Why is Stainless Steel important in Commercial Kitchens?
Almost every commercial kitchen consists of stainless steel equipment.
Its glittering work surfaces create an air of professionalism and stand above the others as the most useful material in commercial kitchens.
Here are some reasons why stainless steel is so popular.
Food Preparation
Some of the advantageous stainless steel properties include:
- Non-porous
This means that it cannot absorb liquids or air, eliminating any risk of bacteria growth in the kitchen.
During food preparation or cooking, there tends to be a lot of moisture in the air, commonly through steam.
This affects porous materials such as wood, which absorbs moisture and create opportunities for bacteria to grow.
Hence, stainless steel is excellent for commercial kitchens and professional food handlers as hygiene is of utmost importance.
- Non-corrosive and non-reactive
Due to the chromium oxide layer, stainless steel will not react with acidic ingredients. Hence, it can be used to prepare and cook acidic foods as well.
- Heat resistant
Stainless steel can withstand temperatures above 900°C. Because of that, you do not have to worry about leaving a hot pan on the counter as it will not stain or melt under normal temperatures.
- Does not impact the flavor of food
Not many would notice but different materials react with foods to impart their taste upon them.
Among all the materials, stainless steel does not affect the flavor of any foods, thus making it the perfect material for allowing fine ingredients and subtle flavors to shine.
Low Maintenance & Long Lasting
Steel is known to be a super tough metal. Because of its high durability, stainless steel is a lot easier to maintain too.
It can take a lot of physical strain and is resistant to chemical contaminants as well.
Oily surfaces and stains can be easily washed off with soap, giving the staff even fewer things to worry about.
The only damage would be scratches from daily use, which can be removed by non-abrasive cleaners that you can find easily in hardware shops.
If you regularly clean and take care of it, you will find that it may last longer than your restaurant does and still look new.
Customisable/Made to order
Stainless steel is not just one of the strongest commercial materials but it is also malleable during its production.
Hence, it can be fabricated and shaped into just about anything to suit all kinds of environments and fulfill any unique requirements.
With all these advantages and important factors in efficient commercial kitchen operations, it is no surprise that stainless steel is the material of choice and is rapidly becoming popular in rural areas of developing countries with its hygienic and easy maintenance qualities.
