Why Is Stainless Steel Used in Commercial Kitchens?

why is stainless steel used in commercial kitchens

Stainless steel is used in commercial kitchens because it is hygienic, durable, and suitable for regulated food-preparation areas. Its smooth, non-porous surface is easy to sanitise, supports safe handling and remains stable under heat, moisture and frequent cleaning. This makes it a dependable option for catering teams that require food-contact and catering steel surfaces throughout each shift.

In a busy kitchen, worktops, sinks and splashbacks must stay clean and consistent. Stainless steel supports this routine and helps staff maintain safe food handling. This guide explains how stainless steel helps with hygiene and how grades and surface finishes behave over time. It also covers how straightforward maintenance helps kitchens meet UK expectations.

How Stainless Steel Supports Safe, Hygienic Food Prep

Hygiene is the main reason stainless steel is widely used in commercial kitchens for food-contact surfaces. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) explains that regular cleaning with warm, soapy water or suitable disinfectants helps remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites from hands, work surfaces, chopping boards, utensils, cloths, and containers, reducing the risk of illness [1].

Stainless steel supports these cleaning routines because its smooth, non-porous surface does not retain food residue or moisture, so debris and grease are easier to remove.

This makes it well-suited to the FSA’s advice to:

Keep preparation areas clear
Wash equipment thoroughly between tasks
Avoid cross-contamination when handling raw and ready-to-eat foods

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes that some cleaning products can irritate the skin, trigger allergies, or cause burns [2]. Safe cleaning relies on proper techniques, protective equipment, and careful handling to prevent exposure to harmful substances.

Stainless steel supports these cleaning routines because it withstands repeated washing without surface damage, allowing teams to clean and disinfect preparation areas, equipment zones, and food-contact surfaces in line with recommended controls to minimise spills, maintain ventilation, and use suitable protective gloves and aprons where needed.

In most commercial kitchens, stainless steel is commonly used for:

Preparation benches and food contact surfaces
Sink areas and washing stations
Shelving where containers and equipment are stored
Splashbacks exposed to heat and moisture

For refurbishment projects that use multiple materials, you can compare alternatives, such as aluminium, to determine which areas require the highest level of hygiene protection and which require specialist catering equipment materials.

Built to Withstand Heat, Moisture & Daily Use

Commercial kitchens expose surfaces to heat, moisture and frequent cleaning. Stainless steel performs well in these conditions because it retains its shape and surface quality during long periods of use. This makes it suitable for preparation areas and zones where equipment and utensils are handled throughout the day.

Durability also helps teams manage long-term planning. A surface that resists dents and corrosion stays presentable for longer and reduces the need for replacement. This is important in high-traffic areas, such as splashbacks and dishwashing sections, where frequent contact with utensils, trays, and cleaning equipment occurs. Stainless steel is also compatible with steam and chemical-based cleaning methods commonly used in larger catering environments.

Choosing the Right Grade & Surface Finish for Your Kitchen

Commercial kitchens use different stainless steel grades in different areas. Grade 304 is a common choice for worktops, preparation benches, and shelving because it offers good corrosion resistance and resists frequent cleaning.

Grade 316 includes extra elements that help it resist certain chemicals and salts, making it useful for:

Harsher environments
Specialised food production
Coastal locations

Surface finishes also affect performance. Brushed stainless steel has a fine texture that helps disguise light marking in areas where utensils are used often. Polished stainless steel has a smoother surface that wipes down quickly and supports fast turnaround between tasks.

In practice, many kitchens use:

Brushed finishes on busy preparation benches and shelving
Polished finishes on pass areas, counters and visible panels

Planning a new layout or refurbishment? Use click by category to compare different material options and product types, including stainless steel sheet metal and other materials used in catering equipment.

Meeting UK Food Safety Rules with Stainless Steel

Commercial kitchens must comply with regulations designed to prevent unsafe food from reaching consumers. The Food Safety Act 1990 sets out these duties and makes food businesses legally responsible for ensuring that food is not contaminated, handled safely, and produced in hygienic conditions [3]. This legislation underpins food hygiene practice across the UK and is used by local authorities during inspections. Stainless steel meets these expectations by providing a smooth, non-porous surface compatible with routine cleaning and disinfection.

Many sites also use HACCP-based systems as part of their broader food safety management approach [4]. These systems identify points where contamination could occur and rely on materials that tolerate repeated cleaning, handling and temperature changes. Stainless steel worktops, wall cladding, and shelving help teams apply these controls consistently, particularly at preparation benches and sink surrounds, which are inspected.

Selecting materials such as stainless steel, with these legal duties in mind, helps kitchens more easily meet regulatory standards. Larger or specialist sites can explore sector-focused information when planning new installations.

Simple Cleaning Routines for Long-Lasting Stainless Steel

Well-maintained stainless steel supports hygiene and keeps commercial kitchens looking professional. For most areas, warm water and a mild detergent work well for daily cleaning. After washing, surfaces benefit from a thorough rinse and a dry cloth to minimise water marks and leave a smooth finish.

Where sanitising products form part of the hygiene routine, stainless steel accepts these treatments when manufacturers’ instructions are followed. Regular cleaning helps prevent residue buildup and keeps finishes in good condition. Many teams use a simple sequence such as:

Remove loose debris from the surface
Wash with a suitable cleaning solution
Rinse and dry to protect the finish

For projects where components must arrive ready for installation, our team offers metal processing services that support accurate fitting and a clean, consistent finish.

Specify Stainless Steel with Confidence for Your Next Project

Commercial kitchens rely on materials that support hygiene, durability and compliance. Stainless steel is well-suited for commercial kitchens as it’s easy to clean and withstands heat and moisture. You can use it on benches, sinks, splashbacks, and service areas, and the right grade and finish help teams maintain workflow safety.

Click Metal supplies stainless steel cut to your exact measurements so panels and worktops fit your layout. If you are unsure which grade or finish to specify, our friendly team can help you choose a practical option for your kitchen.

Call 01794 526090 or enquire now to discuss your stainless steel requirements, request a quote or get guidance on products for your next commercial kitchen project.