Caring for 304 & 316 Stainless Steel in Commercial Kitchens
2023-10-05 5 min readBy Service Dept
Contents
- Protecting Your Investment
- Understanding Pitting
- Avoiding Thermal Shock
Protecting Your Investment
Premium stainless steel is the backbone of any serious commercial kitchen, but it is not indestructible. Proper maintenance extends the life of your capital equipment by years. #Understanding Pitting
Pitting occurs when the protective chromium oxide layer is breached. Never add dry salt to cold water in a stainless pot; always wait for the water to boil to ensure the salt dissolves instantly. #Avoiding Thermal Shock
The multi-ply construction of premium pans provides incredible heat distribution, but sudden temperature changes can warp the aluminum core. Always allow pans to cool slightly before washing.Technical FAQ
Can stainless steel rust?
While highly resistant, 304 stainless can pit or rust if exposed to harsh chlorides (like bleach) or prolonged contact with highly acidic foods without proper cleaning.
What is thermal shock?
Plunging a hot stainless pan into cold water can warp the metal, destroying its flat base and rendering it useless for induction cooking.
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