What Metal are Bread Drawers in Kitchen Cabinets?

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular metals used for kitchen cabinet bread drawers. Stainless steel offers several advantages:

• Durability – Stainless steel is very strong and withstands heavy use and abrasion. Stainless steel bread drawers will maintain their luster for years.
• Ease of Cleaning – The smooth, non-porous surface of stainless steel allows for easy cleaning. Bread crumbs and spills can be wiped away with just a damp cloth.
• Resistance to Corrosion – Stainless steel contains chromium which forms an invisible passive layer protecting it from corrosion. It will not rust or oxidize over time.
• Aesthetically Pleasing – Brushed stainless steel fits into modern, contemporary kitchen designs and provides a clean, sleek look. The neutral color matches well with many color schemes.

Many premium kitchen cabinets offer stainless steel bread drawers. Stainless offers beauty and functionality.

Aluminum

Aluminum is budget-friendly alternative metal sometimes used in kitchen cabinet bread drawers. Benefits of aluminum include:

• Affordable – Aluminum is generally less expensive than stainless steel. Aluminum bread drawers offer cost savings.
• Lightweight – Aluminum is a lightweight metal, making the drawers easy to open and close. This also puts less strain on the drawer glides.
• Easy to Form – Aluminum can be formed into a variety of shapes and depths to create customized drawer dimensions.
• Durability – Aluminum is durable, rust-resistant and withstands frequent use. Finishes prevent oxidation over time.

The lightweight properties and affordability makes aluminum a practical choice for manufacturers. But it lacks the elegance and hardness of steel.

Powder-Coated Steel

Many base-model kitchen cabinets use powder-coated steel for bread drawers. Advantages include:

• Inexpensive – Steel is more affordable than stainless or aluminum. This allows for low-cost cabinetry.
• Strong – Steel is very sturdy and offers good load-bearing capacity for the contents of the drawer.
• Range of Colors – Steel can be powder-coated in a variety of color finishes from white to black to match cabinet interiors.
• Resilient Finish – The powder-coated finish is bonded and baked onto the steel for chip and peel resistance.

Steel bread drawers provide economical storage, though ongoing care is needed to prevent rust down the road. The finish can also scratch or chip over time.

Solid Wood

For a classic warmth and elegance, solid wood remains a popular choice for bread drawers in upscale custom cabinetry:

• Natural Beauty – The rich grains and tones of solid woods like oak, maple and cherry provide timeless beauty.
• Durability – Hardwoods stand up well to everyday use. Many woods become harder over time.
• Customization – Solid wood can be hand-crafted into unique drawer shapes and configurations.
• Versatile Styling – Wood tones and finishes complement a range of kitchen designs from Old World to contemporary.

While solid wood requires diligent cleaning and conditioning to prevent damage, it provides unrivaled aesthetics for a premium kitchen.

Typical Construction of Bread Drawers

Most bread drawers consist of visible exterior drawer fronts made from one of the above metals or solid wood materials combined with a hidden constructed box made from a secondary material:

• Stainless Steel Fronts – Backed by an interior constructed of 16 gauge cold rolled steel.
• Aluminum Fronts – Concealing a heavy-duty 20 gauge steel constructed box.
• Powder-Coated Steel Fronts – Secured to a sturdy sheet metal constructed body.
• Wood Fronts – Paired with a sturdy plywood constructed box.

Knowing that bread drawers utilize a durable constructed box along with a pleasing visible exterior can help guide your expectations when selecting kitchen cabinetry. While aesthetics are important, functionality and strength are equally key.

Key Considerations When Choosing Bread Drawer Materials

When selecting materials for kitchen cabinet bread drawers, keep the following considerations in mind:

• Budget – Stainless and woods are premium materials that add cost. Aluminum and steel provide savings.
• Aesthetics – Match metals and wood to your desired style from contemporary to traditional.
• Durability – Stainless and hardwoods offer the most resilience from nicks and wear-and-tear.
• Ease of Care – Stainless steel and powder-coated finishes simplify cleaning and resist moisture damage compared to bare woods.
• Noise – Laminates and wood provide sound dampening. Metal can be noisy and echo in the kitchen.
• Strength – Steel and stainless constructions offer the most weight capacity.

By balancing factors like cost, appearance, and functionality, you can select the ideal metal or wood for your kitchen’s bread drawers. An informed choice will provide beautiful and convenient storage that withstands busy kitchen use for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bread Drawer Materials

What is the highest quality material for bread drawers?

Stainless steel is considered the highest quality metal option for bread drawers. Stainless offers superior strength, hardness, protection from rust and moisture, as well as a beautiful modern aesthetic.

Are plastic bread drawers an option?

While less common, some lower-priced cabinetry utilizes plastic or laminate bread drawers. These offer affordability but lack durability and style over time. Plastic is also prone to scratching and heat damage.

What are the best woods for bread drawers?

The most durable and resilient woods preferred for bread drawer fronts and boxes include oak, maple, cherry, and birch. Their tight grains stand up to abrasion while adding warmth. Bamboo is also sometimes used as an eco-friendly wood option.

Is it okay to put hot pans or dishes inside a metal bread drawer?

It’s best to allow pans and dishes to cool before placing directly inside metal bread drawers to prevent possible heat damage or warping. Any extreme heat could affect the finishes.

How much weight can a kitchen bread drawer hold?

On average, a standard bread drawer can hold 25-30 lbs. However, stainless steel or sturdy hardwood drawers may support up to 50 lbs when properly installed on robust glide hardware. Larger commercial-grade drawers hold even more.

Conclusion

Kitchen cabinet bread drawers represent a versatile storage solution that can keep myriad baked goods and food items organized while adding style and convenience to the kitchen. Stainless steel, aluminum, powder-coated steel, and solid hardwoods all make excellent construction materials for both the visible drawer fronts and the underlying strong boxes. By balancing factors like cost and aesthetics, homeowners can make an informed choice on the best metal or wood to meet their needs and match their kitchen design for years of beauty and utility. With the proper construction and care, bread drawers can faithfully serve busy kitchens providing easy access to must-have items.