Why Metal Kitchen Cabinets Are Popular Again

The Pros and Cons of Metal Cabinets, Along with Resources for Dealers

Back in the 1930s and 1940s, stainless steel kitchen cabinets were all the rage. These terrific looking cabinets were low in cost, easy to care for, and usually came in white, though could be spray painted in a different color if you preferred. While they
 did look slightly cold and sterile, the trade-off of super easy maintenance was definitely worth it. All these cabinets needed to look good again was a scrubbing with a damp washcloth or a spray can of paint, which was a real plus for those of us on a budget.

Metal kitchen cabinets are back in style again as a new generation of homeowners are discovering how affordable and low maintenance these cabinets can be. These sleek looking cabinets are no longer limited to commercial kitchen use, but have been finding a niche in contemporary kitchen design.

Features

Today's metal cabinets offer many more features than the ones we remember from our Grandma's kitchen.

This generation of cabinet is resistant to both stains and corrosion, and is easy to clean and disinfect. Metal cabinets also are non toxic and ideal for people with chemical sensitivities, and come in a wide range of colors and styles. And unlike the old metal cabinets of the 40s, modern metal kitchen cabinets can be dressed up with brass or copper molding, brushed nickel finishes, or even a inset glass panel. These cabinets can also be combined with a transitional cabinet for a more tempered look.

And what about scratches? Unlike Grandma's metal cabinets, a minor scratch is not a big deal, and can burnished out within minutes.

The downside of metal cabinets

While all these features do sound quite appealing, there are some downsides to metal cabinets as well. This disadvantages should be considered before making a decision to replace your traditional kitchen cabinets with ones made of stainless steel.

The noise factor: Metal cabinets can be quite noisy, especially in a kitchen with tile floors.

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You neglected to mention another negative of metal cabinets: if you ever need to route a water supply line or waste line to, from or through the cabinet, you will have quite a chore on your hands. Using a hole saw to bore holes through the metal panels while twisted up in confined spaces is nearly impossible. The hole saw wants to skate on the hard metal surface and if you cannot get the hole saw perfectly perpendicular to the surface (due to confined space and obstacles like existing pipes), don't even pull the trigger. It's dangerous to even try. I am currently installing a dishwasher next to my old metal under-sink cabinet and am experiencing this negative.

Posted on 06/05/2009 at 2:06:10 PM

I wasn't aware that these are available again, thanks.

Posted on 01/04/2009 at 11:01:50 AM

They are incredibly noisy which I don't like.- Interesting read, I enjoyed it!

Posted on 12/29/2008 at 9:12:40 PM

Love metal cabinets because my grandparents had them----very fond memories of an old kitchen with wonderful cooking. :)

Posted on 12/25/2008 at 3:12:06 PM

:)

Posted on 12/24/2008 at 10:12:20 AM

wow, great article.

Posted on 12/23/2008 at 9:12:01 PM

very informative

Posted on 12/23/2008 at 9:12:54 PM

Interesting, I like it! Great idea.

Posted on 12/23/2008 at 8:12:55 PM

Great topic!

Posted on 12/23/2008 at 6:12:15 PM

Good article...Very informative!

Posted on 12/23/2008 at 5:12:07 PM

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