Stainless steel is absolutely everywhere in our kitchens. If you don't have a stainless steel table or Moroccan teapots, you probably have stainless steel pots and pans or other utensils. Have you ever wondered how stainless steel became so universal in the kitchen?
Steel is an amazing material. It's a very strong iron alloy. It doesn't break, bend, or crack easily—it can even scratch—and it remains shiny even after years of use.
Why doesn't stainless steel rust?
Stainless steel is a metal alloy containing approximately 10.5% chromium. When exposed to air, the chromium in the metal forms a layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This film is passive and non-toxic, and most importantly, it prevents the steel from rusting by protecting it from air and moisture. Even if the metal is scratched, the chromium oxide reforms perfectly.
This highlights the excellent properties of stainless steel. Steel is also non-reactive, unlike aluminum and iron, so we can safely use it to prepare and cook acidified foods.
We use stainless steel in our kitchen for durability and versatility.