Stainless Steel Countertops Pros and Cons List

If you are trying to decide on counter-tops this list will help to educate you on whether or not stainless steel should be on your consideration list. So many people focus on granite and Formica forgetting that professional kitchens have stainless steel. Here is a look at some of the pros and cons of having stainless steel countertops.

List of Pros of Stainless Steel Countertops

1. Resilient.
Not only will cooking in your kitchen become a surreal experience because you will feel like a professional chef but these counter-tops are resilient and will take the bumps and bangs without flinching. They are sturdy and used in professional environments making them an excellent choice. It is resistant to heat and water so you can place the hottest of pans and have a major spill with no worries.

2. Beauty.
It seems like everyone has stainless steel appliances so adding stainless steel counter-tops is a no brainer. The entire kitchen matches and looks like a professional chef’s dream. Metal is neutral so you can change your decor every week and it will never go out of style.

3. Cleanliness.
The non-porous surface allows for easy cleaning and eliminates the possibility of bacteria, mold or germs to find a home. They are not only easily cleaned but it is easy to tell if they are not clean. This is a pro or a con depending on how you view it.

List of Cons of Stainless Steel Countertops

1. Noise.
There is a lot of noise associated with having stainless steel counter-tops so unless your kitchen is removed from your entertainment area you may want to consider another option. The chopping sound can ring for quite some distance so you may want to get a sample piece as a tester before taking the plunge.

2. Dents.
Stainless steel will dent if it is not installed with a strong wooden base. The harder the wood the stronger the base. A chopping block should always be used to keep the surface from being scratched and dented.

3. Smudges.
Stainless steel may not be the ideal option for people with small children because every fingerprint shows on the surface. You may end up cleaning more often than you would like. When you do clean make sure that you use low impact cleaners or just soapy water. Dry the surface and keep it dry to avoid water spots.

4. Price.
If you are considering stainless steel make sure your wallet can handle it. They are very pricey as far as counter-top options and can cost as much as $150 per square foot. This is triple the cost of granite installed so unless you have money to burn or nothing else will do this may not be for you.