The difference between food grade stainless steel and regular stainless steel - Metalist's Handbook
At the beginning of the twentieth century, a unique property of steel with a high chromium content was discovered - the ability to resist corrosion. This discovery led to revolutionary changes in industry. Any corrosion-resistant steel began to be called stainless. Almost immediately, experiments began on the use of such steels in the food industry. However, food grade stainless steel gained real popularity only towards the end of the twentieth century.
Features of metal utensils
Important parameters for any cookware are ease of use and safety in contact with food. Historically, the vast majority of cooking containers were made of aluminum and enameled steel. Stainless steel kitchen items began to spread much later.
Enameled products
Most steels are not safe in contact with food. As a result of contact with food, steel ions can form salts that are extremely harmful to the human body. To protect against such contact, the technology of coating steel with enamel was invented.
The use of enamel makes it possible to achieve a perfectly smooth surface that prevents the growth of bacteria. In such dishes you can not only cook, but also store food. However, all the benefits are valid only for a new coating that has been in use for a short time.
The enamel is subject to abrasion and is prone to cracks and chips. When washing such dishes, do not use abrasive cleaners or metal brushes. Cracks can also form due to sudden temperature changes. In case of any damage to the coating, the dishes must be immediately disposed of, since the steel used as the base of the product does not have special food characteristics.
Food grade aluminum
Aluminum pots and pans were very widespread in our country and were used without applying any special coatings to prevent metal contact with food. Recently, you can often hear about the dangers of using aluminum cookware. This issue has not yet been sufficiently studied, so scientists have not yet come to a consensus.
The only thing that can be stated unequivocally is that contact with aluminum of acidic products is strictly prohibited. It is also prohibited to store prepared foods in such containers; after cooking, you must immediately transfer the food to a suitable container.
Safety steel
The spread of stainless steel cookware is considered a revolution in the development of kitchen utensils. It is considered the most durable and easy to use. Initially, such steel began to be considered the safest when in contact with food. However, this issue deserves a separate discussion, because not all alloys used are the same in their properties. Much depends on the brand of food grade stainless steel and its chemical composition.
Advantages of stainless steel
Stainless steel has earned its popularity due to the combination of a number of properties that simplify the cooking process and make food safe. Many other advantages also played an important role in the popularization of stainless steel. Modern housewives value stainless cookware for the following qualities:
- Durability. With careful use, a stainless steel container can last up to a hundred years or more. Even scratches on the surface of a worn product will not be a contraindication for use.
- Strength. High strength characteristics are characteristic of any steel products. High-quality stainless steel cookware is thick enough to resist warping and scratches.
- Hygiene. Corrosion-resistant steel is protected from oxidation. Bacteria do not accumulate on the surface.
- Attractive appearance. A high-quality processed product retains excellent decorative properties for a long time. The ability to use electric polishing for processing such steels helps to create a perfectly smooth surface.
- Easy to care for. Contaminants from the surface of the material are easily removed. Stainless steel has no contraindications to the use of any detergents and tolerates cleaning well in the dishwasher.
Security questions
Most people consider stainless steel absolutely harmless . However, discussions on the safety of its use continue. Many grades of corrosion-resistant steel contain nickel. It is considered to be a strong allergen. Some scientists talk about the carcinogenic properties of this element.
Proponents of the theory that food steels are harmful do not recommend cooking excessively spicy foods and vegetable dishes in such dishes. This is explained by the fact that vegetable juice during cooking can react with ionized forms of alloy particles. As a result of such reactions, nickel salts can be formed, which are especially harmful to the human body.
Based on such data, stainless steels with a minimum nickel content are generally considered harmless. A special marking is being introduced indicating the absence of nickel. The cost of such cookware is usually higher than other stainless steel products.
The lack of detailed studies of the influence of the chemical composition of corrosion-resistant steel on the safety of use in the food industry and the significant increase in prices for certain types of products give reason to assume that the spread of such doubts is just a successful marketing ploy by some manufacturers.
Stainless steel products usually cost an order of magnitude more than products made from other metals. Against this background, there is a great temptation to purchase cheaper cookware made in Asian countries. Usually the origin of such products is questionable.
