Installing soft close access doors in an outdoor kitchen island may seem like gilding the lily, but, gosh, are they nice to have. If you’ve gotten used to this sophisticated cabinet upgrade in your indoor kitchen, you’re going to appreciate it just as much in your outdoor kitchen. 

On the surface, a soft close door looks like a traditional cabinet door. However, thanks to a specially designed hinge mechanism, the door automatically eases closed with just the slightest nudge. Give a gentle push to guide the door, and it will slowly, smoothly and effortlessly close on its own. It will not – cannot – be slammed shut.

Soft close doors have become popular in indoor kitchens in recent years for good reason. Obviously, they add to the luxury experience, making the kitchen even more of a pleasure to work in. But they offer pragmatic benefits, too, lending functionality and practicality to a kitchen, whether it’s indoors or out. 

A Case for Soft Close Doors

One important benefit is that since soft close doors can’t be slammed or even forcefully closed, it eliminates repeated jarring impacts and reduces wear-and-tear on the hinges and the door materials. As such, soft close access doors can improve the performance and extend the life of a busy outdoor kitchen.

By preventing aggressive door slamming, soft close doors can also prevent dishes, glassware, tools, and other items stored behind those doors, from shifting, or toppling over and breaking. 

Another benefit to soft close access doors: no pinched fingers. This safety enhancement is especially important if you have young children in your life who might catch and injure their fingers in traditional doors.

Of course, the no-slamming thing does nix the opportunity to create a loud, dramatic bang, thereby making it harder to convey the message that you-are-very-annoyed-someone-left-their-dishes-in-the-outdoor-sink…again. (But, as we’re taught in preschool, you should probably just “use your words” to express your feelings anyway.)

New Soft Close Outdoor Options

Renaissance Cooking Systems’ new Valiant Series Soft Close Access Doors offer these benefits, as well as an added sense of luxury, to an outdoor kitchen. The line of soft close doors is available in an extensive range of sizes, with multiple widths and heights, making them suitable for unlimited storage applications in an outdoor kitchen or bar island.

Three single-door, soft close models – VDH1SC, VDV1SC and VDV2SC – include a mix of horizontal and vertical orientations, with widths ranging from 17 to 27 inches, and heights ranging from 20 to 27 inches. Three double-door models, including the VDD1SC, VDD2SC and VDD3SC, come in 33- and 45-inch widths and 16- and 22-inch heights. 

Lower-profile models have reduced heights designed to fit beneath built-in appliances, such as a built-in grill, side-burner, flattop griddle, or drop-in insulated beverage cooler. This is a smart way to maximize storage in an outdoor island and keep cooking tools, accessories, brushes, and more, exactly where you need them. Full-height soft close door styles are ideal for accessing utility shut-offs and propane tanks, and for storing all sorts of outdoor cooking, serving and entertaining necessities. Single doors can be installed for opening to the left or right.

All RCS Valiant Series Soft Close Access Doors are crafted from premium 304 stainless steel with sleek, recessed handles that span the full height of the door. The doors are double lined for maximum strength and durability, and to protect the cabinet’s contents from the elements. All of the soft close doors swing a full 90 degrees for complete access to the cabinet opening. Notably, all RCS Valiant Series Soft Close Access Doors have lifetime warranties.

For more information on the full line of RCS Valiant Series Soft Close Access Doors for outdoor kitchens, click here. To learn about the entire lineup of outdoor kitchen products from Renaissance Cooking Systems click here, or visit www.rcsgasgrills.com.