What Is Stainless Steel? Is It the Best Vent Hoods Material?

Stainless steel is used all over the kitchen, but do you even know what it is or how it's made? Learn all about the properties of stainless steel.

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Stainless steel is a material found in almost every kitchen worldwide, from homes to restaurants and everything in between. But what exactly is stainless steel?

This post will teach you about stainless steel, how it is made, and the advantages of using it in the kitchen.

Stainless steel is an iron alloy that resists rust and corrosion. It must have at least 11% chromium, but it can also have other elements like carbon. Stainless steel is very commonly used in kitchen appliances, including range hoods.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is an iron alloy that resists rust and corrosion. It must have at least 11% chromium, but it can also have other elements like carbon

Image of several stainless steel tubes and pipes. Source: adobe stock
Image of several stainless steel tubes and pipes. Source: adobe stock

 Stainless steel is completely and infinitely recyclable. it is also harmless to the environment, and its durability means it meets sustainable building needs. Also, it doesn’t give off compounds that could change its structure when it comes in contact with things like water.

In addition to being good for the environment, stainless steel looks good, is very clean, is easy to keep up, is very strong, and has many other benefits. As a result, stainless steel can be found in many everyday objects. It is also important in many other fields, such as energy, transportation, building, research, medicine, food, and logistics.

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My favorite range hood (at the moment):

COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood

What is stainless steel? Is it the best vent hoods material? | 71ddmbmvgwl. Ac sl1500 | range hood homeland
My favorite range hood (at the moment):

COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood

This is one of the best hoods available at this price point. Reasonably strong CFM for the cost, and it has received rave reviews (over 3,800 reviews!). It looks great, and the LED lights provide a pleasant brightness. For the price, its performance and style are outstanding. Highly recommended!

How stainless steel is made

How steel is shaped, worked, and finished significantly determines how it looks and performs. This is because you must first produce the molten alloy before producing a deliverable steel product. As a result, most steel grades follow similar starting processes.

In an electric arc furnace (EAF), manufacturing stainless steel begins by melting scrap metals and additives. Then, using high-power electrodes, the EAF heats the metals for many hours to make a fluid mixture that is molten fluid.

Because stainless steel can be used repeatedly, up to 60% of many orders are made of recycled steel. This has the added advantage of lowering operational costs and having a lower environmental impact. Exact temperatures will vary based on the grade of steel created. Iron’s hardness and strength are enhanced by carbon.

However, too much carbon may be a problem. This occurs when carbide precipitates during welding. Before casting molten stainless steel, its carbon content must be calibrated to the right level.

The different types of stainless steel

Stainless steel comes in a variety of types and grades that are used in a variety of industries around the world. The two most common premium-grade stainless steel sheets used in kitchen appliances are 430 and 304. While both can produce high-quality products resistant to corrosion and rust, some significant differences exist.

304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is high-quality steel used in outdoor applications that need extra protection against moisture to stop rust and corrosion and keep a sharp, new look for decades. Some 304 stainless applications have improved corrosion resistance over a wide temperature range, including desalination plants, sewage treatment plants, offshore oil rigs, harbor supports, and ship propellers.

Because of its corrosion resistance, premium-grade 304 stainless steel is used in appliances and hardware that will be in constant contact with water. It also has a faint yellow color, giving it a more upscale appearance. This is standard in most outdoor range hoods. Among the advantages of 304 stainless steel are:

Highly corrosion-resistant—used primarily in humid environments where steel can quickly oxidize (making it excellent for outdoor range hoods).

  • Initially non-magnetic until cold worked.
  • It is heat resistant due to the presence of chromium and nickel.
  • Because of its tastelessness and corrosion resistance, it is used in the food industry.
  • Handled and welded with ease.
  • Stronger than the majority of materials.

430 Stainless Steel

Well-known high-end kitchen appliance brands such as Wolf, Thermador, Viking, and Proline’s industrial quality range hoods use this premium-grade stainless steel in professional kitchens.

