{"id":3812,"date":"2018-05-02T10:52:05","date_gmt":"2018-05-02T14:52:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smokinlicious.com\/blog\/?p=3812"},"modified":"2021-10-01T13:02:18","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T17:02:18","slug":"does-outdoor-kitchen-stainless-steel-rust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smokinlicious.com\/blog\/does-outdoor-kitchen-stainless-steel-rust\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Kitchen Units- Does Stainless Steel Rust?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Outdoor Kitchen<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Does Stainless Steel Rust<\/strong><\/h2>\n

& What Does it Mean for Your Outdoor Kitchen?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\"outdoor

Outdoor kitchen photo courtesy of Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Outdoor Kitchen Units & Appliances:<\/em><\/h2>\n

Does stainless steel rust? This is a common question asked by many.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

by Linda Colon<\/h4>\n

Our Guest blogger discusses Stainless Steel, does stainless steel rust in outdoor appliances. Tips on how to care for stainless steel outdoor kitchen units. She explains active metals and passive metals in stainless steel grill and to avoid hard water, wire brushes, steel pads and only use non-abrasive cleaning tools.<\/p>\n

Myth:<\/strong> Stainless steel does not rust.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Myth Busted: Unfortunately, stainless steel is susceptible to rusting.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here is a little background to help you understand why this myth has created confusion for the metals world.<\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s take a look at the difference between active and passive metals. Metals such as iron and steel easily corrode \u2013 showing yellow or orange rust \u2013 within the natural environment and are called active metals.<\/p>\n

The two grades of stainless steel most referenced in relation to outdoor environments are 304 and 316L, also known as marine-grade stainless steel. Their numbers are determined by their alloy composition. Unlike the active metals mentioned above, stainless steel is referred to as passive because it contains other metals including chromium. For a material to be considered stainless steel, at least 10.5% of the make-up must be chromium. Additional alloys typically include nickel, titanium, aluminum, copper, nitrogen, phosphorous, selenium and molybdenum. The\u00a0key difference between the 304 and the 316L<\/a> is the addition of molybdenum in the 316L. It is the molybdenum that enhances corrosion resistance in environments rich in salt air and chloride \u2013 giving 316L the moniker of \u201cmarine grade\u201d stainless steel.<\/p>\n

It is also important to note that stainless steel is not stain proof; it’s stainless. As such, regardless of whether you use 304 or 316L exposed stainless-steel cabinetry<\/a> and appliances requires maintenance. The addition of molybdenum (in marine grade stainless steel) only delays corrosion, it does not stop it.<\/p>\n

The chromium contained within stainless steel creates an invisible passive film covering the steel surface and shielding against corrosion. As long as the invisible film \u2013 or passive layer \u2013 remains intact, the metal remains stainless and corrosion resistant.<\/p>\n

However, three things can break down this film:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Mechanical abrasion \u2013 steel pads, wire brushes and scrapers will scratch the steel surface.<\/li>\n
  2. Water \u2013 depending on where you live, your water can be hard or soft. Hard water may leave spots and, when heated, leave deposits behind. These can break down the passive layer leaving the stainless steel to rust. Be sure to remove deposits from food preparation and service.<\/li>\n
  3. Chlorides \u2013 are found everywhere including in water, food and table salt. Household and industrial cleaners contain some of the worst chlorides!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    There are many types of corrosion that affect stainless steel metals. Corrosion mechanisms fall into five different categories; pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, galvanic corrosion, stress-corrosion Cracking, and general corrosion.<\/p>\n