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What is 304 Stainless Steel?

304 stainless steel

What is 304 Stainless Steel?

A common question: what is 304 stainless steel? Let’s dive into the world of this metal without getting too scientific. Imagine this: if stainless steel were a family, 304 would be the overachiever everyone talks about at family gatherings.

Known as 18/8 steel, this mix is not just any old blend. It’s the perfect cocktail of at least 18% chromium and 8% nickel content, whipping up a concoction of qualities that make it the gold standard.

304 stainless steel is the full package: high tensile strength, beauty, and a personality that makes it a hit in any setting. What is 304 stainless steel’s superpower? Here’s what it brings to the table:

  • Looks to Kill: With its excellent corrosion resistance and that classic stainless shine, 304 is the George Clooney of metals—ageing like fine wine and always ready for a close-up.
  • Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and simpler to maintain than a cactus. A little soap and water, 304 keeps its sparkle.
  • Welding’s BFF: While other stainless steels clash with welders, 304 is all about making connections. It’s a favourite for crafting those smooth joins.
  • Heat’s Old Flame: When things heat up, 304 doesn’t sweat. It has better heat resistance to elevated temperatures than its stainless siblings, keeping cool when the kitchen’s on fire.
  • Impervious Surface: The non-porous surface is the perfect choice for commercial kitchens with food safety in mind.
  • Class Act: Beyond its toughness, 304 brings an air of sophistication and style, proving that durability can walk hand in hand with elegance.

Why We Love 304 Grade Stainless Steel

Strong Corrosion Resistance

304 stainless steel’s chromium content makes it amazingly resistant to rust and oxidation. This means it can take on a wide variety of acidic foods, cleaners, and even the odd splash of vinegar or lemon juice like a champ. So, if you’re setting up shop in a busy kitchen, 304 is your go-to pal for counters that stay shiny and new, even when the going gets tough.

Strength and Durability

Strength and durability? 304 stainless steel has them in spades. This stuff is tough enough to handle the hustle and bustle of commercial kitchens without breaking a sweat. Think of it as the kitchen warrior that won’t dent or give up on you when you accidentally drop that heavy pot. It’s built to last, making it a wise investment for any serious kitchen setup.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

Let’s talk about cleanliness, because in a kitchen, hygiene is non-negotiable. The non-porous surface of 304 stainless steel means bacteria and germs have nowhere to hide. A quick swipe with soap and water, and you’re good to go, keeping your kitchen spotless and your food safe.

What is 304 Stainless Steel Commonly Used For?

Being the ultimate food grade surface, 304 stainless steel can be found in every corner of our world, from the most intricate surgery tools to the bench you relax on at the park, proving time and again why it’s the MVP of metals.

  • Kitchen Equipment Commando: From gleaming appliances and chef-worthy cookware to surfaces that laugh in the face of spills, 304’s ease of cleaning and rust resistance make it the king of the culinary castle.
  • Food Processing Pro: In the world of food and drink production, 304 is the guardian of flavour and hygiene. It’s the go-to for equipment that keeps your food safe and tasting exactly as it should, all while being easy to clean.
  • Architectural Ace: Fighting off environmental corrosion like a superhero, 304 is the architect’s first choice. Building facades, stylish door frames, and sleek windows all get their enduring shine and resilience from this steel wonder.
  • Chemical Container Champ: Tanks and pipes in the chemical, dye, and paper sectors rely on 304 for its chemical resistance.
  • Automotive and Aerospace Ally: When it comes to parts that need to withstand rust and oxidation without batting an eyelid, 304 stainless steel takes the driver’s seat in the automotive and aerospace industries.
  • Medical Equipment Marvel: Sterilisable without a hint of resistance to corrosion, 304 makes the cut for medical instruments, surgical tools, medical devices and everything in the healthcare world that demands spotless sanitation.
  • Water Warrior: For water and wastewater treatment, 304’s corrosion resistance means it’s the hero of pipes, tanks, and the gear that keeps our water clean and safe.
  • Appliance All-Star: This stainless steel doesn’t just shine in commercial kitchens. From home refrigerators to industrial conveyors, 304’s versatility and durability make it the backbone of appliances big and small.

304 vs 430 Stainless Steel: What’s the Key Difference?

When comparing 304 and 430 stainless steel, it’s easy to see that their different properties make them best suited for different applications.

304 stainless steel is the more popular & durable of the two, higher in chromium (17.5% to 19.5%) and nickel (8% to 10%). This gives it some serious strength and durability, as well as giving it a higher resistance to corroding. If you need a steel to stand firm in a commercial kitchen where food hygiene is essential, this is the one you want in your corner, like a tough bodyguard.

