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Best Doorknobs

Updated September 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Schlage Georgian Passage Knob
Schlage
Georgian Passage Knob
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Bottom Line

An economical piece of hardware for interior door updates, this sturdy doorknob feels comfortable in the hand. Easy to install, with few reported issues.

Pros

Smooth mechanism and easy installation. Protective finish gives knob a comfortable feel. A classy satin nickel doorknob at an affordable price.

Cons

Crimp indentations and visible screws may annoy some. Door holes may need to be enlarged to accommodate the hardware. A few reports of misaligned hardware and screws.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kwikset Juno Entry Knob featuring SmartKey
Kwikset
Juno Entry Knob featuring SmartKey
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Bottom Line

SmartKey rekeying feature allows you to change locks in seconds. Simple installation is sometimes stalled by baffling keyhole positioning.

Pros

SmartKey feature allows owners to rekey without changing the knob itself. Installation is fairly simple, and users like the twist-to-lock feature that snaps the new doorknob into place. Satin nickel finish.

Cons

Installation can be difficult. Multiple reports of the lock keyhole stuck upside down, requiring extra work to flip.

Kwikset Cove Entry Knob featuring SmartKey
Kwikset
Cove Entry Knob featuring SmartKey
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Bottom Line

While most are happy with its classic good looks, some are leery of its reliability. Alignment issues and packaging are weak spots in an otherwise attractive entry-level knob.

Pros

Rekeying the lock is relatively simple using the SmartKey feature. Easy to install. Great customer service. Venetian bronze finish.

Cons

Doorknob seems small to some users, and the lockset contains a fair amount of plastic. Some reports of lock binding or catching when unlocking, as well as difficulty aligning the latch with the frame strike plate.

Brinks Tulip-Style Keyed Entry Doorknob
Brinks
Tulip-Style Keyed Entry Doorknob
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Bottom Line

A reliable doorknob for exterior or interior doors. Antique brass finish withstands the elements. Be prepared to do a bit of chisel work in order to fit the hardware.

Pros

Withstands the elements with no issues after months on an exterior door. Installation is easy; requires about 10 to 30 minutes.

Cons

A few reports of the lock mechanism sticking. Some felt the doorknob was too flimsy for an entry door. Existing openings for hardware may need to be widened.

Kwikset Juno Bed/Bath Knob
Kwikset
Juno Bed/Bath Knob
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Bottom Line

Sturdy and durable, these interior-only privacy doorknobs are simple to install. Venetian bronze finish holds up well, and users appreciate customer support.

Pros

Stylish brushed-bronze finish and lower price. Easy to install, even for beginners. Doorknobs hold up well, showing little wear after years of use.

Cons

Visible screws on the side opposite the locking knob. (This bothers some, though it's standard on privacy knobs.) Occasional finish flaws.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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30
Models
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125
Consumers
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28
Hours
Researched
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Doorknobs don’t seem like a piece of hardware that should be difficult to select. However, you may be surprised by how many options you have. Think about the room where you’ll be using the doorknob. Do you need a simple lock on the knob, a deadbolt lock, or no lock? Do you need an exterior or interior doorknob? You then can select among numerous shapes and colors. Most doorknobs are available in familiar metal colors, like silver, brass, gold, nickel, or pewter. A round doorknob will be the most common shape you’ll find. However, you also can select a horizontal handle style. This makes it easier to open the door when your hands are full.

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