When it comes to choosing door knobs and hardware for your home, two big names always seem to come up – Emtek and Kwikset. Both companies have been around for decades and offer a wide range of stylish, durable hardware options.
But which one is right for your home and decor style?
In this article, we’ll compare Emtek and Kwikset door knobs to help you decide which brand is best for your needs. We’ll look at key factors like design and style options, materials and durability, smart technology features, ease of installation and maintenance, warranties, and of course, cost.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Emtek | Kwikset |
| Design Styles | Contemporary, modern, transitional | Traditional, transitional, modern |
| Materials | Solid brass, bronze, stainless steel | Exterior metals with some plastic internals |
| Smart Technology | Some smart locks, limited integration | Extensive smart lock options, wide integration |
| Ease of Install | Custom sizing, professional install recommended | Universal sizing, easier DIY option |
| Warranty | Lifetime mechanical and finish | 5 years electronics/tech |
| Price | $180 – $300 per knob, $1200+ for smart locks | $12 – $50 per knob, $199 – $279 for smart locks |
Overview of Emtek and Kwikset
First, let’s get familiar with each brand.
Emtek – Founded in 1981, Emtek focuses on high-end, custom door hardware and accessories.
They are known for their unique, contemporary designs and quality craftsmanship.
Emtek offers door knobs, levers, deadbolts, hinges, door knockers, and coordinating accessories in a range of styles.
Their products are made from solid brass, bronze, stainless steel, and other quality materials.
Emtek products are hand-finished and made in the US.
Kwikset– In business since 1946, Kwikset is one of the most recognized and popular lock and hardware brands. They offer a wide selection of door knobs, levers, deadbolts, and smart locks in traditional, contemporary, and modern designs.
Kwikset focuses on technology and innovation, like their patented SmartKey security feature. Their products are made from steel, zinc, brass, and other durable materials. Kwikset offers products at lower price points than Emtek.
Key Differences Between Emtek And Kwikset Door Knobs
Now let’s do a detailed comparison of these two brands across some key factors:
- Design and Style Options
One of the biggest differences between Emtek and Kwikset is the variety of design styles offered.
Emtek is known for unique, contemporary door hardware designs. They offer modern, transitional, and traditional styles, but with an elegant, upscale look. Popular Emtek collections include Triton, Orbit, Haven, Avalon, and Quadro.
Emtek’s hardware can act as a statement piece in your home’s decor. Their products skew toward more contemporary and modern aesthetics.
Kwikset offers a wider range of design varieties, from classic traditional to modern contemporary. Popular styles include Georgian, La Scala, Affine, Halifax, and Contemporary. While not as boldly modern as Emtek, Kwikset still offers on-trend styles.
However, much of their range stays classic and accessible for the average homeowner. Kwikset focuses more on traditional and transitional styles that suit many homes.
Emtek’s designs stand out more, while Kwikset blends into a range of home aesthetics. Choose Emtek if you want eye-catching, modern hardware. Pick Kwikset for classic or contemporary subtlety.
- Materials and Durability
The materials door hardware is constructed from greatly impacts the look, feel, and durability. High-quality materials ensure hardware lasts through years of use.
Emtek products are made from solid brass, bronze, and stainless steel. Their brass and stainless steel finishes provide durability and weather-resistance. Emtek knobs and levers feature all-metal construction, no plastic.
Their solid metal materials give Emtek hardware heft, quality feel, and longevity. Emtek’s craftsmanship and materials make their products built to last decades.
Kwikset utilizes brass, stainless steel, nickel, and zinc for metal handles and exterior parts. However, many Kwikset knobs and levers have plastic internal parts and bases. While metal exteriors look great, plastic interiors can strip and degrade over years of use.
Kwikset’s interior parts may not withstand decades of use like Emtek’s all-metal products. But their metal surfaces still provide corrosion resistance and strength.
Ultimately, Emtek’s solid metal construction gives it more robustness and durability than much of Kwikset’s mixed materials. Go with Emtek for lifelong luxury feel, or Kwikset for good exterior metals backed by plastics.
- Smart Technology Features
With smart home tech gaining popularity, locks now do far more than just open and close. Both Emtek and Kwikset offer high-tech features and integration for access control and home automation.
Kwikset is definitely the leader when it comes to smart lock technology and integration. Their signature Kevo, Halo, Obsidian, and Premis lines allow keyless unlock via smartphone, fingerprints, fobs, and more.
These locks work with systems like SmartThings, Alexa, Google Home, Ring, Nest, and IFTTT. Kwikset also utilizes their patented SmartKey security.
Emtek has some high-tech integration, but not as robust as Kwikset.
Emtek’s Synergy and Horizon lines allow integration of touchscreen codes, smartphone control, and home automation through Control4, Savant, and Crestron systems.
But Emtek just doesn’t offer as wide an array of smart lock options and compatibilities as Kwikset.
If you want the latest smart home access tech, Kwikset beats out Emtek.
But Emtek still modernizes with some automation. Choose Kwikset if smart features are vital, or Emtek for some connected perks.
- Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Installing and maintaining your hardware should be simple, especially if you want to DIY. Emtek and Kwikset both aim to make the install process straightforward.
