The Studio by Nandita Manwani

Stainless Steel Kitchen or a Regular Modular Kitchen in Wood? Which Should YOU Choose for Your New Home

Modular Kitchen
Stainless steel kitchens are gaining popularity in Indian homes, known for their durability, hygiene, and modern aesthetic. While traditionally seen in commercial settings, stainless steel is making its way into residential spaces, offering a robust, easy-to-clean option perfect for the demands of Indian cooking. However, it’s not without its drawbacks—higher costs, susceptibility to scratches, and a colder appearance may be factors to consider. For those seeking long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions, stainless steel is a great fit, especially in humid areas, though balancing it with other materials could provide a warmer, homier feel.

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, especially in India, where food plays a central role in our culture. Whether you’re whipping up a quick meal or preparing an elaborate feast, your kitchen should be a space that’s not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Recently, there’s been a growing trend towards stainless steel kitchens in India. Stainless steel has been a trusted material in commercial kitchens for years, and now, it’s making its way into Indian homes, offering a blend of modernity, durability, and hygiene. While I personally have always been a proponent of using time tested and standard materials for Interiors, in a recent project the customer was insistent that she wanted the Kitchen to be in Stainless Steel. That first-hand experience is the precursor to this blog post today. I myself was pleasantly surprised how steel has emerged as an alternative for furniture design and the leap that it has made in both ease of fit and the quality of the fit. That said, we will discuss the topic for both its pros and its cons.

The Pros: Why Stainless Steel Shines

 

stainless steel kitchens or a regular modular kitchen in wood which should you choose for your new home copy 2 1

 

1. Durability and Strength

Stainless steel is synonymous with durability. Unlike wood or laminates, which can warp, swell, or crack under certain conditions, stainless steel can withstand heavy use without showing signs of wear and tear. In Indian kitchens, where we use heavy utensils, sharp knives, and plenty of heat, this is a big advantage. Stainless steel cabinets with Granite or Quartz counters can handle a lot of rough use without getting easily damaged.

 

2. Hygienic and Easy to Clean

One of the biggest reasons why professional kitchens opt for stainless steel is because it’s incredibly hygienic. The smooth, non-porous surface prevents bacteria, germs, pests and mould from thriving. Indian cooking often involves splatters of oil, spices, and curries, making it crucial to have surfaces that can be cleaned quickly and efficiently. Stainless steel wipes clean with a damp cloth, and it doesn’t absorb stains or smells. One can even wet wash the kitchen without worry of any spoilage

 

3. Heat and Fire Resistant

Indian kitchens can get pretty intense when it comes to heat. Whether you’re deep-frying samosas, boiling milk, or working with high-flame cooking techniques, stainless steel can take the heat—literally. It doesn’t scorch, burn, or catch fire easily, which is a relief for anyone who has had a mishap with a hot pan.

 

4. Corrosion Resistant

Stainless steel is well-known for its corrosion resistance, especially in humid climates. In coastal areas or places with high humidity, other materials can rust or decay over time. But stainless steel remains unaffected, making it a good choice for Indian homes, especially in cities like Mumbai or Kochi where moisture in the air can be a challenge for traditional kitchen materials. This corrosion resistance however is applicable to SS304 Grade of steel and above. Lower grades might actually aggravate the corrosion problem.

 

5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, which adds to its appeal in a world where eco-friendly materials are gaining importance. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and invest in sustainable materials, stainless steel is a long-term, environment-conscious choice.

The Cons: What to Watch Out For

 

stainless steel kitchens or a regular modular kitchen in wood which should you choose for your new home copy

 

1. Cost

One of the main deterrents for many people is the cost. Stainless steel kitchens of SS 304 Grade and up are not cheap. The initial investment is significantly higher than other traditional materials like plywood or HDHMR with laminates. While they offer long-term benefits in terms of durability and low maintenance, the upfront expense can be a tough pill to swallow.

 

2. Prone to Scratches and Dents

Despite its tough exterior, stainless steel can show scratches and dents over time, especially if you’re not careful with sharp utensils or heavy pots. While this won’t affect the functionality, it can diminish the polished look that stainless steel is known for. The surfaces might develop small scratches, which can be more visible under bright light, and may require special polish to restore their shine.

 

3. Cold and Clinical Look

Not everyone is a fan of the industrial, metallic aesthetic. Stainless steel can give a kitchen a somewhat cold and sterile appearance, which may not feel as warm or welcoming as a kitchen with wood or other natural materials. In an Indian home where the kitchen is often a warm, cozy space for family gatherings, this could be a drawback.

 

4. Fingerprints and Smudges

One of the most frequent complaints with stainless steel is that it easily shows fingerprints, smudges, and watermarks. Especially in a home with young children or frequent use, you might find yourself constantly wiping down surfaces to keep them looking clean. This can be managed with special coatings or regular cleaning, but it’s something to consider.

 

5. Noise

Stainless steel can be a little noisier than other materials. The clanking of utensils on steel surfaces can create a lot of noise and they might feel like the pantry in a railway compartment not to everyone’s aesthetic taste. This is especially true when opening and closing cabinet doors frequently.

 Is Stainless Steel a Good Fit for Indian Kitchens?

