Stainless steel has many applications, and one of them is specifically for the preparation of food. Food-grade stainless steel is ideal for use in the restaurant and food industry and even your home kitchen. Let’s look at five things you need to know about stainless steel as the go-to choice in a culinary setting:
The Finish
Stainless steel has a gleaming, rust-free finish. Because of its iron-chromium alloy, stainless steel is resistant to many elements that iron alone cannot withstand. Corrosion or prolonged water exposure would be detrimental to many metals, but not stainless steel. You can soak stainless steel in water to your heart’s content without fear of rust.
Cleaning
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is extremely useful when it comes to keeping food and beverage surfaces sanitary. The stainless steel finish eliminates the majority of bacterial growth possibilities. It’s simple to clean and disinfect.
Grades
Not all stainless steel is the same. The most common kitchen and food-quality stainless steel grades are 304 and 316. 304 alloy is the most commonly used stainless steel for kitchen appliances and equipment. 316 is more surgical grade and is used for cutlery with a smoother finish, as well as to prevent certain types of corrosion.
Resistance
In addition to being strong, safe, and resistant to corrosion, stainless steel has another unnoticed advantage. Colors, odors, and other chemicals are not absorbed by stainless steel. This is critical when attempting to sanitize cookware or applications quickly, as well as for commercial use. This repellent property is yet another reason stainless steel is widely used in food, surgery, and other applications.
Superiority to aluminum
When considering alternatives to stainless steel, aluminum is frequently mentioned. Although it is a potentially less expensive option, aluminum has some drawbacks in the kitchen. Because of its low tensile strength, aluminum is ideal for baking trays, which can heat and cool quickly. When using cutlery or kitchen equipment, however, this is not ideal. Temperature fluctuations can jeopardize safety. 304 and 316 stainless steel are the best choices for stronger and safer food-grade metal.
Stainless steel properties vary depending on alloy and compound, but it remains a dependable food-grade metal choice, both in a commercial setting and in home kitchens where it outperforms the competition!