Kwikset is generally regarded as easier for beginners to install. Most Kwikset locks utilize a universal latch and backset that fits standard residential doors. The patented SmartKey tech also allows easy re-keying without new locks.
Simple to follow instructions, standard sizing, and fewer tools needed make Kwikset the simpler install.
Emtek hardware requires more precision because it’s made completely custom. Their locks come sized specifically per door. And unique Emtek finishes must be handled carefully during install to avoid scuffs and scratches.
The custom nature makes Emtek installations best left to professionals, though DIY is possible with proper care.
For maintenance, Emtek’s solid construction requires less upkeep than some Kwikset mixed materials. But Kwikset’s metal exteriors can just be polished if worn, with possible internal plastic piece replacements as needed. Both support DIY maintenance, but Emtek may need it less frequently.
Ease definitely goes to Kwikset for installation, while Emtek edges ahead on long-term maintenance needs. Choose Kwikset for DIY, or Emtek for pro install and minimal upkeep.
- Warranties
A strong product warranty provides peace of mind should issues arise with your hardware. Kwikset and Emtek both back their products, but warranty lengths and coverage vary.
The Kwikset standard limited warranty provides:
- 10 years on lock mechanical/finish defects
- 5 years on electronics/smart tech
The Emtek limited warranty includes:
- Lifetime mechanical and finish warranty
- 2 years electronics/smart tech
So while Emtek offers an outstanding lifetime guarantee on mechanical operation and finish quality, Kwikset provides a longer 5-year coverage of tech components. Both warranties require proof of purchase and proper installation.
Emtek wins for mechanical warranty, while Kwikset is better for smart tech. For finishes and operations, Emtek can’t be beat. But for electronics, go Kwikset.
- Cost Considerations
Let’s discuss the omnipresent factor when shopping – price! There’s no getting around the fact that Emtek occupies the high-end hardware market, while Kwikset stays budget-friendly.
An Emtek door knob runs $180 to $300 on average. Their smart locks range around $1200 to $1400. This pricing fits the custom, luxury nature of their products. But it does put them out of reach for many buyers on a tight budget.
Kwikset knobs and levers average just $12 to $50 for basic styles. Even their high-tech smart locks run only $199 to $279 – much less than comparable Emtek options. Kwikset keeps costs down through product lines designed for mass production and integration of some plastic parts.
This makes them an affordable choice for many.
There’s no debate here – if budget-friendly pricing tops your list, Kwikset easily wins out. Only choose higher-priced Emtek if you value luxury branding and custom construction.
Which Is Better?
So when considering these two industry leaders head-to-head, which comes out on top – Emtek or Kwikset?
Here’s a quick recap of the key comparisons:
- Design – Emtek offers unique contemporary styles, while Kwikset provides classic to modern looks.
- Materials – Emtek uses solid brass, bronze and steel for durability. Kwikset utilizes exterior metals with plastic internals.
- Technology – Kwikset leads in smart locks and integration, Emtek provides some automation.
- Installation – Kwikset has universal sizing and is better for DIY. Emtek requires custom sizing and professional install is recommended.
- Warranty – Emtek offers lifetime mechanical/finish, Kwikset provides 5 years on tech.
- Price – No contest, Kwikset is far more budget-friendly. Emtek is premium-priced.
The right brand comes down to your priorities – design tastes, quality vs affordability, smart features needed, and DIY vs pro skill level.
For high-end contemporary levers and unique style on a healthy budget, choose Emtek. Their products make a statement and last, if you can swing the price.
For traditional to modern design at affordable pricing with the latest smart features, go Kwikset. You’ll get locks packed with tech at accessible price points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Emtek is known for high quality crafted door hardware and accessories. Their products are hand-made from solid brass, bronze, and stainless steel for maximum durability. Emtek’s all-metal construction gives their hardware a luxurious, heavy feel built to withstand decades of use. The quality matches the premium pricing.
Some brands comparable to Emtek’s high-end line include Rocky Mountain Hardware, Baldwin Hardware, and Valli & Valli. These companies similarly focus on custom-designed, contemporary door hardware made from quality heavy-duty metals. They offer upscale styles and luxury materials like Emtek. If you like Emtek’s look and quality but want alternatives, these brands provide comparable options.
For many buyers, Emtek is worth the higher cost, especially those wanting unique modern designs and total durability. You are paying for American-made craftsmanship from heavy, quality metals that will last a lifetime. Emtek provides heft, status and enduring performance. If your home decor calls for high-end contemporary hardware, Emtek is worth the investment. But for budget buyers, cheaper options like Kwikset can provide good value and function at lower prices.
Yes, Emtek makes excellent cabinet hardware that matches their quality door levers and knobs. Their Emtek Pro Series offers a wide range of modern bar and cup pulls, handles, knobs, and other cabinet hardware. Designed to coordinate with their door lines, Emtek’s cabinet hardware brings durability, style and a consistent look to your kitchen or bath. It allows a cohesive, high-end appearance tailored specifically to your home.
Final Thoughts
Either brand provides quality and innovation in door hardware. Let your personal needs and decor decide between these two industry leaders. And remember to always properly install and care for your hardware to ensure lasting performance.
With Emtek or Kwikset adorning your doors, you can be assured of both beauty and security enhancing your home for years to come.