If the cost reduction is achieved by reducing the mass of the finished product, this will not affect the safety of its operation. Only strength and service life will be affected. It is much more dangerous to use dubious steel, the chemical composition of which is unknown.
Undesirable impurities that are in the material easily pass into food when heated. You can recognize the use of such low-quality material by the metallic taste of cooked food.
It is felt especially strongly if you simply boil water in this container.
Security is not something you can skimp on. It is better to refrain from purchasing products of unknown origin, especially if there are clear doubts about their quality.
Types of alloys and best models
For a long time, among all food steels, the leading position in the production of tableware in our country was occupied by 12Х18Н10Т. It is with this alloy that the concept of food grade stainless steel is firmly connected. However, there are other materials that are widely used in the manufacture of tableware. This raises the question of which corrosion-resistant steels are suitable for food use.
Food and technical steel
GOST standards do not define the concept of food grade stainless steel. Experts cannot give a definite answer as to which specific brands can be used in the food industry. Therefore, the question of how food-grade stainless steel differs from technical stainless steel remains unanswered.
Manufacturers believe that any stainless steel can be used in food production and home cooking. The only question is the economic feasibility of dishes from certain brands.
Popular brands
Currently, manufacturers use several types of steel grades as materials for cookware. It is worth noting that their indicators differ slightly, so the difference in the properties of kitchen utensils will not be noticeable. Along with the previously mentioned 12Х18Н10Т (AISI 321) they also use:
- 08Х18Н10 (AISI 304);
- 08Х18Н10Т (AISI 321);
- 08X13 (AISI 403);
- 12Х13 (AISI 410);
- 20Х13, 30Х13, 40Х13 (AISI 420);
- 08Х17, 12Х17 (AISI 430).
Currently, 12Х18Н10Т has ceased to be the most popular stainless steel. The steel grade AISI 304 (08Х18Н10) took its place because it is cheaper and has practically no inferior properties.
American stainless steel markings, unlike domestic ones, do not contain a breakdown of the chemical composition. The conformity of steels is considered conditional, since standards may include different requirements for the content of chemical elements. It is more correct to call the corresponding steels analogues. For example, analogues of AISI 321 steel are both 08Х18Н10Т and 12Х18Н10Т.
Choice if not marked
Many people wonder how to choose quality products. If the cookware is marked with an indication of the steel used, there should be no questions when purchasing. Difficulties begin in situations where there is no marking on the product, and the seller claims that the steel is stainless. There are not many ways to find out what material is in front of us, that is, to distinguish stainless steel.
Soldering stainless steel with brass
The simplest option for identifying stainless steel has long been known. It is based on the lack of magnetic properties in corrosion-resistant steels of many grades. To check the dishes, it is enough to have a regular magnet, with the help of which the test is carried out. If the product is not magnetic, it is truly stainless steel. This method is suitable for many domestic products and a number of imported ones.
Some stainless steels have magnetic properties , so using this testing method will be useless. Unfortunately, there is no other way to check the material when purchasing. However, at home, you can expose the dishes to a two percent vinegar solution. If there is no reaction, it is stainless steel. If the color of the metal has changed, there is a serious reason to think about the safety of using such a product.
Rules of care
Each piece of kitchen utensil needs proper use and care. This way you can achieve the longest service life of the product and maintain its attractive appearance. Here are the basic rules for using stainless cookware:
- It is recommended to wash products immediately after use.
- Wash dishes with warm water and liquid detergents.
- It is allowed to use sponges of low and medium hardness for washing.
- Items can be washed in the dishwasher if marked accordingly. If it is not there, you will have to make the decision yourself. Typically, any stainless steel cookware can withstand machine washing well.
- When cleaning, it is not allowed to use hard brushes or compounds containing abrasive substances.
- It is strictly forbidden to use products containing chlorine and ammonia for cleaning.
- It is not recommended to store cooked food in stainless steel containers for a long time.
- Do not preheat empty containers to high temperatures to avoid the appearance of tarnish. If they appear, you can eliminate the defect with vinegar or lemon juice.
- It is not recommended to salt cold water to avoid salt settling on the walls of the dish. It is better to add salt while boiling and stirring at the same time.
