When it comes to restaurant supplies and equipment, there is one material that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest: stainless steel. From stainless steel work tables to stainless steel pots, you really can't go wrong with this material in a commercial kitchen. However, there's a lot of stainless steel equipment to choose from, so you'll want to consider the following features as you shop.
Grooves and Surface Texture
Pay close attention to the surface texture of the stainless steel equipment you look at. If you're buying an item that will be directly exposed to food, such as a work table or a ladle, you really want the stainless steel to be as smooth as possible. Items with grooves or patterns in them may look nice, but they are tough to clean as food gets stuck in the grooves. If you want some grooved or patterned steel in your kitchen, save it for places like your backsplash, where food is not in direct contact.
Plastic Components
This applies when buying smaller items, like cooking and stirring utensils. Some items will have plastic handles or plastic embellishments of some sort. These items can work well in some kitchens, but keep in mind that you won't be able to get hot. If you have a high-temp dishwasher, they're probably not for you.
Gauge of the Steel
Check the gauge of the steel before you buy any stainless steel restaurant equipment. The lower the gauge of the steel, the thicker and more durable that steel is. For work tables, you really want 16-gauge steel; 14-gauge steel is even better. For cookware, you will want at least 20-gauge steel, and maybe 18-gauge steel for big pots that you know will get a lot of use. You'll pay more for lower-gauge steel, but it will last a lot longer, saving you money in the long run.
Type of Steel
Did you know there are several different types of stainless steel? The most common types used on cookware and restaurant equipment are 300-series and 400-series steel. For equipment that will come into frequent contact with water, you'll want 300-gauge steel as it is more resistant to corrosion. For other equipment, like backsplashes, you can opt for 400-gauge steel.
These tips should have given you a better idea of what to look for when buying stainless steel restaurant supplies and equipment. There are a lot of options out there, so it's always smart to narrow them down. Contact someone like Hy-Point Restaurant Equipment & Supplies Inc. for more information.
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