Cleaning your stainless steel
At the end of a busy day in a commercial kitchen, stainless steel counters, sinks and cabinets can look pretty shabby. After hours of food preparation and multiple wipe downs, stainless steel equipment can have a film on it and look dull. Using stainless steel cleaning products will remove any residue left on the equipment and leave it with a lustrous finish.
The best cleaning supply for stainless steel is simple household bleach, however, as this cleaning agent is now forbidden in pubs and commercial kitchens there are specialist cleaners that work safely when used on stainless steel.
Supplies for commercial stainless steel equipment are minimal (as the beauty of stainless steel is that it is very low maintenance). Beyond some basic supplies for cleaning and polishing, stainless steel does not require any other maintenance.
- Use stainless steel cleaner or polisher to keep industrial stainless steel sinks and other equipment looking fresh.
- Purchase standard antibacterial cleaners for regular cleaning of stainless steel equipment.
- Source cleaning cloths and sponges that are safe for use on stainless steel equipment.
- Never use steel wool to clean commercial stainless steel equipment, as it can scratch and leave behind bits of metal that can contaminate food.
Over the years, many people have shied away from using stainless steel cookware for a variety of reasons, some believe non-stick is easier to clean and healthier others that they can’t afford quality stainless steel cookware.
Stainless can be Difficult to Clean and Maintain – Not!
With the proper care and maintenance, your cookware last a long time, I have steamers and other pots from nearly 20 years ago that are still perfectly serviceable.
When using your stainless steel cookware, remember the following basic principles. If you do, your cookware will last a long time and still look like new.
- Never use high heat when cooking with your waterless (steamer) cookware. You can start the cooking process on medium-high to heat the pan, but then turn it down to medium or low.
- Clean properly after each use.
- Always allow the cookware to cool slowly before immersing it in cold water.
Cooking with Non-Stick Cookware is Healthier
Stainless Steel cookware is tough; it is not prone to chipping, rusting or even staining if cared for properly, unlike Teflon cookware you do not have to worry about the particles of the pan coming loose over time and entering your food. In fact, stainless steel is one of the most hygienic surfaces for the preparation of your food and unlikely to harbour bacteria.
Quality stainless steel cookware will have at least 5 layers which allow for even heat flow and durability, whilst aluminium conducts heat well in the inner layers, it is undesirable on the outside because of its corrosive properties. Stainless is used on the top and bottom layers to protect not only the food, but the cookware itself.
Waterless cookware (steamers etc) use a steam-control process that allows healthy cooking because it uses very little water and minimal, if any, fats. The encapsulated bottoms of this cookware lie flat on the burner and allow for even heat distribution. With waterless cooking, low or medium heat is all that is required and you never have to use high heat. It’s said that this method preserves 98% of the vitamins and the flavours and texture of food.
Stainless Steel Cookware is Expensive, Sometimes
Top of the range gourmet stainless steel cookware sets can be very expensive, costing well over a thousand pounds. However, there are many quality stainless steel cookware sets that you can purchase for far less. These sets have all the great features of the expensive sets: durability, steaming, multiply for even heat distribution, lifetime warranties, etc.
Purchasing cookware can be a major investment, and just like with any other business decision, spend some time researching your options, weigh the pros and cons of each and then make an informed decision on what you need (stockpots, pans, skillets, utensils, flatware and other accessories) within your budget.
Now you’ve prepared and cooked your food on gleaming stainless steel surfaces you may have occasions when you want to serve food on trays, say, for buffets at parties and private functions. Investing in quality stainless steel buffet-ware will lend a touch of elegance to your food presentation that your customers will notice and appreciate.
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