So, should you go for a stainless steel kitchen? Yes, if durability, hygiene, and low maintenance are your top priorities. In India, where the kitchen sees heavy use, stainless steel can be a smart long-term investment, particularly in homes where traditional cooking methods like frying, boiling, and pressure-cooking are routine. It’s especially ideal for coastal regions or homes with humid conditions that could damage other materials.

On the other hand, if you’re more budget-conscious or prefer a cozy, warm aesthetic, you might want to think carefully before opting for a full stainless steel setup. A hybrid kitchen, with a mix of stainless steel and other materials, could give you the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, a stainless steel kitchen offers great benefits for Indian conditions, but like any big decision, it’s all about finding the right balance for your personal needs and style.

 

Signing off
Nandita
Nandita is the Principal Designer and Founder of The Studio by Nandita Manwani

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

Island Kitchen,Kitchen Design,kitchen Interiors Bangalore,Modular Kitchen,Magazine

Kitchen Design: B&I Magazine & Siemens India Interview excerpts

Building & Interiors Magazine in conjunction with Siemens India published my interview on the subject of Kitchen Appliances for the

Interior Designers in Bangalore, Light Fittings Bangalore

Shopping at Chickpet & City Market Bangalore for Lighting for Home Interiors

Found my way to Chikpet/ City Market today after many many years. All this while I have been doing my

www.thestudiobangalore relaunched: The new destination for Turnkey Home Interiors, Modular Kitchens & Wardrobes in Bangalore

Exited to announce that after 6 months of work we launched the new website for The Studio. For those of

Interior Design

Deep Refurbish – Interior Design Project at Elita Promenade Bangalore

Pictures of a Deep Refurbish Design Project at Elita Promenade Bangalore
Top Women Interior Designers in Bangalore

Featured among the top interior designers in Bangalore

Featured among the top Women Interior Designers in Bangalore by Nearfox Magazine :). The original article can be found at

Home Interior Work Project Pictures

Some pictures of Interior work done at Salarpuria Greenage

Some pictures that my client sent me last week of an interior project I did at Salarpuria Greenage nearly 3

Apartment Home Interior Pictures, Interior Designers in JP Nagar

More Photographs – Latest project at Elita – JP Nagar

Project pictures of our work in the initial years in Bangalore - this was in the year 2011
An interior Designers perspective, Interior design, Interior Design Trends

Pandemic & Perspective – The Interior Design Challenge

The Pandemic is forcing Interior Designers to think differently. The doubling up of the home as an office is inducing

Stone Finish

Natural Stone Finish for Walls: Stacking Stone and Newer Alternatives

Stacking stone and stone in general has been extremely popular with home makers and home interior design in general across

Best Interior Designers in Bangalore, Interior Designers in Bangalore, Modular Kitchens, Sobha Interior Photographs

Photos of work done at Sobha Sunscape & my own Kitchen at home :)

Our first few projects, this was way back in 2010
Interior Designers in Bangalore, Nandita Manwani, the studio bangalore

My New Logo – The Studio: Homes, Kitchens & Wardrobes

Finally after long deliberations & doodling with friends and family the logo for The Studio is out…yooohoo 🙂   Based

Home Interior Checklist, Home Interior Designers

Master Checklist for Home Interiors: All the things that are part of a complete Home Interior project

I have often found that a number of things get left out when folks plan interiors for their home. This

Interior Design Masterclass, Interior Designers in Bangalore

Taking blogging to the next level – My Interior Design Masterclass

Since now I had a big enough place at the new experience center I thought why not!!! SO…we are taking

Polymer Shutters

Polymer Shutters for Kitchen and Wardrobes

I was looking for Hi Gloss finish options that are 100% waterproof for the utility and other open to the

Lifestyle based design,Proud,interior design

Be Proud to be You

Lifestyle based interior design…Going beyond just making a style statement A couple of incidents in these past few months set

home lighting, Interior Designers in Bangalore, LED Lighting Bangalore, lights for home

Lighting for your home – Brilliant summary in a short article

Found this brilliant article on lighting for your home on the internet, could not help but share. https://www.americanlightingassoc.com/…/3-Types-of-Lighting   Regards

Interior cost in Bangalore, Interior Costs in Bangalore, Interior Design Cost in Bangalore, Interior Designers in Bangalore

Costing your Woodwork – Do It Yourself Tips

"So how much will it cost"??? -- Usually the first question that I get from prospects. While for exact costs
Material for Kitchen Countertop, Modular Kitchens

The “What Material to use for the Kitchen Counter Top” Conundrum. How to decide between Granite, Marble, Corian, Quartz, Acrylic etc.

Selecting a counter top for the kitchen can be tricky, especially with all the choice of materials available nowadays. In
Interior Designers in Bangalore, Sofa in Bangalore

Selecting the “right” sofa for your home. My article in Deccan Herald today

The subject article was featured in Deccan Herald today. You can also read it at http://www.deccanherald.com/content/445623/selecting-sofas-safe-way/. The free text is

Apartment Home Interior Pictures, Interior Design project Bangalore, Interior Designers in Sarjapur

Interior Design Project at Sarjapur Road Bangalore – Some Pictures

Here are some pics from a recent project at Sarjapur Road Bangalore. Hope you like them.  

Related Articles

Scroll to Top
Thank you icon

Thanks for your Interest

We will get back to you on this shortly