Pros and Cons of Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Introduction

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most important elements that define the look and functionality of a kitchen space. With so many options available today ranging from materials to styles, choosing the right kitchen cabinets can be an overwhelming task. Metal kitchen cabinets have become an increasingly popular choice among homeowners in recent years due to their sleek, modern aesthetic and durability. However, like any material, metal cabinets also come with their own set of pros and cons that must be carefully considered before making a purchase.

In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the key benefits and potential drawbacks of metal kitchen cabinets to help you make an informed decision for your next kitchen remodeling or construction project. We will look at factors like durability, style options, ease of cleaning, noise, cost and more. Whether you are building a new home or simply looking to update the look of an existing kitchen, understanding the pros and cons of metal cabinets will ensure you select the best option to match your needs, lifestyle and budget.

Durability of Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Durability is one of the biggest advantages of choosing metal kitchen cabinets. Metals like stainless steel and aluminum are incredibly strong, dent-resistant materials that can withstand years of regular wear and tear.

• Stainless steel cabinets are renowned for their extreme durability and longevity, as the dense steel material is resistant to scratches, stains, rust and corrosion. Stainless steel cabinets treated with a brushed finish are also great at hiding minor scratches and fingerprints. With proper care and maintenance, stainless steel cabinets can easily last a lifetime.
• Aluminum is lightweight yet strong, rated as having a high strength-to-weight ratio. Although not as strong as steel, aluminum is still dent-resistant and able to maintain its smooth surface without warping or degrading over many years of use. Most aluminum cabinets utilize a powder-coated paint that provides extra protection.
• Other metal alloys like galvanized steel boast similar resilience against scratches, impacts and moisture damage. Galvanized steel cabinets are coated with a protective zinc layer to prevent rusting.

Overall, the inherent strength and durability of metal makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens prone to moisture, grease, frequent bumps and heavy daily usage. Metal cabinets will maintain their like-new appearance for decades longer than most other materials.

Appearance and Styles of Metal Cabinets

Beyond just resilience, metal kitchen cabinets also offer versatile, modern aesthetics that can dramatically transform the look and feel of a kitchen. Metal comes in a range of finishes from shiny and reflective to intentionally weathered, making it easy to achieve very different artistic styles.

• Sleek stainless steel cabinets provide an elegant, professional-grade kitchen aesthetic that pairs well with other commercial styled appliances and countertops materials like quartz. The clean, straight lines and cool tones of stainless steel create a contemporary, minimalist look.
• For a warmer, more rustic appearance, bronze, copper and antique nickel finished metal cabinets introduce an artisan, old-world charm. Distressed metal finishes like rubbed bronze or oil-rubbed bronze allow for an industrial farmhouse style.
• Powder coated metal cabinets allow even more versatility, as the colored paint finish can be matched to any existing color scheme or palette. Glossy and matte options are available.
• Textures like bead-blasted or hammered metal provide unique depth, contrast and visual appeal.

With customization options for colors, sheens, and textures, metal cabinets can be tailored to fit practically any kitchen decor from modern and edgy to comfortable and vintage.

Ease of Cleaning

Another practical advantage of metal kitchen cabinets is that they are typically very easy to keep clean and hygienic. The non-porous surface of metal does not absorb liquids, food debris, oils and grime like wood might over time. As a result, metal cabinet exteriors can be wiped down and disinfected quickly and easily.

• Stainless steel cleans up well with just warm soapy water and a soft cloth. For more stubborn messes, a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner restores the shine.
• Most powder coated metal cabinets can also be cleaned with mild soap and water. Grease splatters or cooking stains are easily removed.
• Unlike unfinished wood which requires careful sealing, even unfinished metal like brushed aluminum maintains a protective barrier against moisture damage during cleaning.

The ease of wiping down and sanitizing metal cabinets makes them an excellent choice for tidy cooks or homes with kids and pets that experience more frequent messes. Maintaining cleanliness and visually appealing cabinets is much simpler.

Noise Considerations

One potential downside of installing metal kitchen cabinets is that the hard material can generate more noise during use compared to other alternatives. The opening and closing of doors and drawers creates metal-on-metal contact that produces louder bangs, clangs and rattling sounds. This increased noise may be undesirable for some.

