Stainless Steel Countertops Pros and Cons 

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Though stone slab counters still top the market for high end surfaces, as you learn the stainless steel countertops pros and cons, it becomes easier to understand why the metal is gaining ground in popularity.  This material isn’t just for professional chefs anymore, but is being enjoyed by home cooks well outside of the restaurant scene.  So if you were considering stone for your kitchen remodeling, you might want to have a look at the stainless steel countertops pros and cons as you may find yourself changing your mind.

The stainless steel countertops pros and cons: the positives

Starting with the positive side of stainless steel countertops pros and cons, this type of metal surface is the most hygienic and anti-bacterial available in today’s kitchen remodeling marketplace.  They are non porous, free of seams, smooth, and can even be fabricated in a single piece with the sink and backsplash.  This is one of the reasons that they are a top choice in professional kitchens.  They are so easy to clean and maintain that they are ideal as a sterile food prep surface.

The actual cleaning process involves nothing more complex than using a sponge or rag in warm water with soap.  The surface itself is naturally resistant to germs, so this simple effort will be all that is required to make certain that you do not contaminate your family’s food.

That said, another positive point among the stainless steel countertops pros and cons is that this metal is exceptionally durable.  Like natural stone counters such as granite, they are resistant to scratches, chips, and dents, but this material goes above and beyond its stone counterparts.  Though you would harm the sealant on the finish of granite or another stone if you sat a hot pot directly onto it, the solid surface of stainless steel is extremely highly resistant to heat, meaning that you won’t need to worry about taking something out of the oven and sitting it onto the countertop, or accidentally spilling boiling water.  Furthermore, you don’t need to be concerned about stains from oil or foods, nor do they require any additional sealing to protect the finish.  Moreover, though they are metal, they won’t corrode or rust.

Of course, as you consider the stainless steel countertops pros and cons, you can’t overlook the appearance of the counters as a part of your kitchen décor.  They are sleek, modern, and contemporary, and give a crisp, clean finish to a kitchen’s overall look.  They can make a room appear streamlined and professional, and you don’t have to worry about going out of fashion.

Stainless steel countertops pros and cons: the negatives

Though there is a long list of good points among the stainless steel countertops pros and cons, the few less attractive points also need consideration before you invest in the product.  The first is that if you choose a counter with a mirror finish, or another style that has a high shine, then smudges and fingerprints will be highly visible.  That said, you can overcome that problem by choosing surfaces that have a more frosted appearance, such as a brushed finish, for less obvious marks.  If you prefer the mirror finish but can’t stand the smudges, there are a few products on the market that can help you to effectively wipe streaks and marks away.  The most common are liquid sprays and pre-moistened wipes.

The other major downside among the stainless steel countertops pros and cons is the expense. Counters made out of this metal are certainly among the more costly materials.  Typically, they are in the same price range as granite. Also, like granite, a professional will usually need to perform the installation, which also involves an additional fee. That said, because they are so durable and don’t require sealing like natural stone, they are less expensive over time, and are considered by experts to be well worth the additional cost.

After going over the stainless steel countertops pros and cons, you can see why you may have another choice in front of you if you were initially considering a natural stone surface instead.

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