Are stainless steel kitchen sinks good? Can commercial kitchen sinks only be made in stainless steel? Where can we get stainless steel sinks for commercial kitchens? What sizes do they come in?
The simple answer to whether stainless sinks are a good option is YES, stainless steel sinks are the best option for commercial kitchens. In restaurants, cafes, school kitchens and any commercial catering establishments, you will find stainless steel sinks instead of the more traditional ceramic type you might find in a house or a domestic setting. They generally come in two sizes: 500mm x 400mm and 500mm x 500mm, but you can get them in any size if you get them from us, because we make them to order! They are made in stainless steel because it’s the best option when it comes to commercial catering establishments.
Here Are Some Reasons Why:
1. Hygiene
The number one focus in all commercial catering establishments is hygiene, and there is no comparison between ceramic and stainless steel sinks when it comes to hygiene. Stainless steel is naturally antibacterial as it is difficult for germs and bacteria to stick to it. There are three main reasons for this:
- It is smooth – It is easy to wash, dry and keep clean.
- It is non-porous - The very process of creating stainless steel creates a natural protective film over the surface, which gives it a natural protective layer that does not absorb substances.
- It’s not prone to cracks – The fact that stainless steel doesn’t crack means that there are very few opportunities for dirt traps to appear.
However, while the material itself is a great hygienic option, as the rule goes, cleaning is king.
2. Cleanliness
Like any other kitchen surface, stainless steel sinks also need to be cleaned regularly. Because of their smooth surfaces and lack of dirt traps, they are particularly easy to keep clean. Just wash down with a non-abrasive detergent, rinse, and you’re done.
Tip: Avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh cleaning chemicals because these can attack the metal, resulting in it losing its anti-bacterial magical properties. For more information, read our blog for instructions on how to clean your stainless furniture.
3. Resistance
There are different types of stainless steel (we will explain more about this lower down). Generally speaking, stainless steel kitchen sinks are excellent for commercial kitchens because stainless steel is a strong material that is resistant to heat and to food acids.
4. Durability
They can handle very intense heat, allowing them to cope easily with boiling liquids and even hot pots and pans being laid directly on them. They can handle a fair amount of weight, some scratching and some denting without compromising their hygienic properties. But since there are different types of stainless steel used in commercial kitchens, you might need to be careful what grade of steel you are buying when buying a new sink for your commercial kitchen.
Types of stainless: Stainless steel is made by combining steel with chromium, and it is this process that gives stainless steel that protective layer, which makes it resistant to rust and corrosion. Changing the percentage of chromium achieves different grades of stainless steel, each grade has different properties. In commercial stainless steel kitchens, you usually find 3 grades: 430, 340 and 316.
- 430 grade is good for underframes, shelves and any other items that don’t come directly into contact with food because it can corrode relatively easily when in contact with acidic foods like tomatoes.
- 316 grade is very, very resistant, particularly to salts, and it is also much more expensive than your standard stainless steel. 316 is particularly good and recommended for marine use.
- 304 grade is the UK stainless steel hygienic standard for commercial kitchen sinks and surfaces. 304 grade is resistant enough to withstand corrosion in a general kitchen environment, and it’s not hugely expensive. You can check if your sink is 304 grade by using a magnet. 304 grade stainless steel is not magnetic.
5. Cost
Stainless steel commercial kitchen sink units can come across as expensive, especially when compared with domestic sinks. However, if you compare their durability and long life spans, they are actually very cost-effective. If you look after yours, it can last even decades!
6. Aesthetics
We have all been in a commercial kitchen just before or just after use, when it’s all clean and tidy. We have all been overwhelmed by the smoothness, shininess and sheer eye-catching attractiveness of all the stainless steel there, from table surfaces, to wall shelves and sinks all matching.
7. Fabrication
Yes, you can get pre-fabricated or off-the-shelf sink units if your kitchen is a simple shape and you can design the rest of the kitchen around your sink/s. However, realistically speaking, every kitchen is unique and there is equipment in there that is just as important to fit in: ovens, dishwashers, steamers, refrigerators, etc. All these units really are standard sizes. The beauty of the stainless steel sink is that you can design it pretty much how you want to make sure it fits perfectly with the rest of your kitchen equipment while still providing its indispensable functions - even if your wall is not straight!
At Kitchen Solutions, we have been creating fully welded sinks for over 25 years and make you the perfect made-to-order stainless steel sink for your kitchen needs, in both 304 and 316 grades. Visit this page on our blog to see how many alterations you can make to your sink to make sure you have the perfect unit for your kitchen.
Image source: Canva
