If your looking for a more modern kitchen than one with wooden cupboards, there are options available that could suit your lifestyle.

With today’s availability of stainless steel appliances that have that shiny clinical look, often placed in an old fashioned style of kitchen look totally out of place.  One of the advantages of stainless steel is its strength, its durability to withstand the everyday knocks and wear and tear in a normal kitchen.

Most industrial kitchens in workshops, factories, restaurants, hospitals and canteens make use of stainless steel instead of other methods of cabinetry and appliances because of its durability, it always looks good, it's very easy to clean and does not retain bacteria like other forms of kitchen units.
Once installed, stainless steel is very easy to maintain, no need to reface, paint, stain or varnish thus saving on maintenance chores.  It gives years of service and continues to look good many years down the line.

Most kitchens are high humidity areas, which is a problems with wood and other material cabinetry. You therefore get paint peeling, wood and wood products swelling and distorting. This never happens with stainless steel or metal kitchen cabinets.

Installation of metal kitchen cabinets as well as stainless steel units come pre-assembled, therefore they only need to be screwed to the walls, which is not difficult at all.

Things to check when buying stainless steel cabinets

Check that the doors open and shut easily and securely, you should hear a solid and precise click when it closes.  You definitely don’t want loose cupboard doors that will swing open at a whim and possibly hit your head in the process.

Check that any metal cabinetry has been rust proofed.  Kitchens usually have high humidity so you don’t want your cupboards to rust.

The quality of the cabinets do count. Check that the materials are properly cut and welded correctly.  Check that everything is square. Look for sharp edges, especially in the corners. They should be hemmed and have no gaps.   Check that the screws are properly screwed in and nothing is protruding.

Practical matters

Stainless steel cabinetry is not cheap and the price may be a deterrent for some people.  This is a consideration that needs to be looked at before you considering buying.

If noise is a problem, you need to consider this when buying metal kitchen cupboards.  Putting pots and pans in a metal cupboard can be noisy and uncomfortable for some people.

Metal cabinets can look and feel ‘cold’.  Sometimes nice attractive frosted glass can make it look warmer.

Depending on the metal used, metal kitchen cabinets can develop dents which might begin to spoil the smoothness of the metal.  Parts can be replaced although of course, stainless steel can be expensive.

Cleaning and maintenance

There are times when grease and grime adheres to the surface and you need to do some extra maintenance.  Dirt, oil and grease can be removed with clean cloth and by rubbing alcohol on the surface. For very serious stains, steel wool or a very light sandpaper can be useful, especially for rust spots and stubborn stains.
Finally, rinse with soapy water and dry with a soft clean cloth.