Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet

The Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet is the kind of bathroom fixture that quietly proves a point: storage does not have to look like storage. At first glance, it is a clean mirrored cabinet. Open it, however, and it becomes a neat little command center for toothpaste, skincare, shaving tools, cotton swabs, prescriptions, and the mysterious bottle of hotel lotion nobody remembers bringing home.

Although Broan-NuTone no longer manufactures or sells medicine cabinets, the Metro line remains worth discussing because it represents a practical, well-built style of mirrored bathroom storage that many homeowners still own, search for, replace, repair, or try to match during renovations. Its design is simple, its function is obvious, and its appeal is still surprisingly current. In a world full of LED mirrors, touch sensors, Bluetooth speakers, and cabinets that seem ready to file your taxes, the Metro cabinet keeps its charm by doing the basics very well.

This guide takes a deep look at the Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet, including its design, features, installation considerations, buying advice for discontinued models, replacement ideas, maintenance tips, and real-world experience using this type of cabinet in a bathroom.

What Is the Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet?

The Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet was part of the company’s broader bathroom cabinet lineup, especially known through NuTone-branded medicine cabinets. The Metro collection included models designed for recessed installation, with surface mounting possible on certain versions when paired with the correct optional surface mount kit.

The Metro cabinet was designed around a modern, frameless or lightly trimmed mirror appearance. It offered a clean rectangular profile that worked in both traditional and contemporary bathrooms. That is one reason the cabinet still appears in product archives, remodel references, and replacement searches. It does not scream for attention; it simply makes the wall above the sink more useful.

Depending on the exact Metro model, shoppers could find different sizes, depths, mirror edge styles, and shelf counts. For example, archived specification sheets for Metro Deluxe oversized models list options such as 20-by-25-inch and 24-by-30-inch overall sizes, with flat or beveled mirror fronts and multiple adjustable glass shelves. Some Metro Deluxe models included five shelves, which is generous for a medicine cabinet and very helpful if your bathroom counter has been slowly taken over by tiny bottles with dramatic labels.

Key Features That Made the Metro Cabinet Popular

Clean Mirrored Design

The Metro medicine cabinet leaned into a sleek mirrored look. Its premium float glass mirror was designed to provide a clear reflection and a polished bathroom appearance. The flat-front models looked minimal and modern, while beveled mirror versions added a more decorative edge without becoming overly fancy.

This matters because the medicine cabinet sits at eye level. If it looks bulky, dated, or oddly framed, the entire vanity area can feel off. The Metro design avoided that problem by staying simple enough to blend with chrome, brushed nickel, white, black, wood-tone, or classic ceramic bathroom finishes.

Mirrored Interior Surfaces

One of the more useful details in many Metro models was the mirrored interior. Archived product descriptions describe mirrors on the back of the cabinet and on the inside of the door. That may sound like a small luxury until you are trying to shave, apply makeup, inspect a stubborn eyebrow, or find something on a shelf while the door is open.

Interior mirrors also help bounce light inside the cabinet, making small grooming items easier to spot. It is a simple feature, but it gives the cabinet a brighter and more premium feel.

Adjustable Glass Shelves

The Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet typically used adjustable glass shelves with snap-fit supports. Adjustable shelving is one of the most important medicine cabinet features because bathroom products are never the same height. Toothpaste tubes, serum bottles, shaving cream, pill bottles, electric toothbrush heads, and contact lens solution all demand different amounts of vertical space.

Glass shelves also have a practical advantage: they clean easily and do not absorb moisture the way some wood or fiberboard surfaces can. In a bathroom, where steam is basically a daily weather event, easy cleaning is not just nice; it is survival.

Heavy-Gauge Steel Construction

Metro specification sheets describe heavy-gauge steel construction with a white baked-on finish. This construction gave the cabinet a sturdy, built-in feel, especially when installed correctly in a recessed wall opening. Steel cabinets can be durable, but like all bathroom metal, they need reasonable care to avoid rust, especially in poorly ventilated bathrooms.

Good ventilation matters. If a bathroom fan is weak, unused, or purely decorative in spirit, moisture lingers. Over time, that can affect hinges, cabinet bodies, mirror edges, and stored products. The cabinet may be tough, but it is not a submarine.

Reversible Door Opening

Many Metro models allowed reversible installation, meaning the door could open from the left or the right depending on how the cabinet was mounted. This is a valuable detail in real bathrooms, where the mirror may need to clear a side wall, light fixture, towel ring, shower door, or an enthusiastic person brushing their teeth nearby.

Before installing any medicine cabinet, always think about the swing path. A beautiful cabinet becomes much less charming when the door knocks into a sconce every morning.

Concealed Hinges and Wide Door Opening

Archived Metro Deluxe specification sheets mention concealed 170-degree hinges. Wide-opening hinges make it easier to reach shelves, remove items, clean the interior, and use the mirror from different angles. Concealed hinges also support the clean design by keeping hardware from visually cluttering the front.