- Do not use abrasives to remove burnt-on stains. You can fill the container with warm salt water, leave it for several hours, and then wash it in the usual way.
- A glossy surface that has become cloudy and scratched during use can be restored to its original condition using special polishing products.
Dishes and other kitchen utensils made from food-grade stainless steel have long earned popularity. They combine durability and safety of use. Items made of high-quality stainless steel, with proper use and care, will last for many decades and make the cooking process convenient and enjoyable.
Source: https://ssk2121.com/otlichie-pischevoy-nerzhaveyki-ot-obychnoy/
Food grade stainless steel
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The ratio of strength, anti-corrosion properties of this metal and price put food grade stainless steel in first place among other materials for use in the food industry.
Stainless steel sheets are used for the production of containers, tanks and equipment in the catering industry, trade and processing industries.
Pipes made of food-grade stainless steel are indispensable in the production of milk, juices, carbonated drinks, wine and vodka products and alcohol-containing liquids.
Definition of “food grade stainless steel”
In order not to make a mistake in choosing, and purchase the metal of the desired grade. Before you start searching, where to buy food-grade stainless steel? You need to get at least a basic understanding of what food grade steel is.
In GOSTs and SNIPs you will not find the terms “food grade stainless steel”, “food pipe” or “food sheet”. This is how consumers and manufacturers most often call stainless steel grades that are used in the food industry, medicine and public catering. In addition, due to its aesthetic qualities, structures made of such stainless steel are often used in architecture as decorative elements, as well as in the production of costume jewelry and stainless steel jewelry.
Food grade stainless steel is a stainless steel with a high content of nickel and molybdenum, in addition to the required chrome plating, which, in fact, makes the steel stainless. In addition, other alloying additives can be used as additives that enhance resistance to aggressive environments: manganese, niobium, cobalt, titanium. Naturally, the price of food-grade stainless steel of such high-alloy grades is significantly higher.
What requirements must be met for food grade stainless steel products?
- A good food grade stainless steel (sheet, pipe, corner, etc.) should have high corrosion resistance and resistance to chemically aggressive environments.
- Stainless steel (food grade) must be wear-resistant: resistant to scratches, cracks and mechanical damage to the coating throughout the entire life of the product.
- Food grade stainless steel should be environmentally friendly and non-toxic, especially if it is used in food production.
How to choose the right grade of food-grade stainless steel that you need, for example, in order to weld a stainless steel tank for household needs (tank, water container, moonshine still or barrel for sauerkraut)? The easiest way is to place a piece of stainless steel sheet in the environment with which it will come into contact.
If after some time no changes are observed - darkening of the coating, corrosion, cracks - the material is suitable for you. Of course, you can choose the grade of stainless steel using special reference books, but here you need at least a minimum of knowledge in metallurgy, chemistry and an excellent understanding of the technological processes of your production.
Stainless steel markings
If your stainless steel equipment (stainless pipes, containers, tanks) will have long-term contact with an aggressive environment, it makes sense to choose for its manufacture stronger, high-alloy, but also more expensive stainless steel of the popular brands AISI316L, AISI316Ti, AISI321, which contain , in addition to chromium, it also strengthens titanium.
Stainless steel grades AISI304, AISI430, AISI316 are more popular food grade stainless steel, the price of which is much lower, and can be used where contact with food is short-term, for example, in catering establishments, canteens, restaurants or at home. This stainless steel sheet is often used to make furniture for restaurants and kitchens, hoods, food storage shelves and freezers.
Order and consultation
If you are still not sure which food grade stainless steel to buy, contact the professionals. We will be happy to help you choose and purchase food-grade stainless steel of exactly the brand and assortment you need (stainless steel sheets, stainless steel pipes for household or industrial needs), we will place an order and deliver your cargo anywhere in the country.
Source: https://nercom.by/pischevaya-nerghaveyka
Food grade stainless steel: stainless steel for the food industry
Food grades are used to make many types of products, including stainless steel containers for the food industry. These store milk, water, drinks, and technical liquids used in production. There are also similar containers for bulk products. Environmental safety and oxidation resistance make the material universal. You can often see metal conveyors, the elements of which are made of such grades of steel.
