Since ancient times, people's lives have changed from year to year, tools, household items, tableware and, of course, kitchen utensils, especially cutlery, have been improved. Now you will not find a house where there is no stainless steel spoon or fork, because this is a necessary thing for every family. Let's try to deepen your knowledge on this issue, understand the very concept of “stainless steel”, share how to use cutlery correctly and how to clean it.
A bit of history
In 1932, the German company WMF invented a special alloy of steel, chromium and nickel. Metals were used in certain proportions. The compound possessed 18 parts of chromium and 10 parts of nickel. The company formally fixed this composition, and it was named Cromargan or alloy 18/10. WMF started producing cutlery from this alloy.
It was a breakthrough in the manufacture of kitchen utensils: metal gave the stainless steel products a distinctive shine, and did not allow rust. Despite the progress, it is this composition that is the best option for the manufacture of kitchen products. Stainless steel spoons and forks have a silver tint and are hygienic to use.
It is convenient to use such stainless steel devices, since they have a low thermal conductivity, and, using hot food, there is no chance of getting burned.
Instrumentation
A set of stainless steel cutlery is usually designed for 6 people, while it consists of 24 items.Naturally, these devices are not enough for a solemn and stylish table setting, and they are complemented by salad pairs, a ladle for pouring the first dish, a fork for cutting meat or fish, a knife and a spatula for cake. It is customary to buy additional devices in a single design style, with the same design solutions.
Manufacturers always meet the needs of customers. Serving tools made of stainless steel are made quickly, easily, since the alloy is able to take various forms without losing strength. The disadvantage of acquiring additional devices is that it will not be possible to immediately pick up serving items in the proper design, they are custom-made. But the collected collection can last you about 25 years, and please you and your loved ones with beauty and form. Firms and companies involved in the manufacture of stainless steel products often use additional design:
- silver plating;
- gilding;
- art painting.
The transformed product looks much more expensive, and is bought more willingly.
Colors and shapes
As a rule, standard appliances are completely silver, but sometimes you can find truly designer works of art. Such sets are suitable for those who have a colorful kitchen and would like to highlight its brightness and richness even more.
For example, colored steel pens may be present in stainless steel products, their color being any: yellow, red, blue, and many others. If the devices are bought as a set, then the manufacturer packs the goods using beautifully designed cases made of leather, metal, velvet. In children's series, forks and spoons are decorated vividly and interestingly, complemented by color inserts and patterns.
When choosing items from stainless steel, you need to pay attention to the convenience of using the device. The length of the handle of the spoon should not be too long, and the depth should be shallow, you should be comfortable and pleasant to eat.
Many manufacturers are fond of making bizarre spoons, forks and knives, but such devices are impractical, they are not in demand. Not very popular are those cutlery that on the handles are excessively decorated with stucco. Usually, it would be better to choose pens with drawings, a small ornament or smoothly sanded.
When buying cutlery, take them in hand, and if you are comfortable using a knife and fork, feel free to buy products.
Popular manufacturers
Tops the ranking for the production of stainless steel cutlery Germany.
- Wilkens more than 200 years passionate in the production and design of kitchen items. Makes prestigious cutlery equipment made of stainless steel. This company is world famous.
- WMF Company For the manufacture of elite cutlery uses the patented alloy Cromargan 18/10. The products of this company are distinguished by impeccable quality; goods are produced in Germany, in our own factories. Many collections have been awarded for design.
- In the German "heart" of making knives, the city of Solingen, the company is located Wuesthof, which has been operating since 1814. Knives bearing the sign of this city have been recognized worldwide for centuries. In addition, the devices themselves, called Solingen, are some of the best.
Italy is famous for its hospitality, so noisy feasts of relatives and friends are accompanied by high-quality table setting and a variety of dishes. Since ancient times, Italian craftsmen have been leading in the production of forks, knives and spoons.
The Italian company EME is a manufacturer of serving items of the highest class. The company specializes in the production of serving items for kitchens and restaurants, and is one of the top ten companies that flourish in this business.
A distinctive feature is that the products are made of high-quality stainless steel, for a long time retains gloss, grace, novelty.
But the creation of tableware for table setting in the Czech Republic has its own annals. A solemn event cannot be served without high-quality tableware and other attributes made in the Czech Republic in the company "Nadoba" (Nadoba). These products have been popular in Europe and beyond for centuries, have a wonderful reputation, and are currently successfully promoting themselves in the large consumer market.
Domestic metallurgical factories produce excellent and modern tableware of various designs. Among manufacturers of Russia are considered more popular “Nytva”, “Pavlovo”. The important cultural and historical significance is "Pavlovsk factory of art metal products." The main goal of the plant is to give customers the joy of a beautifully served table and the pleasure of using appliances.
The plant began to operate in 1890, and during this time it deservedly received more than one award, respect for competitors in the market and customer commitment to products. Products comply with GOST, are made from environmental materials, withstand safety and comfort tests.
How to care?
Stainless steel appliances do not need complicated maintenance: they are allowed to be washed in a dishwasher with a gel-like detergent.
If the appliances are very dirty, and especially for appliances with complex decor and small teaspoons, they are soaked in hot water with soap or baking soda, and boiled for about 20 minutes. After some time, the plane of the spoons and forks is cleaned with a soft brush, especially between the teeth.
If your cutlery is darkened, you need to soak them for 10 minutes in a chlorine-containing aqueous solution: about 1⁄4 cup of bleach per three liters of water. After that, rinse well in running cool water and dry.
To remove old dirt on cutlery, you must mix the edible salt and liquid soap to a paste. To rub the dirty places of devices with an old toothbrush and rinse with running cold water. If the dirt is not completely removed, moisten the brush in vinegar and grate dirty places. After rinse and wipe dry.
Store spoons, knives, forks in separate drawers, especially knives. Thus, children will not reach the devices, which will help to avoid injuries, and the dishes themselves will retain their original appearance for a long time.
See how to clean dishes from stainless steel in 5 minutes in the next video.