430 stainless steel, on the other hand, is almost on par with chromium content (17%) but has almost no nickel in it at all (0 to 0.75%). It can handle mild corrosion, and it’s a good bit less expensive than 304. But… It doesn’t quite have the same staying power and is a porous surface, so not recommended for food preparation in a commercial kitchen.

The perfect steel for you depends on where you’re using it. Need a tough, almost indestructible steel to handle food processing, medical equipment or just high hygiene environment? You can’t go wrong with 304. Want something that’ll thrive in a less harsh environment, like indoors, at home or in non-food environments? 430 should be just fine.

How to Tell the Quality of Your Steel Product

Want to play detective with your stainless steel grade? Here’s a fun party trick: grab a magnet. If it sticks, you’re likely dealing with a lesser grade, perhaps even the notorious 430. But if that magnet falls right off, give yourself a pat on the back; you’ve got high-quality 304 stainless steel.

Where Can You Find 304 Stainless Steel?

At Brayco, we’re all in on 304 stainless steel. That’s right—every bench, cabinet, shelf, and sink we offer is decked out in this premium metal. We’re throwing a stainless steel party, and you’re all invited.

Upgrade to 304 stainless steel today—your kitchen deserves the best! Say hello to unbeatable durability and hygiene. We’re here to help you every shiny step of the way.

 

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How to Remove Rust From Stainless Steel

stainless steel kitchen

How to Remove Rust From Stainless Steel

The beauty of using stainless steel in a kitchen is its durability and resistance to rust. However, over time if not regularly maintained you may find spots of rust. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can reverse time (or at least the rust). Here’s how to tackle those pesky orange spots and restore your sleek steel to its original shiny state.

What Causes Rust on Stainless Steel?

Before we dive into how to remove rust from stainless steel, let’s touch on why stainless steel, known for its resistance to rust, can still fall victim to it. The key is in the name: “stain-less”, not “stain-free”.

Your stainless steel bench is made up of iron, chromium and other components. It is the chromium content that gives stainless steel its corrosion-resistant properties. Discolouration caused by non-structural surface staining can appear on stainless steel due to the breakdown of the chromium oxide layer. It can be easily cleaned by following one of the following methods – though prevention is the key here. We highly recommend regular cleaning and removal of dust, and ensure you dry your bench with a clean cloth and remove any water spots.

How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Home Remedies?

You’ve got options, some can be found right in your very own kitchen. Always test a small, inconspicuous rusty spot on your stainless steel appliances or surfaces before moving on to larger surfaces. You want to ensure the cleaning method of your stainless steel is more of a gentle breeze than a hurricane to your shining appliances and surfaces. And always rub in the direction of the grain.

1. Baking Soda

Mix water with baking soda to create a paste, aiming for a consistency that won’t run off the surface. Spread this homemade rust remover over the rusted spots on your stainless steel surface. Feel free to cover the area generously.

Using a soft cloth, a soft-bristled brush, or a damp sponge, scrub the area gently. Always go with the grain of the stainless steel; think of it as petting a cat—you wouldn’t go against the fur. After a bit of scrubbing, rinse the area with water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Voilà! You should see a significant improvement.

2. Stainless Steel Cleaner

We recommend Hillmark Steel Kleen. Follow the instructions laid out by the manufacturer of the stainless steel cleaner. These cleaners are specially formulated to tackle rust and leave behind a protective layer on the metal surface.

Apply the cleaner as directed, scrub gently with a soft cloth, and then either rinse or wipe away as instructed. The result? A rust-free surface that looks brand new.

What to Avoid When Removing Rust From Stainless Steel

Embarking on a rust-removal quest feels a bit like being a kitchen superhero. But even superheroes have to play by the rules to avoid turning their powers against them.

When it comes to how to remove rust from stainless steel, there are a few “villains” you’ll want to steer clear of. Let’s uncover the no-nos of rust removal to ensure your stainless steel lives happily ever after.

Harsh Chemicals: The Kryptonite

Think of harsh chemicals as the kryptonite to your stainless steel. They might promise to zap away rust faster than you can say “stainless,” but at what cost? These chemicals can damage the protective layer of your stainless steel, leaving it more vulnerable than ever. Rather than commercial rust removers, stick to the gentler, kinder methods we’ve outlined above.

Steel Wool: The Arch Nemesis

Steel wool might seem like your ally in the fight against rust, but it’s actually an arch-nemesis in disguise. Using steel wool on stainless steel is likely to cause more harm than good. The abrasive nature of steel wool or other metal brushes can scratch the surface of your stainless steel, leaving it looking worse than when you started. Opt for a soft cloth or soft bristle brush to keep the peace.

