Have you thought about upgrading your kitchen this summer? You have various options available for gas, electric, or charcoal grills and many accessories to add to your outdoor kitchen.
If you choose to have a stainless steel outdoor kitchen, it’s a perfect, low-maintenance option to bring your yard space together. We have a few tips for keeping your area in great shape all summer long and beyond!
Clean it every time after use
To keep your stainless steel outdoor kitchen looking great, you have to clean up after yourself every time. This may seem like a hassle, especially on a full stomach, but it’s important for keeping your stainless steel outdoor kitchen in the best shape.
Stainless steel is durable, as it is resistant to rust and corrosion and designed to withstand the outdoor elements. However, it isn’t indestructible. With consistent maintenance, it prevents buildup or other potential damage.
Do you plan to serve your friends and family outdoors as well? Make sure to never cut directly on a stainless steel surface; use a cutting board instead. Also, don’t leave metal cans, hot steel or cast iron cookware sitting on your surfaces for any amount of time. This can damage the sleek appearance of your stainless steel grill.
Who wants to clean their grill RIGHT before using it? Not us! Take a few extra minutes after the meal to wipe it down, and you are already set for your next grilling night out!
Go soft
When you are cleaning stainless steel surfaces, go soft. To clean a stainless steel outdoor kitchen, wipe with a damp, non-abrasive cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water. Make sure to follow the grain of the metal and wipe in a motion that is parallel. You can air-dry the stainless steel, but a follow-up with a soft towel can get rid of water spotting.
Use only alkaline, alkaline-chlorinated, or non-chloride cleaners. Avoid hydrochloric acid, as well as steel pads, wire brushes, and scrapers. If you do have to use chlorinated cleaner, rinse thoroughly and dry immediately.
Buff with a special polish
You can buy special polish or cleaner for stainless steel. These can help keep your stainless steel shining, as well as help prevent damage.
Another tip: Use glass cleaner. This actually acts similarly to the special stainless steel polish, and we bet you have it in your cleaning cabinet already!
Make sure to cover, no matter the season
Stainless steel is not necessarily stain-proof. You can minimize aging over time by storing or setting up in a dry, shaded area and always remembering to cover your kitchen area with a vinyl or other cover. This can also apply to your whole patio, so get in the habit now of covering at the end of the day to keep your stainless steel outdoor kitchen in perfect condition for years to come.
Upgrade with powder coat finish
You can add a special powder-coated finish to your stainless steel. This option doesn’t require as much cleaning and helps prevent rust over time, adding to the ease of maintenance. Keep in mind that if you have a pool or live near the coast, this can accelerate the corrosion process, as chlorine in the air or salt from sea air are two major contributing factors. This option is offered in a wide range of colors and designs that can add variety to your stainless steel outdoor kitchen.
Are you ready to get cooking in your new stainless steel outdoor kitchen? Contact AES Hearth & Patio if you’re in the South Central Pennsylvania area. We’re ready to upgrade your outdoor space!
Creating Warm Memories Through Every Season.
Myth:
Stainless steel does not rust.
Myth Busted: Unfortunately, stainless steel is susceptible to rusting.
Here is a little background to help you understand why this myth has created confusion for the metals world.
First, let’s take a look at the difference between active and passive metals. Metals such as iron and steel easily corrode – showing yellow or orange rust – within the natural environment and are called active metals.
The two grades of stainless steel most referenced in relation to outdoor environments are 304 and 316L, also known as marine-grade stainless steel. Their numbers are determined by their alloy composition. Unlike the active metals mentioned above, stainless steel is referred to as passive because it contains other metals including chromium. For a material to be considered stainless steel, at least 10.5% of the make-up must be chromium. Additional alloys typically include nickel, titanium, aluminum, copper, nitrogen, phosphorous, selenium and molybdenum. The key difference between the 304 and the 316L is the addition of molybdenum in the 316L. It is the molybdenum that enhances corrosion resistance in environments rich in salt air and chloride – giving 316L the moniker of “marine grade” stainless steel.
Related – 304 VS 316 Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?
It is also important to note that stainless steel is not stain proof; it is stain less. As such, regardless of whether you use 304 or 316L exposed stainless-steel cabinetry and appliances requires maintenance. The addition of molybdenum (in marine grade stainless steel) only delays corrosion, it does not stop it.
The chromium contained within stainless steel creates an invisible passive film covering the steel surface and shielding against corrosion. As long as the invisible film – or passive layer – remains intact, the metal remains stain-less and corrosion resistant.
However, three things can break down this film:
Mechanical abrasion – steel pads, wire brushes and scrapers will scratch the steel surface.
Water – depending on where you live, your water can be hard or soft. Hard water may leave spots and, when heated, leave deposits behind. These can break down the passive layer leaving the stainless steel to rust. Be sure to remove deposits from food preparation and service.
Chlorides – are found everywhere including in water, food and table salt. Household and industrial cleaners contain some of the worst chlorides!
There are many types of corrosion that affect stainless steel metals. Corrosion mechanisms fall into five different categories; pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, galvanic corrosion, stress-corrosion Cracking, and general corrosion.
Pitting corrosion happens to stainless steel when it is exposed to environments that contain chlorides.
Crevice corrosion is triggered when oxygen levels are low in a crevice.
Galvanic corrosion happens when dissimilar metals come into contact with another.
Stress corrosion cracking is when tensile stresses combine with environmental conditions.
General corrosion happens when the stainless steels pH is less than 1.
So, can stainless steel rust?
The answer: Yes, how quickly is determined by the type of stainless steel the outdoor appliances and cabinets are made of.
By keeping the surfaces free from food and other debris, following these stainless steel cleaning tips for outdoor kitchen cabinets will help maintain your cabinets integrity and reduce the risk of rust and corrosion:
Use only alkaline, alkaline-chlorinated or non-chloride cleaners
Avoid hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) on your stainless steel
Always use a non-abrasive cleaning tool such as a soft cloth or plastic scouring pad
Avoid steel pads, wire brushes and scrapers
Always clean in the direction of the polishing marks by locating the lines or grain and scrub in a motion parallel to them
If you do end up using a chlorinated cleaner, be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry it, immediately
Air dry your equipment
Remember, our stainless steel products and equipment is not stain-proof, it is stain-less.
We recommend powder coating your cabinets, regardless of the grade of stainless you choose, as it offers an additional protective layer. Coating adds many benefits that help to protect your investment from the outdoor environment.
Related – Benefits of Powder Coating Outdoor Kitchens
For any additional questions or advice on a stainless steel outdoor kitchen project, reach out to our in-house design team at 203-626-5625!
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