Kitchen Scourer Metal

[Iamcazzy]

For years, I've used stainless steel metal scourers for cleaning burnt on deposits on non-delicate cooking trays, pans etc. The one I usually buy looks like a fist size lump of metal springs or turnings that are tightly coiled together and are stretchable. The metal is always magnetic and I believe it's made from a type of stainless steel. The scourer doesn't show any type of corrosion in use and remains bright until it falls apart.

This week, I bought more scourers. Physically, they are exactly the same as the stainless steel version and are just as good as the ones I usually buy. However, they are not silvery in colour. They are gold coloured and furthermore, are non-magnetic. I cannot imagine what metal they are made of. They're certainly not brass and the metal is not painted as they remain gold coloured even after extensive use

Could anyone suggest what metal or alloythey are made of please?

Thank you.

[Iamcazzy]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=metal+pan+scourer&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiR8MSX2eHKAhWDO5oKHd4OCc8QsAQISw&biw=1673&bih=929#imgrc=F_hmY6h0tlFuvM%3A

[Iamcazzy]

That's the normal type that I buy!

[Bathsheba]

Iamcazzy.....they sell non-stick pans now........

Baths
x x

[tonyav]

Looks like there is a Gold coloured version.
http://www.stainlesssteelscrubber.net/scrubber/images/stainless-steel-scourer-pads-made.jpg

Not all stainless steel is magnetic.
http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~wbreslyn/magnets/is-stainlesssteel-magnetic.html

[Iamcazzy]

Find me a non-stick metal wire cooling tray suitable for use with pizza etc! Don't forget enamel roasting tins still supplied with cookers. xxx

[Iamcazzy]

Thanks tonyav. I'm aware that not all stainless steel is magnetic but it still doesn't tell me how the metal is coloured or what metal the scourers are made of.

[tonyav]

Could be copper.
http://www.knitmeshtechnologies.com/kleenknit/pot-scourers.html

[EDDIE51]

Iamcazzy The metal is Austenitic Stainless Steel.
As in all steel the base metal is Iron with 10 to 15% Chromium and 2 to 5% Nickel. It is the addition of Nickel that makes it non magnetic. The colour is due to a pigment ( colouring agent) incorporated into the metal. The colour is right through the metal not just a surface colour which is why it k]lasts the life of the scourer.

[Iamcazzy]

Thank you EDDIE51. That explains it and I'm very grateful.

tonyav, as I said, the scourer is gold coloured. It certainly is not copper coloured.

[EDDIE51]

I see from Tony's link that there are scourers made from Copper.
I am surprised, Copper is at least 6 x the price of stainless steel.
I would have thought it was too expensive to be used in a 'throwaway' product. It also corrodes in acidic solutions such as vinegar or cola.

[theprof]

I'm surprised over copper scourers too. The concept of a gentler/less harsh scourer seems an antithesis given their purpose although given the corrosion risks, they would probably self-destruct in a few months.

The scourers are very likely made from PVD treated austenitic stainless steel. Advances in PVD technology in recent years allow the manufacture of any colour desired.