Citrus & Vinegar:

Whilst vinegar and lemon juice has been used for cleaning steel, its acidic nature can cause damage and discolouration. We recommend you steer clear of these solutions.

Bleach: The False Friend

Bleach may be a go-to for tough cleaning jobs, but when it comes to stainless steel, it’s a false friend. Not only can bleach discolour your stainless steel, but it can also lead to further corrosion. If bleach has accidentally made contact with your stainless steel, neutralise the area with a solution of water and baking soda, then rinse thoroughly.

Ignoring the Grain: The Rookie Mistake

Ignoring the grain of stainless steel while cleaning is a rookie mistake that can lead to scratches and dullness. Always clean in the direction of the grain, as if you’re gently combing the hair of a beloved pet. This keeps your stainless steel looking its best.

Forgetting Protection: The Overlooked Step

Finally, not protecting your stainless steel after rust removal is like forgetting to wear a coat in a snowstorm. Applying a layer of stainless steel polish or olive oil after cleaning not only adds shine but also provides a protective barrier against future rust.

In the realm of rust removal, knowledge is power. By knowing what to avoid, you can keep your stainless steel shining like the beacon of hope it was always meant to be. Armed with these tips and tricks, you’re now fully equipped to tackle rust while keeping your stainless steel in superhero condition.

Stainless Steel Rust FAQs

How Does Baking Soda Remove Rust?

Baking soda is an alkaline substance that neutralises acids. When rust comes into contact with the baking soda solution, it dissolves, leaving your stainless steel gleaming. It’s also mildly abrasive, so you can scrub stubborn rust without damaging your surface.

How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Utensils?

You can scrub your stainless steel utensils with a baking soda paste. Wipe your utensils like normal afterwards to bring back the shine.

Prevention is Key: Keeping Your Stainless Steel Gleaming

Learning how to remove rust from stainless steel is an invaluable skill. However, choosing top-grade stainless steel is the best way to prevent rust from building up in the first place. Contact us and let’s have a chat—with multiple depots across Australia and New Zealand, we can have your premium quality stainless steel ready for pick-up or dispatch within 24 hours of your order being placed.

 

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Commercial Kitchens in New Zealand: Enhancing Efficiency with Brayco

Restaurant Commercial Kitchens NZ

Commercial Kitchens in New Zealand: Enhancing Efficiency with Brayco

In New Zealand’s dynamic hospitality landscape, commercial kitchens are at the heart of operations, catering to a variety of large-scale endeavours. These specialised spaces, equipped with high-quality, affordable Brayco products, are designed to enhance efficiency, ensure safety, and boost functionality.

Defining a Commercial Kitchen

A Commercial Kitchen is a hub designed for large-scale food production. These kitchens are equipped with specialised furniture and a variety of tools and appliances that allow for the efficient handling of bulk orders. At Brayco, we provide a range of products that contribute to the smooth running of these kitchens.

Brayco: Enhancing Commercial Kitchens

Brayco’s contribution to commercial kitchens ranges from benches and sinks to cabinets and shelves, Brayco provides a range of products to meet the unique needs of each commercial kitchen.

 

Stainless Benches

Brayco provides a range of benches, each designed to meet different needs. From flat benches of varying depths to splashback benches, waste collection benches, and even premium splashback benches, Brayco caters to all requirements. Extras for these benches include leg attachments, underbench drawers, 2-tier overselves, splashback extensions, and more.

 

stainless steel sinks

 

Stainless Sinks

Brayco offers a variety of stainless sinks of different depths, along with dishwasher sinks, wall-mounted sinks, and knee-operated sinks. Extras for these sinks include shelf options and tabs.

 

commercial stainless kitchen cabinetwall mounted commercial kitchen cabinet

 

Commercial Kitchen Cabinets

Brayco’s variety of stainless cabinets includes standard cabinets with either a hinged or sliding door, drawer cabinets, sink cabinets, and even a coffee cart. Choose a standard adjustable feet or lockable castors – no extra charge. Wall-mounted cabinet options are also available.

 

Stainless Commercial Kitchen ShelvesBenchtop Shelves in Commercial Kitchen

 

Commercial Kitchen Shelves

Brayco provides a range of shelf options, including premium coolroom/freezer shelving, chrome wire shelving for dry store, epoxy wire shelving for cool rooms, stainless steel shelf units, and wall-mounted solid or pipe shelves. Extras such as 2-tier overselves, leg brace rail kits for underbench storage, and shelves for sinks are also available.

 

commercial kitchen mixercommercial kitchen taps

 

 

Taps

Brayco’s range of taps includes pre rinse taps, mixer taps, and hands-free taps, each designed to increase efficiency and promote hygiene.

stainless steel trolleycommercial kitchen trolleys

 

 

Trolleys

Brayco offers a range of economical polypropylene and stainless trolleys which can help ease the transportation of goods within the kitchen, contributing to the smooth running of operations.