Popular Metro Medicine Cabinet Sizes and Model Notes

Because the Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet is discontinued, model numbers matter. Product listings and archived specification sheets mention several Metro and Metro Deluxe models, including oversized units. Some 24-by-30-inch models were associated with five adjustable shelves and wall openings around 23 1/4 inches wide by 29 inches high by 4 inches deep for recessed installation.

Other Metro Deluxe models appeared in narrower 15-inch-wide formats with 25-inch or 35-inch heights and different cabinet depths. Some were four inches deep, while others were six inches deep. Surface mount kits were also model-specific, which means a kit that fits one cabinet depth or size may not fit another.

If you already own a Metro cabinet and need parts, do not rely only on the visible mirror size. Measure the overall cabinet, the recessed box, the wall opening, the depth, the hinge side, and the shelf width. A model number sticker inside the cabinet body is ideal, but older cabinets may have lost labels over time. In that case, measurements become your best friend.

Recessed vs. Surface Mount: Which Setup Fits Best?

Recessed Installation

A recessed medicine cabinet sits inside the wall cavity, creating a streamlined, built-in look. This was one of the main appeals of the Metro cabinet. When installed well, the mirror appears to float neatly on the wall while the storage hides between the studs.

Recessed installation is great for small bathrooms because the cabinet does not project far into the room. It can also look more custom and architectural. However, it requires careful planning. The wall cavity must be clear of plumbing, electrical wires, ducts, blocking, and structural complications. If something important is hiding in the wall, the project can quickly go from “Saturday upgrade” to “call a professional and pretend this was always the plan.”

Surface Mount Installation

Some Metro cabinets could be surface mounted using optional side mirror kits or surface mount kits. Surface mounting is usually easier because the cabinet attaches to the wall instead of being built into it. This can be useful when there are pipes or wires in the wall, when the wall is masonry, or when a homeowner does not want to cut drywall.

The tradeoff is projection. A surface-mounted cabinet sticks out more, so it may feel bulkier in a narrow bathroom. Side kits also matter because without finished side panels, a surface-mounted recessed-style cabinet can look incomplete from the side.

How to Measure Before Replacing a Metro Medicine Cabinet

Replacing a discontinued cabinet is less about wishful thinking and more about tape-measure honesty. Start by measuring the mirror width and height, then open the door and measure the cabinet body. If it is recessed, measure the wall opening. Also measure depth carefully, because a four-inch-deep opening will not magically accept a deeper cabinet just because the new one looked nice online.

Next, check the vanity width. A medicine cabinet generally looks best when it is the same width as the vanity or slightly narrower. It should also clear the faucet, backsplash, and vanity light. Door swing is just as important. Make sure the cabinet can open without hitting a wall, light fixture, shower glass, or towel bar.

If you are replacing a Metro model with a new cabinet from another brand, compare the rough opening dimensions, not just the advertised mirror size. Manufacturers often list overall dimensions and recessed box dimensions separately. The difference can decide whether your project is smooth or whether your drywall suddenly needs a motivational speech.

Installation Tips for a Broan-NuTone Metro Style Cabinet

For recessed installation, locate studs first and inspect the wall cavity before cutting. A small inspection hole can help identify obstacles. If plumbing lines, electrical wiring, or load-bearing framing are present, stop and consult a professional. Bathroom walls often hide surprises, and surprises behind walls are rarely the fun kind.

Use a level during installation. A medicine cabinet that is slightly crooked will annoy you every single day, especially because the mirror makes the mistake easy to see. Shim the cabinet if needed, fasten it securely to framing, and avoid over-tightening screws in a way that twists the cabinet body.

For surface mounting, anchor the cabinet properly. If the cabinet is heavy, fasten it into studs whenever possible. Drywall anchors may be suitable for some lighter cabinets, but a loaded medicine cabinet is heavier than it looks. Glass shelves, bottles, and daily-use products add weight quickly.

Design Ideas for Bathrooms With a Metro Medicine Cabinet

The Metro cabinet works best in bathrooms that value clean lines. Pair it with a simple white vanity for a bright classic look, or use it above a warm wood vanity for contrast. A beveled mirror version can soften a traditional bath, while a flat mirror version fits modern, transitional, or minimalist spaces.

Lighting is the secret partner. A Metro medicine cabinet looks sharper with balanced vanity lighting, especially sconces on both sides or a well-placed overhead fixture. Avoid placing lights too low or too close to the door swing. If you have a tall faucet, check the clearance before setting the cabinet height.

For small powder rooms, the cabinet can act as both mirror and storage, eliminating the need for extra shelving. In shared bathrooms, the adjustable shelves make it easier to divide space by person or by product category. Top shelf for backups, middle shelf for daily essentials, bottom shelf for items that need to be grabbed half-awake before school, work, or coffee.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

To keep a Metro medicine cabinet looking good, clean the mirror with a non-abrasive glass cleaner or a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying cleaner directly into the mirror edges or hinges. Instead, spray the cloth first. This helps reduce moisture collecting in seams and hardware areas.

Remove glass shelves occasionally and wash them with mild soap and warm water. Dry them fully before placing them back into the cabinet. Check the shelf supports to make sure they remain seated securely. If a shelf support is loose or cracked, replace it before loading the shelf again.

