Stainless steel used to be used mainly in professional kitchens, but is now slowly making its way into kitchens. This is because it has many advantages. Stainless steel countertops are considered particularly hygienic. That’s why stainless steel countertops are being used more and more frequently in kitchen planning. In addition to good kitchen hygiene, countertops made of stainless steel have other advantages. In the following, we will introduce them for you in detail.
What kind of stainless steel for kitchen countertops?
Stainless steel 18/10 is the most common. The material consists primarily of iron and small amounts of chromium and nickel, which gives the countertop many advantageous properties. Although other available alloys are stainless steel, they are not as resistant to corrosion and acidity as 18/10 stainless steel.
Tip: When choosing stainless steel, look for the 18/10 stainless steel mark so that your countertop is more durable.
Various stainless steel countertops
Stainless steel countertops are available in different versions:
- Shiny
- Stainless steel wire drawing
- With pattern / lenticular
Classic stainless steel is very shiny. These kitchen countertops with a smooth stainless steel finish usually look cool and sterile, especially in living areas.
Another option is Stainless steel wire drawing countertop or one with a different grid and mill pattern. For example, a fine engraving or waffle grid can be used as a pattern. Another design concept is the cross-cut finish, which visually enhances the beauty of the stainless steel sheet.
Tip: Fingerprints and grease stains are hard to see on engraved stainless steel kitchen countertops.
Stainless steel uses in the kitchen
Kitchen countertops made of stainless steel can be combined perfectly with other materials such as wood or stone. The grey kitchen fronts also coordinate well. Such a countertop will give the kitchen a modern look. You can also design kitchen niches with stainless steel to make them easier to clean.
The price of stainless steel countertops starts at the mid to high end of the price range and increases depending on the thickness of the material and the quality of the processed material.
Stainless steel countertops: advantages and disadvantages
Stainless steel countertops have an easy-care and hygienic surface. Water and other liquids do not penetrate. Bacteria cannot stay on the work surface. Stains can be removed with a damp cloth and, if necessary, you can use some detergent. However, fingerprints or oil stains can be seen on stainless steel worktops. And over time, unsightly scratches may appear. Therefore, when using sharp knives, it is recommended that a cutting board be placed underneath.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Easy to care for | Easily visible fingerprints |
Non-porous surface suitable for daily use | Very sensitive to scratches |
Very hygienic | Cold and sterile appearance |
Durable | Very expensive |
Abrasion resistant | |
Moisture resistant | |
Insensitive to acids | |
Heat resistant |
Manufacturing of stainless steel countertops
The stainless steel plate is mounted on a wooden support plate. The edges are formed and welded. Kitchen countertops made of stainless steel have different strengths and are highly stable even in very thin versions. In addition, the stainless steel sink can be welded precisely to the stainless steel countertop so that there are no transitions and everything appears to be formed in one piece.
Stainless steel can be polished to achieve a shiny finish. A matte appearance is achieved by grinding. Glass sandblasting gives the surface an elegant silky sheen.