A Natural Method to Clean Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-15-2014

Stainless steel kitchen appliances are a gorgeous way to furnish your kitchen, but they can be difficult to keep looking pristine, especially if you have kids or pets. There are many products on the market that help to clear away the smudges, fingerprints, and scratches. While most of them work quite well, it can be costly and inconvenient if you have to use them often. Instead, there is an ingredient that you likely have around your home all of the time that you can use to make your stainless steel appliances look like new: olive oil.

How It Works

The process is very simple to accomplish. The only materials that you need are two clean rags and a few dabs of olive oil. One rag should be slightly damp and the other dry. Starting with the wet cloth, begin wiping down the surface of your appliance to remove any residue that remains on the surface. Once the surface is basically clean, place a few drops of olive oil on your dry cloth and buff the oil onto the surface. After you cover the entire surface, work with the grain of your appliance, by rubbing up and down to give it a complete shine.

Using olive oil in place of commercial cleaners is a great way to save money and time, and to further your efforts to be friendly to the environment as you keep your home clean. If you regularly keep olive oil around your home, this is a great alternative to keep your stove, dishwasher, or refrigerator clean.

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Unique Ways to Include Stainless Steel in the Kitchen

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-10-2014

Plastic, which used to be the main material used for food storage and water bottles, is quickly creating a bad reputation for itself, causing consumers to look elsewhere for these kitchen staples. One area that many consumers are turning to, for good reason, is the use of stainless steel in the kitchen, with stainless containers and reusable stainless water bottles. Both of these items do not carry the risk that plastic products carry. They also help you to save money in the long run, thanks to their durability and strength.

Stainless Steel Containers

Stainless steel containers are made from materials directly drawn from the earth; they are not chemically created. This means that there are not any harmful chemicals that can leach into your food, putting your health at risk. In addition to preserving your health, stainless steel containers will not inherit the odors of particularly strong foods that plastic containers might have. This means that you can easily wash and reuse the containers without the risk of the smells transferring to other foods. Stainless steel is also very temperature resistant, which allows you to transfer your food straight from the refrigerator to the stove without the need to dirty another container. Care should be taken to remember, however, that stainless cannot be placed in the microwave.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Reusable water bottles are also becoming very popular today, as they can reduce the amount of plastic that is thrown out or recycled. It takes tremendous resources from Earth to produce and recycle water bottles, both of which could take thousands of years to complete. The use of reusable plastic water bottles also leaves your health at risk, while the use of stainless steel water bottles does not. Stainless water bottles are also durable; they will not crack or scratch like plastic. They also do not contain the harmful chemical, BPA, which is easily leached during everyday activities, without your realizing it, causing you to put your health at risk.

Stainless steel containers and water bottles, while a higher initial expense than plastic containers and water bottles, will save you more money in the long run, not only on the containers, but also on your overall health expenses. Consider switching your products today!

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How to Stick to a Budget When Remodeling Your Kitchen

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-08-2014

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and the room in which most everyone spends time together. Because of this, it is often the most commonly remodeled room. Before you get started on a kitchen remodel, it is important to set a realistic budget to ensure that your project is affordable, and that the outcome is what you were hoping to accomplish. Setting the budget is not difficult and should not take more than an hour of your time, but it is one of the most important things that you can do.

  • Set a dollar amount – Start by setting a total dollar amount that you can afford to spend on the remodel. This will give you a number to work with as you begin to break things down into categories.
  • Break down the costs – Now that you have your total dollar amount set, figure out how much money you want to spend in each of the following categories: cabinets, appliances, flooring, and fixtures. You do not have to remodel every area; this is a great time to decide which areas are the most important to you. Once you know what you want to change, you can begin finding affordable options, including a stainless steel kitchen backsplash, counters, or appliances.
  • Prioritize the changes – Make a list of priorities of the above changes. For example, if kitchen cabinets are a priority to you, and you want stainless steel cabinets, you will need to set aside enough money for those, and then divvy up the remaining money as best you can in the other categories.
  • Set aside an emergency fund – Most projects do not go on without complications, especially kitchen remodels. It is best to set aside at least 20 percent of the total budget for emergencies, to prevent any issues from arising in the future, and causing you to be unable to finish your kitchen remodel.

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Stainless Steel and Its Green Properties

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-03-2014

Environmental impact is on everyone’s mind today, especially when it comes to furnishing their home. How do you find the right appliances that are friendly to the environment? One place to start is with stainless steel sheet appliances, as stainless is considered to be a green product for many reasons, including it:

  • Uses recycled materials – A major component to determining whether a product is considered green or not is the impact that it has on the environment during its production. Stainless steel often uses scrap materials, sometimes using as much as 100 percent recycled material, but the average is around 60 percent. This means that fewer resources are taken from the earth to create it.
  • Is durable – Stainless steel is very durable, meaning that it will last for many years. This contributes to its environmental friendliness, as it requires a decreased need to mine for materials to create new products.
  • Is non-reactive – Stainless steel does not react to oxygen or water, which means that it will not easily corrode. This aids in the durability of the product, as well as helps to keep humans healthy by reducing the risk of consuming harmful by-products of corrosion that other metals could cause.

