Aluminium is a common material used for making modern modular kitchens, especially in large or commercial settings. Its growing popularity can be attributed to the many benefits and superior qualities that it offers in kitchen design. Keep reading to understand exactly what an aluminium kitchen is, its types, the pros and cons of aluminium modular kitchens and to discover the aluminium modular kitchen price in India.
What Does an Aluminium Kitchen Mean?
Aluminium is a naturally occurring metal obtained by mining Bauxite ore. An aluminium modern kitchen generally refers to one which has storage units made with aluminium front panels. However, other components in a modular kitchen design can also be made of aluminium, such as:
- Back and side panels, drawers and shelves of storage units
- Frames for kitchen countertops and storage units
- Hardware fittings like hinges, drawer channels, levers, handles, etc.
- Kitchen sinks, supporting braces and kitchen sink taps
- Dish racks, drying shelves, cutlery holders and other interior accessories in kitchen cabinets.
All of these components can be made with solid aluminium, but are generally mixed with other materials to form composites that are stronger and more durable.
Advantages of an Aluminium Modular Kitchen
- Biological Resistance: Unlike conventional modular kitchens that are made with engineered wood products, aluminium kitchen interiors do not get affected by pests like termites and wood borers. They also have a higher resistance to water.
- Maintenance: Modular kitchen aluminium components have a smooth finish that can be maintained and cleaned easily with mild cleaning agents. They also provide a non-toxic, hygienic and safe surface for cooking activities.
- Modular Components: The components of these kitchens are manufactured as modular elements that can be fabricated and assembled easily on-site. Modular kitchen aluminium fabrication does not require very intense or skilled labour. This makes the process of kitchen planning and installation faster, simpler and more efficient.
- Reusability: All aluminium components of a modular kitchen can be reused for different purposes. The material is also completely recyclable and can be remoulded in the future to take on any shape and form as required.
- Lightweight: Aluminium modular kitchen designs are extremely lightweight compared to conventional kitchens. This means that these components do not require any additional support and the total load on the structure is also reduced, thus lowering construction and installation costs.
Types of Aluminium Kitchen Units
An aluminium cupboard for kitchen areas can be classified into types based on several categories, including:
Types Based on Composition
- Solid Aluminium Cabinets: Such cabinets are made completely of pure aluminium, including the frames, shutters and back and side panels. These modern aluminium kitchen cabinets are durable and corrosion-resistant in most climates and come in a variety of finishes.
- Aluminium Framed Cabinets: An aluminium framed cabinet can have shutters made of materials like glass, plywood or MDF (finished with paint, laminates or wood veneers). Such cabinets combine the strength of aluminium with the aesthetic quality and versatility of other materials.
- Aluminium Clad Cabinets: In such cabinets, the core is made of engineered wood products like MDF or plywood, which is clad with thin aluminium sheets. Generally, aluminium composite panels are used for cladding.
Types Based on the Grade of Aluminium in Kitchen
The ‘Aluminium Association’, an American organisation, is responsible for standardising the production and fabrication of Aluminium globally. This organisation has classified aluminium into different grades based on quality and composition, of which the most common grades used in kitchens are:
- Grade 5052 Aluminium for Kitchen: This aluminium is combined with magnesium, manganese and/or chromium and has excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for warm and humid climates in coastal areas.
- Grade 6061 Aluminium for Kitchen: Grade 6061 aluminium consists of magnesium and silicon. While it has a lower corrosion resistance, it has high strength and can easily be moulded to take on versatile shapes.
Types of Aluminium Kitchen Cabinets Designs and Finishes
- Raw Finish Aluminum Cabinets: Aluminium fittings in kitchens can be left exposed without any coating. Such cabinets are available in various finishes like matte, glossy, brushed and satin finish and are typically silver-grey in colour.
- Painted or Coated Aluminium Kitchen Cabinets: Aluminium kitchen modular components can be spray-painted or powder-coated to obtain the desired colour and match with the other kitchen elements. This paint coating also acts as an additional layer of protection against corrosion.
- Specific Material Finish Aluminium Cabinets: Today, aluminium can be processed to look like many other materials such as natural wood and stone. This option allows kitchens to retain a more rustic or natural look while still being made of metal.
Disadvantages of an Aluminium Kitchen
- Sound Production: Using aluminium in kitchens can be very noisy, as such components create a lot of sound during operation or contact with other materials and surfaces.
- High Cost: Although cheaper than stainless steel kitchens, modular kitchens with aluminium fabrication are generally more expensive than other conventional materials used for making kitchens due to the high material cost. Aluminium is thus generally used only in luxury kitchens and is not very affordable.
- Thermal Conductivity: Aluminium is a very good conductor of heat. This means that it can easily get heated up in summers and cooled under cold weather conditions, making these surfaces uncomfortable to touch.
- Visual Appearance: Aluminium fabrication kitchens can get easily scratched and/ or dented upon impact. Their surfaces also prominently showcase fingerprints and smudge marks, thus negatively affecting their visual appearance.
Aluminium Modular Kitchen Cost
The aluminium modular kitchen price varies based on several factors like:
- The grade, quality and finish of aluminium used
- Use of aluminium in all or few of the kitchen components like cabinets, hardware fittings, shelves, etc.
- The type of aluminium cabinets- framed, solid or cladded
- Brand and type of hardware fittings used
- Design complexity and site conditions
- Market trends, material availability and location
In India, the aluminium kitchen cabinet price can be anywhere between ₹2700 and ₹12,000 per square foot. Therefore, a kitchen that has a minimum area of 65 square feet will cost at least ₹1.75 lakhs, while a kitchen that is 120 square feet in area (a mid-sized kitchen) will cost at least ₹3.24 lakhs. For aluminium kitchens with lower storage needs or larger sizes, these prices may be lower.
To understand how kitchen costs are calculated in detail, check out Brick & Bolt’s blog on modular kitchen cost in India.
Getting the Best Aluminum Modular Kitchen Built
For residential spaces, aluminium is not a very commonly used material in kitchens. This is because of multiple factors like high cost and limited knowledge and/ or availability of such cabinets. However, Brick & Bolt, a tech-enabled construction company in India, collaborates with leading manufacturers and brands in India to supply the best quality building materials at the lowest prices. Its team of architects and designers have also completed 7000+ homes, giving them a comprehensive understanding of aluminium modular kitchens. To get your dream kitchen designed and built by proven experts in the construction industry, reach out to Brick & Bolt today!
Apoorva H P Achar