subject: Stainless Steel Catering Equipment [print this page] An increasing number of cafes, hotels and restaurants have now installed stainless steel catering equipment in their establishments. One of the main attractions of catering equipment and stainless steel dishes is that they are more hygienic than other metals because of its smooth, non-porous surface. When it is properly looked after, stainless steel kitchen equipment can last you for years. It will not impair the flavor of your food because it does not react against acidic foods. Many commercial and domestic coffee machines are made from quality steel as it is more stain resistant than other materials.
Stainless is usually scratch and dent resistant and is designed for a long life. The satin finish of stainless steel means that it keeps its good looks even when used every day. Catering supplies are easy to clean with just soap and water and small parts can be washed in the dish washer. You can even get your catering dishes in steel and they are ideal for using underneath fresh food in display cabinets.
Catering dishes and other catering supplies are usually lightweight and easy to move around if you need to do some deep cleaning. For a long time people have complained that steel does not work well as a heat conductor and so manufacturers have added copper bottoms to many of their steel pans and dishes to alleviate the problem.
If you want good catering equipment that will last you for years then it is not advisable to buy cheaper models. Cheap stainless pans do not last as well and the inside of the pan can easily become burned. Good cookware and catering supplies that is made from stainless steel usually contains some chromium and it is this which stops the material from corroding. The best stainless pans have copper or aluminum in the base, which makes them more durable as well as better heat conductors.
Large catering supplies should contain more carbon than ordinary saucepans and dishes. The more carbon steel contains the harder and more resistant to wear it becomes. You should not clean your catering dishes and equipment with abrasive scourers and cleaners as this can mar the finish of them. You can soak burned pans in hot soapy water and leave for a few hours and in most cases the pans will just need washing and rinsing.
Catering equipment and catering dishes are not the same as domestic stainless cooking implements. Stainless that is used in the food industry needs to be of a particular type which is easier to keep clean and more resistant to corrosion than some types of stainless steel.
