types of stainless steel cookware

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is not just one thing. It is a term used for a group of iron-based alloys (a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements) that contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium. This combination with chromium is what gives stainless steel its resistance to corrosion. The chromium forms an ultra-thin layer on the steel that is referred to as the “passive layer.” This passive layer is the key to preventing rust and other corrosion.

In addition, the alloy can only have a maximum of 1.2% carbon to be considered stainless. Beyond that, the alloy can contain a number of other elements in varying amounts including nickel, silicon, manganese, titanium, molybdenum, nitrogen, niobium, and others.

Suffice it to say that stainless steel is a combination of metals and other elements. It is the different combinations of these materials that give rise to the different properties of stainless steel.

Can Stainless Steel Rust?

There is a common misconception that stainless steel is some sort of miracle metal that never rusts. This is simply untrue. Because of its chemical make-up, stainless steel is less likely to rust. But it is possible.

You should also be aware that rust is only one type of corrosion. In a restaurant setting, there are any number of chemicals or other substances that can cause corrosion. A common type of corrosion referred to as “pitting” can occur when a stainless surface is not properly cared for or is exposed to corrosive agents for too long. Pitting is just what it sounds like. It appears as tiny pits on the surface of the steel and, left unchecked, can affect both the look and performance of the steel surface.

However, by choosing the right type of stainless steel for your application and applying basic care and maintenance, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of any type of corrosion.
Gauge Explained

Gauges of stainless steel are the thing that seems to most confuse people. With a lot of things, we think that a higher number is better. So it is natural for people to believe that a higher gauge of steel is better. Wrong!

The gauge refers to the thickness of the stainless steel. Again, you might think that higher numbers indicate thicker steel. But unlike traditional scales, lower numbers indicate thicker sheets of metal. So a 14 gauge stainless steel is vastly more durable than a 22 gauge steel.

Choosing the proper gauge of steel for your application is extremely important. For example, a lighter gauge steel may be perfectly fine for a small hand sink. But for larger, deeper sinks, a heavier gauge steel will be required.

Similarly, as we discussed in our article on equipment stands, you need to understand how you will be using your tables and stands to make the best choice for the gauge of steel required.