LOOK FOR THIS MARK

At last stainless steel gets the recognition it deserves – a mark to call its own.

It looks stunning, it’s ultra-hygienic, extremely durable and 100% recyclable and is the choice of professional chefs the world over. We’re talking stainless steel – the material that has dominated kitchen design over the last few years. But when faced with an array of shiny saucepans or silvery finish appliances would you be able to tell the difference between the real thing and an imposter?

Our research showed, probably not. That’s why the Stainless Steel Appeal has launched a mark – the Stainless Steelmark – which is being adopted by leading brand manufacturers and retailers who want to assure consumers that they are buying authentic stainless steel.

So, next time you go shopping for stainless steel products for your home look out for the Stainless Steelmark – your guarantee that you are buying the real thing and not some shiny imitation.

For a free copy of our ‘Look for this Mark’ leaflet simply complete the form below and press send:

Beauty & Performance

Stainless steel not only looks good on the outside, its tough properties mean that it meets strict performance standards too. That’s why the catering industry and professional cooks swear by stainless steel - because it’s one of the most hygienic materials available.

Stainless steel is self healing – which means that should you scratch its surface its natural protective oxide layer will re-form immediately, helping to preserve its gleaming good looks.

It’s anti-corrosive too. Acids and salts found in foods don’t damage stainless steel, provided the surfaces are washed and wiped dry after use, and because of its smooth neutral surface it won’t absorb smells, transfer a metallic taste or stain easily.

What’s more, stainless steel can withstand extremes of heat and cold, as well as sudden temperature changes - so it will take the shocks and knocks of everyday living in its stride!

No wonder stainless steel is the material used when performance is paramount.

Of course you shouldn't just make stainless steel your number one choice in the home because of it stunning good looks and durability.

Stainless steel is environmentally friendly too. It's 100% recyclable and there is no limit restricting how many times it can be recycled.

Additionally the long life of stainless steel contributes to minimising the demand on our resources simply because you don't need to replace household items as often.

However, when you do need to replace your old stainless steel kettles, toasters, saucepans and even kitchen sinks, do your bit for the environment by taking them to your local tip, where you should find a collection point for scrap ferrous metal.

Through the Metal Maze

If your knowledge of metals is a bit misty, here’s a quick run down from the Stainless Steel Appeal to help you find your way through the metal maze.

Stainless Steel
Invented by Harry Brearley, who on August 20th 1913 made his first cast of stainless steel, this beautiful and high performance material is a popular choice around the home.

Stainless steel is made from iron, carbon and chromium. Often nickel is added to improve the corrosion resistance and formability.
The beauty of the metal is that it ages gracefully. It doesn’t chip, crack, fade or rust and it actually works miracles – so when you scratch the surface the natural protective layer will reform. This makes it a hygienic choice too.

Chromium
As indicated above, chromium is one of the essential alloying elements in stainless steel. In fact, it is the ‘ingredient’ which makes stainless steel ‘stainless’.

Chromium has a lustrous silvery colour which it imparts to stainless steel and also to various electroplated finishes often referred to as ‘chrome plate’. In such finishes, the chromium layer consists of a thin coating on top of a much thicker layer of nickel. Chromium provides the hardness and bright lustre, while the nickel sub-layer improves coating uniformity and corrosion resistance.
Nickel-chromium plated products are attractive alternatives to stainless steel for products that are not subject to appreciable wear, such as bathroom fittings. Once damaged, however, the coating cannot easily be repaired.

Silver Plating
Hs the rich, warm colour characteristic of solid silver, but tarnishes quickly in the air, requiring regular cleaning. It doesn’t rust but can, over years of cleaning lose its silver surface exposing the base metal beneath. Popular silver plated products include cutlery and tea services.

Zinc
Is another metal mainly found as a coating, rather than as a solid metal, although zinc alloy die-castings are still sometimes used for door and window fittings. Zinc-coated or ‘galvanised’ steel products are usually strong but have a dull-grey appearance. They are extensively used for utility products outdoors but never used for cookware and have little, if any, utility in the kitchen or on the dining room table. However, if grandmother’s galvanised washtub or bucket has survived it will serve as a reminder of a material once commonplace in early kitchens. A zinc finish is sometimes seen in certain types of ‘wrought-iron’ look furniture.

Aluminium
Is normally found as an alloy rather than as a pure metal. Its light weight and excellent heat conductivity once made it a popular choice for all kinds of cookware. It has the disadvantage of being soft in thin sections and is easily dented. Aluminium is a reactive metal and tests have shown that it may be attacked when used to cook highly acidic foods such as rhubarb and certain kinds of fruit.