Metal Cabinet with Hinged Doors

Metal cabinets with hinged doors are popular in professional kitchens due to their simple and reliable design — wide swing doors provide full visibility and access to all contents. Stainless steel guarantees a long service life in a humid kitchen environment, compliance with HACCP requirements, and easy disinfection after each shift.

Swing doors vs sliding doors

Swing doors provide full access to the entire cabinet width at once — this is more convenient for placing and removing items, as well as for visual overview. Sliding doors are more compact in terms of the additional space required in front for opening, but the accessible area is only half the cabinet width at any one time.

Swing cabinets are a better choice if there is enough space in front of the cabinet to allow the doors to open freely. Sliding cabinets are better for narrow spaces where space utilisation in front is important. Kitchen planning often requires choosing between the two options depending on the layout of the specific work zone.

Dimensions and configuration

Metal cabinets with hinged doors are available in 600 mm and 700 mm widths — matching standard kitchen module sizes. The cabinet height is usually 1.8–2.0 m, providing maximum storage capacity. Adjustable internal shelves allow the cabinet’s internal organisation to be adapted for items of different heights — from low dry products to taller accessory racks for equipment.

Use in professional kitchens

Dry product storage — flour, sugar, grains — requires a hermetically sealed cabinet that protects products from moisture and pests. A stainless steel cabinet with tightly closing doors and rubber seals provides this protection.

Storage of inventory and kitchen accessories requires an organised, well-lit space with easy access. Larger cabinets with adjustable shelves allow flexible organisation of dishes, portioning tools, and other kitchen inventory.

Staff locker cabinets (changing cabinets) made of stainless steel are a hygienic solution for restaurant and kitchen employees. They meet the sanitary requirements of food processing businesses regarding the separation of work and staff areas.

Cleaning and maintenance

Stainless steel cabinets are easy to clean — the smooth metal surface does not absorb odours or bacteria, can be cleaned with an alkaline cleaning solution, and wiped down with a dry cloth. Door hinges and locks should be lubricated with food-safe oil every three months to prevent stiffness and oxidation. The longevity of Stainless Steel Furniture is directly proportional to regular proper maintenance.

Shelf organisation in the cabinet

Effective cabinet content organisation starts with adjusting shelf heights to match the stored products. Adjustable shelves allow the cabinet’s internal space to be customised for products of different heights and to change the organisation as needs evolve. The FIFO (first in, first out) system ensures that older products or dishes are used first, preventing expiry issues.

Temperature requirements for storage

Stainless steel cabinets are not cooling devices — they store products at room temperature. This is suitable for dry food and kitchen inventory, but fresh products must be stored in refrigeration according to standards. Stainless Steel Furniture provides a sanitary-compliant storage environment, but temperature control is a separate system.

Locks and access control

Some metal cabinets are equipped with key or combination locks to restrict access to contents. This is necessary for valuable items, alcohol stocks, or staff belongings. Kitchen inventory cabinets usually do not require locks, but for storing expensive equipment or accessories, this is a useful additional feature.

Sanitary requirements

In food processing businesses, the HACCP system sets requirements for storage cabinets — the cabinet must be sealed, clean, and protected from pest access. Stainless steel cabinets with tightly closing doors and rubber seals meet these requirements. Regular internal disinfection with agents approved for the food industry is a mandatory procedure.

Ergonomics and visibility

The cabinet’s internal organisation should be planned according to usage frequency — frequently used items should be placed at eye level, less frequently used items on the upper or lower shelves. The cabinet width of 600–700 mm ensures good visibility of all contents. Regular cabinet content reviews help prevent unnecessary accumulation and maintain work efficiency.

Service life and cost-effectiveness

A quality stainless steel cabinet with regular maintenance lasts 15–25 years in a professional kitchen. Such a long service life makes the investment cost-effective — in terms of annual depreciation costs, a professional cabinet is cheaper than regularly replacing cheaper models. Stainless steel is a certified material that guarantees hygiene and durability in restaurant kitchens.

Combining with other kitchen furniture

Metal cabinets with hinged doors work optimally in a system with work tables and wall shelves. In kitchen planning, each element has its place and function — cabinets for storage, work tables for processing, shelves for frequently used inventory. A systematic approach is also useful in procurement planning, when all equipment can be ordered from a single supplier.

Installation and setup requirements

It is important to ensure that the cabinet stands on a level floor and that the legs are adjusted accordingly. The doors must open and close without resistance — if the doors stick or do not close properly, hinge adjustment should be checked. The floor’s load-bearing capacity should be checked before installation with a full load.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.