Compared to other steel finishes, 430-grade stainless steel, which is used in most professional kitchen range hoods, offers the following benefits:

  • Higher corrosion resistance—used in professional kitchens where intense scrubbing and sanitizing are required.
  • Superior heat resistance due to 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This makes it ideal for use with induction ranges and cooktops that generate high heat levels.
  • Premium stainless steel grade, which is used in kitchen appliances.
  • Exceptional brushed finish.
  • Only cold work and heat treatment can harden it.
  • Magnetic
  • If corrosion is stopped early, it can be polished and restored to its original finish.
  • Resistance to acidic corrosion caused by organic substances produced during cooking
  • Resistance to atmospheric corrosion

What is stainless steel gauge?

People appear to be most perplexed by stainless steel gauges. In many cases, we believe that a higher number is preferable. As a result, it is natural for people to believe that a heavier gauge of steel is superior.

The gauge of stainless steel refers to its thickness. Again, higher numbers may lead you to believe that the steel is thicker. However, lower numbers indicate thicker metal sheets. As a result, 14 gauge stainless steel is far more durable than 22 gauge steel.

Lighter gauge steel, for example, may be adequate for a small hand sink. However, heavier gauge steel will be required for larger, deeper sinks.

Benefits of using stainless steel kitchen appliances

Below are some benefits of having a stainless steel range hood in your kitchen.

1. Resistant to stains and corrosion

Range hoods made of stainless steel are very resistant to rust and stains. This is because chromium is added to stainless steel, giving it unique properties.

2. Ability to “self-heal.”

The ability of the stainless steel range hood to heal itself is its distinguishing feature. Because of the chromium content, a chromium oxide film forms on the steel range hood. When the damaged stainless steel hood is exposed to oxygen, it begins healing.

3. Suitable for hygiene conditions

Because of the invisible layer of chromium oxide that protects stainless steel kitchen hoods, making them stain and corrosion-resistant, a stainless steel range hood is also an excellent choice for hospitals and other hygiene-conscious environments.

4. More power and less weight

One significant advantage of using stainless steel kitchen vent hoods over other metal range hoods is the significant strength-to-weight advantage. They are lighter than other metals, making them an excellent choice for your kitchen.

5. Long-lasting and scratch resistant

Stainless steel range hoods don’t stain or rust and don’t get scratched easily when they bump into things.

6. Germ-Resistant

As a range hood metal, stainless steel is non-porous, which means it resists germs and bacteria. This makes it a great choice for homes with children and pets.

7. It fits into any decor

Stainless steel matches just about any home decor setup. So you can rest assured your appliance will match your home.

If you want even more tips, check out this video called The Four Types of Steel (Part 4: Stainless Steel) | Metal Supermarkets from the Metal Supermarkets YouTube Channel.

A video called The Four Types of Steel (Part 4: Stainless Steel) | Metal Supermarkets from the Metal Supermarkets YouTube Channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about stainless steel.

Which is stronger, 18 gauge or 20 gauge stainless steel?

Thicker steel corresponds to smaller numbers. For example, the metal gauge of 18 would be superior to that of 20.

What grade of stainless steel does not rust?

The 304 option has been tested for its durability against rust and oxidation and comes in a wide range of aesthetic and functional finishes. Stainless steel 304 is used in many common items, such as cookware, water tanks, and hardware.

Does WD-40 remove rust from stainless steel?

WD-40 may be removed using WD-40 from iron, chromium, and stainless steel without scratching or chipping the surface. The Multi-Use Product works well to loosen and remove extra surface rust.

Conclusion

After going through all the information, you will now understand the different types of stainless steel. Different materials are made from different metals, but stainless steel has become one of the most popular choices because it lasts for a long time.

Key takeaways

  • Stainless steel is an iron alloy that resists rust and corrosion.
  • It must have at least 11% chromium, but it can also have other elements like carbon.
  • The gauge of stainless steel refers to its thickness.
  • Stainless steel comes in a variety of types and grades that are used in a variety of industries.

So, how many stainless appliances do you own? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on kitchen ventilation. Thanks for reading, and stay safe.

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Written by Roger Harris, Staff Writer

Hey there! My name is Roger, and I've been selling range hoods for over six years. I now run this blog all about range hoods and kitchen ventilation! If you're looking for a new range hood for your kitchen, this is the place for you.

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Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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