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Archive for December, 2013

How to Get Scratches Out of Your Stainless Steel Kitchen Counters

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-31-2013

How to Get Scratches Out of Your Stainless Steel Kitchen Counters

Stainless steel is one of the most popular metals to use in kitchens in private homes and in restaurants. It’s also a popular metal for kitchen appliances, medical appliances and devices. It’s rust-resistant, largely stain resistant, easy to care for, and hard to dent. However, it can become scratched, though it isn’t easy. If your stainless steel kitchen counters or appliances do become scratched, though, they are much easier to fix than scratched laminate or broken tiles.

You don’t need to buy a replacement tile or square of laminate. All you need is some chrome polish and a few rags. First of all, purchase your chrome metal polish at any hardware store. The brand doesn’t really matter. Then follow the directions on the back of the bottle. Usually, the directions tell you to apply some of the polish to the scratch and then buff the scratch with a dry cloth.

Repeat this step until the scratch is buffed out. Next, wipe the polish off with a wet sponge or rag, and then scrub the area with a new damp cloth. This portion of the process may require a little elbow grease to really make the surface shine and gleam like new. You can use some other type of cleaner, if you like, such as an all-purpose disinfectant spray. Then, wait about 3-5 minutes before wiping the spot with a dry cloth. That’s all there is to it. The process isn’t labor intensive, time-consuming, or even expensive, like with some other kitchen counter and appliance materials.

Need a Few Stainless Steel Baking Sheets for the Holidays?

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-26-2013

The holidays are upon us, and Christmas is right around the corner, but the baking season is not over yet. Before Christmas, you will have plenty of baking opportunities that will last throughout the New Year. That being said, what is the condition of your baking sheets? Are they worn out and rusted? If that’s so, then you need an upgrade and perhaps a few new baking pans.

Instead of buying pre-made pans, consider purchasing a stainless steel sheet to make into your own cookie pans. Stainless steel is durable, stain resistant, and rust resistant. It makes the perfect flat baking sheet for anything from cookies to pizza. It’s also easy to clean and goes right into the dish washer.

If you need some new pans that will last for years to come, don’t buy coated pans that are expensive and vulnerable to scratching. Buy stainless steel, instead, and see the difference in quality for yourself. Coated baking sheets not only scratch easily, they also flake off, after a while, and get into your food. Yuck.

With Starland Metals, you can make the process even easier, because we can cut the metal into the exact size you want. Need several sizes of baking sheets? No problem. When you order your stainless steel sheet, just let us know the dimensions of your piece and we’ll cut it down to size to fit any oven.  Don’t wait until Christmas to get your new baking sheets. Buy now, and ensure that your baked goods for the holidays are cooked on the best materials possible.

Cleaning Your Stainless Steel Kitchen

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-24-2013

Cleaning Your Stainless Steel Kitchen

 

Stainless steel kitchens and appliances are fashionable, and not just because they are sleek and modern looking. They’re popular because they’re stain resistant, tough, and last a long time without wearing out. However, there is one thing to which they aren’t resistant — and that’s smudges and spots. Like any kitchen, we assume you will be doing some cooking and baking once in a while. When you do, it’s reasonable to think that you’re going to have some splatter problems.

Stainless steel kitchen appliances can be cleaned, however, with just a few steps, so that your kitchen will remain in pristine condition, free from fingerprints and food splatter, in no time. What you want to do first is develop a cleaning routine. The longer you let smudges and food debris build up, the longer it will take to clean your kitchen.

Get a cleaning spray that works well on stainless steel. Then, when you start your cleaning routine, spray the paper towel or cloth, not the surface of your counters or your stainless steel kitchen appliances. When you spray the surface of the steel, the chemicals you use could eventually sink into your counters and appliances.

Next, wipe with the grain. You might think that steel doesn’t have a grain like wood does, but it is there. The grain is also called the polish line. Focus on the tough spots, first, and then the smudges. Once the food debris is scrubbed off, polished and wipe your counters and appliances with the polish line so that no smudges or lines are left. Also, never clean your appliances when they’re hot. Make sure you leave enough time for your kitchen to cool before cleaning any of your stainless steel.

Why Stainless Steel is Right for Grills

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-19-2013

What is it about stainless steel that makes it the material of choice for so many barbecue grills? Does it benefit you as a consumer and a cook to buy stainless steel barbecue grills, as opposed to other types of grills? Are there any other things to keep in mind when buying a stainless steel grill? These are some tough questions that you might ask as you consider procuring the right barbecue grill for yourself. Fortunately, here are some answers to your burning questions about the grill and why stainless steel is a good material for them.

Polished stainless steel sheet does a good job of heating evenly and getting food cooked well. It insulates and protects the contents of your grill from the outside, locking in flavor and preventing any outside elements from changing the taste. That’s why flavor is one of the best reasons to own a stainless steel BBQ grill. After you’ve finished using the grill following a session of grilling, you’ll then appreciate how little cleaning or maintenance is required to keep it functioning well for years and years. Finally, perhaps there’s just a little bit of pride to be had in owning a flashy 304 stainless sheet barbecue grill that is the envy of your friends and neighbors. In the end, going stainless steel helps you preserve the grill’s value and get some fantastically flavored food out of your grill, making it worth your while to give it a try for your barbecuing needs.

Do Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances Suit Your Kitchen?

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-17-2013

Do Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances Suit Your Kitchen?

