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Archive for September, 2013

Reasons for Having a Stainless Steel Coat Rack

 :: Posted by MelW on 09-26-2013

Reasons for Having a Stainless Steel Coat Rack

There’s something elegant and utilitarian about having a coat rack. Whether you’re hanging up your own coat after a long day’s work, or you’re helping your guests relax by taking care of their outerwear for them, it’s a handy item to own. It not only makes a good impression, but it can also look great, too. Made from stainless steel sheet metal, you get a professional quality look and durability in a coat rack, which is important if you’re piling on heavy jacket after heavy jacket. Here’s a look at why you might consider stainless steel coat racks for your home:

One big benefit of the coat rack is that it’s a compact and unobtrusive way to hold not just sweaters and jackets, but all kinds of other items too. Install a coat rack next to the door where you leave in the morning, and you’ll never forget to grab the bagged lunch that’s hanging there, or the purse, or the work badge. It keeps your home tidier and looking great, while making sure that you don’t lose track of these important items. As for stainless steel as the material of choice, it’s useful because it’s very durable in nearly every environment. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a clean appearance and harmless rounded hooks on your stainless steel coat rack? If you don’t have room for a closet or cabinet, this is a great way to have your coats and other items handy, next to the door, while still adding some class to the space.

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Industrial Design Trends Inspire Stainless Steel Kitchens

 :: Posted by MelW on 09-24-2013

Are you on board with the industrial design trend that’s taken hold? This is a sparing, minimalist look that gives the home a striking visual appeal. One of the areas of the home where this is particularly impressive is in the kitchen. If you haven’t been exposed to the look of a stainless steel kitchen before, you might be surprised at just how beautiful it can be when it’s done right. From stainless steel kitchen appliances, to a stainless steel backsplash, you can get a great deal of mileage out of a bit of stainless steel in the kitchen. Here are just a few ideas about what you can do:

Some people like to have the kitchen island made from stainless steel, with some eye-catching chairs or colorful cabinetry to round out the look. Others combine various stainless steel kitchen appliances, like refrigerators and ovens, with a sleek steel backsplash within a colorful tile border. The industrial design usually incorporates some unfinished walls, while also including some kind of statement pieces that draw the eye. Generally, it’s expected for you to keep things put away and out of sight, as part of the industrial design, because too much clutter will detract from the effect. What you can do is select some old or worn-out items to display as statement pieces, along with your chosen stainless steel kitchen appliances and surfaces. With a little bit of creativity, you can transform your home with a dramatic and exciting new look.

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How to Clean and Preserve Stainless Steel

 :: Posted by MelW on 09-19-2013

How to Clean and Preserve Stainless Steel

One of the biggest benefits of stainless steel is the fact that it’s trivially easy to clean and maintain. Granite countertops require sealing, and wood benefits from varnish, but stainless steel is a low-maintenance option for your kitchen, as well as for that stainless steel barbeque on your back patio. However, despite the “stainless” in its name, you’ll still want to clean and polish it, on occasion. Many homes have a stainless steel backsplash behind the stove or sink, and if you happen to get something like spaghetti sauce on it, here are some good ways to clean it. One choice is to use the old stand-by of a cloth and some warm water. This cleans it off, but it’s important to dry it when you’re done, to prevent unsightly marks and rust. Microfiber cleaning cloths work well because they are less prone to scratching the surface.

Another option is to use a very mild detergent, like dishwashing liquid, along with a gentle cloth and some warm water. This can help if the water alone isn’t enough. It’s usually a good idea to get some suds going on the cloth directly, and then carefully wipe just the areas of the stainless steel that need attention, followed by a quick drying with a towel. Perhaps the biggest cleaning need for stainless steel kitchen appliances is for removing fingerprints. You might not know this, but glass cleaner is surprisingly effective at clearing fingerprints off of stainless steel. Simply spray it on the cloth, clean, and dry. When you want to give your stainless steel a nice shine, you can just use some stainless steel cleaner to polish it right up.

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Buying a Quality Stainless Steel Barbecue Grill

 :: Posted by MelW on 09-17-2013

Buying a Quality Stainless Steel Barbecue Grill

Some people feel like they’ve been tricked or scammed when they deliberately buy a stainless steel grill for outdoor use, and it begins to rust after only a few years. They’re rightly upset about this situation, but the problem is that not all stainless steel BBQ grills are created equal. It seems there is a recent trend of companies advertising that their product is stainless steel and tapping into the customer’s association of stainless steel with commercial and professional quality. Playing on customer expectations, some of these companies provide an inferior level of stainless steel grill and expect you to either buy a new one every few years, or at least invest in replacement grill parts when yours start to degrade.