The use of stainless steel around your home can greatly decrease your carbon footprint on the environment. When you choose a stainless steel kitchen, you are not only helping the environment of your home, but the environment everywhere, as fewer new materials are needed to create your products, and they will effectively last in your home for many years, enabling you to decrease your future carbon footprint, as well.

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Chromium: The Hero behind Stainless Steel

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-01-2014

What creates the “stainless” component when forming stainless steel? The answer is simple: chromium. This hard metal is what gives stainless steel its most desirable properties, including its lustrous shine and ability to withstand high temperatures. Its anti-corrosive properties have made this steel indispensable in many industries, including the medical, automotive, and kitchen appliance industry.

The Science behind Stainless Steel

When chromium hits the air, it works together with the oxygen to create a layer of oxide on the exterior of the steel. This layer is invisible, yet it is very effective. The size of the atoms containing chromium and oxide are of similar size, which allows them to sit close together on the surface of the steel, keeping it from corroding. If any damage occurs to the atoms, such as a scratch or cut, the oxidation process occurs again rather quickly, forming yet another invisible layer, keeping your steel “stainless” and intact.

The Many Uses

Because of its desirable properties, stainless steel can be found in many places, many of which you might not ever expect:

  • Handrails
  • Countertops
  • Exterior of buildings (siding)
  • Medical and dental instruments
  • Operating tables
  • Offshore oil rigs
  • Kitchenware
  • Tanks to store chemicals
  • Artificial hips
  • Automotive exhaust systems
  • Automotive catalytic converters

Stainless steel is very versatile, flexible, and able to withstand rigorous use, which is what makes it popular in a wide variety of industries, whether commercial or residential. Every day, new uses are found for this important metal, allowing it to be used more than ever before.

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The Top Reasons to Buy Stainless Steel Cookware

 :: Posted by MelW on 06-26-2014

If you have a kitchen with many stainless steel appliances, or stainless countertops or a backsplash, there are even more ways that you can take advantage of stainless steel’s beneficial properties by making the choice to buy stainless steel cookware for your kitchen. Many professional chefs use strictly stainless when they are cooking, because of its many advantages; it is easy to see why.

1)      Good return on investment – Stainless cookware is a moderate investment, meaning that there are other materials above and below its price point. The advantage it has over the other materials is its durability and strength. It can last under extreme temperatures without wear and tear, and it will not cause a chemical reaction with the food that you are cooking, giving you plenty of life out of your investment.

2)      Minimal maintenance – Cleaning is typically a breeze with stainless cookware. Soap and water are usually all that is required, except in the event of an overcooked meal that might require a little more elbow grease, but this will not damage your cookware.

3)      A non-porous surface – Stainless steel is non-porous surface, which means that residue will not leak into the pots and pans, putting your food at risk for cross contamination or the spread of germs. This also eliminates the risk of absorption of odors of the foods that you cook, which ensures that all food that you cook in these pots and pans will taste as they are meant to taste.

4)      Long lasting beauty – Whether you like to display your pots and pans, or you store them in a cabinet, no one wants rusty, old-looking pots and pans. Stainless steel pots and pans will keep their beauty for many years to come.

When you are ready for new cookware, do not underestimate the benefits of making the decision to buy stainless steel cookware. Its price, its little-required maintenance, its hygienic properties, and its aesthetic appeal are all great reasons to incorporate stainless steel cookware into your kitchen.

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The Many Ways to Use Stainless Steel in the Kitchen

 :: Posted by MelW on 06-23-2014

Stainless steel in the kitchen has become very trendy in recent years, and it can range from a full stainless kitchen to simple details or accessories that give a kitchen a modern flair. Stainless steel is popular in kitchens for a variety of reasons, including its beauty and durability.

