Spirich 71-Inch Tall Pantry Cabinet vs Knolix 71" Metal Pantry Cabinet

The Knolix is the sturdier, more practical pantry for most kitchens: a steel body, 12 shelves and a 128 lb capacity beat the Spirich's particle board and single adjustable shelf. The Spirich is the better-looking piece, with an embossed door design, a stemware rack and a large center drawer that suit a dining room or a coffee and bar station. Owners of engineered-wood pantries like the Spirich report swelling and sagging when a unit sits near steam or a sink, while steel cabinets like the Knolix resist moisture but show dents and fingerprints. Buy the Spirich for looks and drawer storage, the Knolix for load and longevity.

• Choose the Spirich if you want a furniture-style pantry with a drawer, a stemware rack and decorative doors for a dining room, bar corner or coffee station.
• Choose the Knolix if you need maximum shelf count and load capacity in a slim footprint, and you want a cabinet that shrugs off kitchen moisture.