Keep the interior organized and dry. Store medicines according to label directions, since bathrooms can become warm and humid. For items sensitive to heat or moisture, another location may be better. The cabinet is excellent for grooming tools and daily toiletries, but not every product loves bathroom steam.

Is the Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet Still Worth Buying Used?

A used or new-old-stock Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet can be worth considering if the condition is excellent and the dimensions match your space. Look for intact mirrors, smooth hinges, rust-free cabinet walls, complete shelf supports, and all necessary mounting hardware. Missing glass shelves may be replaceable, but matching them exactly can take effort.

Be cautious with discontinued models. If the price is close to a new medicine cabinet from a current brand, a modern replacement may be the better choice because parts, warranty support, and accessories are easier to find. But if you are restoring a bathroom, matching an existing cabinet, or replacing the same model in the same opening, the Metro cabinet can still be a smart find.

Best Alternatives to the Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet

If you like the Metro cabinet’s clean style but cannot find the exact model, look for a recessed or surface-mount mirrored medicine cabinet with similar features: adjustable glass shelves, mirrored interior, reversible door swing, corrosion-resistant body, and a frameless or beveled mirror front.

Modern alternatives may add soft-close hinges, aluminum construction, integrated lighting, defogging, outlets, USB ports, or magnifying mirrors. These upgrades can be useful, but do not get distracted by features you will not use. A medicine cabinet’s first job is simple: hold your daily essentials, open smoothly, stay clean, and make the bathroom look better instead of busier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The first mistake is buying by mirror size alone. Always compare cabinet body dimensions and rough opening measurements. The second mistake is ignoring door swing. The third is installing the cabinet too high, which turns a useful mirror into a ceiling inspection device.

Another common mistake is overloading shelves. Glass shelves are strong, but they are not meant to hold every bottle ever purchased during a “new year, new skincare routine” phase. Keep daily items inside and move bulk backups to a linen closet or vanity drawer.

Real-Life Experience With a Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet

Living with a Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet, or a very similar Metro-style recessed cabinet, teaches you that the best bathroom upgrades are often the quiet ones. Nobody walks into a bathroom and throws a parade for adjustable shelves, but after a week of using them, you wonder why all storage is not this sensible. The glass shelves make it easy to create zones: dental care on one shelf, shaving items on another, skincare in the middle, and backup supplies tucked higher up where they are available but not in the way.

The mirrored interior is one of those features that feels unnecessary until you have it. When the door is open, you still have a reflective surface available, which helps during grooming. It also makes the inside of the cabinet feel brighter. Instead of staring into a dark metal box, you see light bouncing around the shelves. It gives the cabinet a more finished, thoughtful feel.

In daily use, the wide-opening door is another practical win. A narrow-opening cabinet can make you perform tiny bathroom yoga just to grab something from the back shelf. With a wider hinge angle, it is easier to reach everything, clean the interior, and remove shelves when needed. The reversible door swing is also helpful, especially in bathrooms where every inch has already been claimed by a vanity, toilet, shower door, towel bar, or laundry basket pretending it belongs there.

The biggest lesson is that installation quality matters as much as cabinet quality. A Metro cabinet installed level, securely fastened, and placed at the right height feels premium. The same cabinet installed slightly crooked or too low over a tall faucet becomes a daily irritation. Before installation, it helps to tape the cabinet outline on the wall and pretend to use the sink. Open an imaginary door. Reach for imaginary toothpaste. Look in the imaginary mirror. It sounds silly, but it catches real problems before screws and drywall dust enter the story.

For cleaning, the cabinet is fairly easy to live with. The glass shelves wipe down quickly, and the mirror front keeps the vanity area looking bright. The only caution is moisture. In a bathroom with poor ventilation, any metal cabinet can suffer over time. Running the exhaust fan, wiping heavy condensation, and avoiding harsh cleaners around mirror edges can help preserve the finish.

Overall, the Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet feels like a product from a design era that valued durability, simplicity, and function. It may not have built-in LEDs or a digital clock, but it does not need to. Its appeal is that it organizes the bathroom without making the room feel crowded. For homeowners replacing one, restoring one, or looking for a similar modern alternative, the Metro cabinet remains a useful benchmark: clean mirror, solid body, adjustable shelves, flexible installation, and no nonsense. Sometimes that is exactly what a bathroom needs.

Conclusion

The Broan-NuTone Metro Medicine Cabinet remains a strong example of smart bathroom storage: simple on the outside, practical on the inside, and flexible enough to suit many vanity layouts. Even though Broan-NuTone discontinued its medicine cabinet line years ago, the Metro collection still attracts attention because of its mirrored interior, adjustable glass shelves, steel construction, reversible door swing, and clean design.

If you already own one, careful maintenance can keep it useful for years. If you are replacing one, measure everything before buying a substitute. If you are searching for a similar cabinet today, focus on the same qualities that made the Metro line appealing: durable materials, flexible shelves, proper installation options, and a mirror style that works with your bathroom instead of fighting it. A good medicine cabinet will not solve every bathroom problem, but it can absolutely make the morning routine less chaoticand that is no small victory before coffee.