If a stainless steel cooktop gets burnt (not burnt-on food...the steel is actually burnt), can it be restored?

Question

Thanks for the great input, everyone. Here is a little more color:

I was an idiot and put a cookie sheet on the stove to grill vegetables. Its wide surface area pushed the flames out far -- to stainless still cooktop areas that wouldn't normally come into direct contact with flames. The salsa recipe said to burn the veggies so this went on for 15-20 minutes. Could this have produced a hot enough temperature to permanently burn the stainless steel?

FYI -- I called KitchenAid, the maker of the cooktop, and they recommended "Bar Keeper's Friend" (kinda like Comet) cleaner for the burns. I plan to try it later.

Answer 1

Actually, it can appear that the steel itself is burnt, though it's likely the cleaner previously used which would always leave a thin film anyhow, or possibly something spilled there and wasn't noticed prior to cooking on it. With a bit of elbow grease, it can be restored... I would try using those green scour pads first, and then if that doesn't work, use an SOS pad. The green scour should loosen most of it up, and the sos pad will restore a nice shiny finish. Stainless almost always can clean up nice again! Good luck!

Answer 2

Not really. When metal burns as you put it, it gets super hot, hot enough to change the metal's physical properties. This heat effected zone will run thru the metal plate so you cannot buff it out or grind it.

Some of the others brought up a good point. I agree it would be difficult for a cook top to generate the extremely high temp needed to cause a permanent change to the metal. I have seen situations where this heat can be created but you have to really try. So it could be just a surface blemish that may buff out. Try it...use a buffing compound but watch for scratches.

Answer 3

try some metal polish. be careful though, it has abrasives and too much pressure may scratch the surface.
i'd also check with either a resteraunt supply store or e-mail Wolf or Garland stove. Jenn-Air company may also have some suggestions as well as Weber Grill. They also may have some products to handle your problem.

Good luck

Answer 4

Your stove is not capable of producing enough heat to burn stainless steel. Was someone welding on it? Try some Brasso (Wal-Mart) and see if that takes it off.

Answer 5

Yes You can use a fine sand paper to get it out after trying say ajax or another abrasive with a possible power tool to buff out the burn.

Answer 6

yes buy new sorry

Answer 7

nope.