• Metal hinges, slides, latches and handles impact each other noisily every time a cabinet is accessed. The solid sheets of steel, aluminum or stainless steel reverberate sound strongly.
• Pots, pans and dishes also clatter loudly when placed on hard metal shelves. Glassware is prone to chiming when cabinets doors are shut forcefully.
• Drawers can vibrate and shake when rolled in and out rapidly on metal tracks, and slamming them closed also makes more noise.

There are ways to dampen the acoustics though:

• Felt pads can be attached to doors and drawers to soften closing. Rubber bumpers can also help absorb impact.
• Using high-quality ball bearing slides and hinges with slow-closing mechanisms greatly reduce rattling and banging.
• Lining interiors and shelves with sound dampening materials like liners, mats or covers minimizes reverberation.

With some extra planning, the noise issue of metal cabinets can usually be effectively reduced to comfortable levels. But it is something to be aware of.

Cost Considerations

In terms of cost and budget, quality metal kitchen cabinets are generally more expensive upfront than laminate or painted wood cabinets. The durable materials and construction command a higher initial price point.

• Stainless steel cabinets are one of the most expensive options, but also the most durable and resilient. Quality stainless steel cabinets typically cost $2,500 to $5,000 more than a comparable wood set.
• Aluminum and galvanized steel cabinets range from 10-50% more than wood, with better grades commanding higher prices. More exotic metals like copper and zinc alloys can be even more costly.
• Installation may also be more complex, often requiring professional expertise to assemble and mount frames properly. This can add on labor costs.

However, there are ways to reduce the costs of metal cabinets:

• Opt for powder coated steel rather than pricier stainless steel for a budget-friendly alternative with similar visual appeal.
• Consider combining a few strategically placed metal cabinets just on key high-wear areas like around the stove and sink rather than all metal.
• Select simpler cabinet designs with concealed hinges and minimal hardware details to bring down price.
• Shop sales, closeouts and factory seconds/dent-and-ding items that offer deep discounts.

The increased longevity and ease of maintenance of quality metal cabinets also make them a smart long-term investment, saving replacement and upkeep costs down the road.

Weight Considerations

Depending on the specific metal alloy, some metal cabinets may be quite heavy in weight. This is important to factor in during the installation and use phases.

• Stainless steel cabinets are heavier than wood of the same dimensions due to the dense steel. This makes on-site handling more difficult and potentially requires reinforced wall framing.
• Steel kitchens weigh approximately 20% more than similar wood cabinetry. Depending on cabinet sizes and configurations, professional assistance might be suggested for delivery and installation.
• Aluminum is lighter weight, but still heavier than most laminates and wood. Extra care should be taken during transport and mounting to prevent damage.
• For upper wall cabinets and taller pantry units, the increased weight puts more strain on hinges and anchors. These need to be rated for heavier loads.
• Larger drawers can become more difficult to open and close when using metal construction compared to lighter wood or plastic options.

Consider the overall weight of the selected metal cabinets and ensure installer/assemblers take any needed precautions when handling and securing to the kitchen structure. But for most spaces, the modest increase in weight over wood cabinets is manageable.

Thermal Conductivity Considerations

Metals like stainless steel and aluminum are very thermally conductive, meaning temperature travels through them quickly. This physical property requires some awareness when selecting metal kitchen cabinets:

• The temperature of the cabinet interior will readily conduct through to the exterior. This means exterior surfaces may have a cold or hot feel after storing especially cold or hot contents.
• Insulated cabinets may be prudent in situations where people frequently come in contact with cabinets to reduce chances of burns from hot pans or frozen foods inside.
• Without insulation, the interiors have less stable temperatures. Food stored in metal cabinets may be more prone to spoiling from conduction of hot or cold ambient temperatures in the kitchen.

Proper clearance from heat sources like ovens and good ventilation is important in all kitchens, but especially with thermally conductive metal cabinets. With planning, the conductivity factor is manageable for most kitchens. Insulated metal cabinets are also available.

Environmental Considerations

For the environmentally conscious, metal kitchen cabinets have both pros and cons worth noting:

Pros:

• Metals like steel and aluminum are very effectively and endlessly recyclable materials, with no loss of properties after remelting. This makes metal cabinets environmentally ideal at end-of-life.
• Metal cabinets have very long lifespans, keeping them out of landfills. Their durability results in less waste generation over time.
• Many metal alloys utilize high recycled content, giving a green benefit versus other materials.

