Smart Handlesets

Smart Handlesets for Keyless Front Door Entry

Smart handlesets combine the architectural presence of a front door grip with electronic locking features designed for more flexible everyday access. The current Coastal Hardware Store collection features Emtek EMPowered 2 Touch Entry Sets with fingerprint access, touchscreen operation, Bluetooth connectivity, guest-code capabilities, and optional Wi-Fi functionality. Shoppers can choose between keyed and key-free configurations while coordinating the exterior grip with a compatible interior knob or lever.

The collection currently includes EMPowered 2 entry sets with Ares, Baden, Franklin, Hamden, Hercules Smooth, and Hercules Knurled grips paired with a wide range of interior trim styles. Function options include Key-Free Bluetooth, Key-Free Bluetooth & WiFi, Keyed Bluetooth, and Keyed Bluetooth & WiFi. For additional electronic locking options without a full exterior handleset, browse our smart locks, electronic locks, or dedicated Emtek EMPowered 2 collection.

Why Choose a Smart Handleset?

A smart handleset can simplify front-door access while preserving the larger decorative grip and interior trim of a traditional entry set. The right configuration depends on how you want to unlock the door, whether remote connectivity is needed, the existing door preparation, and the preferred exterior and interior hardware style.

• Fingerprint access: Current EMPowered 2 products support biometric fingerprint unlocking without requiring a physical key or access code for every entry.
• Bluetooth connectivity: Every function currently represented in this collection includes Bluetooth for supported local smart-lock features.
• Optional Wi-Fi configurations: Selected versions include the Wi-Fi upgrade for remote access, activity information, notifications, and supported smart-home integrations.
• Keyed or key-free operation: Shoppers can select a conventional exterior key cylinder or a completely key-free exterior configuration.
• Guest access: EMPowered 2 supports programmable guest access and entry codes for family members, visitors, or other authorized users.
• Customizable interior trim: Current Emtek entry sets can be paired with compatible brass knobs or levers, allowing the inside of the front door to coordinate with nearby interior hardware.

Types of Smart Handlesets Available

Keyed Smart Handlesets

Keyed EMPowered 2 handlesets combine electronic access with a conventional exterior key cylinder. The current collection offers keyed configurations with Bluetooth alone or Bluetooth plus Wi-Fi. This format may appeal to shoppers who want fingerprint, touchscreen, and connected access while retaining a traditional mechanical key option. Confirm the selected function before ordering because the keyed and key-free exterior trims are physically different.

Key-Free Smart Handlesets

Key-free EMPowered 2 entry sets eliminate the exterior key cylinder and rely on supported electronic access methods such as fingerprint recognition and touchscreen operation. They are currently available in Bluetooth and Bluetooth-plus-Wi-Fi configurations. Emtek provides a 9V emergency battery connection on the key-free version for situations when the internal batteries no longer provide operating power.

Bluetooth Smart Handlesets

Bluetooth configurations provide EMPowered 2 smart-lock functionality without requiring the Wi-Fi upgrade. These products are available in both keyed and key-free versions. Bluetooth may be sufficient for shoppers who primarily want local electronic access, fingerprint operation, guest codes, and supported nearby-device management rather than remote access from outside the home.

Wi-Fi Smart Handlesets

Bluetooth & WiFi configurations add the EMPowered 2 Wi-Fi upgrade. Emtek currently documents remote access through the Yale Access App along with activity information, real-time notifications, and compatibility with supported smart-home platforms such as Alexa and Google Home. Wi-Fi functionality should be selected as part of the correct product function rather than assumed to be included with every EMPowered 2 handleset.

Fingerprint & Touchscreen Entry Sets

All products currently represented in this collection belong to the EMPowered 2 Touch platform, which combines fingerprint access with a capacitive touchscreen keypad. This gives household members multiple electronic ways to unlock the door while allowing guest codes to be created for approved visitors. Available features and remote capabilities still depend on whether the selected configuration is Bluetooth-only or Bluetooth plus Wi-Fi.

How to Choose the Right Smart Handleset

Begin with the type of access you want, then compare connectivity, key preference, door preparation, grip design, interior trim, and finish. Because electronic entry hardware includes both mechanical and connected components, it is important to configure the complete set before ordering.

• Choose keyed or key-free: Select a keyed model if you want an exterior mechanical cylinder. Choose key-free if you prefer an exterior without a keyway and are comfortable relying on the supported electronic access methods.
• Decide whether you need Wi-Fi: Bluetooth versions support local smart functionality, while the Wi-Fi configuration adds features such as remote access and supported smart-home integrations.
• Select the exterior grip: Compare Ares, Baden, Franklin, Hamden, Hercules Smooth, and Hercules Knurled designs according to the architecture and scale of the entry door.
• Choose the interior trim: EMPowered 2 entry sets can be ordered with compatible brass knobs or levers. Coordinate the inside trim with the passage and privacy hardware used throughout the home when desired.
• Verify the door preparation: Confirm the bore, backset, finished door thickness, lower handleset mounting point, latch preparation, strike location, and clearance around weatherstripping before ordering.
• Review power and connectivity requirements: Understand which features work through Bluetooth, which require Wi-Fi, how the lock is powered, and which emergency-access method applies to the keyed or key-free version.

Materials, Styles & Finishes

The current collection combines Emtek's EMPowered 2 electronic locking platform with architectural entry grips and customizable interior trim. Emtek states that the inside trim can be ordered with compatible brass knobs or levers. Electronic modules, locking components, exterior trim, fasteners, and other parts should not automatically be described as one uniform material, so review the exact product specifications when construction is important to the project.

