A trip to any appliance store or appliance retailer will show you that stainless steel is the “in” thing for appliances nowadays. What once was found only in commercial kitchens and restaurants is now showing up in homes in record numbers. Everything from refrigerators to stoves to dishwashers comes in stainless steel finishes. Why has stainless steel become such a popular finish for appliances in the home and what are the advantages?

For decades restaurants and any commercial kitchen was an ocean of stainless steel appliances and food preparation equipment. So commonplace was these bright, shiny appliances that they became one of the signature trademarks for the American Diner, as portrayed in many movies and novels. Today, stainless steel is still the predominant finish for many restaurants and fast-food establishments. Even dining areas have taken on the look, such as those found in Steak and Shake and White Castle .

The benefits of stainless steel have long been known to the commercial food industry. It has a long life span and a finish that is easy to clean. Scratches and nicks that would get into the surfaces of these high-volume establishments would not rust and discolor the surfaces which could lead to potential health issues with food preparations. Stainless steel also does not stain, so foods could be prepared without worry of leaving a permanent stain should they contain heavy pigments, oils or other dyes.

The popularity of stainless steel appliances began showing up in homes in the mid 1980's. Originally the idea of using stainless steel in home appliances came about as merely a cosmetic design initiative. The “modern house” took on a shiny, metallic appearance to distance itself from the muted tones that had adorned kitchens for so many years. Gone was the avocado green and off-white plastic finishes of most appliances, and in was this sleek new metallic finish that told everyone you had a new kitchen and were ready for the future.

Today, the popularity of stainless steel appliances has continued to grow and now, according to industry sales figures, almost 40% of new appliance sales are with a stainless steel type finish. While a number of factors are responsible for this, the predominant factor continues to be the attractiveness of the steel finish along with ease of cleaning and long life span of stainless steel.

Health issues are another factor that has driven sales. As more people become more conscience of everyday health and sickness issues they look to products that can make the task of maintaining a healthy home easier. Stainless steel appliances fit that niche perfectly as they provide ease of cleaning and a barrier against rust and other contaminates that can be the harboring ground of germs and bacteria.

Much like a commercial sitting where stains are not desired, the same is true in the home. Refrigerators and other items show their age in their appearance long before their mechanic life span has been exhausted. Stainless steel helps preserve the aesthetic qualities of these appliances throughout their entire usable life. Rust and stains are not a problem with stainless steel as the protective top layer quickly forms anew when a scratch or other imperfection gets in the surface of the appliance. A 5 or 10 year old dishwasher can look as if it was just installed with proper care and maintenance.

Stainless steel appliances have made the leap from commercial kitchens to our home kitchens for a number of reasons including appearance, durability and their ease of maintenance and cleaning. Today, many new homes come standard with stainless steel appliances despite their higher cost. After all, a few extra dollars spent upfront can save money down the road when appliances can be used for longer without replacement.

STAINLESS STEEL OVERVIEW & APPLICATIONS
Grade Description Applications

304
General Purpose Cookware, Flatware, Autmomotive wiper arms, Hardware, hinges, Entry Doors

305
Ni increased to lower work hardening Coffee urn tops, Expanded material parts, Formed parts (requiring extra low work hardening characteristics), Free spinning operations

309S
Cr & Ni increased for high temperature Annealing boxes, Chemical processing equipment (elevated temperature), Conveyor parts, Dryers, Electric range elements, Furnace parts

310S
Same as 309, only more so Annealing boxes, Furnace belts, Chemical processing equipment (elevated temperature), Conveyor parts Dryers, Furnace parts

316
Mo added to increase corrosion resistance Chemical processing equipment, Storage tanks, Chemical transportation tanks, Food processing equipment, Oil refining equipment

317
More Mo & Cr added for better corrosion performance Chemical processing equipment, Ink manufacturing equipment, Pharmaceutical processing equipment, Fertilizer handling equipment

321
Ti added to prevent carbicle precipitation Aircraft exhaust manifold and flanges, Chemical equipment, Fire walls, Pressure tanks

347
Cb added to prevent carbicle precipitation Aircraft exhaust manifold and flanges, Expansion joints, Furnace stacks and dampers, Welded storage tanks for organic chemicals

330
Si increased for highest heat resistance Annealing boxes, Combustion chambers, Burners and exhaust parts

409
Lower Cr Primarily used for automotive exhaust Automotive exhaust systems, Fins for heater tubes, Smoke control ductwork, Transformer and capacitor cases

410/410S
General Purpose Bushings, Trays for oil fractionating towers, Hardware, Cutlery, Press plates

420
Increased C to improve mechanical properties Cutlery/Scissors, Dental equipment, Surgical equipment

430
P & S added for improved machining Architectural applications (interior), Automotive trim, Cooking utensils, Food processing equipment

434
Mo added for improved corrosion resistance in auto trim