Importance of a Well-Designed Commercial Kitchen

Investing in a well-designed commercial kitchen is crucial for several reasons:

  • Efficiency: A properly designed layout can optimise productivity and minimise time wasted on unnecessary movements.
  • Safety: Commercial Kitchens need to adhere to strict safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of staff and customers.
  • Functionality: A well-designed kitchen maximises the use of available space, making it easier for staff to navigate and work efficiently.
  • Food Quality: The layout and equipment in a commercial kitchen directly impacts the quality of food produced.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in a well-designed commercial kitchen from the start can save money in the long run by preventing costly renovations or equipment replacements.

Find out about commercial kitchen work stations and their equipment below:

WorkstationEssential Equipment
Cooking AreaCommercial-grade stoves, ovens, grills, fryers
Food PreparationAmple stainless steel benchtop space, cutting boards, food processors
Dishwashing AreaIndustrial-grade dishwashers, sinks
Storage AreaMulti-functional open shelves, walk-in refrigerators, and freezers

 

Safety and Hygiene in a Commercial Kitchen

In New Zealand, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is a must. A clean kitchen helps ensure the food tastes as it should, keeps your staff healthy, and earns your customers’ trust. Using non porous surfaces and materials that are easy to clean, like Brayco’s 304 food grade stainless steel benches, reduces the risk of food contamination or pest infestation. Routine cleanups and staff training are essential for smooth operations.

Compliance with safety regulations and best practices is vital for any commercial kitchen. Regular inspections by health authorities ensure that these safety standards are upheld, offering both staff and customers a secure and trustworthy environment.
Choose 304 grade stainless for a commercial kitchen environment. Cheaper brands offer the more porous 430 grade steel that may not comply with food safety regulations. Always check with your local authority before purchasing equipment and furniture for your kitchen.

Your commercial kitchen stands to be the core of an operation that meets and exceeds the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. At Brayco, we’re committed to helping you achieve this vision with our expansive range of high-quality, affordable products.

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Designing Your Commercial Kitchen

Designing Your Commercial Kitchen

The kitchen should be considered the heart of your restaurant or cafe. Factors that can determine the success of your restaurant/café, such as food quality, lead time and order efficiency rely heavily of the strategic design of your kitchen’s layout.

To optimise the flow of food production, commercial kitchens should not be using the same design principles of domestic kitchens, as they serve a completely different set of criteria.

Of the many fundamental aspects to consider when designing or refurbishing your commercial kitchen, we recommend first considering what your commercial kitchen will require. In most cases, you will need:

• Dry storage
• Refrigerated storage
• Freezer storage
• Food preparation station
• Designated cooking space
• Service area
• Dish pit/wash-up area

Commercial Kitchen Design

Helpful Tips

1. Research Local Health Codes

By obtaining the required permits for your food service operation, you’ll ensure your business has a firm foundation. Every state and local area has its own codes, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with them prior to designing your space. Topics such as ventilation, waste storage and lighting should be addressed in this stage of planning. A good starting point is the New Zealand Food Standards Code, which can be downloaded here. Alternately, you may enquire directly with your local public health department to find more information on applicable regulations for food service industries.

Woman in Commercial Kitchen

2. Know Your Menu

Creating processes to execute each dish will help shape your design in that it will determine which appliances and tools your kitchen requires. In this stage of planning, you can ensure your staff has ample counter space to work. For example, food preparation should be positioned between storage and the cooking area to achieve the ideal flow. When space permits, you should segregate preparation into different processes. Meaning, raw meat/fish prep, vegetable prep, poultry and desert will each have different preparation stations. Understanding the space and tools your kitchen requires will allow you to streamline food preparation processes. But if you find yourself in a tight situation and need help to create extra work space (most of us do), not to worry! Check out Brayco’s Stainless Steel Over Bench Shelves – https://braycostainless.co.nz/stainless-steel-benches/extras-benches/overshelves/.

3. Involve the Chef & BOH Staff

A haphazardly designed kitchen ultimately creates obstacles for your chef and back-of-house team. When possible, involve your team in the design process so their skills and expertise may be utilised. Input from the kitchen and BOH staff will help you determine the ideal placement of appliances and kitchen tools, therefore creating a smooth kitchen flow that will make your cooking and clean-up routines seamless.

Choosing Your Layout

Different layouts suit different types of restaurants. Here we’ll look at the suitability standards for each type.

Restaurant Kitchen Layout Ideas

Which Floor Plan is Best for Fast Food?

