The oldest, most common cabinets are wooden, while metal cabinets are a more modern option and are gaining popularity. The most popular in this rising trend are stainless steel and aluminum. While both are popular choices for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, they’re not the same.
There are several differences between these two metals, the most significant being their properties, manufacturing processes, and costs. Aluminum is much easier to work with than stainless steel, as it’s softer and less challenging to cut or shape. It’s more affordable, but weaker than stainless steel.
That’s just a quick answer, while this question deserves a more detailed response. Let’s dig deeper into the differences between these two metals and where they best fit.
Why Metal Cabinets Anyway?
Let’s take a quick look at why metal cabinets are now home features, not just in industrial and commercial settings.
They have some of the top five characteristics of high-quality cabinets, including:
- Metal cabinets are much stronger than wooden cabinets, which can break or warp. So, they’re great for storing heavy-duty items and equipment.
- Metal cabinets are low-maintenance and easy to clean.
- Unlike wood, metals are non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures, making them safer for storing flammable materials.
- Although metal cabinets may have a higher initial cost than most alternatives, their durability and strength make them a cost-efficient option.
- Metal cabinets grant variety via multiple sizes, materials, shapes, and finishes.
Stainless steel and aluminum are metals, but they’re not the same. Let’s look at each in more detail.
What Are Aluminum Cabinets?
As the name suggests, these are cabinets fabricated from aluminum frames and panels. They’re an oxymoron; lightweight but strong and durable. They’re often combined with reinforced cores for strength.
Manufacturers coat or anodize the surface to improve scratch resistance and prevent oxidation. Coating is a man-made alternative to oxidation, though both protect the aluminum from rusting. However, coating preserves aluminum’s aesthetic appeal.
That clean and glossy appearance makes attempts at a contemporary feel successful. Apart from aesthetic appeal, coating also helps because aluminum is a soft, reactive metal that can easily scratch and tarnish.
Common Styles and Finishes
Aluminum cabinets come in a wide range of looks, from sleek matte finishes to high-gloss and textured designs. We’ve seen them widely paired with:
- Glass panels.
- Modern hardware.
- Flat-panel doors.
What do you notice about the features we’ve listed? They’re modern features that match aluminum in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and outdoor spaces.
Where Aluminum Cabinets Are Most Often Used
Coated aluminum cabinets have been trending. Look around, and you’ll see them in:
- Modern kitchens.
- Modern bathrooms.
- Bar areas for a polished look.
- Minimalistic stores.
- Outdoor kitchens and patios.
- Offices and commercial spaces with sleek designs.
Key Advantages of Aluminum Cabinets
- Lightweight and easy to install.
- Bends, not breaking, when absorbing intense impact.
- Durable, especially when coated.
- Modern, minimalist appearance.
- Performs well in humid environments.
What Are Stainless Steel Cabinets?
As the name suggests, these cabinets are made of stainless steel, an iron alloy made of at least 10.5% chromium. This alloy is:
- Corrosion-resistant.
- Scratch-resistant.
- Significantly tensile, with high impact resistance.
- Low weight-to-volume ratio.
These properties make stainless steel cabinets the ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor storage.
As for aesthetics, stainless steel yields clean lines, a simple design, and a meticulous appearance.
Common Grades and Finishes
Stainless steel cabinets are available in different grades, with higher chromium and nickel content offering greater corrosion resistance.
Finishes also vary, and some notable finishes are:
- Satin.
- Brushed.
- Mirror-polished.
So, homeowners and designers have some room to mix and match to achieve their vision for modern, high-end spaces.
Where Stainless Steel Cabinets Are Most Often Used
Stainless steel cabinets are common in:
- Residential kitchens.
- Professional kitchens.
- Garages.
- Bathrooms.
- Medical facilities.
- Workshops.
Key Advantages of Stainless Steel Cabinets
- Extremely durable and impact-resistant.
- Very easy to clean and maintain.
- Highly resistant to heat, rust, and stains.
- Non-porous and easy to sanitize.
- Long lifespan in strenuous situations.
Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Cabinets: Core Differences
1. Weight and Structural Strength
Aluminum cabinets are significantly lighter than stainless steel, so they’re easier to transport, install, and mount on walls. This lighter weight works well in bathrooms, offices, and modern kitchen designs where flexibility matters.
However, aluminum is also softer, meaning it can dent more easily under heavy impact.
Stainless steel cabinets are heavier and far more rigid. They hold their shape under stress, support heavier loads, and stand up better to daily abuse in busy kitchens or commercial-style environments.
2. Durability and Lifespan
Though both are long-lasting, stainless steel generally outperforms aluminum in high-impact areas. Stainless steel doesn’t dent, warp, or fatigue, so it’s better suited for busy areas, heavy cookware, and frequent cleaning.
Aluminum holds up very well in residential settings and humid environments, though it forms a natural coat. However, it cannot withstand repeated impacts or heavy loads.
3. Corrosion, Rust, and Moisture Resistance
Aluminum naturally forms an oxide layer that protects it from rusting and scratching, making it a favorite in coastal homes, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor kitchens.
Stainless steel also doesn’t rust or easily scratch, thanks to its chromium content. Lower-quality grades can discolor over time, but high-grade stainless steel performs exceptionally well in wet environments.
