Both say Emtek. One is significantly more configurable — and significantly more solid. Here's how to tell them apart and which one to specify.
Both product lines say "Emtek" on the box. Both are sold by Emtek. But they are different products designed for different market positions, and the differences matter enough that specifying the wrong one for a project is a real mistake.
Emtek's standard line
Emtek's standard door hardware — often called the "Emtek Classic" or simply "Emtek" — includes lever sets, knob sets, deadbolts, and entry sets in solid brass construction across a wide range of styles and finishes. This is the line that built Emtek's reputation in the North American residential market: solid brass standard, well-designed, available in an unusually wide finish and style range, and price-positioned between big-box hardware and European luxury hardware.
The standard Emtek line uses a traditional rose system: a round or shaped decorative rose sits against the door face, the lever or knob attaches through the rose, and the mounting screws are typically visible (or hidden under a removable cap). This is the standard residential installation approach and is completely appropriate for most applications.
Emtek SELECT
Emtek SELECT is the more refined, more configurable, and more architecturally resolved product in the Emtek line. The key difference is the rose system: SELECT uses a concealed mounting rose — no visible screws on the face of the rose. The mechanism is more complex, the installation takes slightly more skill, and the result is a cleaner, more considered appearance on the door.
SELECT levers are available with rectangular, square, and round roses — not just the traditional round rose of the standard line. The rectangular and square rose options are particularly popular in contemporary and modern applications where the geometry reads as architectural rather than decorative.
The practical differences
- Rose mounting: Standard — exposed screws or decorative caps. SELECT — fully concealed mounting, no visible fasteners.
- Rose shape options: Standard — primarily round roses with some shaped options. SELECT — round, square, and rectangular roses available.
- Price: SELECT carries a premium over the standard line — typically 20%–40% more per set depending on the configuration.
- Installation: SELECT installation requires slightly more precision; the concealed mounting mechanism requires careful alignment.
- Lever availability: Not all Emtek levers are available in SELECT — the SELECT system has its own lever library, which overlaps with but does not exactly replicate the standard line.
Which to specify
For traditional and transitional homes where the round rose is appropriate and visible screws are not a concern, the standard Emtek line delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. There is no reason to specify SELECT for a traditional architecture if the standard rose profile fits the design intent.
For contemporary homes where the rose geometry and concealed mounting make a meaningful difference to the finished appearance — particularly with rectangular roses paired with angular lever handles — SELECT is the correct specification. The visible-screw vs. concealed-screw difference is subtle in a photo and immediately apparent in person, especially at close range.
Can you mix them in the same home?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The rose profiles differ, and using SELECT in primary rooms and standard Emtek in secondary rooms creates an inconsistency that a trained eye will notice. Decide which system fits the project and use it consistently.
See the full range of Emtek levers and entry sets in our collection — both standard and SELECT options available. Visit our Oakville showroom to compare both systems in person, or contact our team for a specification recommendation.
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