Fast food outlets work best with a centralised strip serving the assembly line. The assembly-line configuration is ideal for kitchens that need to serve a large quantity of people quickly. Under this model, kitchen equipment is situated in a line with the food preparation station at one end and the service station on the other, which encourages the quick production of food by sending it down the line. This layout works particularly well for restaurants with a limited menu, such as pizza or sandwich shops.

Which Floor Plan is Best for Catering Businesses?

Kitchens used to cater events generally have varied menus comprised of multiple courses. The zone-style layout typically works best. Under this blueprint, each station has its own space which allows BOH staff to divide and conquer. Restauranteurs can simply employ a specialized chef to tackle each station. Each workstation should have its own allocated area which usually requires a large and open working kitchen space, so this model does not suit small kitchens.

Café: Small spaces with few staff members benefit from an open design. An open kitchen layout allows your team to maximise a small space. An increasingly popular model consists of a glass partition between the service area and guest seating, which allows guests to see all the action. You can even create a chef’s table by placing bar stools by the kitchen. This gives your guests a unique and special experience while you are maximizing your venue’s potential. It’s no surprise that small spaces can be tricky to fit out, which is precisely why Brayco carries such a wide range of products in a large number of sizes, with speciality ranges to fit corners and the narrowest spaces.

Which Floor Plan is best for Large Restaurants? The island-style commercial kitchen layout features a central “command centre” or passthrough point for all dishes, which facilitates constant communication between the chef, cooks, and BOH staff. The island-style design is typically comprised of cooking equipment at its centre, while storage units, food prep and washing stations are located along its perimeter. This set up is ideally suited for restaurants with lots of kitchen space.

Restaurant Commercial Kitchens

Where to buy Commercial Kitchen Furniture

Brayco supplies commercial kitchen benches, sinks, cabinets, shelving systems and much more. Products are supplied flat pack for easy delivery. Assembly is a breeze and sales staff are on hand to give advice if needed.
With over 450 products, Brayco is sure to have what you need, as most products come in a variety of shapes and sizes with many customisable to suit your requirements.
It’s not hard to understand why so many restauranteurs are opting for stainless steel cabinetry, countertops and accessories – it’s super sleek, ultra-hygienic and enhances the overall look of your kitchen.

About Ordering from Brayco

Brayco deliver across New Zealand. You’ll find the showroom in Auckland, which you’re welcome to visit.
Office hours are as follows: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
Chrissy Hutching is your contact in the New Zealand office.
She’d be glad to share her expertise with you and has been helping Brayco’s New Zealand customers since 2008.

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Tolix Chair: What is it?

Tolix Chair: What is it?

Tolix Chairs are a classic style of chair that has been around for a long time. Both at home and abroad, you’ve most likely sat in a Tolix chair in your favourite pub or restaurant.

Tolix chairs are trusted by the US Army and are common in restaurants and cafés, bars and public spaces. Tolix chairs have been featured in interior design publications worldwide and are a must-have in designer kitchens. Visit Replica Tolix range for more info.

Tolix Chair NZ

 

Who invented the Tolix Chair?

Xavier Pauchard, a sheet metal craftsman by trade, set out to develop chairs that would withstand the elements while appealing to retail and restaurant owners as a fashionable addition to their businesses.

The stackable chair “Chaise A” debuted in the mid-1930s, and “Monsieur X,” as Pauchard was known, developed the prototype to construct it with a few adjustments.

In addition to providing restaurant and cafe owners with robust, balanced, and aesthetic cafe furniture, Xavier Pauchard identified a quick solution to a real problem. Tolix has become synonymous with ease of use.
The “Chaise A,” Tolix’s initial chair design, has been revised since its inception and is extremely popular in Australia and New Zealand.
The renowned “Fauteuil D” stool has stood the test of time as a timeless design that may be utilised everywhere.

How does Tolix Style differ from other styles?

A Tolix chair, or any Tolix design that seats people, is made of high-quality, rust-resistant metal that has been galvanised by immersing it in molten zinc.

The “X” design that acts as a structure for the chair’s seat gives Pauchard his nickname. As a result, your frame will be robust and stable.
In Pauchard’s day, a single chair was made utilising 100 time-consuming methods. Developments in machinery and technology have, of course, altered the manufacturing process.

Xavier Paurchard’s Replica Tolix Chairs

You may wonder why replica tolix chairs are so widely available.
The fact is that the concepts of Xavier Pauchard were never patented, which was a common omission at the time. Despite its ups and downs, the Tolix design has been copied all over the world for decades.

The Manufacturing Process of Tolix Chairs

Even while good design never goes out of style, copies that do not conform to the highest requirements of quality materials can not hold up in busy kitchens. A Tolix chair can cost up to three times what you’d expect to pay to upgrade your living space, depending on where you purchase. This sets Brayco apart from the competitors.

