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Archive for October, 2013

How to Keep Your Stainless Steel BBQ Grill Stain-Free

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-31-2013

How to Keep Your Stainless Steel BBQ Grill Stain-Free

You’re probably a bit skeptical, because why would you even need to bother doing anything to keep a stainless steel BBQ grill stain-free? If it’s stainless, staining shouldn’t ever be an issue, right? Unfortunately, not all stainless steel is created equal, and there are some knock-off grills that claim to be stainless steel that are far from stainless in practice. Obviously, the best way to avoid this problem is to opt for a better quality stainless steel barbecue grill, but there are still some easy steps you can take to make a lesser grill stay shiny. In fact, even if you have a grill made of quality 304 stainless steel sheet, it will still benefit from some of these fundamental tips on caring for a grill.

First and foremost, make sure that your grill has a cover. Any grill you buy should include a cover, but don’t forget to use it. The cover’s job is to keep out the elements, release any accumulated moisture, and protect the grill. The next step to keeping that stainless steel grill stain-free is to clean it, preferably before and after every use. All of the grease, sauces, and food particles that don’t get cleaned off can damage and discolor your grill, so be sure to clean it when you can. When you do clean it, you can inadvertently damage or stain the metal by using an abrasive cleaning agent and abrasive cloth or brush. Instead, you can get by with a microfiber cloth, and water or mild cleaning solution. In the end, if you take these tips to heart, you can enjoy a quality, stain-free BBQ grill for years to come.

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How and Why to Use Stainless Steel Sheets

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-29-2013

Stainless steel is a relatively new material that was patented because it had some useful properties. The drawback of its precursor, traditional carbon steel, was its propensity for corrosion, which means it would rust until it faded into oblivion. This is actually why so few steel artifacts came down to modern generations from the ancient world. Fortunately, when you’re thinking about your stainless steel BBQ grill or kitchen, you can now cook up the mental image of a rust-free product lasting for years and years. Of course, modern stainless steel has made far enough advances that you can now consider it for a variety of applications, in both the domestic and business spheres.

Besides resistance to stains, one aspect of stainless steel is that it is resistant to corrosion, making it an appropriate material to use on construction sites. It also is common in commercial kitchens, home appliances, furniture, medical instruments, and jewelry. The widespread utility of stainless steel has led to its availability in sheets. Now it is possible to find stainless steel sheet metal that is do-it-yourself ready. You can see that sheet metal converted into objects like cookie sheets, dishwasher panels, and stainless steel counters. It takes some tenacity and a DIY attitude, but with benefits like long life, low maintenance, affordability, and good looks, there’s every reason to use stainless steel sheets to make the items you need.

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The Variety of Stainless Steel Products to Consider

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-24-2013

The Variety of Stainless Steel Products to Consider

There are so many positives about stainless steel that you probably don’t realize just how versatile the material is. Stainless steel has made its way into a wide range of products, far more than just some stainless steel kitchen appliances like the stainless steel backsplash. It offers a number of benefits to homeowners and businesses, including affordability, customization options, an attractive modern look, and, of course, the ability to stay clean and low-maintenance for years and years. With so many different benefits, it’s no surprise that stainless steel comprises all kinds of interesting and diverse products today.

Aside from the obvious range of stainless steel kitchen appliances like the backsplash or the counters, stainless steel has also made an appearance in products like stainless steel BBQ grills, coat racks, paper weights, steel hoppers, storage cabinets, refrigerators, and many more. While some of these products are more appropriate for businesses than for individuals, it shows you just how versatile this material really is. In addition to opting for finished products, it’s also possible to find a company that would sell you the stainless steel sheets necessary for you to produce what you need yourself. There’s something special about taking steel sheets and turning them into a great product, and you have the chance to procure something of high quality that is available for whatever you need.

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Is Stainless Steel Out of Style?

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-22-2013

There are plenty of reasons to opt for stainless steel kitchen appliances. These include its properties of stain resistance, durability, and long lifespan, among many others. However, one of the great things about owning your own home is the ability to make it look and feel the way you want it. At the same time, you want to stay on top of trends in homes to make sure your home never gets too out of date. That’s why it pays to consider whether your home will still be in vogue if you go with a stainless steel décor, or whether you ought to be looking for something else entirely.

