Stainless Steel Equipment Selection Guide: Why Does It Dominate Commercial Kitchens?

You will immediately notice the dominance of silver, and this is not by chance or merely for decoration. The right investment begins with choosing stainless steel equipment that can withstand high temperatures, resist rust, and provide a hygienic working environment that prevents bacterial buildup. It’s not just about buying equipment but about quality that ensures continuous operation without unexpected breakdowns. Tervinox offers comprehensive manufacturing solutions, including all central kitchen equipment and preparation and storage units designed to last for many years, using original materials that meet global standards and precisely meet your chefs’ needs.

Do you want to equip your kitchen with equipment that can withstand the toughest working conditions? Contact the Tervinox team today to design the best solutions for your project using top-quality stainless steel.

The Difference Between Stainless Steel 304 and 201 and Which Is Better for Restaurants

When choosing stainless steel equipment for your project, you face two main options that determine the kitchen’s longevity: grade 304 and grade 201. It’s not just about price but also about where the piece will be placed. Stainless steel 304 contains a high percentage of nickel and chromium, making it non-magnetic and highly resistant to rust and corrosion. It is the mandatory health-conscious choice for tables and sinks that come into direct contact with water and food.

In contrast, stainless steel 201 contains less nickel, replaced with manganese, making it cheaper but less resistant to rust. It is recommended only for completely dry areas such as storage shelves far from moisture and steam.

Guide to Buying Stainless Steel Preparation Tables for Central Kitchens

Preparation tables are the backbone of any central kitchen, and purchasing them requires attention to details beyond appearance. For large restaurants, ensure the table is reinforced with lower channels to prevent bending under heavy use or weight. Surface thickness is crucial; we recommend no less than 1.5 mm to endure heavy-duty service.

Other key features:

• Backsplash: Adequate height protects walls from contamination and prevents liquid leakage behind equipment, simplifying daily cleaning and preventing bacterial buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
• Leg durability: Ensure adjustable feet to level on uneven floors.
• Corners and edges: Smooth and finished to prevent injuries during fast movement.
• Lower shelves: Choose tables with shelves to increase storage for heavy pots and save workspace.
• Welding type: TIG welding ensures seamless integration without gaps that trap dirt.

Best Factories for Hotel and Restaurant Equipment in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi market has strict quality standards due to high consumption during Hajj, Umrah, and tourist events. When looking for the best factories, focus on those that comply with SASO standards and use original materials with certified origins.

Excellent factories provide engineering solutions, not just equipment sales, studying workflow before manufacturing. Tervinox understands these requirements, delivering products that endure continuous work pressure, making it a strong competitor in quality and precise delivery.

Tips for choosing a factory:

• Look for factories providing AutoCAD and 3D plans before production to visualize spaces.
• Ensure the factory can supply spare parts and fast maintenance to avoid downtime.
• Professional factories provide genuine warranties on welds and stainless steel rust resistance.
• Review the factory’s experience in supplying five-star hotels or major hospitals.

Do not compromise on the washing area, the first line of defense for food safety. Approved sinks should be made entirely of food-grade stainless steel 304 to prevent reactions with strong chemical detergents. Key features include:

1. Bowl depth: Suitable for large pots (usually over 30 cm) to prevent water spillage and slips.
2. Rounded corners: Prevent food residue buildup that can become bacterial hotspots.
3. Side drain: Angled for automatic water flow to the sink.
4. Drain opening: Wide and equipped with a basket to trap solids and prevent pipe clogs.
5. High backsplash: Protects walls and supports faucet installation.
6. Legs: Square or round, thick enough to support heavy pots and water stably.

Custom Stainless Steel Units for Cafés and Coffee Trucks

Café spaces and food trucks present unique challenges requiring smart use of every centimeter. Customization is better than buying ready-made units. For café stainless steel equipment, design units that combine aesthetics and functionality, such as integrating knock boxes to dispose of coffee grounds directly into the work surface and recessed pitcher rinsers. Custom units allow a stainless steel core to be wrapped in wood or marble to match the café’s identity while maintaining durability against moisture, heat, and heavy barista use.

• Lower storage cabinets with sliding doors save space in narrow truck aisles.
• Concealed wiring and water/drain connections maintain a clean bar appearance.
• Ice bins with strong thermal insulation keep ice from melting for long periods.
• Brushed stainless steel finish reduces visible fingerprints and surface scratches.

Tervinox Equipment Warranties and After-Sales Support

Purchasing equipment is the start of the relationship, not the end. At Tervinox, we offer clear warranties covering manufacturing defects and material quality.

We guarantee the stainless steel used matches the agreed specifications (304 or other) with certified documentation.

After-sales service includes providing original spare parts, sending technicians for inspection, and scheduled maintenance.

Our goal is to keep your kitchen running at 100% efficiency year-round without costly unexpected downtime.

Comprehensive warranty on weld quality and metal structure integrity.

Rapid response to breakdowns to maintain operation during peak times.

Annual and periodic maintenance contracts for central kitchens and hotels at competitive prices.

Free technical support and consulting for future production line upgrades.

Learn About the Four C’s of a Successful Professional Kitchen

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I clean stainless steel surfaces without scratching or dulling them?
Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and mild liquid soap. Avoid coarse scrubbers or chlorine-based cleaners as they damage the protective layer and cause rust.

Does stainless steel gauge thickness really affect equipment performance?
Yes. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker and stronger steel. For heavy-duty commercial kitchens, we recommend gauge 16 or 14 (around 1.5 mm), while gauges 18 and 20 are suitable for lighter use and regular shelving.

What is the expected lifespan of 304 stainless steel kitchen equipment?
With proper maintenance and cleaning, 304 stainless steel equipment can last 15 to 20 years or more while retaining durability and appearance.

Does Tervinox manufacture custom-size ventilation hoods?
Absolutely. We design and manufacture ventilation systems (hoods) to fit your cooking line, providing suitable grease filters to ensure a smoke-free environment.

Can stainless steel be repaired if surface rust appears?
Yes. Superficial rust from improper cleaning can be treated and polished using specialized products to restore the protective layer, provided the original steel is high quality.