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Stainless Steel in Modern Kitchens
Stainless steel is an exceptional choice for modern kitchens, offering durability, hygiene, and a sleek, timeless aesthetic. Its natural corrosion resistance makes it ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
For most residential kitchens, 304-grade stainless steel is the preferred choice. For harsher environments, such as hospitals or marine applications, 316-grade stainless steel, which contains more nickel and chromium, provides superior corrosion resistance.
Stainless Steel Benchtop Design Considerations
Modern kitchen design embraces straight, clean lines. Stainless steel benchtops offer a timeless look, ensuring your kitchen remains stylish even as colour trends change. Here are some key design considerations:
- Fascia Style:
- Square fascias complement modern kitchen aesthetics with their crisp, clean lines. We primarily work with T304, 18-gauge (1.2mm) stainless steel on a timber substrate. We also offer 5mm 304 stainless plate. Since 10mm stainless plate is only available in a mill finish (with an "orange peel" texture) in New Zealand, we provide an alternative—our Slimline benches, designed for a refined 10mm plate look. Contact us to learn more.
- Bullnose fascia’s create a softer look but can give your kitchen a dated appearance.
- Textured Stainless Steel:
- Mixing textured and polished stainless steel opens up exciting design possibilities. For example, a 10mm polished strip along the leading edge of the benchtop creates a striking contrast.
- Sink Design:
- Modern sinks favour tight radius corners, with 10mm and 20mm radius sinks being particularly popular. Many homeowners now opt for a single large sink instead of two smaller ones.
- Colour & Timeless Appeal:
- Unlike painted or stone surfaces that may become outdated as trends change, stainless steel’s neutral tone blends seamlessly with any kitchen colour scheme.
- Its durability, hygiene, and ease of cleaning make it a long-term investment for your kitchen.
Care & Maintenance
While stainless steel is highly resistant to most household substances, it requires special care—particularly during construction or renovation.
- Protecting Against Corrosion:
- Tile and concrete cleaning chemicals can cause pitting and corrosion—simply wiping them away is not enough. The acid must be neutralized immediately to prevent permanent damage.
- Exposure to hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide may lead to general corrosion. If this occurs, use an oxidizing acid like nitric acid to restore passivity.
- Preventing Damage:
- Avoid harsh chemicals containing chlorides, bromides, and fluorides, which can corrode stainless steel. Some liquid hand soaps also contain corrosive agents.
- Do not place hot pots or roasting dishes directly on the benchtop, as excessive heat may weaken the adhesive bonding the stainless steel to its frame. Always use a pot stand.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Benchtops
Proper cleaning ensures your stainless steel benchtop and sink remain in top condition for years to come.
Daily Cleaning:
- Wipe your stainless steel surface with a clean, damp dishcloth, then dry with a tea towel.
- To remove watermarks, use cream Jiff and a damp, soft cloth or a green Scotch-Brite pad. Always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid creating shiny spots.
Removing Fingerprints & Streaks:
- Use methylated spirits (meths) on a clean cloth or paper towel. Take care to avoid painted surfaces, as meths can dissolve paint.
- Alternatively, use a Euro-cloth and follow the manufacturer’s instructions—this provides a chemical-free cleaning option.
Additional Care Tips:
- Beware of liquid hand soaps—many contain sodium chloride, which can corrode stainless steel.
- Never use steel wool, as it can scratch the surface and introduce rust particles.
- For textured benchtops, occasional dirt buildup may occur over time. To remove this:
- Use a soft brush (like a nail brush) and Sunlight soap (not Jiff).
- Wipe the soap residue off with a paper towel.
For expert advice on stainless steel benchtops or our other stainless products, contact us today!