How to quickly identify whether kitchen utensils are genuine 304 food-grade stainless steel

In our daily cooking and eating life, stainless steel kitchenware plays an important role. However, with the increase in the types of stainless steel kitchenware on the market, how to identify whether it is genuine food-grade stainless steel has become the focus of consumers' attention. After all, the quality of stainless steel is directly related to our health.

First, we need to understand the material classification of stainless steel.

Stainless steel is mainly composed of iron, chromium, nickel and other elements. According to the different proportions of its ingredients, it can be divided into many types. In the market, our common stainless steel types include 200 series, 201 series, 202 series, 304 series and 316 series, etc. Among them, only 304 and 316 series stainless steels are widely used in food processing and cooking fields because they have better corrosion resistance and lower harmful element content.

How to quickly identify the material of these stainless steel kitchenware?

Some people might think of using magnets for detection. However, this method is not accurate. Because the magnetism of stainless steel is related to the proportion of its components, different types of stainless steel may have different magnetic behaviors. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately determine the stainless steel material based on magnets alone.

Fortunately, there is now a more scientific and accurate method that can help us identify the material of stainless steel kitchenware, and that is to use specialized testing reagents. This reagent can produce different color changes through chemical reactions with the surface of stainless steel, thereby determining the material type of stainless steel.

The method of using detection reagents is very simple.

First, we need to purchase a bottle of reagent specifically used to detect stainless steel materials. Then, put a drop of reagent on the surface of the stainless steel kitchenware to be tested. Next, wait a few minutes and watch the color change. Finally, compare the chromatographic bar in the reagent instructions and determine the material type of stainless steel based on the color change.

It should be noted that different stainless steel types will produce different colors under the action of reagents. Generally speaking, the darker the color, the higher the manganese content of the stainless steel and the greater the risk to human health. The lighter the color, the better the stainless steel material is and the more suitable it is for food processing and cooking.

First, we can choose a kitchen knife at home for testing. Put a drop of detection reagent on the knife surface and wait a few minutes. Then, observe the color change against the chromatogram strip. If the color is red or dark, then the kitchen knife is probably not made of food-grade stainless steel, and long-term use may cause harm to human health.

Next, we can test other stainless steel kitchenware, such as forks, bowls, spatulas, chopsticks, etc. Likewise, after dripping reagent on the surface of the cookware, wait a few minutes to observe the color change. If you find that the color of most kitchen utensils is darker, it means that the stainless steel kitchen utensils used in our homes may not be food grade, and we need to pay attention to them.

Of course, some kitchen utensils may be relatively light in color, indicating that they may be made of relatively good materials. However, in order to ensure the health of your family, we still recommend trying to choose 304 or 316 series stainless steel kitchenware. These kitchen utensils not only have good corrosion resistance, but also have low levels of harmful elements, making them more suitable for food processing and cooking.

In addition, when purchasing stainless steel kitchenware, we also need to pay attention to some details. First of all, you should choose regular brands and channels to avoid buying fake and shoddy products. Secondly, pay attention to the material label and instructions of the product to ensure that the product you purchase meets the standards of food-grade stainless steel. Finally, when using and maintaining stainless steel kitchenware, you should also pay attention to avoid scratches and prolonged contact with acidic foods to extend its service life and maintain its good performance.