Stainless steel is the ideal material from a durability perspective, since it is inherently long-lasting if cared for appropriately. The material's durability in a wide range of environments can be put down to a range of factors. It is resistant to extremes of temperature, making it suitable for both cooking products and refrigeration. It is capable of standing up to shocks, so that it will not break if dropped from even quite substantial heights. It is also not susceptible to rust, as long as suitable care is taken when cleaning it.

Stainless steel products are simple and efficient to keep clean, since they do not generally require specialist cleaning solutions or equipment. In many cases, outer surfaces can be wiped down with no more than a mixture of water and liquid soap. Certain more awkward marks and smudges, in particular stubborn smears left by fingerprints, may be treated with a soft cloth and glass cleaner. Stainless steels durable nature extends to its cleaning, with goods being easily cleaned even after many years' of installation in the workplace.

In environments such as kitchens, medical facilities and laboratories, where hygiene is of the utmost importance, the advantages of using stainless steel become even more apparent. In particular, the ease with which stainless steel products and furniture can be kept spotlessly clean ensures that bacterial contamination is kept to an absolute minimum. As a side benefit, the sight of a gleaming set of stainless steel utensils is sure to increase confidence in a business's commitment to excellent hygiene.

Stainless steel items are kind to the environment before, during and after their working life. Around 60% of the global production of stainless steel makes use of recycled materials. When a product is no longer required, it can be easily melted down and recycled once again. Unlike certain other metals, such as aluminium, recycled stainless steel retains its quality and so is not limited in the applications to which it can be applied. The metal is also non-toxic, making it ideal for kitchen utensils and medical applications.

Although stainless steel may not be the cheapest material in terms of its initial purchase price, when looked at over the life of an appliance or item of furniture, its return on investment is high. Its strength allows stainless steel products to be thinner than similar items made of lesser materials, as well as giving it a useful life well in advance of initially cheaper metals. Stainless steel also retains its shape and appearance for many years with correct handling, reducing repair costs.