Do you consider yourself an at-home chef? If yes, you must think about upgrading your cooking space to match your culinary skills and enthusiasm now and then.
The fastest way to convey a professional sophistication to your kitchen is by installing a characteristic feature of a restaurant’s kitchen, a stainless steel countertop.
Although stainless steel countertops initially belonged to commercial kitchens, they have now acquired great popularity among residential homeowners looking for a sustainable worktop resistant to heat and stains.
Hence tile, marble, and wooden countertops are slowly losing their popularity and paving the way for stainless steel countertops that look graceful and sleek while being sturdier than other materials.
There are both pros and cons of stainless steel countertops. The pros of stainless steel countertops include that they last longer and require little maintenance.
Similarly, the few cons of stainless steel countertops are that they are expensive to obtain and install. Also, they can strip warmth and color away from the interior, making it appear dull and cold.
If you wish to gain more knowledge concerning stainless steel countertops pros and cons, continue reading the article given below.
What Are The Pros Of Stainless Steel Countertops?
1. Resilient
One of the pros of stainless steel countertops includes resilience and durability. Unlike other materials that are delicate and damage easily, stainless steel can withstand almost anything.
It is unsusceptible to heat and water damage and does not stain easily. Moreover, since stainless steel is non-porous in nature, solids and liquids cannot leach into it.
Similarly, dangerous bacteria, viruses, and mold cannot assemble on the surface. Stainless steel countertops can withstand acids in foods and food coloring.
You don’t have to worry about oil spillage either because stainless steel does not get oil stains like other materials. This feature makes stainless steel countertops last longer than a lot of other materials.
2. Most Hygienic
One of the pros of stainless steel countertops is that they offer cleanliness and are hygienic.
If you are germ-phobic and value food safety above everything else in your house, without having to clean the counters ten times a day, then stainless steel countertops are the best option.
Since stainless steel is a nonporous material, it prevents germs from developing or accumulating on the surface.
This is why labs and restaurants choose to have stainless steel countertops because they provide the best defense against dust and microbes.
Moreover, keeping a stainless steel countertop spic and span requires minimal effort. Usually, wiping the surface with a clean towel is enough to achieve a glistening countertop.
Occasionally you can incorporate some lemon juice or soap into your cleaning regimen for added freshness.
3. Versatile
One of the pros of stainless steel countertops is that stainless steel complements both conventional and contemporary designs. Stainless steel countertops are very versatile and can easily pair with any design scheme.
They can successfully deliver a refined and tasteful look to any kitchen. Moreover, contrary to graphite and other common materials, stainless steel countertops feature custom designs and shapes.
You can ask your supplier to come up with unique designs according to the proportions of your kitchen. Since metal is malleable, an expert can hammer it into any desired shape and size to match the available space.
You can also request them to extend the countertop and incorporate a basin and backsplash. While some worry that a stainless steel countertop may appear too plain and harsh, you can easily customize it to elevate the appearance.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
Stainless steel countertops are shiny and smooth. They are perfect for those interested in a sleek, monochrome vibe to their kitchen. The aesthetic charm of stainless steel includes the illusion of a more spacious room.
Polished steel mirror’s light, giving the appearance of a larger and brighter kitchen. If you pair a stainless steel countertop with expert lighting, you can make even a tiny, dull kitchen appear expansive, lavish, and bright.
What Are The Cons Of Stainless Steel Countertops?
1. Prone to Scratches
One of the most notable cons of stainless steel countertops is that you have to be very careful while working on them because they can scratch easily. Often when these scratches appear, you cannot remove them.
Refrain from cutting produce directly on the countertop and stop using any cutlery with sharp edges to prevent unsightly scratches.
Although the appearance of scratches may bother some people, others argue that the presence of marks on the surface of stainless steel contributes to its aesthetic charm. People refer to this as the patina effect of stainless steel.
2. Develop Dents
The cons of stainless steel also include that it can dent easily, particularly, if you drop something heavy onto it from a height. With time, the dents can collect, giving the countertop an unequal surface.
You can seek professional help to place metal over a wooden base to keep the denting at a minimum level.
Moreover, to maximize the durability of the stainless steel countertop, select a steel sheet of the optimum gauge so that it is sturdy and fits over a hardwood base. For this purpose, seek the advice of experts who will tell you which gauge is ideal for your use.
3. Appear Austere
For many people, the cons of stainless steel countertops include their austerity. Stainless steel can make a room appear cold and remote, especially if it already has a dull color combination.
Many people may be put off by this, particularly those having jobs where they have to witness it every day. People like nurses and restaurant workers who work with steel every day may not want it in their homes.
Others inclined towards warmer tones would also choose granite and wood over steel.
4. Noise Pollution
Working on stainless steel countertops can get noisy. You will have to be careful while putting down pots and pans otherwise, you risk creating a clamor. Imagine the clanging of empty pots and pans against metal.
Likewise, you will also have to cut vegetables and produce gently to prevent the noise that occurs when utensils bang against steel countertops. Although you may adjust to the sound with time, it can be difficult for anyone who prefers quiet.
5. High Maintenance for Some People
Stainless steel countertops are resistant to stains so they will not require a lot of maintenance, saving you from some worry.
However, while they do not absorb oil stains, they do display smudges and fingerprints more clearly than other materials like wood or granite.
Some people who own stainless steel countertops also say that the shiny surface makes tiny crumbs stand out more prominently.
Therefore, if you are the type of person to be aggravated by the slightest dirt or debris, you will notice the smudges and crumbs right away.
Hence, you will find yourself wiping the counter more frequently than with other materials that do not show crumbs as clearly.
Final Thoughts
There are some significant pros and cons of stainless steel countertops that you need to weigh before deciding if getting one is the best option for you.
Unlike other materials, stainless steel countertops will last for at least twenty-five years, after which you can recycle the material. An additional pro of stainless steel countertops is that they are environmentally friendly.
If you choose to overlook the cons of stainless steel countertops and let stainless steel become a part of your kitchen, it will change how you perceive your cooking space, giving you a sophisticated and tailored look.