Stainless Steel: 18/10 vs 18/8 vs 18/0

In the world of stainless steel there are several different types: 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0 stainless steel. Each of these types are classified by the percent of chrome and nickel in the steel. 18/10 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 10% nickel, hence the 18/10 classification. Likewise, 18/8 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 8% nickel. While 18/0 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 0% nickel. Nickel effects stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and luster. In today’s blog Public Kitchen Supply will discuss the benefits of each type of stainless steel.
18/10 stainless steel contains the most nickel out of the three. Nickel tends to be more expensive so 18/10 stainless steel products are typically more pricey than 18/8 or 18/0 stainless steel items and also the highest quality. The biggest benefit of choosing 18/10 stainless steel is that it is long lasting and has a sturdy feel to it. Browne-Halco’s 2 Quart Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is an example of 18/10 stainless steel. The pan’s 18/10 construction allows it to be excellent at conducting heat. It features a riveted, stay-cool handle for extra strength and heat protection, the nickel adds to its extra strength component. While 18/10 stainless steel is ideal when working with pots and pans, it is not necessary for all kitchen items. Finding 18/10 flatware is also ideal for fine-dining establishments that want to portray class to their patrons.
If you are not using stainless steel to conduct heat 18/8 or 18/0 stainless steel works quite well. 18/8 stainless steel works well with items like crowd control poles and bun pan racks, things that need to be strong but not necessarily attractive. Its more for utility than the other two types of stainless steel. One advantage of 18/8 stainless steel is that it is less expensive than 18/10 stainless steel. Keep in mind the difference between 18/10 stainless steel and 18/8 stainless is only 2%. While 18/10 stainless steel will be slightly better at conducting heat you may want to save money by choosing an 18/8 stainless steel product. A perfect example of 18/8 stainless steel is an Induction Ready Wok from Adcraft. This wok has a quality top layer made of 18/8 stainless steel so that it is great for induction cooking while containing an aluminum core to keep the price down.
18/0 stainless steel is the least expensive stainless steel as it is pure chrome and no nickel. This type of stainless steel is perfect for products that do not require heat conduction or strength. 18/0 stainless steel is great for tools like everyday use flatware and other kitchen utensils such as this Update International Butter Spreader that is made out of 18/0 stainless steel. They are inexpensive and perfect for make lines or a home kitchen. Because 18/0 stainless steel contains zero nickel it is also dishwasher safe, perfect for cleaning quickly. 18/0 stainless steel is a great choice for people looking to save money but still wanting a quality product.
When it comes to choosing your stainless steel kitchen tools you have many different options. Each type of stainless steel has advantages and disadvantages, so everyone should know the difference between 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0. Before purchasing a product made from stainless steel consider its function, polish, and finish. At Public Kitchen Supply we work hard to provide equipment that will fit your commercial and residential kitchen needs. Visit our website at publickitchensupply.com to view our large selection of stainless steel products.

What Gauge of Stainless Steel is Best?

Purchasing cookware for your business or home is an important task. The products you choose will affect how long it takes to prepare recipes and how they will taste. Stainless steel is a common cookware material, coming in many different gauges. Going up or down a gauge can dramatically alter a product's performance. Public Kitchen Supply investigated what gauge of stainless steel works best.
When it comes to stainless steel the smaller the gauge the thicker the stainless steel will be. If you’re looking to purchase a product that will hold weight, like Turbo Air’s Refrigerated Chef Base, we recommend an 18 or lower gauge. The Turbo Air Refrigerated Chef Base is made out of 16 gauge stainless steel allowing it to hold up to 1,192 lbs without cracking or bending. It is especially important to be aware of a product’s gauge when purchasing large ticket items. Items with a higher gauge are typically less expensive but they will likely break sooner. The higher the gauge the less weight an item can hold.
A low gauge is clearly important for weight dependent items like refrigerators and prep tables but a high gauge is more than suitable for small cookware. Products like Update International’s 13 qt. Mixing Bowl is constructed out of high gauge stainless steel, about 0.44 mm thick. The Mixing Bowl’s stainless steel design allows the bowl to be durable yet light weight. Stainless Steel is a great material for kitchen small wares because it offers a sleek design and gentle strength. For small wares a higher gauge is more appropriate than a heavy duty low gauge.
Determining the best gauge of stainless steel ultimately comes down to purpose. A lower gauge of stainless steel should be selected for larger items especially if they will be expected to hold weight. A high gauge of stainless steel is fantastic for cookware like spoons and mixing bowls but owners should be aware of potential denting. As the gauge decreases stainless steel becomes more expensive.
The Products you choose for your home or business affects you on a daily basis. At Public Kitchen Supply we understand the importance of affordable high quality cookware. For more information on stainless steel or to purchase stainless steel cookware visit our website at Publickitchensupply.com.

End of 2013 Trends

As the New Year approaches Public Kitchen Supply examined the most popular end of 2013 kitchen trends. Remodeling is a great way to make the old new again, home owners picked up on this helpful hint. Public Kitchen Supply found stainless steel, Eco-friendly materials and touch active appliances to be especially admired this year for their adaptability. Ring in the New Year with these smart trends.
Stainless steel provides a sleek uniform look that will fit well in any kitchen. Appliances constructed out of stainless steel appear professional are very durable. Saturn’s One Door Reach-in Refrigerator is a great example of a stainless steel appliance. This refrigerator has a digital thermostat, allowing you to choose the temperature you want the fridge to be externally. The Saturn’s One Door Reach-in Refrigerator features 3 adjustable shelves allowing for easy organization.
Energy conservation has been a very hot topic in 2013. The first step in environmental awareness is recognizing where resources are wasted, one of the most common areas is the kitchen. Products like the Turbo Air - M3 Series Freezer result in profound savings for both the environment and your wallet. The M3 Series Freezer combines two trends; it is environmentally friendly with a stainless steel construction. This is an excellent appliance for commercial and residential kitchens. The Turbo Air- M3 Freezer will result in substantial savings over time. When an individual makes the choice to conserve energy their efforts results in substantial savings over time. Public Kitchen Supply strongly recommend the Turbo Air – M3 Series Freezer for people wanting a stylish freezer that is energy savvy.
Touch active appliances are another great kitchen addition, consider investing in a Rubbermaid - Milano Thermostatic Auto Faucet. The Auto Faucet SST is user-friendly and very reliable. It uses surround sensor technology promising activation every time. The Thermostatic mixing valve guarantees the water temperature remains comfortable. The Auto Faucet SST has a 3 year battery life with an optional AC power adapter. Touch active appliances eliminates cross-contamination and reduces the spread of germs. It’s easy to see why touch active appliances have been sought after in 2013.
Stainless steel, Eco-friendly materials and touch active appliances are all great kitchen additions. If you didn’t get the chance to utilize these trends in 2013 be sure to add them to your kitchen next year! For more information on the products featured above visit our website at Publickitchensupply.com