Contrary to popular belief, you can buck the going real estate trends and turn your home into whatever you want it to be. As long as it makes financial sense and keeps you happy, it’s probably a good idea for you to go after the appliances that are the right fit for your home and your lifestyle. When it comes to stainless steel kitchen appliances, you know that it’s long been a popular choice for a range of appliances and fixtures like the stainless steel backsplash. In reality, there are some good reasons for this, ones that just might make appliances of stainless steel a suitable choice for your kitchen.

Perhaps the main reason people are reluctant to opt for stainless steel over other materials and styles is because it doesn’t have the same character as a lot of other options. You are trading in a bit of uniqueness in the style of your home’s kitchen in order to have some other compelling benefits, like resistance to corrosion, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and cost effectiveness. However, that doesn’t mean that stainless steel looks bad. It can lend your home a classy and decidedly modern feel that could work well for your kitchen. In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether the overall package of a stainless steel kitchen is worth it and right for you.

How Stainless Steel Can Improve Your Home’s Resale Value

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-12-2013

As a homeowner, you probably already know the many reasons why stainless steel kitchen appliances have been so popular. Not only do they look attractive, but they also feature a wide range of useful properties. Obviously, the fact that they’re called “stainless” means they’re unlikely to stain or require much cleaning. Stainless steel sheet is also quite durable—being resistant to heat, rust, and scratching—so you’re not going to suffer much damage or require a lot of repairs with household objects and appliances made of stainless steel. What you might not realize, though, is how stainless steel can play an integral role in improving the resale value of your home.

Why is stainless steel helpful in improving the bottom line for your finances? It comes down to timelessness. For the reasons outlined above, everything from stainless steel grills to a stainless steel kitchen backsplash will stay in demand, even if there is a fad going on at the same time. The desirable properties of stainless steel will ensure that appliances and built-in features within your home continue to hold sway with prospective buyers. While stainless steel, alone, can’t guarantee your house sells for a higher price, it has greater potential to help you than a lot of other materials that are only valuable while they’re in style. Stainless steel is a timeless style that’s easy to take care of and cost-effective to own. For these reasons, and more, it’s a great idea to own a home that contains plenty of stainless steel.

The Role of Stainless Steel in Daily Life

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-10-2013

The Role of Stainless Steel in Daily Life

Even though it seems mundane and easy to take for granted, stainless steel sheet metal is actually a pretty revolutionary advancement in terms of materials. Discovered in the early 1900s, stainless steel is an alloy that combines iron and chromium, as well as nickel. It was hailed quickly for a range of unique properties that largely weren’t seen before, such as resistance to corrosion, scratching, and heat. It also has remarkable strength and an attractive sheen that many find to be aesthetically alluring. It’s no wonder that stainless steel sheet has made its way into daily life.

Today, you can find stainless steel playing a fundamental role in a number of important industries, including appliances, construction, food processing, farming, and medical facilities. In both restaurants and homes, you’re likely to see stainless steel kitchens filled to bursting with quality stainless steel kitchen appliances. You’ll also find stainless steel in all kinds of cookware and cutlery. The fact is that stainless steel has long since played a crucial role in the daily lives of nearly everyone. Next time you think about getting that new stainless steel grill or backsplash, you might consider just how special their material really is.

Tips for Installing a Stainless Steel Backsplash

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-05-2013

Stainless steel kitchen appliances have exploded in popularity, over the past few decades, and now it’s one of the most often chosen materials out there. People love it because it’s durable, it stays clean, it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, and, of course, it often looks really nice. Whether you get your stainless steel backsplash as-is, or you intend to make it yourself from a stainless steel backsplash panel, the process of installing it isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are some tips for getting it done right.

First, you’re going to turn off every breaker that supplies electricity to the switches and outlets in the kitchen, but with special attention paid to the switches and outlets near the backsplash area. If there’s an existing backsplash, you’ll have to remove it. Either way, when the wall is visible, give it a good clean. This ensures that there’s no dust or dirt to interfere with the stainless backsplash installation.

After that dries, it’s time to install the backsplash. You typically do this by following the instructions provided on your adhesive of choice, such as mounting tape or silicone. You’ll tilt the sheet toward the wall until the entire piece is against it, perfectly aligned. Tape it in place temporarily, and then push on it with both hands to ensure the adhesive is working evenly on the new backsplash. You can remove any temporary mounting or adhesives and enjoy your new beautiful, easy to maintain stainless steel backsplash.

How Stainless Steel Makes Grilling Better and Easier

 :: Posted by MelW on 12-03-2013

How Stainless Steel Makes Grilling Better and Easier

Grilling on any grill requires some skill, but it’s certainly easier to do on a quality grill with advanced features. You’re more likely to find what you’re looking for if you opt for a stainless steel barbecue grill. Here’s what makes the stainless steel barbecue so effective for getting great results. First and foremost, this grill will get the food cooked well and evenly. The quality of the flavor is paramount, for something like grilling, because that’s the whole reason to have a grill in the first place. Not only will the food get cooked correctly, but it’ll also taste like what it’s supposed to, as the stainless steel sheet material does a good job of keeping out other elements that could alter its taste.

Aside from great taste, you get some other benefits with the stainless steel barbecue grill. It’s easy to clean and maintain, while also being more durable than alternative grills. In other words, your grill will function well for years and years, without being a hassle to take care of along the way. While not necessarily the most important reason, it doesn’t hurt that many people appreciate the aesthetics of a stainless steel grill. When you’re ready for a great grill, look for it in quality 304 stainless steel sheet. You’ll end up with a grill you can be particularly proud to call your own.