Why Stainless Steel is a Food Industry Favourite

Walk into any food factory, kitchen or processing plant and chances are you’ll see a lot of stainless steel. There’s a good reason for it.

But why does the food industry rely on it so much?

Why is Stainless Steel Used in the Food Industry?

It’s strong, easy to clean, and doesn’t rust. That’s the simple answer. But let’s break it down a little more.

Stainless steel doesn’t react with food or cleaning products. It doesn’t absorb smells, stains, or bacteria. It’s safe to use again and again without worry. This makes it ideal in places where cleanliness isn’t just important – it’s essential.

At Unitech, we’ve worked with stainless steel for years. We design and sell stainless steel equipment made for clean, safe environments where hygiene matters most. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and why stainless steel remains the top choice across the board.

So Stainless Steel Doesn’t Rust?

No, not in normal food industry settings.

Stainless steel has chromium in it, which is a natural layer that helps protect it from moisture. When it mixes with air, it creates a thin shield on the surface. That shield stops water and air from eating into the metal.

This is a big deal in food production. Machines and surfaces get washed down often. If you used standard steel, it would rust quickly. Stainless steel holds up much better, even when exposed to hot water, steam or strong cleaners.

And It’s Easy to Clean?

Absolutely – it’s another reason why it’s so popular in food environments. Stainless steel has a smooth surface which makes it harder for bacteria and grime to stick. Wipe it down, rinse it off – and it’s ready to use again.

This helps save time, which is crucial in busy kitchens or large food factories. You can clean and sanitise stainless steel without using harsh methods or extra tools.

Does It Look Clean?

Yes. And that matters more than you might think.

When customers, inspectors or visitors walk through a food facility, they judge what they see. Stainless steel looks clean, sharp, and professional. Even better, it is clean. That gives people confidence in the process and your food products.

Appearance matters in every part of the food chain. From processing to packaging, having clean looking, strong equipment helps keep standards high and worries low.

Why Else Do Food Factories Love Using Stainless Steel?

Of course, hygiene is a huge part of it, but stainless steel brings other benefits too, such as its high durability.

For example, certain materials can crack or flake as they age. If that happens in a food area, it can lead to contamination, which is a real problem. Bits can break off and end up in the product. Stainless steel helps avoid that risk altogether.

And as we alluded to earlier, stainless steel is also non-reactive, so it doesn’t affect the food it touches (no matter what type of food you’re dealing with). We’ve supplied equipment to meat, dairy, fish, fruit and ready meal factories, and stainless steel performs well in all of them.

Long Life, Fewer Problems

In the food industry, equipment gets used all day, every day. If something breaks, it slows everything down.

Stainless steel is designed to last a long time, and it works well for the whole time too.

Even when it’s been used for years, stainless steel doesn’t lose its shape or function. And when it finally does reach the end of its life, it doesn’t need to be thrown away. It can be melted down and used again. It helps to reduce waste and support greener food production.

What Grade of Stainless Steel is Used in the Food Industry?

Not all stainless steel is the same. The food industry usually uses two main grades – 304 and 316.

Grade 304 is the most common. It’s good for general use, such as tables, catering sinks, trolleys and storage units. It handles cleaning agents well and resists most food acids.

Grade 316 has extra protection. It’s used in harsher settings – such as salty or acidic environments. If a factory deals with seafood, vinegar, or strong chemicals, 316 is often the better choice.

Choosing the right grade matters. It affects how long the equipment lasts and how well it performs. Read our guide on the differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel to find out more.

What Equipment Can Be Found in Food Factories?

There’s no shortage of stainless steel in a food production site. You’ll find it in almost every area – from prep areas to packing. Popular equipment includes:

At Unitech, we supply all of these products and more.

Thinking About Buying Your Own Equipment?

If you’re working in a food safe setting and want to improve your workspace, simply get in touch with us today on 01543 675800 or drop us an email – info@unitech.uk.com.