Brushed Steel Pan: What's The Difference?

Brushed stainless steel pans have a matte, textured finish that is created by lightly sanding the surface and then smoothing it with a non-abrasive pad. This finish gives the cookware a modern and elegant look and does a better job of hiding everyday wear, like scratches or smudges. On the other hand, polished stainless steel pans have a shiny, mirror-like surface that is achieved through hand polishing or the use of specialised machines. While brushed stainless steel is better at concealing wear and tear, both types of pans perform the same way when it comes to cooking. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic.

Brushed steel refers to the finish of steel, whereas stainless steel refers to the type of alloy used

When it comes to cookware, the terms "brushed steel" and "stainless steel" refer to different aspects of the material. Brushed steel refers to the finish of the steel, while stainless steel refers to the type of alloy used.

Brushed Steel Finish:

Brushed steel, also known as brushed stainless steel, has a distinctive finish that gives it a muted lustre and a pattern of parallel lines. This finish is created through a series of friction processes, resulting in a textured appearance. Brushed steel is less reflective than polished or mirrored finishes, but it still has a decorative quality that is often desired in architectural and design elements. One of its advantages is that it conceals fingerprints and other smudges, making it easier to maintain a clean and polished look. However, brushed steel is more susceptible to corrosion and requires regular cleaning to preserve its lustre.

Stainless Steel Alloy:

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is an alloy composed primarily of chromium and nickel. This composition makes stainless steel highly durable and resistant to corrosion. It is often chosen for its strength and adaptability in various applications, including architectural elements and equipment in industries such as oil and gas. Stainless steel also has a sleek appearance, adding an aesthetic dimension to its functional benefits. While it is known for its resistance to staining and ease of cleaning, it is important to note that different grades of stainless steel offer varying properties, and selecting the appropriate grade for a specific application is crucial.

In summary, the choice between brushed steel and stainless steel depends on the specific requirements of your project. Brushed steel offers a unique texture and aesthetic appeal, while stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance and durability. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the ideal selection will depend on the desired balance of functionality and style.

Brushed steel has a matte, non-reflective finish, while polished stainless steel has a shiny, reflective surface

When it comes to cookware, the choice between brushed and polished stainless steel often comes down to aesthetic preferences. Brushed steel has a matte, non-reflective finish, giving it a modern and elegant look. This finish is created by lightly sanding the surface and then smoothing it with a non-abrasive pad, resulting in a subtle texture. On the other hand, polished stainless steel boasts a shiny, mirror-like surface achieved through hand polishing or specialised machines. This classic and timeless finish is prone to showing scratches and fingerprints more easily than brushed steel.

The matte finish of brushed stainless steel naturally conceals minor scratches, smudges, and discolourations, making it more effective at maintaining a cleaner appearance over time. It is a practical choice for those who want their cookware to retain its original look even after years of use. Polished stainless steel, on the other hand, tends to develop a patina over time and may eventually lose its mirror-like shine due to oxidation and abrasion. While proper care can extend the polished look, it requires more maintenance and care than brushed steel.

In terms of functionality, opinions vary on whether the finish of stainless steel cookware impacts performance. Some experts claim that brushed steel provides better food release and is slightly easier to clean due to its textured surface, which prevents food and dirt from sticking as stubbornly. Others argue that the difference is purely aesthetic and that both finishes perform the same. Ultimately, the decision between brushed and polished stainless steel cookware depends on personal preferences for style and maintenance.

Brushed steel is created by friction, using a brush to abrade the surface of the metal

Brushed steel is created by applying friction to the metal's surface, using a brush to abrade and polish it. This process gives brushed steel its distinctive appearance, characterised by small scratches that run in the same direction. The brushing process softens the metal, creating a matte finish that diminishes but does not eliminate its metallic lustre.

There are several methods and tools that can be used to achieve the brushed steel look, each producing a slightly different appearance. For example, the metal can be polished with a fine-bristle brush attached to a wheel that moves in a continuous direction. Alternatively, fine-grit sandpaper, sanding discs, Scotch-Brite® pads, or synthetic steel wool can be used to create the desired effect.

The intensity of the brushed finish is specified as a surface roughness and typically measures between 0.5 and 1.5 micrometres Ra. This process gives brushed steel a unique pattern of very fine lines that run parallel to the brushing direction. The resulting finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as it helps to hide fingerprints and minor blemishes that occur during everyday use.

It is important to note that the brushing process can make the steel more susceptible to corrosion. The brushed texture can accumulate chloride ions, which break down the chromium oxide passivation layer and allow rusting to occur. Therefore, it is often recommended to apply an additional coating, such as acrylic urethane, clear lacquer, wax, or satin, to protect the brushed steel surface from corrosion and random abrasion.

Polished stainless steel is created by buffing out imperfections with a grinding wheel

Polishing stainless steel is a multi-step process that restores the metal's best qualities and gives it a mirror finish. It is achieved by buffing out imperfections with a grinding wheel.

The first step in polishing stainless steel is to clean and prepare the surface. This involves removing any sticky residue with acetone or alcohol and then cleaning the surface with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. It is important to avoid using steel wool or anything else that could damage the stainless steel. Once the surface is clean, it is necessary to level out any rough areas using sandpaper in the 80-120 grit range. This step helps to remove any weld beads or blemishes on the surface. After levelling, the surface is cleaned again to remove any residual contaminants.

The next step is to start buffing the stainless steel. This process requires the use of a power sander or a grinding wheel to gradually smooth out the surface. The recommended grit progression for buffing stainless steel is 240, 400, 600, and 1200. A higher grit of 2000 can be used for a mirror finish. It is important to move the sander or grinding wheel at a 90-degree angle to any noticeable scratches and to change the direction with each change in grit. The buffing process continues until the stainless steel piece has an even, satiny finish.

The final step in polishing stainless steel is to apply a polishing compound using a buffing wheel or pad. This step helps to remove any remaining scratches or imperfections and gives the stainless steel a shiny, mirror-like surface. It is important to use a buffing compound designed for stainless steel, such as green rouge or white rouge, and to work the compound into the surface slowly and carefully to avoid overdoing it.

Polishing stainless steel not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides several other benefits. It improves the metal's surface quality, reduces corrosion by smoothing out crevices, and removes even invisible contaminants from the surface. While the process is time-consuming, it is the best way to restore the original shine and durability of stainless steel items.

Brushed steel is more resistant to fingerprints, smudging, and scratching than polished steel

The matte finish of brushed steel naturally conceals wear and tear, such as minor scratches and discolourations, helping to maintain its original appearance over time. It is also easier to clean due to its slightly textured surface, which prevents dirt from sticking as stubbornly.

In addition to its aesthetic advantages, brushed steel is more durable and resistant to fingerprints and smudging, making it a practical choice for those with children. The factory method used by appliance manufacturers involves spraying the panels with a permanent clear coating, similar to the final clear topcoat that protects vehicle paintwork. This coating helps to shed the oil and grease inherent in fingerprints, reducing the visibility of marks.

While brushed steel offers superior resistance to fingerprints and smudging, it is important to note that it is not entirely scratch-proof. Proper care and maintenance are still required to prevent scratches and maintain the finish. Users should avoid using abrasive cleaners, bleach, and harsh scrubbing tools, as these can damage the protective coating and increase the vulnerability of the steel to scratches.

Frequently asked questions