What Is 18/0 Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a staple in our everyday life. It can come in many forms like cutlery in hotels, restaurants, catering services, or kitchenware in your kitchen.
One of the most common types of stainless steel is 18/0 stainless steel. Looking through the variety of stainless steel flatware, you may easily come across the number 18/0 and wonder what these numbers mean.
Though it seems like a mystery, it is a convenient instruction for customers. Breaking the code and learning the meaning behind this number can help us understand our flatware and make better use of them.
What Is 18/0 Stainless Steel Steel Mean?
18/0 stainless steel is one the most common types of stainless steel together with 18/8 stainless steel and 18/10 stainless steel.
The number in all of these types indicates the composition of the stainless steel and helps customers to identify different types of stainless steel. Particularly, “18/0” means the steel consists of 18% of chromium and 0% of nickel respectively.
Chromium is the metal that gives the flatware durability over time. Thus, chromium is also a great coat to protect the stainless steel against oxygen, which makes the metal a great material for kitchenware and cutlery.
Nickel is the expensive property that resists corrosion and gives the stainless steel its shine and its resemblance with silver flatware. The higher percentage of nickel in stainless steel means the shinier and more polished look the flatware has.
We know the number, now what? Shopping for kitchenware and flatware made of stainless steel can be a challenge if you do not know the difference between these types of stainless steel.
Hence, here is a list of pros and cons of 18/0 stainless steel that can help you decide on the right type of stainless steel.
18/0 Stainless Steel: Durability, Sanitation, Convenience
Compared to other common types of stainless steel, 18/0 stainless steel is the most affordable since it does not contain nickel. Thus, since it contains the same percentage of chromium as the others, 18/0 stainless steel has the same durability as others.
18% of chromium also makes 18/0 stainless steel a good material for kitchenware as it protects food from oxygen and the invasion of bacteria.
Flatware made of 18/0 stainless steel is safe and convenient to use in the dishwasher. With its durability, sanitation, and low price, this type of stainless steel makes affordable kitchenware and is perfectly suitable for everyday use.
If you don’t care about your kitchenware being stained easily, 18/0 stainless steel kitchenware is the way to go.
Things To Consider When Choosing 18/0 Stainless Steel
If you are looking for polished and shiny cutlery like that of the restaurants, cutlery made from 18/0 stainless steel is not at all a good choice. The lack of nickel makes these stainless steel stains easily, which makes it an ill-choice for fine dining restaurants or any settings where you want to impress your guests.
For restaurants or important dinner parties, you should opt for cutlery made from stainless steel that has a higher content of nickel like the 18/10 and 18/8 types. They would be a bit more expensive, but they will surely impress your guests.
Here is a video from Home Insider about the best stainless steel pans to help you decide on your stainless steel kitchenware purchase:
FAQs
People also have many questions regarding this material. This section will answer the five frequently asked questions about this material to give you a better idea about its use and application.
Is it stainless?
The chromium atoms of stainless steel binding closely with oxygen atoms create a strong resistance against rust. Hence, stainless steel is considered to be stainless.
However, in the case of 18/0 stainless steel, unfortunately, since it contains no nickel, it cannot protect itself from stains entirely. You may detect some marks on your cooking pot after using it for a while and that is completely normal. However, if you handle it with care, you can protect your kitchenware from stains.
Can I use this type of stainless steel for a long time?
Since 18/0 stainless steel is durable and can protect itself from corrosion, yes, you can use it for a long time.
Is stainless steel better than other materials?
In terms of rust resistance and stain resistance, yes, it is better than other materials. In the case of 18/0 stainless steel, it also makes great kitchenware because it can protect the sanitary of your food.
Thus, it is safe to use 18/0 stainless steel in the dishwasher, which makes life much more convenient.
How do I handle 18/0 stainless steel?
Store stainless steel and other metals separately in your kitchen. In damp environments, stainless steel can bring about galvanic corrosion in other metals. Although stainless steel remains unaffected by this corrosion, keeping it in a separate place can protect your other tools from corrosion.
Is 18/0 stainless steel recyclable and environmentally friendly?
Yes. If you are conscious about the environment, stainless steel is the way to go.
According to AERO Manufacturing Company producing stainless steel, everything made from 18/0 stainless steel or any kind of stainless steel is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Hence, you do not have to worry about the environment while using them.
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Conclusion
Now you know what the number means and its application in your daily life. You have had all the information you need to purchase your 18/0 stainless steel kitchenware and cutlery wisely. Go apply your knowledge and spread it to others so that the number on stainless steel is no longer a mystery.
