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Archive for April, 2014

Best Materials for BBQs

 :: Posted by MelW on 04-29-2014

When selecting a BBQ, it is important to consider the metal out of which it is constructed, as some metals are more durable and heat resistant than others. If you select a lesser metal, you will only get a few months or years of use out of it, while other metals can last a lifetime.

Here are some of the best metals to select when you are shopping for a BBQ:

  • Stainless Steel: Stainless steel sheet metal is arguably the best material for BBQs, given its corrosion resistance, and its heat and fire resistant qualities. Stainless steel grills and stainless steel BBQ grills tend to be slightly more expensive, but, since they can last a lifetime, they are definitely worth the price. These grills also don’t get quite as hot as cast iron grills do.
  • Porcelain coated steel: These BBQs are a slightly cheaper option than stainless grills, and don’t have the same resistant qualities that the other grills do. They are, however, good grills for the price. They won’t last a lifetime, but they will last for a good amount of time and will do a good job while you have them.
  • Cast Iron: These tend to be an older fashion of grills, and they last a long time. They get much hotter than stainless steel grills and can burn anyone who touches them, making them slightly less desirable.
  • Brick: Brick BBQs are less common now, but are good DIY BBQ projects. These tend to make great BBQ pits or ovens instead of traditional grills. If you are looking for a BBQ pit, this is the way to go.

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Why Choose Stainless Steel Backsplash

 :: Posted by MelW on 04-24-2014

Stainless steel backsplashes are becoming increasingly popular. Because of the material’s durability, flexibility, and design variability, it is a great choice for kitchen surfaces, including countertops, refrigerators, stovetops, and backsplashes. It is even used for cups and plates.

Here are a few reasons why it is the perfect material to choose for your backsplash:

  • Whether you choose stainless steel tiles or stainless steel sheet metal to create your backsplash, it will have the same ultra-modern, chic look. Stainless makes your kitchen look modern, clean, and new. Tiles and sheets are available in traditional shiny or matte, giving you options for your final look.
  • Since stainless steel is corrosion resistant, no amount of hot oil, spilled sauce, steam, or other food items and moisture will harm it. You can simply wipe it down with a cloth or a simple cleaner, and your backsplash is sparkling like new. It won’t rust, lose its color, or shine or corrode in any way, no matter how long you keep it up in your kitchen. This makes it the perfect durable option for a high use area like the back of your stove.
  • Stainless is also fire and heat resistant, making it ideal for placing behind your stove. Even if a stovetop fire should occur, the steel will protect your wall and will not be harmed itself.

Stainless steel is cheaper and much more commonly available than many other materials, meaning you can select the backsplash of your dreams without having to break the bank.

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Benefits of Stainless Steel: Part II

 :: Posted by MelW on 04-22-2014

In our previous blog post, we provided some of the benefits that stainless steel offers, including its resistance to fire, heat, and corrosion. We also provided information on which grades are commonly used for indoor applications, and which are commonly used for outdoor applications. We only just touched on the many applications and benefits of this versatile metal, however, so here are more of the benefits and uses of stainless steel:

  • Stainless steel has a much lower environmental impact than other types of metal. In fact, 95% of the world’s stainless steel comes from recycled products, making this one of the most environmentally friendly materials to use for any application.
  • It is also an incredibly hygienic surface, since it is so easy to keep clean. In fact, it can be brushed with a cotton ball without collecting any residue, making it literally clean enough to eat off of. It is preferred in the food and beverage industry for just this reason, and is perfect for kitchen applications.
  • This material is also incredibly strong, particularly for the width. You can create walls that are much thinner with equal strength to other materials, meaning less waste and more product flows.
  • It is workable and easy to use in any application. Stainless steel sheets can be easily fabricated, cut, rolled, formed, calibrated, welded and machined, particularly in comparison with most traditional types of steel.
  • Stainless steel is one of the fastest growing materials in the world, making it one of the most available metals in the world. No matter for what you are purchasing stainless, whether you want a stainless steel grill or stainless steel sheet metal, you can purchase and receive it in next to no time.

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Benefits of Stainless Steel: Part I

 :: Posted by MelW on 04-17-2014

The use of stainless steel has been expanded in recent years. It is now used to create industry parts, appliances, countertops, cups, plates, and much more, and its many beneficial qualities make it one of the strongest, most affordable, and reliable substances on the market.

Let’s start by defining Stainless Steel.

  • Stainless steel is low carbon steel that has high chromium content. The chromium content makes the metal uniquely resistant to corrosion by allowing for a chromium-rich oxide film to form on the surface of the metal. As long as the steel is kept in an oxygenized environment, it will heal itself should the surface be mechanically or chemically damaged.

These unique qualities make stainless steal one of the leading choices for material in many different applications, including architecture, design, manufacturing, and more. Given its high lifetime, stainless steel objects are seen as high cost products.

