Stainless is a generic term applied to a wide range of stainless steels which have corrosion resistance. Stainless steels are alloys of iron with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Other metals such as nickel, titanium, molybdenum and copper are also added to impart diferent properties such as higher strength, temperature resistance and enhanced corrosion resistance.

The selection of a particular grade of stainless is usually made with the required corrosion resistance as the starting point , additional physical properties can then be specified.

 Grade 304 stainless sheet is the old 18/8 grade and the most widely used stainless sheet. It has excellant corrosion resistance.

Typical catering uses for grade 304 stainless sheets are vats, bowls, pipework, table tops.

Grade 316 stainless sheet is more corrosion resistant than grade 304 and is suitable for marine and coastal applications.

Typical catering uses for grade 316 stainless sheet are components used with more corrosive foods, (e.g. meat/blood, foods with moderate salt content) where frequent cleaning takes place

Grades of stainless steel sheet higher than 316 are available for use in more corrosive environments such as hot brine, salty and slow moving foods. 

Grade 430 stainless sheet is a lower grade stainless and is suitable indoor uses. It has good corrosion resistance.

Typical catering uses for grade 430 stainless sheet are splash backs, table tops, equipment cladding and panelling and moderately corrosive environments, (e.g. vegetables, fruits, drinks, dry food etc)

Stainless Steel Grades Cross Reference and Typical Composition

AISI          BS          EN                Composition Cr / Ni / C

430          430S17    1.4016           17 / 0 / 0.08

304          304S31    1.4301           18 / 8 / 0.07

316          316S31    1.4401           17 / 11 / 0.07

316L        316S11    1.4404           17 / 11 / 0.03