For any surface that touches food, or sits close to it, corrosion resistance and hygiene matter more than upfront cost. Here's how galvanised and stainless steel compare specifically for food environments.
Corrosion Resistance
Galvanised steel relies on a zinc coating to prevent rust. That coating degrades over time, especially under heat and repeated grease exposure — once it wears through, the underlying steel corrodes. Stainless steel resists corrosion throughout the material itself, with no coating to fail.
Hygiene and Food Safety
Stainless steel's smooth, non-porous surface is easier to clean thoroughly and doesn't harbour bacteria in coating imperfections the way a worn galvanised surface can. This is why stainless steel (not galvanised) is the standard specified for food-contact surfaces, prep tables, and wall cladding in commercial kitchens.
Where Galvanised Still Makes Sense
Galvanised steel remains a reasonable choice for ductwork that doesn't directly contact food or sit inside the kitchen itself — which is why we manufacture our spiral ducting and fittings in galvanised steel to DW144, while kitchen-facing surfaces (canopies, tables, cladding) are stainless steel.
In short: galvanised for ducting, stainless steel for anything inside the kitchen that touches food or needs to pass a hygiene inspection.
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Canopy Man manufactures commercial kitchen extraction in Birmingham and delivers across England & Wales. Call 07458 148000 / 07300 815599 or contact us for advice or a quote.