5 Points To Consider When Purchasing Stainless Steel Catering Equipment
The right choice of work surface material for food preparation areas in commercial kitchens is crucial in order to prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria. Being easy to clean, sterilisable and non porous, stainless steel equipment, such as tables, sinks, shelves and stainless steel kitchen units, are ideal for use in catering, processing, marine and medical industries.
There are several points to consider when purchasing stainless catering equipment, there can be a lot of difference in the price as well as in the quality of stainless steel kitchen equipment, these 5 points should help you make a better informed choice:
There are two main grades of stainless steel used in the manufacture of catering equipment. Grade 430 which is the cheaper stainless steel containing chromium and Grade 304 which is more resistant to corrosion, containing both chromium and nickel, this is more expensive.
Another important consideration when buying stainless steel sinks and tables is the thickness of the steel. A thin guage will not be as durable as a thick one. Top end, very heavy stainless steel is 1.5mm thick, the usual thickness for stainless steel tables and sinks is 1.2mm. It is possible to buy 0.9mm stainless steel but obviously this will not have a long life.
The finish of stainless steel is another factor to consider. For catering equipment that is front of house or on public display such as serveries and counters, highly polished stainless may be used. Satin finish is a fairly dull looking surface which is suitable where the appearance to tabling or sinks is not important and, with its close grain finish, brushed stainless steel is now proving to be popular as it does not show fingerprints so easily. This makes it easier to keep clean than other finishes.
Weak points can occur in the fabrication of stainless steel catering equipment if cheap welding occurs. With 304 stainless steel it is important that 304 stainless welding rods are used to avoid the weld becoming a vulnerable area.
Folding stainless steel increases the strength of the metal and although in the case of pressed sinks, the metal becomes slightly thinner it will actually be stronger.
All Target stainless steel catering equipment is typically manufactured using 304 grade stainless steel sheet as well as 304 grade box section for legs, stands and tie bars. 1.2mm thick stainless steel is used in the construction of tabling, hot cupboards and bespoke stainless steel fabrications. 1.5mm thick stainless steel is used in the construction of sink units and commercial induction worktops. 304 welding rods are used in all Target's welding processes making Target's stainless catering equipment top quality and highly durable.