Stainless Steel Countertops: Properties, Pros, Cons, and Maintenance
The stainless steel countertops are the king of the professional kitchen top. Meanwhile, the sturdy stainless steel countertop is also becoming increasingly popular with private individuals. The seamless finish gives a sleek and modern look.
Stainless steel consists of an alloy of, among other things, chromium and steel. By mixing the steel with chromium, the end product cannot oxidize.
This particular alloy gives stainless steel its strong qualities, making stainless steel countertops very durable, hygienic, and heat-resistant.
Stainless steel: stylish and practical
A stainless steel countertop has many practical advantages and is therefore widely used in professional catering kitchens. The stainless steel worktop can take a beating and is maintenance-friendly.
Stainless steel is available in some finishes, including smooth, brushed, or with a waffle pattern. A smooth stainless steel finish is most often used in the kitchen, as kitchen appliances and accessories are also smooth stainless steel.
Brushed stainless steel gives a somewhat rougher, tougher look but is more sensitive to scratches than smooth stainless steel.
Waffle motif stainless steel looks very industrial and is the most heat-resistant and durable type. The appearance of stainless steel in the kitchen depends on the user’s taste.
Some find this material very cold and industrial, as it is often used in professional kitchens. Others find it beautiful, modern, and sleek kitchen worktops. The choice is ultimately yours!
Stainless steel countertop in your kitchen
A stainless steel countertop is a unique eye-catcher in your kitchen and also looks professional. A stainless steel worktop with a sink is seamlessly welded into the worktop. The edge of the sink thus forms a whole with the worktop.
A stainless steel countertop with a double sink is also an option. The sinks are neatly concealed in the kitchen countertop, which ensures a neat and sleek finish.
A stainless steel kitchen top has different variants. For example, you can opt for a matt effect and a glossy effect on the kitchen worktop.
Thanks to the sleek design, a stainless steel kitchen top is also very suitable in a modern kitchen. Choose light colors, such as white. Also, do not place too many kitchen appliances on the countertop so that you maintain a calm and spacious appearance.
Do you want to know more material for the kitchen countertops?
Advantages of stainless steel countertops
Stainless steel has a lot of advantageous properties. We have listed these advantages of the stainless steel countertop below for you:
Waterproof: stainless steel kitchen countertops are entirely waterproof. The tops are also finished seamlessly, making it virtually impossible to leak at the sink, for example.
Stainless steel kitchen countertops are maintenance-friendly; you do not have to give your stainless steel kitchen countertops a different treatment like that with granite and solid wood kitchen countertops.
Hygienic: a stainless steel kitchen countertop is very hygienic; dirt can be easily removed with a damp cloth. In case of heavier pollution, you can clean the countertop by rubbing some green soap in well, after which you can wipe it with a damp cloth.
Durable: The kitchen countertops are durable and will last for years.
Heat resistant: you can safely place a hot pan or oven dish on the counter. Stainless steel kitchen worktops are heat resistant.
Seamless: the sink is welded in and therefore has no visible seams.
Disadvantages of stainless steel countertops
Very sensitive to scratches. Therefore, always use cutting boards and do not slide the pans over the top without a coaster. Therefore, be extra careful during installation!
Sensitive to fingerprints.
Combining a stainless steel countertop with colors and materials
The stainless steel kitchen top is becoming increasingly popular in the modern kitchen because the stainless steel material can be combined very well with almost any kitchen style.
Due to the exclusive and luxurious appearance, the material also comes into its own in the modern kitchen.
A kitchen worktop made of stainless steel is easy to combine with different materials and colors. For example, think of wooden or plastic cabinets.
Stainless steel blades can also be made in almost any shape because the weld seams are sanded away.
As a result, sinks and taps are seamlessly incorporated into the top. The stainless steel countertop with sink now forms a beautiful whole in the room.
The cost of a stainless steel countertop
The stainless steel countertop price depends on several factors. These factors include the edge finish, shape, thickness, and additions, such as a sink and tap.
In addition, you can choose both standard size and a custom stainless steel countertop. A custom-made stainless steel worktop naturally requires more labor costs, and the price is higher than with a standard countertop.
The stainless steel countertop price per meter is approximately $250. However, the cost becomes more expensive if you have specific wishes. For example, you can fully integrate the top with the sink, tap, and hob.
A stainless steel countertop with an integrated sink requires more labor and is, therefore, more expensive. In addition, the finish of the top determines the price. You can choose smooth stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, or stainless steel with a pattern.
A stainless steel countertop with sink
A stainless steel countertop with a sink provides a stylish whole in the room. The welds in a stainless steel kitchen worktop are entirely sanded away.
This makes the stainless steel kitchen worktop and sink appear to consist of one whole. In this case, make sure that the sink has the same shade and finish as your countertop.
A significant advantage of stainless steel sinks is that they are heat resistant and durable. This allows you to cool your hot pans in the sink quickly.
Industrial kitchen with stainless steel countertop
The material stainless steel is often used in industrial kitchens. The industrial interior style originated when old factories were converted into living spaces.
Some elements from the factories were retained and provided the industrial look to the space. The material stainless steel is an excellent example of this.
This durable and sturdy material, therefore, fits perfectly within an industrial interior.
Do you think a stainless steel kitchen countertop is too much of a good thing, and would you rather have the material come back subtly?
This is possible, for example, with stainless steel kitchen accessories. Think of a stainless steel rod on which you can hang stainless steel kitchen utensils.
Maintenance
Because stainless steel can be finished seamlessly and the material is not porous, wet cloth with some all-purpose cleaner can often be enough to clean the countertop.
Do you want to make it shine extra? Then use a drop of rinse aid (for the dishwasher). It is best to clean coarse or processed stainless steel with a soft sponge and all-purpose cleaner, and this will give you more surface area in the relief.
Stubborn dirt or stains on your stainless steel top can be cleaned with a mixture of water and baking soda, leave it on for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth or sponge.
Check that the cleaning product can be used with certainty on your stainless steel kitchen countertop. The wrong cleaning agent can cause damage.
Please note, stainless steel is sensitive to scratches. Therefore, never use a scouring pad or abrasive cleaner, and make sure to clean in the direction of the seams.
This is especially important with brushed stainless steel.
