It can be difficult to pick out the best catering equipment for your business that is cost-effective, high quality and long-lasting. These can be a big investment for your business so you need to know what you are looking for. But most importantly the work surface must be safe and clean to work on to prevent the growth of bacteria. This is why stainless steel equipment is the best choice for catering and processing industries.
There are many factors to consider when choosing stainless steel catering equipment and the properties of the steel have a big impact on this decision. Below are some things you should consider when purchasing stainless steel catering equipment.
What should you consider when purchasing?
There are a couple of factors to consider when purchasing stainless steel catering equipment. Here are a few factors that we have listed below.
Type of steel
There are two main types of stainless steel grades that are used to manufacture stainless steel catering equipment. 403, and 304. Grade 403 stainless steel is usually cheaper but 304 is corrosion-resistant and more expensive. So if you are looking for a quick fix or to help manage your budget 403 stainless steel will be the ideal choice. If you are looking for a more durable and long-lasting solution then 304 will be the perfect stainless steel grade for you.
The steel thickness
The thickness of the stainless steel is also an important factor you should consider when deciding the type of stainless steel equipment you will need. Thinner steels will;l be a lot less durable but more budget-friendly. Thicker steels are a lot more durable and long-lasting however they do come at an extra cost.
The finish of the steel
The finish of the steel is another factor you should consider depending on the type of catering business you own and if the equipment will be displayed. The finish is more for aesthetics as opposed to performance.
The welding
The welding together of the steel is another important aspect to consider when purchasing stainless steel catering equipment. If the welds are weak then they could break apart and cause a vulnerable spot.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel catering equipment?
Now you know what to look for when purchasing stainless steel catering equipment, it’s time to look at the benefits. There are many advantages and disadvantages to purchasing stainless steel catering equipment that you also need to consider past the steel itself. Below is a list of the pros and cons of stainless steel catering equipment.
Advantages
Durable
Due to the impressive durability of stainless steel, it is not easily broken, bent or misshaped. It also has a resistance to heat to prevent it from developing structural; damage. This is especially important in a kitchen environment where the material needs to resist high temperatures. The durability of the steel also helps to ensure your equipment is long-lasting and not in need of replacement anytime soon.
Corrosion resistant
Stainless steel has anti-corrosion properties, which protects the metal from rusting and environmental; damage. This makes stainless steel perfect for a wide range of environments and especially in commercial kitchens. Another benefit of stainless steel being anti-corrosive is that it is long-lasting, meaning you can reduce your maintenance costs and your overall spending on commercial kitchen equipment.
Sterile
Stainless steel is a very sterile material when cleaned properly when compared to commercial equipment manufactured from wood, plastic other metal alloys such as aluminium. In addition, because stainless steel surfaces are very smooth, it makes them easier to keep clean and reduces bacteria or dirt being stuck in the grooves of the surface. Therefore, making stainless steel easier to clean and reduces the risk of having dirty commercial kitchen equipment.
Disadvantages
Greater cost
One disadvantage to using stainless steel catering equipment is the initial cost of the investment. Stainless steel does not tend to be very cheap to buy and it can cost you a lot of money in comparison to buying catering and commercial kitchen equipment made from aluminium. However, even though the cost is high the resale value of that equipment remains high as well and due to the durability and longevity of stainless steel, overall you will be able to reduce your maintenance costs.
Dirt build-up
As mentioned before, stainless steel only remains sterile if it is cleaned regularly and thoroughly. This is especially important with customer-facing equipment. This however only becomes a disadvantage when stainless steel commercial kitchen equipment becomes neglected. So try to make every effort to properly clean your stainless steel surfaces for a clean and professional environment.
Why you should choose dolphin fabrications for your stainless steel equipment
Here at Dolphin Fabrications, we provide a wide range of professional catering equipment and services such as catering ventilation systems, maintenance and cleaning services and ventilation canopies . As well as these services we also have a range of catering equipment.
What we offer
Here are a few of the stainless steel catering equipment options we have available:
- Stainless steel wall cladding
- Steel counters and service centres
- Steel splashbacks
- Steel charcoal grills
In case you have any questions regarding any of our commercial kitchen equipment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