That’s why it pays to do a bit of research, rather than simply purchasing the first stainless steel barbeque you happen across. You not only want to know the quality of the company selling the product, but also the quality and reliability of the manufacturer of the product’s stainless steel. American steel is supposed to be high quality, but you unfortunately can’t count on this as a guarantee. Generally, if the product is made out of a 304 stainless steel sheet or sheets, the 304 designation is considered a well-built product that will be able to withstand the elements outdoors. Less expensive stainless steel is simply no substitute for a quality stainless steel grill, and while there are steps you can take to maintain your grill properly, nothing takes the place of buying quality in the first place.

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Maintaining Your Stainless Steel Grill

 :: Posted by MelW on 09-12-2013

There’s no question that a stainless steel barbeque grill is a great way to prepare food at home. You can make everything, from steak, to kabobs, to specialized desserts, using your grill. Unfortunately, if you’re not careful, you can also end up with a rusted junk heap that’s not suitable for cooking anything. While the first step to having a quality grill is buying at least 304-grade from a reliable manufacturer, the rest of it is on you to perform the proper maintenance. Here’s a quick idea of what it takes to keep your stainless steel grill operating at an optimal level:

  • First, consider where you place your grill. If you have a pool, the moisture from it can negatively affect your grill, and so can rain. Try to place your grill under an awning or otherwise out of the way of moisture.
  • As for the grill itself, you should get in the habit of cleaning the grill of any ashes or dried food. Consider lining the grill with cooking oil to help make it easier to clean in the future.
  • For overall maintenance, you’ll want to wipe down the grill frequently with warm water. Don’t forget to dry it with a towel of some kind, ideally a microfiber cloth that will avoid scratching the stainless steel grill.
  • To disinfect the grill, use the same process, but replace the water with a small dose of hydrogen peroxide.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your stainless steel barbeque grill well maintained and ready for action for years to come.

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stainless steel kitchen appliancesThree Advantages of Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances

 :: Posted by MelW on 09-10-2013

Whether you are looking to upgrade or replace some of your existing appliances, you probably know that stainless steel is a common choice for today’s kitchen appliances. Have you ever wondered why? The fact is, there are a few distinct advantages to choosing stainless steel kitchen appliances over the alternatives. Depending on your priorities, you’ll appreciate the fact that stainless steel is a long-lasting material that doesn’t require a lot of attention. It will easily preserve its shine and remain stain-resistant for the years that you own it, which is a nice benefit for items that you use every day.

Another big advantage of stainless steel kitchen appliances is that they are easy to clean. If you have a stainless steel range backsplash and some bacon grease hits the backsplash, it’s as easy as wiping it down with a damp cloth. Stainless steel also resists smudges, scuff marks, and fingerprints, so you won’t need to constantly fuss with it to keep it looking good. Speaking of looking good, the third big advantage of stainless steel is that it’s an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home. A stainless steel kitchen looks modern and professional, with a bold visual statement that can be balanced with splashes of color in your furniture or cabinetry. It’s also very easy to get items to match, pairing stainless steel backsplashes for kitchens with stainless steel refrigerators, ranges, countertops, and various other appliances. If you like the idea of an attractive, low-maintenance, and long-lasting material for your kitchen, stainless steel just might be the best choice.

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Why Choose a Stainless Steel Backsplash?

 :: Posted by MelW on 09-03-2013

Why Choose a Stainless Steel Backsplash?

In the kitchens of most homes, there’s usually a bit of space behind the sink, oven, or stove. This area is used for the backsplash, which is an additional surface that protects your kitchen’s wall from the effects of water, steam, dirt, and other elements. Its primary purpose is to keep your wall from suffering structural damage, but it also has a decorative purpose. Many people enjoy the look of an attractive backsplash, as it breaks up the monotony of a wall and can reflect their personal tastes. A multi-colored tile backsplash mimics a sort of tapestry style, and does a good job of protecting the structure, but it’s an expensive way to go. There’s an alternative, which is the stainless steel backsplash.

One reason stainless steel is a good choice is that, despite being more affordable, it still gives you the same opportunities for customization. You can choose different textures, styles, and colors for your stainless backsplash, giving your kitchen a sleek modern look that makes a bold statement. It’s also a great way to cut down on the amount of kitchen work you have to do, because cleaning stainless steel has always been easier than trying to clean other surfaces. At the same time, you don’t have to worry about stains on your stainless steel, which is a nice perk. Whether you want a cost-effective material, an item that’s easier to maintain, or you just appreciate the look of stainless steel, the stainless steel backsplash is a solid choice for your kitchen.

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