5 reasons why you should use stainless steel utensils

3. Stainless steel utensils are 100% recyclable

Stainless steel utensils are 100% recyclable. Unlike plastics, which are not recyclable or very little, no matter what you are told (very complete articles on this subject: "A life without plastic" and "Bioplastic: better understand what it means"), stainless steel is easy to recycle. 

Just clean it and put it back in an oven to make new products (okay, that's a bit of an oversimplification - but it can be recycled without degradation).

However, the extraction of materials to make stainless steel is quite costly both in terms of energy and money. This is why it is in the best interest of industries to use recycled stainless steel. 

This allows to keep prices low and to avoid wasting resources.  

One drawback of stainless steel is that it is not biodegradable. However, if you sort your waste properly and take your old utensils to the recycling yard, they will be recycled! Don't hesitate to give them away or sell them if they are still in good condition. 

4. Stainless steel utensils are economical

Yes, stainless steel utensils are much more expensive than their plastic counterparts, but they last much longer. This means you'll save money in the long run because you won't have to replace your utensils as often - if ever. 

As you may have noticed, there are several types of stainless steel: 18/10, 18/8, 18/0. The first number, which is 18 in each case, indicates the percentage of Chromium that allows the material to resist corrosion. The second number, 10, 8 or 0, is the percentage of nickel.

Nickel increases the mechanical properties of the material. Therefore, for a pan, it is interesting to choose 18/10 for a good resistance. In the case of a knife for example, 18/0 is sufficient because it is not subjected to high temperatures. 

5. Stainless steel utensils do not alter the taste of food

Stainless steel is a material that does not retain or alter odors. Stainless steel utensils do not react with ingredients and do not emit any toxins (like some plastics that emit bisphenol A for example). 

Moreover, it does not allow bacteria to grow. It is therefore a safe and reliable material. Thanks to stainless steel, you can cook delicious meals for you and your family without fear.