Besides being a beautiful addition to your kitchen, the stainless steel countertop is stain resistant, heat proof and very hygienic. The stainless countertop is made of sixteen gauge type 304 steel and has an edge that will keep liquids from running onto the floor. A stainless steel kitchen will always maintain its style and is the preferred material for kitchen countertops by professional cooks and any cook that takes the task of cooking with a serous outlook.

Because of its strength, steel has always been considered ideal for food preparation. Kitchen designers today are adding warm wood hues and painted tiles in combination with steel. Stainless steel countertops are made away from their installation site from a template and mounted to plywood. They are then reinforced with soundproof coating. Various lengths of the countertops can be built from just one sheet of metal, without seams. However, the longest sheet of metal is generally available in ten feet lengths. If the countertop needs to be seamed, the seam is made in the center of the sink area. A hairline seam can be sealed with silicone under the joint before the countertop is installed. When the countertop is welded and finished the seam will be invisible.

The reflective quality of the stainless steel countertop adds to its beauty by reflecting both natural and artificial light and drawing together the colors of the kitchen’s décor. Although the stainless steel countertop is strong it is subject to scratches. It is recommended that when cutting or chopping a cutting board is used.

Stainless steel countertop maintenance is easy. All you need is detergent and water to clean it. You do have to avoid spilling some things like ketchup, salad dressing and other vinegary items on the countertop as they will leave a white mark. You can remove this white stain with a very soft scotchbrite pad.

A study was made by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management regarding sanitation using six different countertop materials. The countertops were contaminated with E-coli and then washed with detergent and water. The stainless steel countertop eliminated the largest percent of E-coli cleaned from its surface.