Stainless steel – the best alloy for commercial kitchen equipment

Stainless steel is a generic term used to describe a range of steel types with higher resistance to corrosion. Steel is subject to quick corrosion owing to its core element, iron, which naturally occurs in combination with other elements. During manufacturing, all the impurities are artificially removed from iron, which makes steel more resilient than iron. But it is still prone to corrosion.

Stainless steel is an alloy where elements like nickel, chromium, and molybdenum are added with iron to increase the natural resistance of the metal against corrosion. Chromium forms chromium oxide and it creates a protective barrier on the surface of the metal which prevents corrosion triggered by moisture and air. So, when you buy a stainless steel sink it serves you years without rust.  Now, depending on the percentage of the other metals mixed with iron, corrosion resistance and resilience varies considerably.    

Why this alloy is the best for your kitchen?

When it comes to commercial kitchens, stainless steel made equipment gives an edge. The following are the best reasons, why it should be your first choice,

Corrosion resistant – The good quality variants are highly resistant to corrosion which not only adds to the life of the equipages but also ensures a clean and hygienic cooking space. So, if you are spending on a good quality stainless steel shelve it will give you long service without interruption.

Heavy duty – These are built for heavy-duty use. They are ideal for large scale cookhouses where a huge quantity of food is prepared daily. The resilience and durability are best suited for heavy-duty use and they can offer service for years without any breakdown, which is very important for commercial food businesses.   

Sleek look – They enjoy a naturally stylish and smart look which enhances the total aesthetics. If your restaurant plan has an open kitchen, these equipages should be your primary consideration as they offer the best service without compromising on the aesthetics.  

Easy to maintain – Another benefit that makes this alloy ideal for commercial purposes. Gears made with it is easy to clean and maintain. In large scale cookhouses, where food is prepared in high volume on a day to day basis, maintenance is an important factor and this metal alloy makes it simple.

Different types used in commercial kitchen equipment

In professional cooking equipment stainless is always preferred because of its resilience and strength that perfectly meets the heavy-duty needs of commercial cookhouses. But every variety of the alloy is not the same, though they might look alike. Depending on the metals and their percentage used in making, quality and longevity can change drastically. Three types of stainless steel are commonly used in fabricating commercial kitchen tools and appliances,

304 – It is a high-quality variant that is made with 18% chromium and between 8% to 10.5% nickel. It is highly resistant to corrosion, resilient to weathering, and is ideal for any heavy-duty kitchen equipment including the stainless steel benches, which often take the most beating. It is resistant to temperature variations, strong, durable, easy to clean, and maintain.    

316 – It is a specialized variety made with 16% chromium and 10% nickel. In addition to these two elements, 316 contains a third metal - 2% molybdenum which makes it extremely resistant to rust. The 316 is a premium variety mostly employed in fabricating equipment used in saltwater areas or for other highly corrosive substances like chlorides. It is also a more expensive variety.   

430 – 430 is a comparatively lesser quality variant. It contains chromium but no nickel which makes it less resistant to rust. However, the look and feel are often the same as the other varieties. Kitchen equipment made with it are often less durable and rust with regular use. But it is less expensive. Simco, the best commercial kitchen equipment supplier in Australia offers 304 made kitchen and catering equipment as it gives the best value for the money. They do not rust like the 430 but at the same time are not as expensive as the 316 variety. The brand also boasts of an expansive collection of all B2B cookhouse equipment and appliances. They vow for the best quality and stand by their claims with a full 2 year Australia wide warranty on parts and labour.