The term “commercial kitchen” conjures images of sleek aluminum pans, gleaming countertops, and a busy room decked out in luxurious stainless steel from top to bottom. The imagery is so regular that no matter whose kitchen you walk into, you’re bound to have an eerie feeling like you’ve been there before. The use of stainless steel here and there makes them look very similar. But why is this material so popular?
In short, stainless steel has become the standard for all kitchen furniture and equipment for three reasons:
- High durability
- Low maintenance
- Great for food prep
These reasons combine to make this material an ideal choice for F&B professionals who need a balance between high performance and low maintenance. But don’t get me wrong, it’s not perfect. Read on to better understand the unique qualities of stainless steel and how to get the most out of it for years to come.
High durability
Steel itself is already a very tough metal, it doesn’t bend or break easily, making it ideal for professional use. The aspect of stainless steel comes from its combination with chromium, which reacts with air to form a layer of chromium oxide on its surface. This protects the steel from air and moisture and prevents the material from rusting. Stainless steel is also able to withstand high temperatures, and its fire resistance makes it ideal for use in the kitchen near a range of cooking equipment.
Low maintenance
The high durability of stainless steel makes it easier to maintain. The only real damage to it is scratches, which can be removed with a copper or metal cleaner. Just wash, rinse and dry regularly and you’ll find it lasts a long time.
Great for food prep
The biggest reason to use stainless steel in the kitchen should come as no surprise; it goes really well with food! All the steam generated in the kitchen leads to a lot of humidity. If you use porous materials like wood, there is a chance for bacteria to grow. Stainless steel is non-porous, so bacteria and viruses have nowhere to grow. The chromium oxide layer also makes it non-corrosive and non-reactive. This means it is safe to prepare and cook acidic foods. With stainless steel, the risk of contamination is greatly reduced. For food serving, stainless steel is a good insulator, so it’s ideal for hot cupboards and buffet tables.
Here are some quick tips for proper stainless steel maintenance:
1.Rinse surface after cleaning. Dirty water leaves residue and can stain or damage your countertops
2.Wipe up spills with a towel before they solidify. Dirt and grime may adhere to the surface if left untreated
3.Avoid cleaning solutions that contain bleach, they can stain and damage stainless steel
4.Be careful not to use steel wool or steel brushes on the surface. They may scratch them, making them more prone to rust and stains
5.Scrub along the grain – Some stainless steels are grained, so be sure to scrub in the direction of the grain when cleaning. Otherwise the surface may be prone to streaking
Every surface of the kitchen
No matter where you look in a commercial kitchen, you will see gleaming stainless steel. From workbenches to sinks, lockers, gantry, shelves, racks and trolleys. If you haven’t already, investing in stainless steel can ensure the safety and efficiency of your kitchen equipment for years to come. Find a full range of stainless steel furniture for your kitchen here .