What are the pros/cons of stainless steel countertops?

Answer 1

Stainless steel has quite a number of qualities, which make it a good choice for countertops.

PROS:
They're great for the utilitarian side of cooking because they're safe and sturdy. Not only do they look sharp and appealing and make you feel like a world-class chef, but they are very resilient. They're water resistant, which means that since the surface is non-porous. You can say goodbye to stains and rust and since there is no water build-up, there's no chance for mold, bacteria or other germs to form. Stainless steel is very hygenic and that's why you find it in the best of restaurants. It's also heat-resistant so you can place hot pots and pans on it without fear of damaging the surface.

Metal is also shiny and maleable, which makes it easy to fit to practically any surface. It can be eaisly cut and shaped, which means you can get really creative and inventive and have fun with your kitchen! They can even creep up the wall and make a great backsplash or you can bend them to make a sink that is integral to the countertop.

Metal is shiny, bright and neutral. The light will be reflected by the steel and will give you the impression that your kitchen is even bigger and brighter. To boot, since metal is neutral in color, it will match ANY color you choose to use with it and it's also neutral in decor, which means you can match it with any type of decor, be it country, modern, classic, etc.

Like anything in our world, it also has its drawbacks. And like many drawbacks, there are some solutions and ways to prevent problems.

CONS:
Noise is a major drawback. Metal is really noisy! So unless you plan for the cost of having it really well insulated, you may want to axe the idea of metal on your countertop.

Stainless steel can certainly acquire dents over a period of time. However, if it is installed properly by a trained professional you should be able to avoid them. The best way to avoid dents is to adhere the metal over a solid piece of wood to deaden the echo effect and keep in mind that the harder the wood, the less risk of seeing maddening dents!

Like it or not, metal can scratch. It's just a fact of life. But stainless steel countertops can come in many different designs and finishes. They can be textured with different grains, patterns, or surfaces that can hide these flaws. Plus, always use a wooden chopping block or cutting board while cooking to avoid these blemishes. Avoid using a glass cutting board to lower the noise effect.


Like mirrors, metal smudges easily with fingerprints so if you have small children with wandering hands, you may find yourself constantly wiping off the prints. Remember that a stitch in time saves nine and wipe off any fingerprints as quickly as possible to avoid long-term problems. Once again, opting for a visually textured stainless surface will decrease your frustration with fingerprints.

Like anything, you have to keep up on the maintenance. Don't use harsh chemicals though or else you will actually ruin your countertop and harm the finish of the metal. Instead, simply use soapy water or low impact cleaning solutions. Always dry it completely to avoid temporary water smudges and wipe in the direction of the metal's grain. To keep your countertop smear-free, you can wipe it down with baby oil.

Stainless steel countertops don't come cheap. So unless you're ready to shell out approximately $75-$150 per square foot for the metal and you don't want to use a qualied pro to install it, you best turn to another solution.

So... come on! :) What are you going to choose??? Don't keep us in suspense!

Answer 2

I agree completely with Diane, what she said is spot on.
Friends of mine bought a house that had a stainless steel countertop and they got rid of it as soon as they could because of how dull a scratchy it looked.

Stainless steel countertops to me are well suited in an industrial kitchens and hospitals but they don't look very welcoming in a home.

Answer 3

Pros: can be made more clean than other materials, do not absorb, can handle heat and cold, unlikely to break glass (as compared to tile or stone) always look professional

Cons: Cold, scratch, have a commercial or institutional look, may dent but not break.

Answer 4

Can be sanitized easily, last a long time and are very sturdy.
They can get dull and scratched over time and you may risk your kitchen resembling an industrial restaurant.