Making the Most of Narrow Kitchen Units: Side Pull-Outs for 15 cm and 20 cm Cabinets

January 26, 2026

A side pull-out for 15 cm or 20 cm wide kitchen cabinets transforms narrow gaps into ergonomically usable storage space using precision full-extension runners.

When planning a kitchen layout, leftover gaps frequently occur. Once standard carcases of 600 mm or 450 mm width are arranged, spaces of 150 mm or 200 mm often remain at the end of a run. Fitting these narrow openings with basic hinged doors and standard shelves is impractical, as the rear area is almost impossible to reach in such slim cabinets. The professional solution for joiners and kitchen fitters is installing a narrow pull-out, often referred to as a base unit larder pull-out.

This guide focuses on the technical specifications that must be considered when selecting and fitting kitchen cabinet pull-outs for very narrow carcases. From internal clear width and load capacity to selecting the right runner kinematics.

Key Buying Criteria for Narrow Pull-Outs

Anyone planning a pull-out mechanism for a narrow base unit must align strictly with the physical dimensions of the cabinet carcase. Tolerances here are significantly tighter than with wide drawer boxes.

Carcase Width vs. Internal Clear Width

The decisive dimension for fitting compatibility is not the outer width of the cabinet, but the internal clear width. A kitchen cabinet pull-out 15 cm is designed for a carcase with an external width of 150 mm. If the cabinet is constructed from 19 mm thick chipboard, this results in an internal clear width of exactly 112 mm (150 mm - 2 x 19 mm). With a 16 mm carcase side wall, the internal clear width is 118 mm. The chosen metal basket or timber frame, including the drawer runners, must not exceed this dimension; otherwise, the mechanism will jam.

Load Capacity and Leverage

Narrow base pull-outs are typically used for heavy, dense items such as oil bottles, vinegar, tins, or spice jars. Consequently, the point load exerted on the runner tracks is high. For a kitchen cabinet pull-out 20 cm, the mechanism should feature a dynamic load capacity of at least 20 kg to 30 kg. Important: the higher the pull-out is loaded, the greater the leverage forces exerted on the fixings along the carcase side wall, especially when the unit is fully extended.

Full Extension vs. Partial Extension

Accessibility is the main challenge in narrow cabinets. A partial-extension runner exposes only around 75 % of the cabinet contents. The rear section remains hidden inside the carcase, making it difficult to lift out bottles. A full-extension runner, on the other hand, extends to 100 %. The entire basket travels past the front edge of the cabinet. For narrow cabinets, using full-extension drawer runners is the technical standard required to guarantee proper ergonomics.

Overview of Runner Systems and Mechanics

Smooth running and stability in a narrow pull-out depend primarily on the runner technology installed. Because width is strictly limited, specialised runner configurations are used.

Undermount Runners

In extremely narrow 150 mm cabinets, every single millimetre of width counts. An undermount runner is not mounted to the side of the basket, but concealed beneath the base of the pull-out. This allows the full internal clear width of the carcase to be used for usable storage (the wire basket). Undermount drawer runners also provide high lateral stability, minimising side-to-side wobble for tall bottles during opening.

Side-Mounted Ball-Bearing Runners

In 200 mm wide cabinets, there is often sufficient space to mount side-fixing telescopic ball-bearing runners. These runners consist of interlocking metal profiles running on steel ball bearings. They are exceptionally robust and support heavy loads. A narrow pull-out is frequently mounted asymmetrically — meaning both runner tracks (top and bottom) are screwed directly to either the left or the right internal carcase wall.

Soft-Close vs. Push-to-Open Mechanisms

The closing kinematics determine the operating comfort. Two fundamentally different mechanisms must be distinguished here, which are frequently confused:

Soft-Close (damped): An integrated cylinder (often pneumatic or oil-damped) slows down the runner over the final few centimetres and gently, quietly pulls it into the cabinet. Soft-close drawer runners are the standard for kitchens with traditional handles.
Push-to-Open (tip-on): A mechanical ejector activated by pressing against the front panel. An internal spring pushes the pull-out open by a few centimetres, allowing it to be gripped by hand. Push-to-open drawer runners are essential for handleless kitchen front designs.