We attempt to deliver the highest quality products at the most reasonable pricing, all of which are designed to last in hectic restaurant environments. Tolix chairs are sourced by Brayco from reputable manufacturers who adhere to strict criteria. Because they cut out the middlemen, Brayco can provide you with the best quality at the best price.

Are Tolix Chairs Suitable for Outdoor Use?

Tolix chairs are easy to clean and maintain. However, they are not intended for outdoor use. The air chair is composed of weather-resistant plastic and is a superior choice for outdoor use.

Is it possible to sit in a Tolix chair and be comfortable?

Tolix chairs provide the appropriate level of comfort for the job. Its popularity would have waned long ago if their function didn’t match customer needs. Varied colour possibilities, various materials, such as wood, and rounded corners for child safety are among the new design components that do not jeopardise the chair’s lifetime.

Which Tolix chair is the most comfortable?

The amount of time it takes to service a customer determines the user’s or company owner’s comfort level. Tolix chairs come in a variety of forms and materials, and can be used in a variety of domestic situations, such as kitchens, living rooms, and home offices.

What exactly is a Tolix Stool, and how do you use it?

For commercial use surrounding bar areas, Tolix bar stools were well-known at hotels, bars, and outdoor bars. In industrial kitchens, home bar spaces, and modern designs, they blend space with an ambient look. Tolix stools are distinguished by their solidity and balanced form.

Tolix Chairs Come in What Colors and Designs?

Pauchard Tolix designs are available in various styles, from chairs to tables and stools, from Brayco. Many of our seats come in up to eight distinct colour combinations, ensuring that you’ll find the ideal Tolix chair to match your cafe or restaurant. You can choose from a large range of chair and barstool heights in each of the three categories to suit your needs. To give your venue that special touch, there are many various table tops to pick from. Checkout Chairforce Tolix chairs to learn more.

Where to buy Tolix Chair’s in New Zealand

Harry Bray, Brayco’s director, promises his clients a top-notch, cost-effective experience with no compromises on quality or prices.

Brayco keeps its warehouses stocked and welcomes both businesses and people to shop there.

Visit our Auckland showroom to see if the Tolix chair range might be an excellent addition to your venue.

Shop online or speak with one of their helpful customer service specialists about your needs. Choose your Tolix furniture from our large range with confidence, and it will be delivered to your home.

With New Zealand-wide shipping and in-store pickup, you might have your Tolix chair this week.

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Benefits Of Stainless Steel For Commercial Kitchens & Catering

Benefits Of Stainless Steel For Commercial Kitchens & Catering

We find ourselves delivering bespoke products for many industrial kitchens as New Zealand’s leading stainless steel bench and cabinet manufacturers.

Since stainless steel is a cost-effective and dependable material, it is the most sanitary choice for kitchens.

Stainless steel offers a surface that is easy to keep sanitary in a commercial kitchen setting, rather than using a more costly metal like titanium.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Surfaces

You may have learned that in commercial kitchens and catering settings, stainless steel is essential for hygiene.

Sanitation is important in hospitality and industrial kitchens to avoid foodborne illnesses. It’s also essential to prevent cross-contamination with food with other chemicals.

The fast cleaning of stainless steel summarises its hygiene properties. Cleaning both kitchen benches and cabinets on a daily basis is standard procedure. This necessitates a high level of corrosion and cracks resistance in stainless steel.

Stainless steel surfaces lack cracks, making it difficult for soil, microbes, spores, or viruses to take root – if you don’t even own a stainless steel bench, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to clean.

Stainless steel is close to the glass in terms of cleanability. It outperforms other materials like plastic and aluminium. When all of this is taken into account, you have a surface that offers beauty, economy, longevity, and antibacterial safety. It’s no surprise that it’s a common option in restaurants and hospitality establishments all over New Zealand!

Stainless steel is an excellent material for food applications, so it’s no wonder that it’s a popular option among food companies.

Stainless Steel Corrosion Resistance

It has a long lifespan due to its corrosion resistance. This is due in part to the non-porous quality of the material.

Although stainless steel is a strong and robust material, it is also soft enough to be easily moulded into whatever shape is needed, making it an excellent choice for kitchen benches and sinks.

Stainless Steel Types – 304, 316 and 430

You may now be asking which stainless steel style is better for your commercial kitchen.

The most widely used steel surfaces for production are stainless steel types 304, 316, and 430.

