What is the difference between 304 stainless steel and 18/8 stainless steel? Today we will give a brief overview.
1.Overview of Stainless Steel Models
18/8 is the common name used in China, namely Cr18, Ni8 series austenitic stainless steel; 304 is the American stainless steel grade and the new Chinese grade 06Cr19Ni10.
The general composition of stainless steel is a combination of elements such as iron, chromium and carbon. Household stainless steel can be divided into three grades: 430, 304 (18-8), and 18-10.
18/8 reduces the intergranular corrosion susceptibility of the material by reducing the carbon content by adding Ti,304, and the two have different resistance to specific corrosive media.
In fact, in our opinion, 18-8 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are actually the same, but named according to the standards of different countries. The model steel before 18-8 is 0CR18NI9, and Ti was added later.
Generally speaking, stainless steel products generally use 304 stainless steel, and 18/8 stainless steel is often used to distinguish materials, and the performance of the two is the same.
18/8 stainless steel is actually a Chinese name. Worldwide, the name 304 stainless steel is often used. Food grade stainless steel is actually the same as kitchen grade stainless steel. Its functions are all food contact applications, so there is no such thing as good or bad. Many times it is used by some businesses in publicity. It does not affect the actual performance of stainless steel.
So, if you are still wondering whether 304 stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel is better, then you can rest assured that the performance of both is the same.
What is food grade stainless steel?
Food grade stainless steel is the process standard, 304 is only stainless steel, that is, 304 stainless steel has the distinction of ordinary decorative grade, product grade, and food grade.
Stainless steel grades used for tableware and kitchenware are 304, 316, 420, etc., because tableware does not need strong stress corrosion resistance, and the use temperature will not be very high. For stainless steel, this is a very low temperature. , so the materials used are actually very cheap and commonly used. Many people still do not understand food-grade stainless steel, there are several kinds of food-grade stainless steel, and what is the difference between 304 stainless steel.
Is 304 stainless steel the same as food grade 304 stainless steel?
304, is the grade of stainless steel, the American name. Its Chinese brand name is 06Cr19Ni10, which is very complicated and difficult to read, so we are more used to calling it “304 stainless steel”.
Food grade and grade, belong to two systems.Stainless steel type determines the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Whether it meets the food-grade requirements, in addition to the requirements for the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, there are also requirements for the precipitation indicators of five heavy metals such as lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium and arsenic.
Food grade 304 stainless steel is 304 stainless steel that meets the heavy metal precipitation standard; while ordinary 304 stainless steel has not been tested by the heavy metal precipitation standard.
Therefore, 304 stainless steel is not necessarily food grade. To meet the relevant testing requirements, the food-grade certification can only be obtained if the relevant standards are met. Our AMIGS stainless steel tumblers are made from real food grade 304 stainless steel.
Food grade stainless steel mainly includes 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel
- 304 stainless steel can resist the corrosion and oxidation of chemical substances. The standard material of stainless steel pressure cooker is 304 stainless steel or above.
- 316 stainless steel is better, containing 10% nickel, more corrosion-resistant, widely used in medical, no metal ion precipitation, very safe.
For food grade 316 stainless steel, it is mostly used in the medical industry. The price is much more expensive than 304 stainless steel. Of course, we can also customize the tumbler cup of 316 stainless steel, but it is wasteful because of its high price and its inability to exert its performance in daily use. Therefore, 304 stainless steel is generally used for stainless steel appliances. Of course, if you have strict requirements on materials, you can contact us to customize and use more advanced 316 stainless steel.
Summarizing the above, you will understand that both 304 stainless steel and 18/8 stainless steel meet the requirements of food grade stainless steel. So no matter how the business advertises, the performance of both is the same. It is completely sufficient for our daily use. There is no need to use such advanced materials as 316 stainless steel. Because in our daily use scenarios, we rarely come into contact with strong corrosive substances, so choosing 304 stainless steel appliances is the most cost-effective.
AMIGS stainless steel cups are all made of food grade 304 stainless steel
Our stainless steel water bottles, tumbler cups, yerba mate cups, stainless steel mugs, and beer can holder are all made of food-grade 304 stainless steel.
We and the manufacturers we work with have obtained relevant quality certifications. You can order with confidence. Some of our product shells are made of 201 stainless steel, although it is not food grade, but it does not affect the use. If you have requirements for the material of the cup shell, you can contact us for customization.
We not only have strict requirements on materials, but also strictly control their precipitates. Our tumbler cups are BPA-free. It also does not contain heavy metal components.
