In this series, we discuss the importance of stainless steel, its upkeep and the outweighing benefits that this material has in healthcare foodservice operations.

 

Many of us have seen or used stainless steel products. This popular iron and chromium alloy is found in infrastructure, buildings, art and yes — you guessed it — foodservice.

More than 41.9 million metric tons of stainless steel were produced in 2022. The corrosion-resistant material has found a home in healthcare foodservice operations due to its durability, resistance to high temperatures and hygienic purposes.

 

Stainless steel, what’s the big deal?

Why stainless-steel grades matter

Each grade of stainless steel is grouped into a numerical series, with 300 and 400 series being the most common. The 300 series is considered austenitic. The 400 series is split between ferritic and martensitic.

Austenitic grade steel is more likely to be found in foodservice equipment due to its strength and versatility. Its high chromium and nickel content make this grade the most durable and corrosion-resistant compared to its counterparts.

Martensitic grades can withstand high temperatures enough to be hardened by heat, making it perfect for cutlery and multipurpose tools where hardness, strength and resistance are necessary.

How does Aladdin Temp-Rite incorporate stainless steel into their products?

More than 98% of Aladdin Temp-Rite’s equipment is composed of stainless steel. Our products consist of either 300 (austenitic) or 400 (martensitic) stainless steel.

Nearly all our external stainless-steel surfaces have a brushed finish, creating a more polished appearance than an unfinished surface. Though our products aren’t always in front of the end-user or patient, having this seamless finish eliminates concern about the visibility of minor wear and tear.

As our internal stainless-steel components are largely unseen, they are “mill” finished, meaning there is no effort to improve the look of these elements, as the properties within the same grade are unchanged by the finish applied.

 

Great material, even greater benefits!

By now, you may have already noticed that stainless steel has many useful qualities, but the reasons stainless steel remains high on our list of product materials include:

  • Resistance to corrosion: The ability for stainless steel to endure the elements of water, heat and electricity are critical in healthcare foodservice, both “front-of-the-house” and “back-of-the-house”. This removes the worry of tarnishing and rusting material that could eventually impact patients.
  • Cleanability: As mentioned above, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant which also means harmful bacteria don’t have much of a surface to hide in. This allows users to clean stainless steel products without being overwhelmed by thoughts of bacterial growth impacting patients. Stainless steel can also be efficiently sterilized.
  • Hardness: The hardness of stainless steel prevents surface scratching due to its highly abrasive agents. Externally, this lends a smooth and sanitary look to the final product.
  • Machinability: Stainless steel’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures allows for cold hardening and/or heat curing to suit the intended use. In other words, it can be easily manipulated.
  • Readily available: With 300 stainless steel being the most commonly used grade, it is easy to obtain. This removes the concern of supply chain issues and delays in shipping.
  • Cost-effective: While stainless steel may have a higher investment cost, it saves money long-term due to its longevity. You won’t need to worry about replacing products every couple of years.

 

Keeping it stainless: Aladdin Temp-Rite appliances and products

We like to get it right for our customers the first time. Our stainless-steel equipment is designed, engineered and manufactured in our 350,000-square-foot production plant near Nashville, TN. Manufacturing our products exclusively in the United States expands efficiencies while cutting labor costs and ensuring higher patient satisfaction scores.

Whether it’s by adding an aesthetically pleasing finish, creating long-lasting durability or maximizing product performance, stainless steel creates an output that is unmatched by other materials.

Our patient meal delivery systems products include:

  • Induction heating systems
  • Cold meal systems
  • Advanced meal systems
  • Insulated bases and pellet systems
  • Insulated tray systems

Patient meal delivery carts products include:

  • Meal delivery carts and accessories
  • Advanced meal system carts
  • Insulated tray system carts

Tray assembly and storage products include:

  • Drying and storage equipment
  • Dispensing equipment
  • Beverage and utility counters
  • Starter station tables
  • Tray conveyors

Heating and refrigeration products include:

  • Refrigeration equipment
  • Hot food counter and cabinets
  • Dish and base heaters
  • Retherm equipment

Each of the above appliances is constructed with or contains durable, sanitary stainless steel that will last for years, leaving you to focus less on the replacement or maintenance of your products and more on your healthcare foodservice operation.

 

Join us in our next article as we take you through the process of caring for stainless steel products.