Many grades used in stainless steel sheets also have chromium and nickel alloys, making them heat and fire resistant. This makes them perfect for grills, as stainless steel grills won’t be damaged by high temperatures. They also have a clean cut, attractive aesthetic which makes them desirable.

When choosing stainless steel sheet metal, you need to consider the grade, as there are more than 80 currently in use. Common grades are 304 and 316, both of which are iron alloys with chromium and nickel. There is slightly more nickel in 316, making it more fire resistant. 316 also contains Molybdenum, which further improves the corrosion resistance of the metal. For these reasons, 304 is recommended for indoor use, while 316 is recommended for outdoor use.

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Understanding the Different Types of Stainless Steel Plate

 :: Posted by MelW on 04-15-2014

As a consumer, it is easy to hear someone mention stainless steel and just think of a stainless steel refrigerator or washing machine. In fact, though, many people do not realize that stainless steel plates come in a variety of types and grades. While most people won’t need anything much fancier than a 304 stainless steel sheet, you should be aware of the different options out there to protect yourself from products made of inferior quality stainless steel.

The most common type of stainless steel for consumer products is the 300 series. You’ll find it in kitchen appliances and durable goods, as well as stainless steel barbecue grills. There are some highly prized properties of this grade of stainless steel such as:

  • Corrosion resistance
  • Durability
  • Long lifespan
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Aesthetically pleasing

There are also higher grades, such as the 400 series and 600 series. For more purposes, though, you want at least the 300-grade quality. Along with different grades, you can choose stainless steel based on a variety of other factors. Usually, you can customize your plate with different thicknesses, alloy percentages, gauges, finishes and more.

Regardless of what you’re trying to do, there’s a particular type of stainless steel plate that’s right for the job. You can use stainless steel fabricators to fashion steel that matches your desired specifications. Alternately, you can look for existing products made out of stainless steel sheet. Ultimately, understanding the various types of stainless steel ensures you get the right gauge and grade for your unique needs.

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Why Stainless Steel Has Enjoyed So Much Staying Power

 :: Posted by MelW on 04-03-2014

If you look back on the past 25 years, it’s pretty clear stainless steel sheet has had a remarkably long run as the material of choice for kitchen appliances. There are some rumors the impressive reign of stainless steel kitchen appliances is coming to an end, as alternate materials like white ice plastic are starting to make some inroads in the kitchen appliances market. Before jumping to any conclusions, however, it’s helpful to look at why stainless steel enjoyed so much staying power over the past quarter century.

To begin with, think about what a homeowner demands from home appliance materials. Some of the most important factors to consider include:

  • Sales price
  • Maintenance requirements
  • Cleaning requirements
  • Durability and lifespan
  • Aesthetics

Prices can be high when you buy stainless steel products. If, though, you consider value for the money, these other factors come to the fore.

Clearly, one of the biggest benefits of stainless steel is its low maintenance. The fact is that having a resistance to corrosion and other elements means stainless steel rarely sustains serious damage. The same cannot be said of competing materials like wood, plastic and other metals. In addition, stainless steel is easy to keep clean, as implied by the “stainless” in its name. These two factors provide plenty of incentive to go with stainless steel kitchen appliances.

There’s more to it than just these factors, however. Stainless steel has a lifespan of multiple decades, which means you won’t replace your appliances due to poor quality material. Aesthetically, it has a universal appeal that works well in a wide range of kitchen décor schemes.

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Flexibility in Stainless Steel Tile Backsplash Possibilities

 :: Posted by MelW on 04-01-2014

One of the biggest misconceptions in design is that using a stainless steel backsplash for your home kitchen will look like a commercial kitchen. While it is true stainless steel is a mainstay of commercial kitchens, this product is installed primarily for practical use, rather than aesthetic value. Fortunately, you are not nearly as restricted as a homeowner.

You can get many kinds of stainless steel tile backsplash designs and styles that are both functional as well as attractive. These also allow you to take advantage of the many benefits of stainless steel sheet metal. To add aesthetic value, you can choose to use a mosaic style. Mosaics consist of a number of different tiles placed either in a pattern or randomly to create interesting and visually appealing looks. The final appearance is seamless and, as a unified whole, draws interest. This is ultimately much easier on the eyes than one piece of stainless steel sheet, but it has the same function.

There are also a range of stainless steel finishes and options to choose from. Along with the finishes, consider:

  • Tile size
  • Tile Color
  • Tile Cut

This versatility allows you to come up with personalized décor for your kitchen and entire home that the backsplash ties into. On top of the aesthetic value of the stainless backsplashes, you also get the benefits of stainless steel. These include:

  • Corrosion resistance
  • Ease of cleaning and maintenance
  • Durability
  • Many others

Because the material is so durable, you can choose to do this project yourself, or utilize professionals. With so many options and flexibility, you can truly create the kitchen you’ve always wanted. In fact, you may find you want the stainless steel backsplash in your kitchen, bathroom and outdoor patio as well. Matching your eye for design with function and practicality has never been easier.

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