Metal and steel tableware is a popular trend that seems to be on the rise. With an uptick in rustic and natural themes at restaurants, many owners and managers find themselves turning to metal tableware to add a splash of realism to the tabletop. Metal tableware requires a bit more work when it comes to cleaning and storage. Unlike porcelain plates, these items can’t be put in the dishwasher for a quick rinse. In this blog, we’ll take you through the general cleaning rules to ensure your steel and metal pieces are cared for and stored properly, extending their longevity.
Galvanised Steel
Galvanised Steel is one of our most popular stainless steel alternatives. It offers a traditional, rustic look to the tabletop. However, it is not rust-resistant. Before the first use, ensure that you wash the item thoroughly using warm water and soap. Handwash the product after every use, do not put these items in the dishwasher. Once it has been cleaned, dry it immediately with a soft towel. Do not leave to soak as this can lead to corrosion or rusting.
Galvanised steel is a fantastic choice for serving platters and serving buckets. When using galvanised steel products for food presentation, do not allow contact with the food, as this can cause additional damage to the platter or dish. Instead, use greaseproof paper to present food. Also, do not use these items to present liquid-based foods. Proper care of your galvanised steel products results in longevity and ensures your products withstand the test of time.
Vintage Steel
Vintage steel brings an industrial look, perfect for classic Americana menus that focus on BBQ, steaks and burgers. Vintage steel is made from stainless steel with a vintage finish, and unlike galvanised steel, these pieces are safe for direct food contact. Before you use these items, hand wash using warm soapy water. Tarnish is natural and will happen over time, to get rid of tarnish stains, use a metal polish and soft cloth to buff out any stains.
Certain vintage steel pieces feature brass accents, such as the Mini Casserole Dishes and Oval Dishes. These pieces require a little more attention as brass can rust and tarnish over time. Careful handwashing and polishing can remove most of these stains, but please note that tarnishing for brass is natural. To further preserve your products, do not use industrial detergents on these items, and do not scrub with abrasive sponges. Also, never leave these items to soak or put them in the microwave.
Coated Vintage Steel
An expansion of the Vintage Steel pieces, Coated Vintage Steel adds a polished touch to the industrial look. We stock both Gold Steel and Black Steel. These items are made from stainless steel and feature a durable PVD coating, making it safe for direct food contact. The Vintage Gold Steel Serving Cup adds a touch of class while still remaining faithful to the rustic look. Similarly, the Vintage Black Steel Hammered Serving Cup is a great dark alternative for moody and atmospheric settings. Proper care of these items ensures a long life and value for money!
As mentioned before, these products should be washed by hand before the first use, and after every use. Ensure the items are completely dry afterwards, using a soft cloth and do not leave them to air-dry. Make sure you aren’t scrubbing at these items as this can cause damage to the coating and lead to scratches. Also, don’t use these products with direct heat or flames.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is one of the most commonly used materials for tableware thanks to its durability and robustness. However, even the best stainless steel products need looking after to keep them looking their best.
Stainless steel is described as being rust-resistant, which is true to an extent, but it still needs proper care to maintain the highest level of rust resistance. If the product is starting to show signs of rust, rub it gently with a metal polish and a clean, soft cloth. Also, do not leave stainless steel items to soak, this will lead directly to rusting. Depending on the product and metal compounds, the item may be dishwasher safe, but check the product information before putting anything in the dishwasher.
Coated Stainless Steel
Iron, rust and black-coated stainless steel products are increasingly popular alternatives to simple stainless steel.
Coated stainless steel items provide a slightly rustic look and make great individual additions, for example, the Black Stainless Steel Ramekin. Before use, make sure you wash the product thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Do not scrub these items with abrasive or metal sponges when cleaning, and do not leave them to air dry. Unlike stainless steel, these items are not dishwasher safe and should only ever be hand-washed.
Stainless Steel Drinkware
Stainless steel is a popular choice for kettles, especially large catering kettles.
Stainless steel is popular due to its durable properties, but even the strongest kettle requires cleaning to keep it in service. As with other stainless steel products, it should be hand-washed with warm, soapy water. For stubborn stains on the exterior, you can use baking soda paste to gently them out. To descale the interior, there are a few different methods that can be used.
Vinegar Method:
- Fill the kettle halfway with equal parts white vinegar and boiling water.
- Let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) to loosen the limescale.
- Pour out the solution and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Rinse the kettle with another boiling water refill to remove any vinegar smell.
Baking Soda Method:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to the kettle.
- Fill with boiling water.
- Let the kettle cool, then gently scrub the inside with a non-abrasive brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry.
Lemon Juice Method:
- Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to the kettle.
- Fill with boiling water.
- Let the solution sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Copper & Brass Coated
We have a wide range of copper and brass-coated products which bring a level of elegance to the tabletop. In particular, our copper plated hammered ramekins and copper plated hammered Handi’s are bestsellers for copper. The brass plated mini frying pans and brass hammered double walled Karahi’s are also fantastic choices. As pretty as these pieces look, they require a little bit of elbow grease to keep them looking their best.
To start with, both brass & copper-plated/coated items need to be hand-washed. They should not be put in the dishwasher; this will ruin the shine and plating and result in a poor-looking product. Always use a soft sponge when cleaning and do not scrub the product. Dry these items immediately after washing to prevent rust and water stains. When it comes to removing tarnishes, there are a few methods that help with stains.
- Lemon and Salt: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side. Rub the lemon and salt over the tarnished areas. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately.
- Vinegar and Salt Paste: Mix equal parts vinegar and salt to form a paste. Apply the paste to the tarnished areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
As always, ensure your products are thoroughly washed before using them for food service. Brass is prone to tarnish, and there may be stubborn stains that are hard to get rid of. If this occurs, a commercial brass cleaner can be used for these.
Storage
Metal tableware, no matter the metal compound or plating, should always be stored in a cool, dry area. Brass and copper especially should be stored out of direct sunlight, as this will ruin the metal. It’s good practice to keep your tableware out of sunlight to keep the metal shining. Avoid storing different types of metals together, as this can cause discolouration. If you're stacking your tableware, use soft liners between each piece to prevent scratches.
Shop With Cooksmill
With such a wide range of metal and steel tableware available, we’re your one-stop shop for whatever industrial additions you’re looking for. Cooksmill also offers free shipping on larger orders over £60 (excluding VAT), so take a look at our wide range today and find something that really sets you apart from the crowd!
