What is the Metal Drawer in a Hoosier Cabinet?

An Overview of the Hoosier Cabinet

Before diving into the metal drawer specifically, it helps to understand what a Hoosier cabinet is. These wooden cabinets were designed for kitchen organization and efficiency in the era before built-in kitchen cabinetry became commonplace.

The Hoosier cabinet has a top work surface for food preparation, a accessories and storage area in the middle, and a bottom compartment for baking sheets and trays. They often feature built-in sifters, spice racks, a flour bin, and a retractable cabinet step stool. The eclectic combination of storage and work space made them an indispensable fixture in early 20th century kitchens.

The Purpose of the Metal Drawer

The small metal drawer at the top of the Hoosier cabinet played an important role. Typically made of tin or galvanized steel, the drawer was designed to store and organize hardware, small kitchen tools, and various cooking utensils.

Common items stored in the Hoosier’s metal drawer included:

• Measuring spoons
• Egg beaters
• Bottle openers
• Paring knives
• Vegetable peelers
• Kitchen shears
• Graters
• Skewers
• Corn cob holders
• Apple corers

The metal construction kept the drawer clean and hygienic. The contents could also be easily cleaned by simply wiping out the drawer. Additionally, the metal helped prevent this top drawer’s contents from absorbing food odors and residues.

The shallow depth of the drawer was ideal for small gadgets and cooking instruments. Multiple built-in dividers allowed cooks to organize the items and easily find what they needed while cooking. Some metal drawers had handles or pulls for smoothly sliding the drawer in and out.

Advantages of the Metal Drawer

The metal drawer on a Hoosier cabinet offered several advantages:

• Durability – Made of metal, it was far more durable than wooden drawers in a kitchen environment. Metal was not prone to warping, splitting, or other damage from moisture and heat.
• Hygienic – Metal surfaces did not absorb odors, food residue, or bacteria like wood. The smooth metal was easy to clean and keep sanitary.
• Organization – The compact size and internal dividers kept kitchen tools organized and close at hand. Cooks could intuitively reach for items they needed.
• Accessibility – Mounted at the top, the metal drawer was easily accessible for busy cooks. They didn’t have to bend down or rummage to find small implements.
• Aesthetics – The gleaming metal drawer contrasted nicely with the wooden Hoosier cabinet. It provided aesthetic appeal in addition to utility.
• Value – The metal drawer added to the value of the Hoosier cabinet. Buyers considered it an appealing feature.

The versatile metal drawer remains a hallmark of the classic Hoosier cabinet’s form and function in early 20th century kitchens.

Common Questions About the Metal Drawer

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the signature metal drawer on Hoosier cabinets:

What size is the metal drawer?

The metal drawers were typically about 12 inches wide by 4 inches deep and 5 inches high. However, sizes could vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. The shallow depth accommodated small tools while the width allowed for internal dividers.

What are some alternate materials used besides metal?

While galvanized steel was most common, some metal drawers were made of tin or aluminum. Rarely, a wooden drawer may be found on later Hoosier cabinets. But metal was the material of choice for durability.

Did the metal drawer lock?

Most metal drawers did not lock but simply slid in and out. However, some deluxe Hoosier cabinets had lockable drawers to secure valuables like silverware. A small lock would be mounted under the drawer pull.

Where were the metal drawers made?

Metal drawers were manufactured by the companies that built the full Hoosier cabinets. Major brands included Sellers, McDougall, Hoosier, Booth Brothers, and G.I. Sellers & Sons, among others. Indiana was a production hub.

Did the metal affect the flavor of stored foods?

The unreactive galvanized steel did not impart any metallic taste to tools or foods stored in the drawer. So there were no adverse effects on flavor.

How should the metal drawer be cleaned?

Gentle scrubbing with hot soapy water and a soft cloth is best for routine cleaning. A non-abrasive metal polish can also be applied if needed. Avoid immersing or putting the entire cabinet in water.

Maintaining the Vintage Metal Drawer

For those lucky enough to own a Hoosier cabinet today, the metal drawer requires minimal maintenance:

• Wipe out frequently with a soft cloth to keep clean of grease and food debris.
• Use a mild detergent and hot water for occasional deep cleaning. Avoid harsh abrasives.
• Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rust inside the drawer.
• Buff gently with a metal polish or mineral oil if the drawer loses its luster over time. This will restore shine and prevent corrosion.
• Lubricate the slides with a dry lubricant spray if they become sticky. This will allow the drawer to glide smoothly.
• Refrain from storing wet, greasy or acidic items in the drawer to prevent staining or deterioration of the metal.

With simple care, the signature metal drawer on a cherished Hoosier cabinet will remain functional and add vintage appeal to a kitchen for many years to come!

Conclusion

The small metal drawer found on top of the iconic Hoosier cabinet was an ingenious feature. Durable, hygienic, and organizational, it held essential kitchen tools right at cooks’ fingertips. The shallow yet wide drawer with dividers kept tools organized and was easy to access when cooking. While early 20th century Hoosier cabinets boasted many built-in conveniences, the humble metal drawer remains one of its most useful and distinctive elements. For those lucky enough to use an original Hoosier today, the metal drawer continues to be an essential part of efficiently organizing kitchen tools and gadgets.