Introduction
Selection of the suitable material for finishing the kitchen embellishment is quite crucial. Everyone wants a durable choice at affordable prices. Two common materials are famous for this purpose— brushed nickel and stainless steel. Choosing between them can be a challenging situation because of durability, quality, and aesthetic looks. But we have set them side by side to keep a detailed comparison. In this guide, you’ll know the best material in brushed nickel vs stainless steel.
What is brushed nickel?
Brushed nickel isn’t just the nickel. Instead, it is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. The proportion varies based on the metal finish. Excellent wear and tear resistance with a matte finish boosts it for use in the bathroom fixture.
The name brushed nickel comes from the scratching with the brushes. Such a matte finish provides aesthetics to the overall look of the appliances. One of the most popular things about the nickel is its lower cost.
Pros and cons of brushed nickel
Before choosing the brushed nickel, you have to define various goals and compare its pros with the cons. Take a look at the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Pros of brushed nickel
- Unique Look. Brushed Nickel looks impressive not only externally but also internally. A subtle textured finish differentiates it from other materials and makes it suitable for different applications.
- Matchless choice. If you want to try the brushed nickel for the bathroom, it is the promising choice. It doesn’t fade the color quickly and gives a long-lasting finish.
- Cheaper. There is no need to look for higher costs when brushed nickel is ready to serve you at lower prices. It is a cost-efficient alternative for multiple applications.
Cons of brushed nickel
- Easy staining. Water stains and fingerprints easily damage the external glow after some time. Therefore, it can be good until you maintain it; otherwise, it can be a costly burden.
- Scratch marks are visible. Nickel has less durability and is prone to scratching. A single scratch can bring down the ultimate aesthetic look of your bathroom fixtures.
Note: We created a guide that compares Stainless Steel and Sterling Silver. If you want to learn more about the differences between them, check out our guide.
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. Special attention to the corrosion has made it more corrosion-resistant and provides a better finish.
Sometimes, chromium is added up to 10.5% of the total proportion. It adds the ultimate glamor and robustness to the overall steel strength. Because of its excellent glow, it is super famous for use in different objects such as kitchen pans, dishes, and many more utensils.
Pros and cons of stainless steel
Stainless steel is a popular selection, but not always. Some factors make it an awful choice at the following places. Look at the pros and cons to decide when to choose it.
Pros of stainless steel
- Glowing Looks. Stainless steel has a radiant finish. The metallic colors glisten from a distance and make it an ideal choice for kitchen utensils. Easy cleaning processes can ensure the restoration of the same looks in no time.
- Suitable for all applications. Where do you want to use the stainless steel? From the industrial sector to household appliances, steel has dominated every corner. Medical equipment, frying pans, and airplanes have stainless steel in their manufacturing.
- Durable. Stainless steel uses chromium to get a robust structure and corrosion resistance. It leads to a long life without getting rusted. Moreover, you can use it for extended periods due to wear and tear resistance.
Cons of stainless steel
- Expensive choice. Unlike the various other metals, the glow of steel comes at a higher price. It can empty up your pockets. Choose it when you have a higher budget and know its usage.
- Staining. Don’t think it is 100% resistant to the stains. Minor stains can tarnish the beauty and affect the look. To avoid this, you have to follow troublesome cleaning regularly.
Brushed nickel vs stainless steel; differences
Brushed Nickel vs. stainless steel has the following different types of features. Take a look.
| Feature | Brushed Nickel | Stainless Steel | Verdict |
| Color | Brown tone, metallic colors | Metallic colors | – |
| Aesthetic | Semi-gloss | Glowing | Stainless Steel |
| Maintenance | It cannot be easy to maintain due to the pH-balanced liquid. | Simple water can ensure better cleaning. | Stainless Steel |
| Durability | Prone to corrosion | More durable with corrosion resistance | Stainless Steel |
| Cost | Cheaper option | It is an expensive choice. | Bushed Nickel |
| Applications | taps, bathroom fixtures, and shower pipes | sinks, tubs, and showers |
Color
Whenever you are looking for something aesthetic for your kitchen or bathroom, a shiny surface isn’t going anywhere soon. It glows from miles away and gives a better touch. A vibrant and glossy color can stand out in the kitchen tools in different categories.
In this case, brushed nickel has two primary colors. One has a brown tone that gives an excellent touch to the bathroom fixtures. The colored metal option is suitable for trying it in the kitchen finishes.
On the contrary, stainless steel comes in a shiny metallic color. The excellent light reflections make a matchless choice for the kitchen finishes. Plus, it does not fade quickly, increasing appetite for its use in kitchen tools.
Aesthetics
Do you want something beautiful for your home appliances? It can be a tricky deal if you have two options: satin nickel vs stainless steel. Both are amazing in giving beautiful aesthetics.
Brushed Nickel has two types of finishes. One is the semi-gloss that glows better and gives an excellent texture compared to a flat look. The second is a matte finish that offers an attractive texture for kitchen tools.
Stainless steel turns out to be a huge deal at this point. Do you know why? It has the ultimate glowing texture that is not only suitable for kitchen utensils but also superior home appliances.
Maintenance
Handling the material cleaning and safety ensures how much effort you should implement. It also defines the resistance features of the different materials.
As far as brushed nickel is concerned, it can be a tiresome task. It is because of the pH-balanced liquid or vinegar solutions that clean up the brushed nickel. Pour the prepared liquid on the stain and clean it up. There will be no more stains disturbing the texture of your surface. Ensure you are cleaning regularly or whenever the stains appear on the surface. It will restore the glamor of your nickel tools.
Stainless steel cleaning is quite a fun task. All you have to do is immerse the steel into the water or sprinkle the water on the surface. Wipe it with a clean cloth, and the steel will start gleaming like new. You don’t have to implement any extra effort.
Durability
Durability is the long-lasting nature and measure of resistance to blemishes. A long life minimizes investments and is a good sign for your products.
Brushed nickel has good durability. It is less prone to rust and provides a better material for your kitchen or bathroom. Moreover, nickel offers good resistance to the wearing and tearing over time.
Stainless steel is much more durable than a nickel. Whether it comes to superior resistance, steel does not let oxidation happen. Therefore, rust doesn’t come near the steel. Plus, next-level wear and tear resistance gives a new life to your content. You don’t have to invest again and again in useless content.
Cost
The better the material, the higher the costs. Moreover, costs vary from one supplier to another. It is because of the content and material quality you choose. Since stainless steel is an alloy, the element ratio also matters in the total quality definition.
Brushed nickel is one of the cheapest options available out there. It does not need you to invest a fortune. Easy finishing makes it a more affordable choice compared to its counterpart steel.
Stainless steel has to undergo various manufacturing steps and define better wear and tear resistance. Moreover, its shining surface, with durability, increases the overall costs.
Applications
Applications vary from nickel to steel. But you can use them interchangeably in your applications. Some features are compatible with your kitchen finishes, while others are good for bathroom fixtures.
Let’s find out how both materials are suitable for different applications.
The silvery-white appearance of the brushed nickel gives it a better finish for taps, bathroom fixtures, and shower pipes. You can also try the kitchen utensils and many kitchen tools.
Stainless steel is also popular in sinks, tubs, and showers. Its corrosion resistance makes it a better option for kitchen tools. Not only kitchen utensils but also medical equipment and different industries.
Conclusion
Whatever material you choose, look for the best features. Compare its requirements with your needs. And land for the best material that holds the long-lasting nature. Most often, stainless steel can be an ideal choice. On the other hand, brushed nickel is a cheaper option.
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