The Role of Stainless Steel in Restaurants

Using stainless steel in professional kitchens in Umatilla County, OR is the only real option when it comes to maintaining a safe and hygienic work environment. For years, entrepreneurs have counted on stainless steel to ensure that their restaurant kitchens are running at peak efficiency.

Chromium and nickel in your stainless steel

There are two grades of food-safe stainless steel: 18/8 and 18/0. In both, the first number refers to the amount of chromium in the stainless steel (in this case, 18 percent). The second number refers to the amount of nickel (8 percent and 0 percent, respectively). Rust forms when oxygen, carbon and water all bond. Chromium is an element that removes oxygen from the equation, creating an environment where rust is incapable of forming.

The true distinguishing characteristic between the grades of stainless steel is the presence or absence of nickel. Nickel adds a bright shine to stainless steel, as well as more durability and an extra layer of anticorrosive properties.

In practical terms, 18/8 stainless steel is most commonly used for kitchen fixtures (like counters and sinks), while 18/0 stainless steel is an excellent choice for flatware.

Stainless steel is incredibly easy to clean

Once they’ve got their menu filled with tasty morsels, the next thing that restaurateurs must consider when they’re in the kitchen is hygiene. That’s why, time and again, people turn to stainless steel. Stainless steel is much easier to clean than materials like earthenware because it’s non-porous. That is, food particles don’t have a chance to sink through the cracks.

In other words, when stainless steel is cleaned, all the mess is wiped away. In fact, stainless steel is as easy to clean as time-honored materials like glass or porcelain. Stainless steel in professional kitchens in Umatilla County, OR just happens to be much more durable.

“Durable” doesn’t begin to cover it

When it’s dropped on the ground, glass will shatter into a million pieces and stainless steel won’t. That much is obvious. However, high-quality stainless steel also has anticorrosive properties that can prevent rust buildup over several decades. In other words, in addition to its physical stability, stainless steel will last for years to come if it’s treated well.

Unlike other metals, stainless steel doesn’t absorb the acids and bases commonly found in food. That means stainless steel won’t stain, and the metal itself won’t begin to degrade (and begin to flavor the food) after wear and tear.

Your stainless steel ally

Though stainless steel in professional kitchens in Umatilla County, OR is the obvious solution, it’s not perfect. Over time, you will require maintenance to ensure that your stainless steel fixtures keep on performing at their best. And, eventually, you’ll need to replace them.

When your business needs the best, call on NW Metal Fabricators Inc. We have more than a century of combined experience working in the food processing industry, which means we can provide custom production of everything from storage bins to stem piping and everywhere in between.

We’re ready to help your restaurant run more efficiently. Give us a call or visit us online. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Categorised in: Steel Fabricators

This post was written by Writer