Potential Cons:

• Metals manufacturing is energy intensive, with stainless steel in particular requiring substantial energy inputs during extraction and fabrication. This can give metals a higher embedded carbon footprint.
• Some metals production involves mining operations with potential environmental consequences that should be considered. Responsible sourcing is important.
• Metal finishing and painting involves use of harsh chemicals and chemical wastewater pollution concerns. Powder coating is lower impact than wet spray painting.

With mindful purchasing decisions and recycling discipline, metal cabinets can be a long-term green choice. But supply chain and production factors should be weighed.

Pros of Metal Kitchen Cabinets

In summary, key benefits of choosing metal kitchen cabinets include:

• Extreme durability and dent/scratch resistance
• Easy to keep clean and sanitary
• Sleek, modern aesthetic
• Versatile range of finishes and styles
• Long lifespan saves replacement costs
• Thermally conductive material
• Endlessly recyclable

Cons of Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Potential drawbacks to weigh include:

• Increased noise during use
• Generally higher upfront cost
• Heavier weight to handle
• Condensation/temperature conduction
• More eco impact from production
• Fingerprints and smudges show readily

Key Considerations When Buying Metal Kitchen Cabinets

If metal kitchen cabinets seem like a good fit for your home after reviewing the pros and cons, here are some key factors to consider while browsing options:

• Finish: Do you prefer a shiny polished look or intentionally weathered patina? Cool-toned stainless steel, warm copper, or customizable paint?
• Budget: Set realistic expectations based on material costs and design intricacy. Prioritize high wear areas if needed.
• Insulation: Determine if sound dampening and/or thermal insulation is warranted.
• Hardware: Seek soft-closing and noise-reducing features like hinges, slides and latches.
• Installation: Factor in professional installation costs and structural needs like reinforced walls.
• Care: Ensure the finish type aligns with your cleaning habits and abilities. Fingerprints show more on stainless steel.

Taking the time to carefully weigh the pros and cons and shop with key considerations in mind will lead to a satisfactory metal cabinet investment that reliably stands the test of time. With their sturdy construction and chic aesthetics, metal cabinets provide a versatile, durable, and low-maintenance storage solution for contemporary kitchen designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can metal kitchen cabinets be painted?

Metal kitchen cabinets can be painted, but it requires proper preparation and primer to ensure long-lasting adhesion. Sanding, cleaning, degreasing and potentially etching creates a good foundation for paint. Spray painting typically works better than brush painting for the smoothest, most durable finish. Matching existing paint sheens takes finesse. Hiring a professional ensures the best results.

How durable are metal cabinets compared to wood?

Quality metal cabinets are significantly more durable, long-lasting, and damage-resistant than almost any type of wood cabinetry. The dense, non-porous material of steel, aluminum and other metals does not scratch, chip, crack, warp or bend over time like wood products. With far greater impact strength and moisture resistance, metal cabinets maintain their original appearance much longer than wood alternatives under heavy use.

Can you hang metal cabinets directly on the wall?

Metal cabinets should not be hung directly on walls without proper structural reinforcement. The weight of most metal cabinets requires them to be mounted onto a frame or rail system that is securely bolted into the wall studs. Failure to provide adequate structural support risks pullout and collapse hazards. Hanging metal cabinets is best left to professionals with architectural and load calculation expertise.

Are stainless steel cabinets hard to take care of?

Stainless steel is one of the easiest cabinet materials to care for. The non-porous surface resists absorbing spills, condensation and grime. Stainless steel wipes clean with just mild soap and water, and resists stains. For tough grease buildup, a stainless steel cleaner quickly restores the shine. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and acidic cleaners. With minimal, gentle cleaning, stainless steel retains its like-new sheen for decades. Much easier maintenance than wood finishes.

Do metal cabinets make a kitchen look cheap?

Not at all, metal kitchen cabinets offer a luxury, top-of-the-line aesthetic when done tastefully. The sleek, glossy look of stainless steel exudes an expensive, professional grade kitchen vibe that appears in high-end restaurant kitchens. Designer metal finishes like bronze, copper and nickel also convey an upscale, artistic impression. Durable metal signifies quality construction instead of cheapness. Combine with other premium materials for an elegant look.

Conclusion

Metal kitchen cabinets provide unique benefits like strength, cleanliness, and sleekness that make them a top choice for many homeowners. However, considerations like cost, noise, and installation requirements mean metal cabinets may not be ideal for every situation. Carefully weighing the pros and cons allows you to make the most informed decision for your individual kitchen needs. With proper selection and planning, metal cabinets deliver durable, low-maintenance storage and striking visual style for decades to come.