Do The Disadvantages Of Stainless Steel Cabinets Outweigh The Advantages?

Stainless steel is an incredible material that you already see plenty of in kitchens. It's often used to make sink basins, faucets, and appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and fridges. It has incredible qualities, including that it is, of course, very difficult to stain. Given that staining countertops made of marble or cabinets made of natural wood is a major concern, it may surprise you that we don't see more stainless steel countertops and cabinets. Although this material isn't commonly found in residential kitchens, it's not unheard of. Stainless steel comes with several major benefits when extended around the whole kitchen, so it can be a smart idea to use it for more than just your fridge or sink.

The most frequent complaint against stainless steel is that it's cold looking. Stainless steel is commonly found in industrial spaces like professional kitchens, or in sterile environments like doctor's offices. Since the kitchen is generally considered the heart of the home, most homeowners want the space to feel warm, inviting, and comfortable. Stainless steel can feel like the antithesis of that. However, given its many sanitary benefits, ease of cleaning, and durability, a stainless steel kitchen's pros far outweigh its cons. With a little creativity and some thoughtful design choices, you'll have no problem making your kitchen feel just as cozy as any other. It will be infinitely cleaner, too! 

As a non-porous material, liquids and other debris particles can't easily penetrate the surface of stainless steel. This comes with several advantages, including that most spills will stay on the surface rather than sinking in. This makes everyday kitchen messes very easy to sop up without settling into the countertop surface. In porous countertop materials, the spill can quickly set deep within the surface, leading to stains and a more difficult cleaning process. This is basically a non-issue with stainless steel countertops and cabinets, though some strong acids can still cause damage to the surface. 

Stainless steel makes it easy to clean up messes, but that's not where the benefits end. It can be easily sanitized, too. While these two terms are frequently used interchangeably, they're actually very different. Cleaning addresses the physical mess left behind on counters and cabinets, while sanitizing eliminates harmful bacteria. Unlike regular steel, stainless steel has a thin oxidized film on top to help prevent corrosion from pitting. Even when stainless steel is scratched, the surface stays intact. Because of this, you can rest assured that you're thoroughly disinfecting the area with the mild solution of your choice and a quick wipe of a rag. Another advantage here is that stainless steel is cut from sheets, so there aren't any gaps on the corners or edges of the countertop or cabinet drawers and doors. These spots might seem innocuous, but they can be a haven for bacterial growth.

With all of these spectacular functional features, it's no wonder that stainless steel is the top choice in applications where sanitization and cleanliness are the top priorities. Unfortunately, this also means people tend to associate the material with frigid, uninviting spaces. There are ways to warm up the space even with stainless steel cabinets. For one, you can always use a different countertop material, like stone, which helps to bring more balance to the kitchen. This switch means you won't get to enjoy the benefits of having a stainless steel countertop, but it can make the idea of metallic cabinets feel more approachable. If you want to break things up further while still maintaining the functionality of a stainless steel kitchen, bring in accents made of natural materials like wood, leather, and linen.

Just because you want stainless steel in your kitchen, it doesn't mean it needs to be on every surface. In fact, using other material types and cabinet styles to break up the blocks of stainless steel will make for a more balanced, stylish environment. Plan for some open shelving to show off a collection of glassware, pottery, or houseplants, or bring a display hutch into the mix. In terms of color choices, you can play up the metallic element with a foiled wallpaper or wall treatment, or use a paint color like cream, amber, or beige, which the stainless steel will reflect for a warmer look overall. And, of course, don't underestimate the importance of good kitchen lighting!