When we think of furniture, we tend to think of the more luxuriant aspects: the sofas, the beds and tables.

However, you can change the way your kitchen design looks and functions by careful use of kitchen furniture, such as kitchen cabinet doors and units – but what's the difference between the two?

The debate between kitchen cabinets and units

This is a long-standing argument between kitchen fitters across the country. Some call anything with a door and shelves kitchen cabinets, and others call it a unit – which can make things a bit difficult if you're not entirely sure what you're trying to buy.

In essence, cabinets and units do the same job and are much the same thing. If you're talking to a kitchen supplier or refurbishment company, the chances are that they'll know what you're talking about, whichever word you use.

However, there is one small difference that, if you're being really pedantic, does set the two apart.

The modernization of the dream kitchen

It all stems back to the modernization and standardization of kitchens. Until relatively recently, the kitchen consisted of little more than somewhere to cook, eat and store food. Water was brought in from outside, so there was no need for much more than a fire or, as times changed, an oven.

As we became more sophisticated in our choices, what we came to expect from our kitchens changed, too. Rather than just being places where the spuds were peeled and food prepared, they became spaces in which we entertained and served meals on social occasions.

With that came a desire to tuck things away; to make the kitchen as presentable and hospitable as any other room in the home – and this gave way to the creation of kitchen cabinets.

Aesthetics, style and functionality

At their most basic, kitchen cabinets were aesthetic storage cupboards; places to hide kitchen equipment, store food and keep cutlery.

However, the concept of what a kitchen was for continued to evolve and technology gave us a number of creations that we now accept as standard. In addition to the oven and the sink, most kitchens carry facilities such as washing machines, dishwashers and fridges and freezers.

Like the spices and the cooking equipment, these devices are hidden away behind doors, in spaces designed to house them. But they're not hidden in kitchen cabinets; they're hidden away in kitchen units.

What's the difference between kitchen cabinets and kitchen units?

The simple difference between cabinets and units is what they house: if it holds an appliance that's powered by electricity, then it's described as unit. If it acts as home for anything else, then it's described as a cabinet.

However, over the years, that distinction has been practically forgotten or ignored and the two words are more-or-less interchangeable.

Regardless of what you call them, their functionality as space-saving devices and their aesthetic appeal is now an important part of every kitchen in the country.

In addition, simply changing the doors can be a cost effective and dynamic way to change the appearance of your kitchen and give the room a cheap, yet eye-catching kitchen makeover.

We replace your kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts for less than you think!

We'll create your perfect kitchen with our advice and service. Get inspiration for colours, materials, styles and accessories, with our before and after pictures over on our kitchen refurbishment page.

Find what's suitable for your kitchen space, be it corner cabinets, base cabinets or larder units for your appliance housings. We have a whole range for you to discover the right products to complement your kitchen, traditional or modern.

Contact us today.

Explore Finishing Touches

Complete the look

In addition to replacing kitchen doors and drawer fronts, we also supply a wide range of finishing touches for your kitchen makeover. From replacement worktops to new appliances, sinks and taps.

Finishing touches
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