Features of retractable metabox and tandembox systems for kitchen cabinets. Their advantages and disadvantages. Prices for drawers based on roller guides in the Hafele company store. Improved ball systems.
You can make your kitchen cabinet more convenient and functional and provide quick access to the contents by adding drawers to the traditional fixed filling in the form of shelves. To do this, you will need the drawers themselves, suitable in size, and, of course, a set of special fittings - guides and fastenings for them.
Another option is to speed up and simplify assembly by purchasing metabox or tandembox drawer systems. When the sides of the drawer are already attached to the guides, they are prepared for the installation of the bottom, back and front.
Convenient and functional solution.
Metaboxes
For kitchen cabinets and cabinets - a completely acceptable option. Metabox is a retractable system consisting of a pair of guides combined with the side walls of the box, and a pair of guides that are attached to the walls of the case. System based on roller guides.
For quick assembly of drawers.
Advantages of metaboxes:
- Durable metal side walls of the box;
- There is no need to drill holes for mounting the bottom, back wall and front;
- The ability to make the box more spacious, to increase the walls by installing metal tubes - rails.
There are also disadvantages of the system. They are connected with roller mechanisms. These are, first of all, incomplete extension, lack of smooth operation, noise, and a load-bearing capacity of up to 25 kg.
At the same time, metaboxes are inexpensive.
In the Hafele brand store of German premium fittings, prices for the metabox drawer system range from 400 to 800 rubles.
Plus, even a beginner can handle their installation.
The main thing is to correctly mark the guides that are attached to the walls of the case, along the depth and length of the box, and install them strictly at the same level.
Advantages and disadvantages of metaboxes, tandemboxes
These devices (Metaboxes) have the following advantages:
- sufficient capacity created by the thin sides of the box;
- ease of use. Thanks to the guide located in the upper part of the structure, the possibility of breakage is eliminated;
- ease of installation. You can install this box yourself; no special skills are required.
The disadvantage is that it prevents the production of a deep structure. However, this drawback can be eliminated by using restrictive rails or perforated sidewalls.
Pros of tandembox:
- does not produce any extraneous sounds during operation;
- Full drawer extension;
- it is possible to equip it with additional elements to increase the comfort of functionality;
- design execution;
- long service life up to thirty years.
Minuses:
- difficulties encountered when independently determining the dimensions of a structure;
- installation requires special skills;
- high price for products.
Tandemboxes
An improved system - based on ball (telescopic) guides - tandembox.
It includes metal side walls with rails combined with ball guides, as well as a bottom, rear wall, and chipboard facade.
Ball guides are more complex than roller guides; they may have several metal parts, one extends from the other; easy movement of the slats is provided by metal balls in the separator.
Also, the drawers are quick to assemble, but unlike the metabox system, they are full extension, low noise, operate smoothly, and are available with a load-bearing capacity of more than 25 kg.
But more expensive than modules on casters. Perhaps this is their only drawback.
An alternative with 130 years of tradition
So, what alternative to tandembox can the market offer today? Obviously, in order to win the attention of buyers, such a drawer must offer more reliability, comfort and style for the same money, ideally for less. And such drawers exist! In addition, the offer must be unique, have in its arsenal something that a Blum box cannot give to customers. Let's try to ask a few questions, the answer “Yes” to which implies a choice in favor of a new drawer, perhaps less known to the average person, but trustworthy among professionals.
- What would any housewife say if she were asked to increase the capacity of each drawer in the kitchen by 5%?
- Would you be happy if there were no fingerprints on the sides of the drawer and they were easy to clean?
- What about the durability provided by premium tool steel ball bearings?
- And finally, is a better price needed?
You don't need to be a Nobel laureate to understand that there is only one answer to each of these questions and that is “Yes.” The depth of the new drawer, which can replace the tandembox, is 470 mm instead of 450 for the tandem. Of course, there is a full line of other sizes, but 470 mm will ensure the fullest use of the module depth without fear of running into communications (water, gas) or distribution boxes for distributing power wires for equipment. On average, each kitchen has about 6 drawers, which means you can get almost half a drawer extra.
The specially selected smoky silver color of the sides (sides) of the new drawer does not focus attention on possible dirt, which cannot be 100% eliminated in any actively used kitchen. Coupled with the special composition of the paint, which seems to have depth and a glossy surface, fingerprints do not remain, but simply seem to evaporate without a trace. If necessary, a simple damp cloth will be enough to give the box its original shine and neatness.
If the Bloom tandembox drawers are based on guides with cassettes of nylon rollers, along which the steel profiles of the guides themselves move, the new drawer we are talking about is based on the ball bearing principle, proven on the most complex and heavily loaded mechanisms. Depending on the type of guide, four channels contain up to 180 tool steel balls, which ensure perfectly smooth and silent movement of even very heavy drawers. Regardless of temperature or humidity, these balls will never lose their perfect spherical shape and firmness, and the self-cleaning system means there are no oils, crumbs, sauces or food debris to interfere with their movement. Even sand is unable to jam them; you only need to open and close the guide a few times for the channels with the balls to return to their original functional state.
Thanks to an innovative approach to production, which was technically improved over four generations of engineers, it was possible to make each drawer not only perfect in terms of execution, but also cheap. In this case, cheap means the perfection of each stage of the process, the absence of unnecessary costs throughout the production cycle, logistics innovations that eliminate unnecessary expenses and, of course, moderate marketing, because a good product always speaks for itself.