More information on stainless steel forms can be found in our article: Affordable stainless steel benches NZ

Stainless Steel Types For Restaurant Kitchens & Hospitality

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Commercial Kitchen – Cabinets, Benches & Shelving Layout

stainless steel sinks

Commercial Kitchen – Cabinets, Benches & Shelving Layout

The five key components of a commercial kitchen

It’s critical to consider the needs that the kitchen must meet, as well as the equipment required to meet those needs when designing a commercial kitchen space. You would be able to plan the commercial kitchen layout more efficiently if you know what elements need to fit into the room from the beginning of the design process. Every commercial restaurant kitchen needs at least one stainless steel bench. The following are the five elements of a commercial kitchen:

The key to your success as a food business is in the kitchen design.

  1. Storage
  2. Food Preparation
  3. Cooking Station
  4. Food Service
  5. Washing
five key components of a commercial kitchen

The key to your success as a food business is in the kitchen design.

All must be prepared well before you open your restaurant since a good design would help your kitchen work smoothly and efficiently. Everyone knows you need good people, good appliances, and a chef who knows what they’re doing, but the design of your commercial kitchen is also important.

The ideal kitchen style, in our view, has five facets. There are the following:

  1. Storage: Depending on the product, ingredients must be kept safe, free of contaminants, and at the proper temperature. The utensils must be readily available.

            Dry storage and cold storage are two types of storage.

               DRY STORE: In a kitchen, dry storage space or designated area is important for storing any of the ambient items that are used, whether they are tinned or canned products, foods, or fresh produce. When planning a smaller area with restricted space, kitchen wall shelves and over bench shelving are useful choices, similar to the freezer room.

               COLD STORE: Of course, a walk-in freezer shop is preferable, but when building smaller spaces, this is usually one of the luxuries to be lost. Walk-in freezer stores vary from cold stores in that they require an enclosed floor to keep the temperature at the ideal level. This is achieved by either providing an elevated floor that creates a step into space or by carving a recess in the slab that allows the freezer room’s finished surface to be flush with the adjacent floor heights, allowing trolleys to be rolled indirectly. In many cases, upright stand-alone shelving is used to increase freezer storage capacity, particularly where space is limited.

  1. Food Preparation: It’s important to separate various forms of food during preparation, whether you’re slicing onions or poultry. Sinks with additional bench space and sink covers have additional prep space in a limited work environment. Another choice is to have a central work table with over-the-bench shelving for added comfort and storage.
  2. Cooking Station: The cookline is both the heart and the engine of the kitchen. The cooking equipment’s position is critical to a smooth service, and it can be easily combined with your stainless benches. For a fast transition from prep to cook, a mix of benches and cabinets provides useful workspace and storage while holding things within easy reach.
  3. Food Service: Front-of-house employees can get to the pass quickly and safely without disturbing the kitchen flow, thanks to efficient kitchen architecture. Plates and service ware may be stored in stainless cabinets in this location, which is conveniently tucked away while not in operation.
  4. Cleaning and Washing: In a bustling kitchen, plates, bowls, and cutlery must be cleaned so that they can be reused. It’s important to provide a well-designed washroom with enough space for sorting and treating, as well as a suitable dishwasher. Combine dishwashing benches and sinks with an open lip to allow wash trays to be slid into and out of the washing machine. Before throwing the clothes in the laundry machine, add a faucet with a shower head to assist with the rinsing.

Kitchen design is a time-consuming process that can take several hours to work out the ideal style.

Come visit us in the best stainless steel benches store, and we’ll be happy to show you more choices to help you finalise your kitchen design.

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Is Stainless Steel The Perfect Material For Commercial Kitchens?

Is Stainless Steel The Perfect Material For Commercial Kitchens?

Why Use Stainless Steel in Your Kitchen?

Stainless steel is one of the most common kitchen materials today. Since it is durable, simple to sanitise, and corrosion resistant to various acids present in foods, milk, fruits, and vegetables, it is used in anything from appliances to cookware, dishware, flatware, and utensils.

Commercial kitchens are the busiest locations in the hospitality industry, according to Brayco. There is no respite from the rush from morning to night. This necessitates greater productivity and the most hygienic environment possible, as well as incredibly long-lasting appliances.

The impermeable surface of stainless steel avoids moisture accumulation and subsequent oxidation. Most notably, stainless steel is a good material to use for food and beverages because it has no toxins that can leach into the food.

Food-grade work tables, sinks, shelving, shelves, and cool and dry storage are all stainless-steel elements of a commercial kitchen.

Brayco Stainless Steel Products

  • Stainless Steel Benches
  • Stainless Steel Cabinets
  • Stainless Steel Sinks, 1,2 & 3 bowl
  • Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Sinks
  • Stainless Steel Taps
  • Stainless Knee Operated Sinks
  • Stainless Steel Wall Shelves
  • Stainless Steel Dishwasher Compatible Sinks and Benches
  • Stainless Steel Trolleys
  • Stainless Steel 4 Tier Shelf Units

Stainless Steel: Composition and Types

The term “stainless steel” refers to a group of iron-based alloys that contain at least 10.5 per cent chromium. It’s a mixture of iron and other metals in various proportions.