Exterior grip styles currently include the clean contemporary lines of Ares and Baden, the more traditional proportions of Hamden and Franklin, and the Hercules family in both smooth and knurled versions. Interior choices represented in the collection include round and square knobs as well as lever designs such as Bern, Breslin, Dumont, Freestone, Helios, Hermes, Luzern, Merrimack, and others.

The live collection currently shows Flat Black, Lifetime Polished Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Chrome, Satin Brass, and Satin Nickel. Availability may vary by grip and interior-trim combination. Use Emtek's exact finish name when coordinating the smart handleset with hinges, door knockers, house numbers, cabinet hardware, or interior door hardware.

Featured Smart Handleset Designs

The current Smart Handlesets collection is centered on Emtek EMPowered 2, but the available grip and interior-trim combinations create a broad range of visual styles. Electronic features are shared across the supported platform, while the exterior and interior hardware determine much of the finished appearance.

• Ares: A clean, modern grip that pairs naturally with angular knobs and contemporary lever styles.
• Baden: A streamlined architectural grip represented with numerous modern and transitional interior knobs and levers.
• Franklin: A versatile entry-grip design available with several interior lever combinations for transitional and contemporary projects.
• Hamden: A more traditional exterior profile that can be paired with classic knobs or coordinating lever trim.
• Hercules Smooth: A simple contemporary grip with a clean surface and a broad selection of interior hardware.
• Hercules Knurled: A textured alternative to the smooth Hercules grip, adding tactile and visual detail to modern entry hardware.

Installation & Compatibility

Current EMPowered 2 entry-set specifications use a standard 2-1/8-inch bore and are configured for a standard 1-3/4-inch door thickness. Emtek states that thicker doors up to 2-1/4 inches can be accommodated when the correct thickness is specified so the appropriate installation hardware is supplied.

Representative EMPowered 2 specifications also include both 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch latch options. That does not eliminate the need to measure the existing door. Before ordering, confirm the deadbolt preparation, latch preparation, backset, lower handleset mounting location, finished door thickness, strike alignment, and exterior trim footprint.

For retrofit projects, the lower mounting point is particularly important. A new smart handleset may use a different grip length or through-bolt location from the hardware already on the door, even if the upper deadbolt and latch bores are compatible. Compare the full installation template before assuming the new handleset will cover or reuse every existing hole.

Weatherstripping should also allow the door and deadbolt to align without excessive pressure. Emtek notes that the latch and strike may need adjustment so the door rests in the proper position and the motorized deadbolt can operate freely. Professional installation may be appropriate when new holes, door modification, or electrical/smart-home setup is required.

Shipping & Warranty Information

• Shipping: Representative EMPowered 2 smart handleset listings currently show an estimated fulfillment time of 5-7 business days. Coastal Hardware Store's general shipping policy states that Quick Ship items usually leave the warehouse in 2-3 business days and other items average 5-7 business days unless otherwise stated on the product page. Orders of $100 or more qualify for free standard ground shipping within the contiguous 48 states and Washington, D.C. View Shipping Policy.
• Warranty: Emtek's current lifetime limited warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for the original consumer user while that person occupies the residential premises where the product was originally installed, subject to the full terms and exclusions. Electronic components are warranted for two years. Finish coverage varies by finish, so review Emtek's current warranty for the exact configuration before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Handlesets

What is a smart handleset?

A smart handleset combines an entry-door grip and latch hardware with an electronic deadbolt system. The current Coastal Hardware Store collection uses Emtek's EMPowered 2 Touch platform, which supports fingerprint access, touchscreen operation, Bluetooth connectivity, guest codes, and optional Wi-Fi features.

What is the difference between keyed and key-free smart handlesets?

A keyed smart handleset includes an exterior mechanical key cylinder in addition to electronic access. A key-free model has no exterior key cylinder and relies on supported electronic entry methods. Current EMPowered 2 key-free models include a 9V emergency battery connection for use if the internal batteries are depleted.

Do I need Wi-Fi to use an EMPowered 2 smart handleset?

No. Bluetooth-only configurations are available. Wi-Fi is needed for the additional remote features provided by the Wi-Fi upgrade, such as supported remote access, activity information, notifications, and compatible smart-home integrations. Select the Bluetooth & WiFi function if those capabilities are required.

Can I unlock an EMPowered 2 handleset with my fingerprint?

Yes. The current EMPowered 2 Touch platform includes biometric fingerprint access in addition to its touchscreen keypad and connected features. Follow Emtek's programming instructions when enrolling fingerprints and managing authorized users.

Will a smart handleset fit my existing front door?

Possibly, but the complete preparation must be checked. Current EMPowered 2 specifications use a 2-1/8-inch standard bore and a standard 1-3/4-inch door thickness, with thicker doors up to 2-1/4 inches supported when specified. Also confirm the backset, latch preparation, deadbolt spacing, lower grip mounting location, and existing trim footprint.

What happens if the batteries in a smart handleset run out?

The backup method depends on the configuration. A keyed EMPowered 2 model retains its mechanical key cylinder. Current key-free EMPowered 2 models provide a 9V emergency battery connection on the exterior. Review the operating instructions for the selected model before installation so household members understand its backup-access method.

Shop Smart Handlesets at Coastal Hardware Store

Coastal Hardware Store offers Emtek EMPowered 2 smart handlesets for front-door upgrades, renovations, new construction, and connected-home projects. Compare keyed and key-free entry sets by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi configuration, grip style, interior knob or lever, finish, door preparation, and smart-access features.

If you need help choosing between keyed and key-free operation, determining whether Wi-Fi is necessary, matching interior trim, or confirming that an EMPowered 2 handleset will fit your existing door, our team can help you review the available configurations. Contact us at support@coastalhardwarestore.com or call us at 561-808-2588.