handing of a door. You need to check the placement of the door hinges. If the hinges are located on the right side then it is a right-hand door. If the door hinges are on the left then it is a left-hand door. 

Q: Is it possible to get doorknobs rekeyed?

A: Yes, door knobs can be rekeyed. You can do it yourself with a rekeying kit or get assistance from a locksmith or any hardware shop. The expense of rekeying depends on the brand and type of the doorknob.

Q: Are doorknobs easily broken?

A:  High-quality doorknobs can last for a longer time, whereas, doorknobs that have more locking features tend to break easily. The longevity of a doorknob depends on the quality of the material it is made from.  Comparatively, passage knobs and dummy knobs last longer than other types of doorknobs as they have fewer or no internal moving parts.  

Hardware Outdoors
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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