Everyone thinks that the new aluminium is the best material for kitchen cabinets, but there is another steel material that can rival it: stainless steel. To many people, there has been a question in the battle of aluminium kitchen cabinet vs stainless steel, which is a better kitchen cabinet for your kitchen. Generally, it is hard to determine as everyone has their unique kitchen. Sometimes the condition of the kitchen may affect the result of deciding which material is better.
To have viewers understand which type of kitchen cabinet is fitting for them, we separated the differences into five parts and aimed to clarify how each metal-type material performs in each selected category. These categories will also be exploiting how these materials will assist you in your kitchen along with which can serve you better as your reliable containers.
Aluminium Kitchen Cabinet VS Stainless Steel Part 1: Durability
In this category, we are going to talk about their durability, like how long they can last even in a harsh environment. Technically, both of them are originally strong. Unlike wood or stone like marble or quartz, steel is sturdy and will not be scratched or cracked. With those factors in mind, steel may be the strongest with only a few flaws.
In this battle of aluminium kitchen cabinet vs stainless steel, aluminium is considered lighter than steel, which also means it has a higher strength-to-weight ratio. Stainless steel is heavier and denser than aluminum, which are two properties that are key for durability when choosing a kitchen cabinet for outdoors.
During usage or poor weather conditions, aluminium cabinets are prone to denting. A dented cabinet door is the last thing you need to be concerned about because it not only looks bad but may also make it difficult to open and close.
If you are attempting to have an outdoor kitchen, then stainless steel is a better choice, as stainless steel has a higher heat resistance than aluminium. However, if you are striving to install it indoors, aluminium is a better choice as it is light-weighted.
Aluminium Kitchen Cabinet VS Stainless Steel Part 2: Corrosion Resistance
Both aluminium and stainless steel have corrosion resistance despite that stainless steel holds more due to being partially made of chromium. Stainless steel has what is an undetectable shield against corrosion thanks to the chromium in it. This shield bears the brunt of the rusting when it develops on stainless steel kitchen cabinets. Nevertheless, the chromium shield could just regenerate once the rust is washed away.
Although it does not rust as steel does, aluminium does corrode. Additionally, metal is shielded against corrosion by a thin coating of aluminium oxide. The metal is not shielded against other types of corrosion by this barrier, though. Additionally, since stainless steel is non-porous, its immunity to corrosion will be increased.
When utilized outside, such as in exposed places with or without awnings and wet regions, corrosion and erosion brought on by the wind, rain, and sun must be taken into account. Good-quality stainless steel can withstand the environment and keep its appearance neat for years to come with routine maintenance.
Aluminium Kitchen Cabinet VS Stainless Steel Part 3: Conductivity
The aspect of conductivity is essential for kitchen cabinets, especially when it is placed in a hot area like the outdoors. Aluminium has a higher conductivity towards heat hence, it is not supposed to be placed in a balmy location. With that fact in mind, it is much more desirable to use stainless steel in dry regions.
In contrast to aluminium, which will become brittle at certain temperatures, stainless steel can sustain harsher temperatures. Additionally, stainless steel absorbs heat more sluggishly than aluminium, keeping the area you are working in comfortably cold even after an extended period. For this category, it goes without saying that stainless steel wins in the battle of aluminium kitchen cabinet vs stainless steel.
Aluminium Kitchen Cabinet VS Stainless Steel Part 4: Weight
As mentioned in the first topic, aluminium is flimsy, which makes it easier to move around and install in contrast to stainless steel. Moreover, aluminum alloys developed are sturdier than pure aluminum and are capable of supporting the weight of heavy glass panes used to construct tall buildings.
Long story short, aluminium is a floaty but hefty material that can be transported easily and installed effortlessly. Nonetheless, in terms of durability in harsh weather, stainless steel’s heavy and dense properties will be much desirable for outdoor kitchen cabinets.
Aluminium Kitchen Cabinet VS Stainless Steel Part 5: Cost
Money-wise, aluminium is customarily less expensive than stainless steel in terms of the initial cost. That may be so, but generally, both are priced under affordable charges and is purchasable without any problem. Not to mention, they are both highly recyclable environmentally-efficient materials.
Both of them can last long enough for house owners to consider it as more of an investment than a loss in expenses, as they carry many benefits to the kitchen. The maintenance needed for these materials is not much as they do not need it often, still, when either material is met up with corrosion or rust.
The maintenance needed for stainless steel is much less expensive and tiresome as most companies that work for these materials will prepare protection for such situations, therefore the fees are not that high compared to aluminium.
Choosing between aluminium and stainless steel kitchen cabinets involves evaluating various factors. In terms of durability, stainless steel exhibits superior strength and resilience, making it ideal for outdoor kitchens where it can withstand harsh conditions.
However, aluminium’s lightweight nature makes it preferable for indoor installations. When it comes to corrosion resistance, stainless steel, with its chromium content, offers a robust shield against rust, outperforming aluminium.
Conductivity is a crucial aspect, and here, stainless steel wins as it can handle harsh temperatures and absorbs heat more slowly than aluminium. While aluminium is lighter and easier to install, stainless steel’s weight contributes to its durability, especially in challenging weather.
In terms of cost, aluminium is generally more affordable initially, but both materials offer long-term benefits, making them sound investments for your kitchen.