  • Kitchen cabinets – As stainless steel becomes more popular in kitchens everywhere, stainless cabinets are starting to make their way into the spectrum. These cabinets are trendy, durable, and easy to clean, all of which are attributes that most homeowners look for in their kitchens.
  • Backsplash – A stainless steel kitchen backsplash is a great way to give your kitchen the style that you want while protecting its durability and required level of maintenance. Stainless steel can be used to mimic almost any style, making it easy to incorporate in any kitchen.
  • Kitchen counters – The most upscale restaurants in your town most likely have stainless steel countertops. They provide incredible shine and promote a clean appearance. In addition, they are able to withstand many hours of cooking, as occurs in your favorite restaurant. If you are an avid cook who requires durability and beauty, then consider stainless countertops in your own kitchen.
  • Napkin holders – If you are not ready to embrace the stainless trend in your kitchen, start with small accessories, such as decorative stainless steel napkin holders. Little accessories placed strategically throughout the kitchen can give it the modern vibe that you desire, without making any drastic changes.

Stainless steel in the kitchen is one of the wisest decisions you can make. It is an investment that will stand the test of time and give you the best return on your money.

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The Benefits of a Stainless Steel Grill

 :: Posted by MelW on 06-19-2014

A stainless steel grill is not only aesthetically pleasing on your patio, it also has many other benefits, including providing good tasting food, possessing the ability to withstand harsh weather, and only requiring simple cleaning procedures. The type of grill that you purchase can have a large impact on how your food turns out for a large get-together, as well as how much use you are able to get out of it in the long run. Understanding the benefits of a stainless grill can help you make the right decision.

1)      Foods keep their natural flavor – If you have ever eaten food at a barbecue that you felt tasted unlike a BBQ, or that simply had an odd taste, chances are it was cooked on a cast iron grill. The metal of a cast iron grill absorbs the flavors of the foods cooked on it and then transfers it over to foods that you cook the next time. Stainless steel bbq grills do not absorb a food’s flavors, nor does the metal seep into your food.

2)      Weather resistant – Most barbecue grills are left outside in the various elements of Mother Nature. Stainless steel has the benefit of being able to handle those elements without suffering corrosion or requiring premature replacement of your grill.

3)      Easy to clean – Who doesn’t love a cooking apparatus that is easy to clean? Stainless steel is among the easiest to clean, and the type that can also withstand numerous cleanings without being worn down prematurely.

There are many barbecue grills on the market, but the stainless steel barbecue grills have stood the test of time, giving homeowners a delicious meal that could not be replicated with any other cooking apparatus.

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Stainless Steel Catering Equipment

 :: Posted by MelW on 06-17-2014

The newest trend in catering and the rest of the food and beverage industry is stainless steel kitchen catering equipment, as an increasing number of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other food service companies are installing and using stainless. This equipment includes stainless steel napkin holders, dishes, utensils, coffee machines, and other items.

As long as stainless is properly maintained, it lasts for years. It is usually scratch and dent resistant, and is designed and coated to last for years. Even when used on a daily basis, it maintains its shiny, upscale look, and the corrosion and rust resistant properties of stainless steel sheets protect your equipment for much longer than other materials would last.

Perhaps the main reason for this popularity, beyond the aesthetic, is the cleanliness of stainless steel. This metal is much more hygienic than other metals because of its smooth surface. Since it isn’t porous, it doesn’t provide bacteria or other germs a place to catch and grow, and simple cleaners will remove all residue and contamination.

Furthermore, stainless is remarkably lightweight and, thus, easy to move around and lift for serving and cleaning. Since it is heat resistant, it won’t feel hot if servers are carrying or serving hot food from stainless serving dishes. Many stainless pots and pans are coated with copper on the bottom to make them conduct heat better.

All stainless steel kitchen items should be cleaned with light sponges, not abrasive scourers, which can remove the finish on the steel. Hot, soapy water and rinsing is all that is necessary.

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Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets Trending

 :: Posted by MelW on 06-12-2014

The biggest trend in kitchen décor, and one that has been on the rise for years, is stainless steel kitchen cabinetry. While they have been around for decades, they were confined to restaurant and industrial kitchens for a majority of those years.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider these cabinets for your kitchen:

  1. Uniformity: Investing in stainless steel cabinets that match your stainless steel refrigerator, microwave, and stove gives your kitchen a more uniform look that many people find attractive. It also gives your home a feeling of modern elegance that many designers are now striving to achieve.
  2. Cleanliness: Stainless is one of the easiest substances to maintain and clean. Since they aren’t porous, and resist corrosion and other kinds of damage, a simple cleaner and cloth will remove all germs on your kitchen surfaces. This is also another reason why stainless steel sheet metal is used as backsplashes and people are moving towards stainless steel grills.
  3. Long-Lasting: This type of steel doesn’t warp, stain, or attract pests and bugs, like termites, putting it leaps and bounds ahead of wooden cabinets. It is also much more resistant to dings and damage than wood and other common kitchen cabinet substances.

For a look that is truly modern and that will last for years to come, opt for stainless steel. It is clean, durable, and uniform, and will give you a kitchen where you will love to spend your time. For all of your cooking needs, trust stainless.

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