Advantages & Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Countertops

Advantage: Cleaning

• Stainless steel is a nonporous material; if it is clean, germs can not grab hold and stay. Because of this, stainless is odor-free. Keeping it clean, so germs can not lodge, requires basic cleaners, such as vinegar and baking soda. And it dries quickly. The nonporous property of stainless also prevents rust, as water will not stain it and it will not discolor.

Advantage: Durabiity

• Stainless counter tops will not chip and the edges will not peel away from a base. These counter tops are usually constructed of one piece of metal; if seams are necessary, they are almost invisible when joined professionally. Heat does not mar or damage stainless, making it well suited for counter tops near stoves. It does not burn and is considered inflammable in normal household circumstances.

Advantage: Style

• Stainless reflects light, making it a desirable surface for dark kitchens and when clean it sparkles -- a feature associated with cleanliness. Edges of stainless counter tops can be rounded or constructed at definite angles, depending on the style of the room. It can be formed to fit any area and there are few size restrictions.

Disadvantages

• This surface can scratch and dent, and both are difficult to remove or repair. Cutting boards are a must; stainless will dull and damage knives quickly. It is noisy. It is a superb conductor of heat and will quickly heat to the temperature of a hot pot placed on the surface. This heat will be held after the pot is removed. Even though heat will not damage the counter top, trivets are recommended as a safety precaution. The most significant disadvantage of stainless counter tops is the cost, as it is at the top of the per-foot price range for kitchen counter tops.