Fittings that improve the retractable system
A system with telescopic guides can be made even better, more functional and convenient. For this purpose, additional fittings are provided - a damper-shock absorber. Another improvement option is guides with a Push to Open mechanism.
Damper-shock absorber - closer, automatically retracts the drawer. Smoothly, without impact. It is attached with screws to the furniture wall, above the guide, its activator (keep plate) is to the drawer. Also compatible with roller systems.
Push to Open - a mechanism for automatically extending the drawer after pressing the front. Assumes pushrods with a spring. Used in full extension ball systems. Allows you to equip drawers with elegant fronts without handles. An unusual and attractive solution for cabinet furniture, not just kitchen furniture.
Basic concepts, differences
Metabox is a roller retractable design. It consists of an axis of four guides made of metal. It is attached to the boxes. On the sides there are walls of various sizes. Using the extension method using planks, you can increase the volume of the drawers several times. Thanks to the dividing internal elements, compact storage of kitchen utensils is provided. Additionally, the system is equipped with closers.
Tandembox – is a drawer type. The far wall and bottom of the product are made of chipboard. The side part looks like a metal base with tubular slats. There is also a dividing part inside. Such furniture items are practical and comfortable.
Distinctive parameters of the systems:
- ability to withstand weight. The permissible load of metaboxes varies up to twenty kilograms, tandemboxes – up to fifty. The latter are necessary in the case of receiving spacious, high-sided boxes. This is the best option for placing massive kitchen utensils;
- extension level. The exit level of the metabox using a guide mechanism is a quarter of the length, while access to the inside remains limited, but there are options for full extension. In the case of a tandembox, the design here implies full extension. Good visibility is created and there is free access to any area.
These two representatives of the furniture set are equipped with convenient closers. Tandembox is additionally adapted for electric drive. Having installed it, you can easily open the drawer with one click of the facade.
These models are durable, reliable, and have a long service life. Tandembox has the advantage of withstanding intense loads, it glides smoothly, and is silent.
Blum Aventos lifts
Lifts are used for horizontal facades at the top of the suite. The cabinets open silently, lock in any position, and close smoothly.
Available in four versions:
- Weight can be up to 14 kg. The composite facade rises and folds silently.
- For a solid facade up to 22 booklets.
- Vertical lift, for facades up to 20 kg.
- The one-piece front opens in the same way as a hinged connection. Withstands a maximum of 43.5 kg.
Clip-Top
Clip-Top hinges are used in expensive kitchen units due to their unique design and high quality.
- Designed for installation in facades and hinged doors.
- The doors close smoothly and without noise.
- Provide different opening angles.
- Wide range, different designs.
- Reliability and durability.
The design includes a Blumotion closer, which turns off when you touch the surface of the lid. All components are covered with branded metal overlays.
Caring for fittings
No special care required. The main thing is that the mechanisms have minimal contact with the liquid. If wet cleaning is carried out, then everything is wiped with a dry soft cloth.
To clean metal, you need to use special products without abrasives and alkali. Liquids with acid should not be stored nearby, because when they evaporate, they cause corrosion.
Now Blum fittings are the standard of technology and modern design. Original mechanisms are distinguished by quality, durability, and are very much in demand on the market.
Orga-line
To effectively place all the cutlery, dishes, small items, and detergents in the kitchen drawer, Blum engineers thought out a system of trays.
The design involves longitudinal dividers in trays that are easily moved and adjusted to any size.
The trays are dishwasher safe.
What is Bloom
The Blum brand is a family business that has been in business since March 1, 1952. The company was created by blacksmith Julius Bloom, who initially produced non-slip attachments for horseshoes.
Over time, subsidiaries were opened in 28 countries: Turkey, Brazil, USA, India, North Africa, New Zealand, etc.
Now Blum is:
- educational programs;
- more than 5,000 employees;
- delivery to 120 countries;
- engineering base;
- uniform control standards;
- 10 factories.
Blum produces furniture fittings, mainly for the kitchen. It is distinguished by quality and innovative technologies. High-quality engineers work for the benefit of the company.
Expert opinion
Korzhavin Daniil Dmitrievich
Designer of stylish home furniture
The company is aimed primarily not at high profits, but at product quality. That is why the fittings are in enormous demand.
Blum systems have significant advantages over competitors:
- Laconic design that always keeps up with the times.
- High degree of functionality, thoughtful attention to every detail.
- Quality that has worked for the benefit of the client for many years.
- Space is used to the maximum.
- All designs are multifunctional and reliable.
The brand mainly produces trays, furniture hinges, closers and guides.
Mechanical Tip-On System
This design allows drawers to be opened using pressure rather than a handle. Suitable for horizontal and hinged facades, which are equipped with NK and HF lifts.
There are various options that differ:
- power;
- method of fastening;
- shade.
No additional tools are required for adjustment.
Cost of accessories
The price corresponds to the quality of the product. If you choose cheaper analogues or fakes, then the work of a master and replacement of the structure will be more expensive than the original purchase.
When choosing Blum fittings, high quality is immediately guaranteed. It is extremely unlikely that the system will fail and require repair.
In addition, the brand also sells economical hinges and retractable systems that everyone can afford.
Would you like fittings from Blum in your kitchen?
Of course! Not really
