What to look for
Overlay type
Full overlay, half overlay, or inset, this must match how your door sits on the cabinet frame.
Frameless vs face-frame
Euro-style cup hinges differ for frameless cabinets versus face-frame; buy the matching type.
Soft-close
Built-in soft-close dampers stop slamming and are now standard on quality cabinetry.
3-way adjustment
Good concealed hinges adjust in three directions so you can align doors perfectly after install.
Concealed hinge by door mount
| Door mount | Overlay type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frameless, single door | Full-overlay cup | Door covers the cabinet side. |
| Two doors sharing a side | Half-overlay | Each covers half the partition. |
| Inset | Inset cup | Door sits flush inside the frame. |
| Face-frame | Face-frame concealed | Clips to the frame edge. |
Our picks by use case
Blum CLIP top BLUMOTION Soft-Close Hinge, Frameless Full-Overlay (kit)
The cabinet-industry-standard concealed hinge: integrated BLUMOTION soft-close, 110° opening, full three-way adjustment, rated for ~200,000 cycles. This kit is full-overlay for frameless cabinets, match the overlay (full/half/inset) to your doors.
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.Blum Compact BLUMOTION Soft-Close Hinge, Face-Frame 1/2″ Overlay
Blum's compact soft-close for face-frame cabinets, 105° opening, soft-close mechanism inside the cup, three-way adjustable. Choose this version if your cabinets have a face frame rather than being frameless.
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up full, half, and inset overlay so doors clash or leave gaps.
- Boring the wrong cup diameter (35mm standard).
- Buying non-soft-close, then retrofitting dampers.
- Choosing plated hinges for damp or coastal cabinets instead of stainless.
Frequently asked questions
Can I adjust concealed hinges after install?
Yes, most offer 3- to 6-way adjustment for height, depth, and side via the mounting screws, so you can align doors without re-drilling.
Do concealed hinges come in stainless?
They do, though less common than nickel-plated. Use stainless for bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, and coastal installs.
What is overlay?
How much the door covers the cabinet opening. Full overlay covers most of the frame; inset sits flush inside it. The hinge must match.
Are concealed hinges stainless?
Many are nickel-plated steel; stainless and marine versions exist for damp environments like outdoor kitchens and baths.