One thing to keep in mind is that stainless steel has been in style for a quarter century. That’s multiple decades of stainless steel kitchen appliances, stainless steel backsplashes, and stainless steel BBQ grills. The past isn’t necessarily an indication of the future, but it stands to reason that there’s a timeless quality to stainless steel. The new style that many manufacturers seem to be pushing is a glossy white or ice style and finish. This is in fairly stark contrast to stainless steel, but the new white style hasn’t gained the kind of traction that appliance makers were hoping for. Even today, most of the top kitchen appliances are either strictly stainless steel or still available in a stainless steel option. With all of that, what’s the verdict? It’s safe to say that stainless steel kitchen appliances are certainly not yet out of style, and given the longevity and staying power of stainless steel, so far, it will likely be a popular choice for a long time to come.

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The Pros and Cons of a Stainless Steel Backsplash

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-17-2013

The Pros and Cons of a Stainless Steel Backsplash

What do you think of when you hear the word backsplash? Maybe you picture an elaborate ceramic tile pattern, a mirror, or perhaps just a painted surface. However, one option that many overlook is the stainless steel backsplash, which has a lot of benefits to offer the savvy homeowner. Perhaps the most compelling perk of a stainless steel backsplash is the fact that it doesn’t wear or stain easily. Any kitchen surface or appliance benefits from being durable and resistant to elements like water and dirt, but it’s particularly crucial for the backsplash, as that’s where you prepare everything from messy pasta to sizzling bacon.

In general, stainless steel kitchen appliances are preferable, because they look great, without the maintenance requirements of other surfaces. However, stainless steel is still subjective as an aesthetic look, so you have to make sure it’s right for your kitchen. It can also be pricier than alternative options, but you tend to get what you pay for, so the real question is whether you feel the distinct benefits of a stainless steel backsplash outweigh the costs. Ultimately, the stainless backsplash benefits from attributes like being heat-resistant, easy to clean and maintain, and long-lasting, which makes it a great choice for just about any kitchen.

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Extra Features of a Quality Stainless Steel Grill

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-15-2013

There are all kinds of outdoor grills out there, and many consumers don’t realize just how much of a difference in quality there is among the various options. Even products that advertise themselves as a stainless steel grill for outdoor use can begin to rust and degrade after just a few years of use. Fortunately, if you find a product that’s made out of a grade 304 stainless steel sheet or sheets, you can be confident that it’ll be equipped to handle regular use and resist the elements. Along with higher quality stainless steel sheet metal, there are a range of other features that can make a stainless steel grill more effective and longer lasting.

One feature to look for is push-button electronic ignition. Instead of fiddling with dangerous lighters and getting uneven results, you can enjoy a consistent and reliable spark that makes your grilling easier and higher quality. Other stainless steel features make the grill more effective, such as a removable stainless steel dip tray for easier grease management, or a perforated stainless steel plate that spreads heat evenly across the surface and works alongside a thermostat to ensure optimal temperatures for what you’re grilling. Along with all of this, you can appreciate a double wall burner box construction that’s designed to keep heat inside and keep the outer sidewall cool. These are the kinds of features that make it worth springing for an extra-high-quality stainless steel grill.

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The Proper Maintenance for Stainless Steel Appliances and Surfaces

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-10-2013

The Proper Maintenance for Stainless Steel Appliances and Surfaces

One of the advantages everybody touts, about having stainless steel appliances and surfaces in your kitchen and laundry room, is the fact that it lasts a long time without the need for pesky maintenance. The question is, how true is it that you don’t have to maintain your stainless steel kitchen appliances? As with any appliances and materials, stainless steel does have a lifespan, and it is true that some maintenance can keep it going longer than it would otherwise. In this sense, you still will see some benefit from maintaining your appliances. The real advantage is that it’s very easy to do, and it doesn’t have to be done very often.