304 Stainless Steel

In industrial applications, this is the most common stainless steel form. It is composed of 65 per cent iron, 18 per cent chromium, and 8% nickel as main components.

It is in high demand due to its non-magnetic properties. As compared to carbon steel and standard steel, this alloy has a lower heat and electricity conductivity. It can tolerate water’s corrosive effects from chlorides and other minerals. Because of these characteristics, 304 stainless steel is stress corrosion resistant and therefore break-resistant.

These steels are also resistant to a wide variety of environmental, chemical, and food-processing exposures. Architectural mouldings and trim, medical equipment, kitchen equipment, and food processing are all popular applications.

The majority of our Brayco products are made of 304 stainless steel, which is extremely durable, corrosion-resistant, and simple to clean.

On the seats, 1.2mm thick 304 steel provides reliability and durability.

430 Stainless Steel

This alloy has higher iron content and very little nickel. It is made up of 80 per cent copper, 16-18 per cent chromium, and 3% non-iron metals. It falls into the ferritic group of steels – magnetic – due to its high iron content. It is corrosion resistant and does not react with nitric acid. 430 steel is well suited to vehicle trim and moulding, furnace combustion chambers, dishwashers, range hoods, gas burners on heating systems, gutters and downspouts because of these critical properties.

431 Since it contains very little nickel, it has a lower corrosion resistance (it is more likely to rust than 304 but still high quality). It does not have the same resistance to pitting caused by dilute reducing acids as 304-grade steel.

NB: Nickel improves stainless steel’s corrosion resistance. As a result, the higher the nickel content, the more corrosion resistant the stainless steel.

Frequently Asked Stainless Steel Questions

Are all stainless steel food grade?

The most famous kind of stainless steel. 304 is stainless steel that is used in kitchens all around the world.

Some classes are more suited to maritime use, cutlery, and food storage containers.

For your kitchen, there are several different types of food-grade stainless steel choices. If you’re looking for food-grade containers or food-grade pots and pans, make sure the steel is of good quality before you buy.

Difference between 304 and 430

The term “grade” refers to the consistency, longevity, and temperature tolerance of stainless steel. The key distinction is the stainless steel structure and the sum of chromium and nickel in the component.

304-grade stainless steel, unlike grade 430 stainless steel, contains a significant amount of nickel, making it more corrosion resistant and especially suited for harsh environments.

Stainless steel 304 is non-magnetic, while stainless steel 430 has strong magnetic properties. After being usually weldable, some ferritic steel grades are susceptible to weld heat-affected zone sensitisation and weld metal hot cracking.

The inclusion of nickel in 304 makes it more rust-resistant as well as easier to click and draw. Since grade 430 stainless steel lacks nickel, it is more prone to break or fail entirely than 304-grade stainless steel.

Crevice Corrosion – On 430-grade steel, periodic disassembly and cleaning out of all places where crevice corrosion may occur is suggested. Protective films on stainless steel kitchen appliances can break down, and rust can set in as small crevices and other “nooks and crannies” get packed with solutions that can’t easily escape. The trapped solution becomes more and stronger as evaporation and refilling alternate, speeding up the corrosion process. Crevice corrosion also affects gaskets, washers, sharp corners, overlaps, and flanges.

304 is more costly, while 430 is significantly less so.

Is stainless steel rust-free?

If exposed to unsuitable conditions, no stainless steel component is fully rust-free. However, if properly treated, the 304 stainless steel used in Brayco products is almost entirely resistant to corrosion.

Why use stainless steel

The material has extremely valuable technical characteristics that make it especially desirable for use in the advanced kitchens of great chefs, in addition to weather tolerance and hence the tendency to rust. It is, in reality, as follows:

  • Long-lasting
  • Biologically pure
  • 100% recyclable
  • Easy to clean

Since stainless steel is simple to clean and biologically inert, as well as being an eco-friendly commodity that is 100 per cent recyclable, it is the prefered material for hygiene in both domestic and commercial kitchen environments. An everlasting substance, one that is both attractive and practical, and one that ages gracefully without losing any of its qualities.

Why choose Brayco Stainless Steel?

Brayco has created a wide collection of professional-grade, completely modular kitchen tables, sinks, shelves, and shelving by combining the expertise of experienced stainless steel craftsmen with our 15 years of industry experience.

For over 15 years, our stainless steel goods have been a hit with our customers. Why not visit us the best stainless steel benches at one of our locations around New Zealand and get some assistance from our helpful staff?