Would you like to renovate your kitchen and are you looking for a new kitchen worktop? Since there is a large selection of materials and models, you need to be well informed before making your decision. Today we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel worktops, give you tips on proper care and present some beautiful models for the kitchen.
Stainless steel is a preferred material for professional kitchens in most restaurants. The reason lies in its great properties – it is almost indestructible. Recently, stainless steel has become increasingly popular for countertopsin kitchen furnishingsin the home and you can enjoy the advantages of the material in the comfort of your own home.
As the owner of a kitchen worktop, you can boast of many advantages. Firstly, variants made from this material are durable and resistant to almost all external influences. They are resistant to heat, water and stains. Stainless steel has a non-porous surface, meaning no liquids or substances can penetrate it.
The kitchen countertop is extremely hygienic for food preparation if it is cleaned regularly. Mold and all bacteria common in the household have no chance against the stainless steel surface. This means you are taking care of the health of your children and family.
The stainless steel surfaces won't stain - you don't have to worry about discoloration from oils, acids, wine, tomato sauces or food coloring. That’s why such worktops are perfect for families with small children who often “help” their parents with cooking. Everything can be quickly wiped off the surface and no traces of dirt remain.
You can place hot pans and pots on it - no damage will occur. The surface underneath is heated, but the heat does not travel along the countertop. Plus, their surface stays cool during the warm summer months – another added benefit.
Kitchen island with stainless steel worktops are tailored according to customer needs to fit perfectly in the corresponding kitchen. The result is an elegant and tailored worktop that meets your needs. A popular variant is the design with a built-in sink. This makes cleaning easier because there is often no edge between the sink and the worktop.
Using a kitchen worktop will reflect the different surfaces in your kitchen, creating an optical illusion and making the room look much larger and brighter. To get this final effect, consult with a design specialist who can show you the optimal results. Suitable lighting is of central importance for this optic.
This worktop even fits into smaller kitchen areas. It can also serve as a dining area to save space. This requires an L-shaped worktop with a protruding part and a few bar stools.
Stainless steel has a great look that is perfect for modern kitchens. If you are looking for a shiny modern interior, the stainless steel worktop is the best decision. For a minimalist style apartment, the material can be combined with black or white to create a tasteful design.
This metal has a neutral color and can be used in any kitchen, regardless of the existing colors of the furnishings. Stainless steel worktops are even a suitable addition to kitchens with a classic design.
The disadvantages
As with everything, there are disadvantages here too. If you buy a stainless steel countertop, it will initially be shiny and scratch-free. However, you should be aware and prepare yourself that the surface will be scratched during this time. Nevertheless, the scratches on them don't look bad at all and you get used to them over time. They unite and take on a natural look after a while.
After a certain time you may notice bumps. To avoid this problem, it is important to hire a professional to install the countertop who has enough experience with stainless steel. The metal is usually placed on wood to keep the risk of dents to a minimum.
This brushed design is less shiny, so expect less scratches on it. The idea for the reflective edges looks beautiful and draws attention to the small kitchen island.
Some people don't like the cold look of metal and prefer wooden furnishings for their kitchens. In particular, people with professions such as doctors, nurses or kitchen staff who work in rooms with steel work tables every day are more likely to choose worktops made of a different material for their own kitchen.
As mentioned above, no stains remain on it, but fingerprints are left after every touch. Small crumbs are also easier to see on the shiny surface. If you choose a countertop made of this material for your home, you need to know that it should be wiped more regularly than other surfaces.
Stainless steel kitchen islands are still suitable for outdoor kitchens. It is important to provide a roof because the surface becomes warmer under the sun and reflects the sun's rays.
Stainless steel can be used alone for the kitchen worktop or combined with other materials. The most popular combination is with wood, but this variant shown is just as beautiful with concrete. Ask a professional about all other options to choose the right one for you.
When cleaning stainless steel surfaces, one should not use abrasive cleaners because of the possibility of causing discoloration or permanent damage to them. A cloth and warm water is the safest way to clean stainless steel. This way the fingerprints and smudges disappear. The surface can also be cleaned with household cleaning products that contain ammonia. Scratches can be treated with whitening toothpaste, but this method only works if they are very small.
A stainless steel worktop for your own kitchen is not for everyone. Nevertheless, the properties of the material seem impressive, regardless of the disadvantages. So, if you value elegant appearance, durability and hygienic benefits, then the stainless steel worktop is perfect for you.