The main thing you’re looking to prevent by maintaining your stainless steel kitchen is corrosion. If you have appliances of quality-grade stainless steel, they should already be resistant to corrosion and other issues, but you can help it anyway. Perhaps the most effective strategy you can take is simply to clean the metal whenever it gets dirty. You can use a damp cloth for surface stains, preferably a microfiber cloth that’s already been moistened. For tougher jobs, you can look for stainless steel cleaner or polish at a home improvement store. The beauty of stainless steel appliances is that you generally won’t need to do much more than just some routine cleaning and maintenance to leave it looking great and lasting a very long time.

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Are There Drawbacks to Stainless Steel?

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-08-2013

You’ve likely heard the benefits of stainless steel being touted, for years now, but has anyone stopped and looked at the potential drawbacks? This obviously doesn’t invalidate the many positive things about a stainless steel kitchen, but it could provide a more rounded understanding of this important material. The main drawback to stainless steel appliances is, perhaps unsurprisingly, its price. Because quality stainless steel is generally a higher value than other materials, it will set you back more than a lot of other possibilities. However, that’s only when looking at the upfront cost.

The situation changes when you consider this drawback by examining the cost of owning and maintaining stainless steel, such as in a stainless steel kitchen. All of those benefits you heard start to become relevant again, like the fact that it’s a lot easier to clean and maintain stainless steel. This saves you money. Another perk is the long lifetime of your stainless steel appliances, which means you don’t have to replace them as soon as you might with other materials for the kitchen. As for appearance, it’s often true that stainless steel helps your home retain its value better than alternatives, simply because it looks good, without much maintenance, and for a long time. Since aesthetics have a significant impact on demand for your home, you can even benefit financially from stainless steel for that reason. Ultimately, if upfront cost is your concern, stainless steel probably won’t win the day, but in nearly every other respect, the “drawback” of a higher price is definitely overcome by the many benefits of stainless steel.

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What Are Stainless Steel Fabricators?

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-03-2013

What Are Stainless Steel Fabricators?

There’s a key difference between retail and wholesale, which is that a wholesale product is sold to a retailer, often in bulk, allowing the retailer to sell the product at a higher price and make a profit. This difference is highlighted in nearly every product, but when it comes to manufacturing, stainless steel fabricators are a great example. They take stainless steel sheet metal and convert it into products that you can buy directly from them, without having to wait for a retail store to stock it. Whether you’re looking for a stainless steel grill or a coat rack, there’s a lot to be said for going straight to the source.

Of course, stainless steel fabricators have another function. Because it’s their job to process and fabricate stainless steel sheet metal, they can make custom products tailor-made to your design specifications. While the average consumer might not feel particularly interested in making custom stainless steel products, there’s definitely a market for higher end individuals and businesses who feel they need something specific. During fabrication, several processes may be utilized, including laser cutting, punching, forming, shearing, and cutting. You can have a direct say in getting professional stainless steel fabricators to take what you’re looking for and turn it into a reality. Whether you want something for a stainless steel kitchen, or you have a business application for stainless steel, you can see that there are plenty of great reasons to look into stainless steel fabricators as the source.

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Why Stainless Steel is Perfect for the Kitchen

 :: Posted by MelW on 10-01-2013

For a number of years now, stainless steel has been the go-to choice for kitchen appliances, as well as kitchen counters, backsplashes, and more. Believe it or not, this is more than just a passing trend. Even if stainless steel becomes passé tomorrow, it will still be used in countless homes, because it’s a great material for the kitchen. One of the main reasons for this can be found in the name of “stainless” steel. The fact that you can simply wipe off things like wine, pizza sauce, or melted chocolate from your stainless steel backsplash or counter, and never have to worry about a stain, is a huge boon. Similarly, many people enjoy the professional look of stainless steel kitchen appliances.

Of course, there are other benefits that go beyond aesthetic appeal. Kitchens can be messy, but a stainless steel kitchen can be cleaned up quickly and easily. You don’t have to work hard to clean up after a big kitchen project, which saves you time and gives you the freedom to prepare food and drink without worrying so much about cleanup. Along the same lines, you don’t have to take a lot of time trying to maintain stainless steel. Consider granite countertops and the recommendation that you regularly seal them so that they don’t degrade. For stainless steel, you might occasionally clean and polish them, but they possess a great longevity that isn’t dependent on frequent maintenance. These are some of the biggest reasons why it’s worth looking into stainless steel for your kitchen.

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