Everything You Need to Know About Stainless Steel Appliances
Buying appliances for your home can be an exciting endeavor. You'll soon discover that there are so many types to choose from. Not only in variation of features, designs, and settings but also in the material the appliance is made of, which is why we are going to dive into stainless steel appliances, so you know what to consider.
The type of material you choose will determine its durability, quality, and longevity. Many experts insist on stainless steel appliances for their homes. But are stainless steel appliances really the best choice? Let’s take a closer look.
Pros and Cons
Every kind of appliance has its benefits and downfalls. Here is a list of the most common pros and cons concerning stainless steel appliances:
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Rust and stain resistant
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Non-porous, making it germ and bacteria resistant
- It’s a popular material used for appliances, which means you’ll be able to coordinate different appliance types easily
- It has a neutral appeal, making it befitting for any style of kitchen
Cons:
- It’s expensive and not friendly towards a tight budget
- Not all stainless steel appliances are magnetized
Stainless Steel vs. Other Materials
While shopping around for appliances, you will usually have a choice between a stainless steel unit vs. either plastic, glass, or other types of steel. Stainless steel consists of iron and more than 10.5% chromium, compared to other steels that consist of iron and 0.02% to 1.7% carbon. The most significant difference between stainless steel and other metals is that it has high corrosion resistance.
When choosing an appliance for your home, especially one that will go in the kitchen, you should strongly consider a material that does not rust easily. Types of high-quality stainless steel include Martensitic, Ferritic, and Austenitic stainless steel, unlike other steel that is prone to corrosion like Carbon and Galvanized steel.
Most other materials, like glass, plastic, and carbon or galvanized steel, are more affordable. Plastic kettles are great, but they stain and are not as durable. In general, you should not compromise quality over price. Save up and buy a decent and durable appliance on the first go.
Different Types of Stainless Steel Appliances to Consider
There are many different kinds of stainless steel appliances and manufacturers for consumers to choose from. Luckily, the neutral finish on all stainless steel appliances allows for a great match within any color style and aesthetic.
The following appliances are highly recommended for purchase as stainless steel options:
Refrigerators
Refrigerators are used every single day. They take a lot of beating, bashing, and usage. Not only are they frequently used, but they are also exposed to liquids. When your refrigerator is made of lower-quality material, it will rust. Because it holds food, the whole unit should be germ-resistant to ensure the safety of your family.
No matter what style, size, or design of refrigerator you prefer, we recommend investing in a stainless steel refrigeration unit from LG, Samsung, or Frigidaire.
Microwave
Heating up your favorite frozen dish has never been easier with the introduction of the microwave. Most microwave ovens are made from either stainless steel or galvanized steel. Both types of steel can be given an acrylic enamel coating, but galvanized steel is more prone to corrosion and won't have a long-lasting warranty.
We recommend investing in a stainless steel microwave unit from Bosch, KitchenAid, or Miele.
Dishwasher
The main reason why you should invest in a stainless steel dishwasher is to ensure longevity. Because this high-quality steel won't rust, it's best to endure constant exposure to heat, steam, and water.
Some of the most trusted dishwasher brands are KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Bosch, and Maytag.
Other appliances that should be bought as a stainless steel unit include:
- Kettles
- Freezers
- Ovens
- Washing machines
- Coffee makers
- Instant pots
- Rice cookers
- Juicers
It’s best to save up and purchase all your home appliances as stainless steel models.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Stainless Steel Appliances
One downfall of a stainless steel appliance is that it is prone to greasy streaks, smudges, and fingerprints. All of this is avoidable when you take the proper cleaning and maintenance measures.
Here are a few of our top expert tips on how you can keep your stainless steel appliance shiny and bright:
- Use special cleaners designed for cleaning stainless steel
- Use a microfiber cloth instead of a cotton or wool one
- Always wipe the appliance in the direction of the metal’s grain
- Don’t use bleach, scouring powders, steel wool, or ammonia
- Use mineral oil (not food-based) for an overall shiny appeal
- Utilize a special stainless steel wipe to buff your appliance
Investing in a stainless steel appliance from a reputable manufacturer is a great idea. As long as you keep it clean and perform regular maintenance, it can last a lifetime.