Zero-Clearance Hinge
A specialized concealed hinge designed to allow a cabinet door to open a full 90 to 170 degrees even when the door is immediately adjacent to a wall, appliance, or perpendicular cabinet. Standard hinges in this situation would only open 90 degrees before the door hits the obstruction, but zero-clearance hinges use a cranked arm geometry that swings the door completely clear. They are essential for blind corner cabinets and cabinets flanking refrigerators or walls.
In practice
Use zero-clearance hinges where a door sits beside a wall, tall cabinet, or interior roll-out — the door clears the opening completely so pull-outs and trays slide past without binding.
Common questions
When do I need zero-clearance hinges?
When a cabinet has interior roll-outs or sits against a wall or taller cabinet — the hinge swings the door fully clear of the opening so nothing catches.