What Are the Differences Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel? Which Material Has Better Performance?

Among stainless steel grades, 304 and 316 are the most widely used. They can be used to make inner liners of thermos cups, various cookware, and equipment. Moreover, they are food-grade materials, which are sufficiently safe for daily use.

304 stainless steel contains approximately 18% chromium and over 8% nickel; on this basis, 316 stainless steel further adds about 2% molybdenum, resulting in more superior corrosion resistance.

In addition, there are 201-series and 430-series stainless steel. Compared to the above two grades, these two series are much inferior in quality and advantages, so they are not widely used.

Differences Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel

Since the composition of 304 and 316 is not drastically different, what exactly are their differences?

1. Different Corrosion Resistance

Because 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, it has better corrosion resistance, and its acid and alkali resistance is also enhanced.304 stainless steel lacks molybdenum, so its corrosion resistance and acid-alkali resistance are both inferior to 316.

2. Different Application Fields

Although both are food-grade materials, their application fields differ. For example, 316 stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, so it is used to make many types of medical equipment.In contrast, 304 stainless steel is widely used in cookware, tableware, and other daily items, with a very broad range of applications. Stainless steel countertops, woks, and stainless steel tableware are all typically made of 304 stainless steel.

3. Different Prices

Generally speaking, 316 stainless steel has a higher cost than 304.

Which Is Better: 304 or 316 Stainless Steel?

① If you pursue cost-effectiveness, 304 stainless steel is definitely a good choice. It has corrosion resistance, high toughness, and high temperature resistance, which can basically meet our daily needs.

② If you often make and store beverages like milk or coffee, it is recommended to choose 316 stainless steel. This is because milk and coffee are relatively corrosive, and 304 stainless steel can basically be corroded by them over time.

③ If you want to buy a higher-quality thermos cup, choose one with a 316 stainless steel inner liner and an outer shell made of 304 or 201 stainless steel.It should be noted that 316 stainless steel is relatively soft. Therefore, when cleaning the inner liner of the cup, it is best to use a sponge brush; cleaning with other harder materials will leave scratches.

Summary

When comparing solely in terms of material, 316 stainless steel is definitely better, as it has strong corrosion resistance and acid-alkali resistance. However, when it comes to cost-effectiveness, 304 has a slight advantage.

When purchasing 304 or 316 stainless steel products, you should decide based on your own usage environment—don’t waste money just for the sake of buying something more expensive.