What else is good about this alloy and products made from it? High-quality steel AISI 304 for the food industry has the following properties:
- Mechanical strength, long service life;
- Resistance to high and low temperatures;
- Resistance to corrosion, incl. after scratches appear, as well as at joints and fastening points;
- Versatility of use;
- Ability to work in mildly aggressive and aggressive environments, such as solutions of acetic, phosphoric and other acids.
Food grade stainless steel
By ordering stainless steel food containers, the client makes a profitable investment in quality. After all, these products will last for many years, which means that the investment will pay off many times over. The special alloy does not change the taste and chemical composition of liquids and bulk products inside.
In the production of pipes, rolled sheets of stainless metal are also used. Recently, the sale of food grade stainless steel pipes has been actively increasing in the food and chemical industries and pharmacology. They are often part of raw material supply systems or production waste disposal systems; they are used in the conveyor systems mentioned above. They can also be used in the installation of water supply systems, for supplying drinking water in residential buildings and enterprises.
Food grade stainless steel (grade)
The most famous brand of food grade stainless steel is AISI 304. AISI 430 and some others are also actively used. In the CIS, an analogue according to GOST is produced - austenitic steel 08Х18Н10. It is not afraid not only of rust, but also of the effects of acids and alkalis on the surface. There is a possibility of heating to high temperatures. With short-term thermal exposure, the properties of the metal do not change. This brand does not exhibit ferromagnetic properties.
For example, if a sheet of food-grade stainless steel is heated to +600°C, it will not lose its resistance to external influences and oxidative processes. It contains a significant amount of chromium. It is this that ensures safety when in contact with acids, water, and other aggressive, slightly aggressive and non-aggressive liquid media.
If you need to buy high-quality products, you can do it at the Regional House of Metal company. Our catalog and price lists show product prices. Managers will provide you with additional information by phone.
Source: http://RDMetall.ru/pischevaya-nerzhaveyuschaya-stal/
What is food grade stainless steel
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At the beginning of the twentieth century, a unique property of steel with a high chromium content was discovered - the ability to resist corrosion. This discovery led to revolutionary changes in industry. Any corrosion-resistant steel began to be called stainless. Almost immediately, experiments began on the use of such steels in the food industry. However, food grade stainless steel gained real popularity only towards the end of the twentieth century.
Concept - food grade stainless steel
Food grade stainless steel is a highly alloyed metal that is extremely resistant to corrosion processes due to the addition of the chemical substance chromium to its structure. The basic concept - food grade stainless steel - will directly depend on the conditions and area of use.
Using food grade stainless steel
This material is very widely used in the food industry (in food production areas). Since equipment and various pipelines during the production of food products are often exposed to the negative effects of an aggressive environment.
For example, when servicing equipment, sulfamic acid or caustic soda is used, with temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius, this material is simply irreplaceable.
In such cases, the most applicable steel grade is AISI 316, which is resistant to the most severe effects of aggressive environments. In domestic conditions, the most commonly used brand is AISI 304, due to the elimination of the negative effects of solutions containing chlorine.
The determining factor in whether a particular grade of steel is suitable for a particular application is a simple test to determine its resistance to corrosion. To do this, place the metal in 2% vinegar for several days and if the material does not darken, it means it is resistant to corrosion.
Checking food grade stainless steel
When using food-grade stainless steel at home, you can also check its suitability for a specific application. To do this, you will need to thoroughly clean the stainless steel surfaces with fine sandpaper, applying a few drops of a highly concentrated solution of copper sulfate and wait 5 minutes. If the steel surface turns red, this is a sure sign that this material is not food grade stainless steel.
To accurately determine the chemical composition of a given product and its technical grade, a special device is used - a spectrometer. It will detect the presence of foreign impurities, thanks to which it will be possible to determine the suitability of a given product for a particular application.
Food grade stainless steel meets all sanitary and epidemiological requirements and has a quality certificate, making it considered an environmentally friendly material. Since the chemical composition of all grades of this steel is the same, these products can be successfully used in the food industry and in domestic conditions without harm to health.
Source: https://www.otdelochnik24.ru/2016/09/21/ponyatie-pishchevaya-nerzhaveyka/
