You may have seen them in commercial kitchens – gleaming and high tech looking – but is it possible to have stainless steel countertops in your own kitchen? The answer is yes, and they are becoming increasingly popular in homes across North America.
Just like any counter material, stainless has its advantages and disadvantages. No material is perfect and you need to consider the pros and cons of each to decide if stainless is right for you.
Stainless is Heat Resistant
You will never have to worry about putting a pot down on the counter again. Heat will not affect a stainless counter. There are some other materials that claim heat resistance (such as some manmade solid surfaces) but only to a certain temperature. They can be irreversibly damaged by excessive heat. Stainless steel won’t be affected by the heat of normal kitchen use.
Durable, Easy to Clean Surface
Restaurants use the counters for good reason. Stainless steel counters are durable and easy to clean and maintain. For the most part, soap and water will do the trick. However, water left on the surface can leave watermarks. Drying the surface after washing will help keep the surface looking tip top.
Many people mistakenly believe that stainless is just what its name implies – that it can’t be stained. Extended contact with certain chemicals (bleach being one of them) can mark the surface. Acidic foods can also be a problem. Keeping up with regular cleaning after usage will reduce the amount of staining to a minimum. Restaurants aren’t generally as concerned about the pristine look of the counters as someone using them in their home. A little prevention is all it takes in this case.
Fingerprints can cause unsightly marks over time. These can be removed using a stainless steel cleaner.
Dents are a Problem
For the most part stainless is very strong. However if something heavy is dropped onto the surface, dents can happen and can’t be easily removed.
Patterned Designs
You are not restricted to a plain stainless finish. Patterns can be polished into the surface to create an interesting design. Having a pattern on the surface can help mask scratches to a certain degree. However, unlike a plain surface, it won’t be as easy to buff out small scratches by yourself.
Stainless steel counters provide a contemporary and sleek look unrivaled by other materials. The cost of the counters is quite high, but the advantages and the unique look it offers are worth it for many people. Don’t forget to consider stainless as an option when deciding on a choice for your kitchen counters.