Aventos HK, HL, HS, HF from Blum and Hettich alternatives — a breakdown of lift mechanisms for wall cabinets, what each does, and which suits your door.
Why a lift system
A lift system is the alternative to hinges for upper cabinets with a flap door. The door goes up rather than to the side, so it doesn't obstruct someone standing at the counter. Particularly useful for cabinets above the work surface and over the hob.
Aventos HK — folding
The door folds in half as it opens: the lower section goes back, the upper section goes up. Requires very little clearance above the cabinet.
- For cabinets with a smaller door height (up to ~500 mm)
- Both door segments are equal height
- No overhead clearance required — can be fitted right up to the ceiling
- Integrated Blumotion: smooth opening and closing
- HK Top: compact version for 200–400 mm door heights
Aventos HL — parallel lift
The door lifts straight up parallel to itself and rests horizontally on top of the cabinet. Requires free space above.
- For taller doors — 400 to 760 mm
- In the open position the door lies flat on top of the cabinet
- Clearance needed above the cabinet: at least the door height + 50 mm
- The most widely used lift type — visually clean opening action
Aventos HS — stay lift
The door swings upward on gas struts and stays open at an angle. Locks in the open position.
- For wide and heavy doors: up to 1200 mm wide, up to 16 kg
- Door height range: 270–670 mm
- In the open position the door rests at an angle above
- Requires less overhead clearance than HL
- Spring force adjustable to match the door weight
Aventos HF — wide folding
An enhanced version of HK for wide sections. Two segments fold on opening; suited to doors up to 1200 mm wide.
- For wide doors from 450 to 1200 mm
- Door height: 230–670 mm
- Full access to the cabinet contents when open
- Integrated Blumotion as on other Aventos lines
Hettich alternatives
Hettich's TopLine XL series is the functional equivalent of Aventos with a similar range of mechanisms.
- TopLine XL TS: equivalent to Aventos HS — stay lift
- TopLine XL F: equivalent to Aventos HF — folding
- Integrated SilentSystem — equivalent to Blumotion
- Price: 10–20% lower than Aventos
- Dealer availability: slightly narrower than Blum
Type comparison
| Type | Door movement | Door height | Overhead clearance |
|---|
| Aventos HK | Folds in half | up to ~500 mm | Minimal |
| Aventos HL | Lifts parallel | 400–760 mm | Door height + 50 mm |
| Aventos HS | Swings up on struts | 270–670 mm | Medium |
| Aventos HF | Folds (wide) | 230–670 mm | Minimal |
How to choose
- Cabinet flush to the ceiling or limited space above → HK or HF
- Taller door 400–760 mm with headroom above → HL
- Wide, heavy door (up to 1200 mm) → HS or HF
- Built-in lighting or glass in the door → check compatibility with the lift system first
The lift system is selected by door weight and size — Blum's online Dynalog tool calculates the correct spring force. Wrong spring setting: the door won't stay open, or is too hard to pull down.