4. Heat and Fire Resistance
Stainless steel withstands high temperatures better than aluminum. It doesn’t warp easily and maintains its structural integrity near ovens, grills, and commercial cooking equipment.
Aluminum dissipates heat quickly, but it can deform at lower temperatures than stainless steel, making it less ideal for cabinets installed close to extreme heat sources.
5. Maintenance and Cleaning
Though it was a close call, aluminum beats stainless steel in this aspect. Both alternatives are easy to clean and maintain because they’re non-porous.
However, stainless steel shows fingerprints and smudges more easily. You must frequently wipe and polish these cabinets to keep them shiny.
Aluminum cabinets are better at concealing fingerprints and are less prone to streaking. So, they’re slightly easier to maintain.
6. Aesthetic and Design Options
Again, aluminum gets a consolation point here. It’s more flexible and easier to work with, so you can get diverse color finishes, textures, and hybrid designs. It blends well with glass, wood accents, and modern or minimalist designs.
Stainless steel delivers a bold, professional look. It pairs naturally with high-end appliances and industrial-style kitchens, offering a timeless, commercial-grade appearance. It may come in some color options, but it’s mostly limited to silver tones.
The only way to get more color variations is through powder coating, which can be quite expensive.
Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Kitchen Cabinets: Which Works Better?
We can only decide this debate by discussing three key considerations.
1. Performance in a Cooking Environment
Kitchens expose cabinets to heat, steam, grease, and constant use. Stainless steel handles these conditions extremely well as it:
- Resists heat.
- Doesn’t absorb odors.
- Withstands constant use and frequent cleaning without breaking down.
- Doesn’t suffer from rust and corrosion.
These are the reasons professional and high-end kitchens install them despite the higher cost.
Aluminum also performs well in kitchens, especially in modern or minimalist spaces. It resists moisture and corrosion, but it’s softer than stainless steel, which means it can dent more easily in busy cooking areas.
We also don’t recommend using aluminum in high-heat areas.
2. Durability for Daily Kitchen Use
High-grade stainless steel is the ultimate cheat code for busy kitchens with large families or many frequent guests. Stainless steel withstand:
- Bumps from cookware.
- Repeated door use.
- General wear that’s typical of busy spaces.
Aluminum cabinets are well-suited for lighter residential use, apartment kitchens, or design-forward spaces where weight, flexibility, and appearance matter as much as raw strength.
3. Visual Impact in Kitchen Design
Stainless steel unleashes a bold, high-end look. It pairs naturally with stainless appliances, stone countertops, and industrial or modern interiors.
Aluminum offers more versatility in finishes and styling. It works well in ultra-modern kitchens, mixed-material designs, and spaces where homeowners want a lighter, more custom aesthetic.
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Bathroom Cabinets: What to Consider
Just like with the kitchen debate, the best way to decide this one is to evaluate the following:
1. Moisture and Humidity Resistance
Your bathroom cabinets are subject to steam, splashes, and humidity. Your aluminum cabinets will slightly change color when exposed to humidity and moisture, but they won’t rust or corrode.
That’s because, unless you coat aluminum, it will oxidize to protect itself against rust.
Stainless steel also resists rust, but performance depends heavily on the grade. Higher-quality stainless steel holds up very well in bathrooms, while lower grades may show spotting or discoloration over time.
2. Weight and Installation Factors
Aluminum beats steel in this regard because it’s lighter and more malleable, making it easier to work with and install.
Because aluminum is lighter, it puts less strain on structures, such as roofs or walls, when installed. So, it’s really convenient for floating vanities and wall-hung storage.
Stainless steel is slightly heavier, but that’s not a big deal. Its tensile strength and scratch resistance also make it challenging to fabricate, i.e., cut and shape.
The undesired consequence is that stainless steel cabinets are costlier than aluminum alternatives, and high-end spaces install them for that reason.
3. Cleaning and Hygiene
Both materials are non-porous, meaning they don’t absorb moisture, odors, or bacteria. Stainless steel is widely used in medical environments because it sanitizes easily and withstands strong cleaners.
Aluminum is also easy to maintain and less prone to visible fingerprints, making it a smart pick for family bathrooms and guest spaces.
Which Cabinet Material Is Right for Your Space?
Aluminum and stainless steel cabinets both offer durability, moisture resistance, and a modern look, though they fulfill different priorities.
Aluminum cabinets are ideal for homeowners who want a lightweight, corrosion-resistant option with flexible design possibilities. They work especially well in bathrooms, wall-mounted installations, outdoor kitchens, and contemporary residential spaces. Here are some disadvantages of aluminum kitchen cabinets.
Stainless steel cabinets are better suited for busy kitchens and heavy loads. You need them for hot environments or rough use, making them ideal for large families and commercial layouts. They’re also ideal for a high-end vibe and a lifelong investment.
The right material comes down to how the space will be used, your style preferences, and budget.
Why Buy Cabinets from Designer Cabinets Online
Designer Cabinets Online works with homeowners, designers, and contractors to provide high-quality cabinetry at competitive pricing. From kitchens and bathrooms to office and specialty spaces, the team strives to offer cabinet solutions that combine performance, style, and long-term value.