Soon I'll be making drawer fronts for our kitchen cabinets. My wife wants simple slab drawer fronts, square edges (no edge profile), inset with the face frame, all painted. I'm debating between HDF or solid wood (poplar or maple) for the drawer fronts.

As far as I can tell: Solid wood pros: less risk if exposed to water; more durable, takes paint well. Solid wood cons: more expensive, more work to joint/plane/surface. HDF pros: cheaper, no surfacing, takes paint well. HDF cons: possible risk if exposed to water, maybe not as durable/more likely to dent/chip.

I've never worked with HDF; is it noticeably more durable than MDF?

Because we're planning to paint, I think the main question comes down to: is painted hardwood that much more durable/water resistant than painted HDF?

Note: we have two young kids, and a third on the way, so

Bonus question: is there any merit in considering HDF for the face frame as well as the drawer fronts?

(also posted to r/cabinetry)