ADVERTISEMENT
A Cut Above
February 21, 2023
Anurag Yadav
Given the many benefits that it brings with it, the popularity of steel as a material for modular kitchens is increasing. Of course, while the charm of wood and other related materials cannot be sidelined, the sturdiness and durability of steel are being increasingly explored too.
The advantages that come with it are many. Stainless steel is a resilient, 100 per cent recyclable material, making it a popular choice for kitchens. It has a wide appeal that works with contemporary kitchens while presenting a contamination-free working zone. Longevity and corrosion resistance are traits of stainless steel, which prevents food from getting contaminated. It is easy to clean and requires little to no maintenance. These features make it an ideal choice for kitchens.
The increasing popularity of steel has witnessed the launch of a flurry of new designs. Photo Courtesy: Abimis
Other plusses
Stainless steel has high resistance to corrosion. Even when scratched, the damage isn’t what it would be on other surfaces. It can be cut, bonded and machined easily, making it a perfect material for fabrication. It is easily and simply maintained resulting in a high-quality, pleasing appearance.
Though grades that are low alloy - alloy steel is steel that is mixed with various elements to improve its properties- resist corrosion in normal atmospheric conditions, high alloy grades can resist corrosion to most acidic and alkaline solutions, even at high temperatures and pressures.
The appearance of the metal is neutral, so it can be used with most colours. Though the traditional stainless steel finish is a bit shiny, a brushed finish is also available.
Many surfaces react to edibles and leave their taste to them, but steel doesn’t have this quality. It is considered to be among the safest surfaces across the globe for making food because as doesn’t harbour microorganisms like others do. For this reason, it is considered the most sanitary of metal surfaces and is used often in both restaurants and hospitals.
Given the current trend, it seems like stainless steel is set to broaden its strong foothold in the kitchen space in the coming years. Photo Courtesy: Abimis
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go to font for titles, paragraphs & more. Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Eco-friendly nature
Stainless steel is eco-friendly material, as it can be recyclable and reused. In fact, over 50 per cent of new stainless steel is made from melted scrap metal.
Articles produced from steel are completely ecologically safe. The consumption of energy for production of stainless steel has dipped over last few decades due to improvements in technology and energy conservation measures.
The others
Mixed metals are fast finding their place in the modern culinary space. Of these, brass, an alloy made of copper and zinc, is being increasingly used in kitchens as it comes with multiple benefits. For one, it adds warmth to the surrounding space. Durable and reliable, longevity is a given for brass.
Other advantages are its natural resistance to corrosion, sturdiness and the ability to operate without causing friction. Brass does not rust, and it resists hard water (water with high mineral content) deposits. These very qualities were the reason that till the twentieth century, shipbuilders used only brass for hardware, as neither extreme temperature nor saltwater could cause grave harm.
With mixed metals and materials being one of the biggest trends, it’s not surprising that copper has carved a niche of its own in the kitchen space. For one, it stretches and can be easily shaped and moulded. In addition to this, it is also corrosion-resistant, a good thermal and electrical conductor and has a high melting point, making it perfect for use in high-temperature processes. Copper has about ten times the thermal conductivity of stainless steel and glass, and twice that of aluminium.
This metal also has many essential antimicrobial properties, a big plus in any kitchen. In addition to this, it looks attractive and is also very durable.
Its primary disadvantage is that it is reactive to acidic foodstuff. To counteract this, it is often lined with another metal like tin. Another disadvantage is it is not cost-effective, as compared to other metals.
Given the many benefits that it brings with it, the popularity of steel as a material for modular kitchens is increasing. Photo Courtesy: Abimis
Steel Kitchens in New Designs
The increasing popularity of steel has witnessed the launch of a flurry of new designs. A new range of steel kitchens in a complete modular form heralded by an Italian company, Abimis Prism was showcased at Eurocucina. It is a kitchen that is favourable to creative activity, in which the areas of mobility were researched along with professional cooks so that the five stages that comprise the cook, store – prepare – cook – serve – wash, are blended and implemented. The result is novel, the shape of which was forged in stainless steel. The concept of Abimis makes the effectiveness of a professional kitchen available to users. The stainless steel surface is polished to prevent scratches and stains and give a softer look to the kitchen.
Abimis Prism places a great emphasis on ergonomics, attention to detail and high quality. The base is sunk by 20 cm, so that the cook can stand near the counter. The office itself is non-drip edges to prevent leakage. All accessories are designed according to the standard Gastronorm system such as pots and pans can be moved quickly from the sink cabinet or into the oven. This reduces the cooking time.
The hinges are welded and rounded, a great advantage in terms of safety and hygiene. The buttons and switches are specially shaped to give a firm grip and can also be removed for washing. Abimis kitchens also provide for the disposal of wet waste: a waste tank is installed and cooled to maintain a temperature of 6 ° C, which reduces the propagation of bacteria and odours.
Designed by architect Alberto Torsello and handmade in Italy, Abimis kitchens are all stainless steel.
Stainless steel has high resistance to corrosion. Even when scratched, the damage isn’t what it would be on other surfaces. Photo Courtesy: Abimis
Looking ahead
Even in the face of these alternatives, steel remains a very popular option for kitchens today. A great choice for kitchen design, black stainless steel is becoming increasingly popular. Blue (or black) steel is obtained through high heat which causes oxidation to form as a thin layer on the surface of the metal. This allows for better and faster heat absorption and transference to the food.
A design site recently conducted a poll of its community members on the black stainless steel trend. 60 per cent of the over 6,600 respondents said they’d consider incorporating the black colour the next time they update their kitchens. Some said they were sick of all-white kitchens and were looking forward to something new.
Given the current trend, it seems like stainless steel is set to broaden its strong foothold in the kitchen space in the coming years.
[The article was published April-June 2016 issue of Kitchen Ideas magazine.]
.jpg)
Related Articles
Advertisement