Carbon Steel vs. Stainless Steel: Which Reigns Supreme?
Carbon & stainless steel are the two most popular steels in the entire world with no slowing down in sight. Naturally, the question of which one is the superior metal will come up. In particular, which type of steel is the better fit for a foodservice environment? We’ll break it down for you.
In this article, we’ll compare & contrast carbon & stainless steel. We’ll also give you the ultimate answer on which material is better suited for the foodservice industry. Let the games begin.
About Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is made up primarily of carbon & iron. Its advantages are that it is cheaper to manufacture & purchase yet strong enough to use in projects thanks to its high carbon content. However, corrosion resistance is the biggest disadvantage as it lacks the important chromium element, a superior anti-rusting agent. In fact, carbon steel has ZERO corrosion resistance, so take that into consideration.
Typically, carbon steel is suitable for piping, machine parts, & mid-large sized industrial equipment such as boilers. Overall, carbon steel is a budget friendly option that is versatile when used in specific applications.
About Stainless Steel
Stainless steel offers the big advantage of durability but is much more expensive overall. As hinted above, stainless steel is mixed with chromium. Therefore, stainless steel is a better choice for environments that see a great amount of moisture. Even if stainless steel does manage to get scratched, the corrosion resistance is still intact around the affected area. Stainless steel is also naturally hygienic & easier to clean.
Hence, stainless steel is better suited for major food service equipment such as floor troughs, cabinets & worktables due to the better rust resistance.
And the Winner is…
For the food service industry, stainless steel is the better choice. The superior corrosion-resistant properties put it over the top in the end.
Furthermore, stainless steel is more aesthetically pleasing than carbon steel. Stainless steel has that shiny, bright, silver color while carbon steel has a dull, dark gray surface.
IMC/Teddy manufactures all its equipment from Type 304 stainless steel. The anti-rust properties of stainless steel are a major positive when using it in the food service industry. With the inherent long service life, you will not have to worry about replacements or malfunctions. For IMC’s full range of stainless steel products, click here.