Both mechanisms work in opposite directions (retracting vs. ejecting) and generally cannot be combined within a single runner track.

Which Side Pull-Out for Which Application? (Decision Guide)

The choice of hardware depends on the planned usage and kitchen cabinet design.

When the cabinet is used for heavy oil and vinegar bottles: Select a 150 mm or 200 mm pull-out with a load rating of at least 30 kg and asymmetrical side mounting. Bottles require a stable base, making models with solid bases (e.g. MDF with non-slip matting) more suitable than open wire mesh baskets.
When the pull-out serves as a towel rail beside the sink: A lower load rating (10 kg to 15 kg) is sufficient here. A 150 mm wide pull-out with an upper rail for tea towels and a lower basket for cleaning supplies is ideal. A partial-extension runner may suffice, though a full-extension runner remains noticeably more convenient.
When planning a handleless kitchen: Ensure that the runners incorporate a push-to-open mechanism. A standard self-closing runner cannot be opened without a handle.
When precise front panel gaps are required: Choose a pull-out system with 3D front adjustment. This enables vertical, horizontal, and tilt adjustments via eccentric screws to achieve millimetre-accurate alignment after fitting.

Installation Advice for Fitters

Installing a narrow pull-out requires precision. A narrow pull-out functions within a cabinet much like a piston in a cylinder — completely parallel runner tracks are essential to ensure bind-free movement.

Preparation: Check that the carcase is square. If the unit is not joined or screwed at an exact 90-degree angle, the pull-out will catch and bind during operation.
Runner Installation: Use the System 32 grid if the carcase includes pre-drilled holes. These drill holes have a 5 mm diameter spaced at 32 mm centres. Fasten the runners using matching Euro screws. Without pre-drilled lines, use chipboard screws (typically 4 x 16 mm, with a PZ or TX drive).
Alignment: Fit the runners completely level using a spirit level. The setback from the front edge of the cabinet must be identical across all fixing points; otherwise, the front panel will sit crooked.
Front Panel Installation: Secure the front fixing brackets to the cabinet door panel. Hook the front onto the pull-out mechanism and use the adjustment screws to align the gap reveals neatly with adjacent cabinet doors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between carcase external width and internal clear width? The carcase dimension describes the outer width of the cabinet (e.g. 150 mm). The internal clear width is the space inside between the two side panels. With 19 mm thick walls, the clear width of a 150 mm cabinet is exactly 112 mm. The pull-out hardware must fit entirely within this internal measurement.

Can I replace a partial-extension runner with a full-extension runner? Yes, this is generally straightforward provided the internal cabinet depth allows it. Standard base units have a depth of approximately 560 mm. A full-extension runner with a nominal length of 500 mm can be fitted here, but requires fully replacing the existing runner tracks.

Can Soft-Close and Push-to-Open be combined? No, in almost all instances these mechanisms are mutually exclusive. Soft-close actively pulls the drawer closed using spring tension and cushions the impact. Push-to-open relies on a primed spring that pushes the runner outward when triggered.

What runner length is needed for a standard base unit? Kitchen base units usually have an internal carcase depth of 560 mm. The matching nominal length for the runners is typically 500 mm. Space must always be preserved behind the runner for back-panel clearance, cables, or pipework.

How do I adjust a misaligned front on a narrow pull-out? High-quality pull-out systems feature 3D adjustment on the front fixing brackets. Using small adjustment screws (usually cross-head PZ2), you can adjust the front panel vertically, horizontally, and in tilt until the reveal gaps align evenly with adjacent units.

Relevant Hardware Categories for Kitchen Planning

To complete your project professionally, browse the relevant technical hardware categories:

For a full overview of narrow space solutions: Kitchen cabinet pull-outs
Specific dimensions for slim openings: Kitchen cabinet pull-out 15 cm and Kitchen cabinet pull-out 20 cm
For maximum visibility and accessibility: Full-extension drawer runners
Concealed mechanisms for optimal space utilisation: Undermount drawer runners
For quiet and controlled cabinet closing: Soft-close drawer runners
For handleless modern designs: Push-to-open drawer runners