Which is better for outdoor kitchen furniture, steel or aluminium?

When building an outdoor kitchen you are faced with a major decision – the material you will use for your outdoor kitchen furniture. Of course steel and aluminum are the most common choice for their light weight and portability but both materials undergo some changes when exposed to the sun, to rain and to big temperature differences. While some like to have their furniture made of a solid material like steel, others prefer the light weight of aluminum with the benefit of rust protection. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages and the decision is influenced by many different aspects such as your local weather, your budget and how you intend to use your outdoor kitchen.

This guide outlines the major differences between grills to help pick the best one for your yard or patio.

Understanding the Two Materials

Steel and aluminum are both very strong materials, but each has a distinct personality. Steel is very heavy duty and can take a lot of use, while aluminum is light weight and has a natural resistance to corrosion. The finish and construction of each material is key to how long it will last outdoors.

Most people start looking for the best set based on appearance and price. But soon they find out in practice how a given set actually behaves in real weather. This is how a Florida family ended up with a new steel set after 3 years – due to corrosion. A Colorado couple, on the other hand, is absolutely happy with their steel kitchen: in dry air there is no corrosion.

Steel Outdoor Kitchen Furniture: Strengths and Drawbacks

Steel is a solid industrial material found in many outdoor kitchens. It is strong and ideal for supporting heavy stone or granite countertops as well as heavy built in grills.

Advantages of Steel:

• Excellent strength and stability
• More affordable in many cases
• Can be powder-coated for good looks and protection
• Feels premium and sturdy under use

The Mesola Steel Outdoor Kitchen Set is an example of well designed steel furniture for the outdoor kitchen. The furniture is durable and combines great design with functionality for cooking and having dinner parties outdoors.

Disadvantages of Steel:

• Prone to rust if the coating gets damaged
• Heavier to move around
• Can get very hot in direct sunlight
• Needs more careful maintenance in coastal or humid areas

Exposure to salty air or excessive rainfall requires steel to be painted with a high quality powder coating. Periodic make up touches are also required to maintain an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Aluminium Outdoor Kitchen Furniture: Strengths and Drawbacks

Aluminium has become an extremely popular material for outdoor use due to its superior performance in adverse weather conditions.

Advantages of Aluminium:

• Naturally rust-resistant
• Much lighter weight
• Good heat dissipation
• Lower maintenance in most climates

In properties which have a rooftop terrace or small garden, aluminum is preferred because it is easily moveable and reconfigured as required. In addition to this, aluminum does not get as hot as steel in the sun.

Disadvantages of Aluminium:

• Can feel less solid than steel
• More expensive for the same thickness and quality
• Dents more easily if something heavy drops on it
• Some lower-grade aluminium can oxidize over time and look chalky

Head-to-Head Comparison

Inland, dry climates are where steel has the best value. Near the ocean or a very wet climate, aluminum is usually best.

Real-World Factors to Consider

Your Local Climate: This is the biggest factor. A family in Arizona with dry heat might love powder-coated steel for its solid feel. A couple in Seattle with constant drizzle might prefer aluminium because it won’t rust.

How You Use the Space: Our big family cookouts with all the heavy cast iron pots and pans make best use of the steel’s strength. For our more casual dinners with lots of changes between all different kinds of casual seating – aluminum is better.

Budget and Long-Term Costs: The initial cost of steel is generally less than that of quality aluminum. However, if the steel is to deteriorate due to rust in the particular environment it is used, there could be added long-term costs for repair and replacement over a ten year period. Quality aluminum on the other hand generally pays for itself through reduced maintenance.

Style Preferences: We have found that steel gives a more traditional look and feel, being more substantial than aluminium. However, aluminium has cleaner lines and today is seen as more modern. Many of our clients are now mixing the two, using steel for the frames and aluminium for the panels to achieve the best of both worlds.

Maintenance Tips for Either Material

Regardless of your choice there are a few habits that will help a lot.

• Rinse off salt, pollen, or bird droppings regularly
• Use covers during extreme weather
• Check powder coating once a year for chips
• Clean with mild soap instead of harsh chemicals

One homeowner from Texas extended the life of his steel outdoor kitchen by almost 5 years by merely using a cover in the winter months.

Joye Industrial and Trading (Hangzhou) Co Ltd is a 20+ year old manufacturer of outdoor furniture. With experience manufacturing in steel and aluminum, they have a deep understanding of how both materials perform in various climates and countries around the world.

Note how Joye Leisure Outdoor Furniture Design pays particular attention to strong frames, quality finish powder coating and practical designs for use as an outdoor room. Note also how their Mesola Steel Outdoor Kitchen Set is designed and built to be solid and to last and feedback from customers is that the Furniture feels solid and of good quality design for long term use. From production facilities in China, they ship to customers in over 45 countries worldwide and from years of leisure furniture design experience, they know what homeowners and the hospitality industry needs from outdoor kitchens – great looking items that last for season after season with minimum maintenance. Their products have been selling again and again to happy customers, who don’t want to have to replace their outdoor kitchens every few years.

Conclusion

There is no right or wrong material when choosing between steel and aluminum for an outdoor kitchen. In dry climates, steel is very durable and cost effective. In wetter or coastal environments, aluminum is lighter, more natural in appearance and rust resistant without the need for maintenance. Your decision will depend on your local weather, intended use and amount of maintenance you are willing to perform.

Don’t judge an outdoor kitchen by its appearance. And don’t let price be your determining factor. Evaluating the “real” conditions of your space and choosing the right material for the job will translate to years of great entertaining in your outdoor kitchen. A well chosen material will become a great part of your outdoor space for years to come and save you from a lot of hassle in the short term.

FAQs

Is steel or aluminium better for outdoor kitchen furniture near the ocean?

Aluminium usually performs better near the ocean because it resists salt air and rust much more naturally than steel.

How long does your outdoor kitchen furniture last?

A good piece of steel furniture will last 8 to 15 years if you take good care of it. Good quality aluminum furniture will last even longer, 10 to 20 years. The location where you put your furniture and how you maintain it makes a huge difference.

Is steel outdoor kitchen furniture too hot for sunny outdoor areas?

Steel furniture tends to get hotter than corresponding aluminum pieces. Often, covers and lighter colors are used to counteract heat.

Is aluminium outdoor kitchen furniture strong enough for heavy use?

While aluminum modern outdoor furniture is incredibly strong when designed with good engineering practices behind it, there’s no replacing steel for a very heavy duty grill or extremely heavy use season after season.

What are the key things to consider when purchasing outdoor kitchen furniture?

Thickness of the frame, the quality of the powder coating, weather resistance, and how easy the furniture is to clean and maintain. It’s also a good idea to test sit on the furniture or see photos of the furniture in place.