Which is Better for your Commercial Kitchen: Stainless Steel or Aluminium?

Choosing the right material for your equipment is an important decision when kitting out your commercial kitchen. The two most popular choices in the industry are stainless steel and aluminium. 

If you’re redesigning your commercial kitchen or preparing to open one, understanding the characteristics of stainless steel and aluminium will ensure you choose the equipment that best suits your business’s needs, complies with food safety regulations, and improves the effectiveness of your commercial kitchen.

 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials used in commercial kitchen equipment and tools due to its durability, ease of cleaning, food safety compliance, and resistance to corrosion and scratches. 

Stainless steel is a mixture of iron and at least 11% chromium which divides it from normal steel and makes it resistant to rust and scratches. Stainless steel is highly preferred in commercial kitchen equipment because it has no toxins that can leach into the food, making it completely safe. The surface of stainless steel is impervious which resists moisture absorption, preventing the equipment from deterioration. 

 

Advantages of Stainless-Steel Equipment

Durability and Longevity:

Being resistant to corrosion, rust, and scratches makes stainless steel commercial kitchen equipment highly durable. The more nickel percentage it includes, the more durable it is to corrosion. For example, 304-grade stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant than 430-grade thanks to its higher rate of nickel. Stainless steel is also highly durable and chemicals and moisture, making it a safe choice for commercial kitchens in contact with food. 

Hygienic Properties:

Stainless steel is antibacterial and one the easiest to clean materials, providing the required hygiene and health inspections. It also doesn’t change the flavour or colour of the food and contains no toxic elements.

Aesthetic Appeal:

A minor point but stainless steel has a timeless aesthetic and suitable aspect for all kitchens, creating a modern look. 

High Heat Resistance:

Stainless steel can withstand extreme temperatures, which makes it ideal for cooking surfaces and ovens. 

 

Disadvantages of Stainless-Steel Equipment

Higher Cost Compared to Aluminium:

When we compare aluminium vs. stainless steel commercial kitchen equipment, stainless steel has a higher initial cost. However, since it is more durable, it will last longer saving you money in the long term. 

Heavier Weight and Potential Transportation Challenges:

Stainless steel weights approx. 3x more than aluminium. Although it is one of the reasons for its sturdiness, it can be heavy to transport inside the kitchen. But the density of the steel makes it retain the heat of food better.

Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements:

One of the drawbacks of stainless-steel cookware is that it can be very sticky for food when not heated and oiled properly. Stainless steel commercial kitchen equipment also shows small amounts of dirt and fingerprints. Your equipment can also lose its colour if used with hard water and chlorine-based detergents, but you can avoid it by using warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid using hard materials that can cause scratches and damage to the surface. 

Heat Retention:

Whilst stainless steel resists heat, stainless steel might also need time to cool down posing a burn risk in fast paced kitchens. 

Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight material known for its excellent heat conduction, magnetic quality, and high corrosion resistance. It is cheaper than most other materials. It is useful for commercial kitchen appliances and tools that don’t need to be strong and sturdy such as food prep surfaces, backsplashes, and some cookware. 

As aluminium is a reactive material that can change the flavour of food when it’s acidic, it’s mostly used inside cookware with non-stick coating such as Teflon or hard-anodised. 

 

Advantages of Aluminium Equipment

Lightweight and Easy to Manoeuvre:

Aluminium equipment is almost 3x lighter than stainless steel. It makes using, cleaning, and transporting kitchen appliances and tools easy with less effort. 

Excellent Heat Conductivity:

Aluminium is best known for its great heat conductivity that heats quickly and evenly, reducing hot spots and providing evenly cooked food. It also cools down rapidly, helping chefs with quick meals. 

Lower Cost Compared to Stainless Steel:

Aluminium is much cheaper than stainless steel making it a popular and budget friendly option.

Recyclable:

Aluminium is an environmentally friendly material with a high recyclability rate. 

Naturally Corrosion Resistant:

In its construction, aluminium forms a thin oxide layer that helps to protect it from corrosion. This can be especially helpful in commercial kitchen environments that are wet or damp, which could encourage the growth of mould, rust, or other impediments.

 

Disadvantages of Aluminium Equipment

Susceptibility to Dents and Scratches:

Aluminium commercial kitchen equipment is less durable than stainless steel, softer, and easier to bend and scratch. The coated or hard-anodised aluminium is more durable and resistant to scratches but using metal or hard tools can cause scratches. When scratched, the reactive aluminium can emerge, affecting the safety of the food. Using only silicone or plastic cooking tools with aluminium commercial kitchen equipment is essential. 

Reactivity with Certain Acidic and Alkaline Foods:

Aluminium is a reactive material that can react with acidic food and lead into the food if the cookware is bare aluminium or scratched hard-anodised aluminium equipment. According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), a person can consume roughly 5mg of aluminium daily from food – more than that will be dangerous for human health.

Limited Aesthetic Options:

When comparing aluminium vs stainless steel commercial equipment, aluminium is a soft material meaning it can’t be formed easily, limiting the options and shapes of tools and equipment. 

Oxidation:

It tends to tarnish over time and may discolour food or be more challenging to clean. 

Overall, the decision between stainless steel and aluminium is to be based on your specific cooking needs. Stainless steel is perfect for busy kitchens that need strong and clean materials as its durable and hygienic. For business that want cost and efficiency, especially in mobile or custom kitchen setups, aluminium is the best metal.