HDPE Cabinets vs Stainless Steel Cabinets for Outdoor Kitchens

Creating an outdoor kitchen is a balance between style and substance. HDPE cabinets vs stainless steel cabinets both have a lot of benefits, but only one truly reigns supreme.

There are a lot of misconceptions about stainless steel that keep buyers from getting the long-lasting supplies they need. This material may be durable and difficult to damage, but it still lacks the well-rounded approach of HDPE. In fact, it has a few qualities that may make your outdoor kitchen even more high-maintenance. 

We’re going to break down myths about stainless steel, then explore the benefits of HDPE vs stainless steel. By the time you’re done, you’ll be well on your way to an outdoor kitchen that can withstand the elements and the test of time.

Header Source Image: ExtCabinets

Source Image: ExtCabinets

3 Common Myths About Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel has a reputation as being tough, cost-effective, and easy to clean. While all of these are true, there are a few myths you should know about before choosing between HDPE cabinets vs stainless steel cabinets. 

Stainless Steel is Cost Effective and Heavy

Stainless steel is cheap…in some ways. While it’s easy to recycle, and therefore highly sustainable, it’s still more expensive than HDPE. 

Stainless steel is significantly heavier than HDPE, which means slightly higher shipping costs per pound. HDPE outdoor furniture is lightweight, lowering shipping costs (and being easier to move around your kitchen).

It Doesn’t Rust or Stain

Stainless steel is a rather misleading name. While it’s generally resistant to scratches and scuffs, it can still rust over time and look pretty unpleasant. 

The chromium or saline count in the water contributes to stainless steel rusting. You’ll also see visual degradation after excessive exposure to hot weather. With so many different environmental factors to take into account, HDPE stands out as a less cleaning-intensive option.

You Should Use it For Most Kitchen Appliances

Using stainless steel for a sink or silverware is one thing, but should it be for all your outdoor kitchen appliances? Since your outdoor kitchen will be exposed to more heat and moisture, HDPE is your safest bet. 

HDPE cabinets vs stainless steel cabinets show their biggest difference here – how much upkeep you’ll expect in the long-term. Their marine-grade material makes them durable to rain, snow, and heat without losing their appearance. Meanwhile, stainless steel can stain or rust over time. Unless you want to wipe down and dry off your stainless steel cabinets every single day, HDPE cabinets are the superior option.

Source Image: ExtCabinets

The Benefits of HDPE Cabinets vs Stainless Steel Cabinets

Feature	HDPE Cabinets	Stainless Steel Cabinets
Durability	Highly durable with excellent impact strength, low moisture absorption, and better stress-cracking resistance. Suitable for heavy-duty use.	Durable overall, will not crack, warp, or dent during typical use. Requires regular cleaning to avoid rust and stains.
Corrosion Resistance	Resistant to corrosion and rust. UV stabilizers prevent color fading.	While it’s generally resistant to scratches and scuffs, it can still rust over time and look pretty unpleasant.
Heat Resistance	Can withstand temperatures up to 250°F continuously. Remains flexible in cold temperatures.	Stainless steel can get hot in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable to touch.
Maintenance	Easy to clean and maintain. Can be pressure washed without damage. Scratches and gouges do not affect appearance.	While it’s easy to recycle and, therefore highly sustainable, it’s still more expensive than HDPE.
Aesthetics	Durable overall and will not crack, warp, or dent during typical use. Requires regular cleaning to avoid rust and stains.	is a very reflective metal, causing painful glares in the sunlight. This seemingly minor detail can cause a ripple effect that keeps you from enjoying your outdoor kitchen to the fullest.
Cost	Available in a variety of colors and textures to match any style, it maintains aesthetic appeal even with scratches or gouges and is completely non-reflective.	HDPE cabinets are incredibly cost-effective in the long term. While stainless steel is technically a little cheaper per pound, HDPE’s lifetime warranty means it’ll pay for itself.

Choosing between HDPE cabinets vs stainless steel cabinets usually boils down to functionality. You deserve cabinets that can hold up to weather, temperature, and have plenty of usage in an outdoor kitchen setting.

Let’s take a look at which cabinets will suit your cooking, grilling, and baking needs.

HDPE Cabinets are More Resistant to Temperature Changes

Stainless steel cabinets are finicky to use outdoors because of how easily they absorb temperature changes. Like a sponge, they’ll become extremely cold or extremely hot depending on the day. 

When you want to hurry up and start cooking, this detail gets annoying very quickly. Cold stainless steel is difficult to touch and can even become slippery, compromising your grip if you need to move or shift supplies around. Even worse, hot stainless steel can seriously burn you if you’re not careful!

HDPE cabinets don’t become hot or cold like stainless steel, making them easier to use. There’s no need to prep them by cooling them off or warming them up before cooking.

Source Image: ExtCabinets

You Don’t Have to Worry About Painful Glare with HDPE

Stainless steel is a very reflective metal, causing painful glares in the sunlight. This seemingly minor detail can cause a ripple effect that keeps you from enjoying your outdoor kitchen to the fullest. 

To avoid the sun shining in your eyes, you may need to painstakingly move stainless steel cabinets to different areas. You may even have to put off your cooking session entirely until the sun has shifted. 

HDPE is completely non-reflective, boasting a matte finish that’s completely glare free. That’s one less detail to worry about on your outdoor kitchen checklist!

Source Image: ExtCabinets

HDPE Cabinets Don’t Corrode Over Time

Stainless steel isn’t actually stainless and can rust and corrode over time. While stainless steel can be fine as an occasional material, its rust can cause holes, leading to bug infestations or a huge mess.

HDPE cabinets are resistant to rust, staining, wrinkling, buckling, and melting. You can spend your valuable time cooking or cleaning instead of constantly checking your cabinets to make sure they’re holding up.

Source Image: ExtCabinets

You Can Still Recycle HDPE Furniture

Did you know HDPE furniture is recyclable? Not only does HDPE have a long lifespan, you can still turn it into new products if you feel like changing your outdoor kitchen. 

Recycling facilities can transform HDPE furniture into new products up to ten times, according to recent studies. Even better, the majority of curbside recycling programs will accept your HDPE cabinets. 

Source Image: ExtCabinets

You Can Watch Your Budget With HDPE Cabinets

Last but certainly not least, HDPE cabinets are incredibly cost-effective in the long-term. While stainless steel is technically a little cheaper per pound, HDPE’s lifetime warranty means it’ll pay for itself. 

Instead of having to constantly replace unreliable stainless steel furniture, you can stick with the same HDPE cabinet for years. In fact, our outdoor HDPE cabinets have a lifetime warranty! 

Likewise, you’ll save precious time constantly wiping down and double-checking your cabinets for damage. Where stainless steel may rust or stain, HDPE cabinets free up your schedule to relax and cook in your kitchen.

Source Image: ExtCabinets

HDPE Cabinets are the Most Durable Option for Outdoor Kitchens 

Stainless steel may be shiny and durable, but it’s still susceptible to rust and drastic temperature changes. HDPE cabinets are the most durable option for outdoor kitchen owners who want to save time and money.

HDPE cabinets – and any outdoor HDPE furniture – will provide you a lifetime of durable protection for your kitchen supplies and food. This marine-grade material doesn’t rust, grow mold, stain, warp, or buckle. It’s also easy to clean with a simple wipedown session. 

When it comes to HDPE cabinets vs stainless steel cabinets, there’s no contest on which one will give you the most value for your hard-earned dollar. 
Want to try out HDPE for yourself? Contact us today to get a quote and a refundable sample!