For a panel fridge? I think you'll be okay as long as it's more substantial than the other hardware. Especially if it matches properly. The panel is going to just look like one huge cabinet. I wouldn't worry about the handles looking so out of place. Worst case, they look to small and you can always order some bigger ones of similar style right?

I did 18" on my 42" SZ, looks appropriate. To me 12" seemed a bit short on that big panel.

It's more important that the handle be the right size than that it be identical to the cabinet hardware. A 12" handle should be fine, but if it looks odd to your eye, chose something similar but larger in the same finish.

This post was edited by EAM44 on Sat, Nov 15, 14 at 12:48

We have a 30" builtin refrigerator with a 32" handle. The dishwasher, which is right next to the fridge, has a 12" handle. Yes, I think 12" will look too small on a door that large.