What's the differences between 304, 201 and 430 grade stainless steel?
Why We Choose 304 Stainless Steel for Most of Our Products
At Ez Stainless Pty Ltd, quality and durability are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why the majority of our products are made using 304 grade stainless steel—one of the highest quality and most widely used stainless steel materials available today.
304 stainless steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and long-lasting performance, making it ideal for kitchenware, appliances, and products designed for frequent use. It’s also non-magnetic and highly resistant to rust, even in humid or wet environments, which ensures that our products maintain their appearance and functionality over time.
For selected items where cost-efficiency is a priority and the product will be used in less demanding environments, we use 201 grade stainless steel. While it offers good durability and a similar appearance to 304, 201 is a more economical option suited for light-duty or indoor applications.
By carefully selecting the right material for each product, we ensure a balance of quality, value, and performance—so you always get the best from us.
304 vs 201 vs430
|
304 Stainless Steel |
201 Stainless Steel |
430 Stainless Steel |
|
|
Type |
Austenitic |
Austenitic |
Ferritic |
|
Chromium (%) |
~18 |
16–18 |
16–18 |
|
Nickel (%) |
~8 |
3.5–5.5 |
≤0.75 (very low) |
|
Manganese (%) |
~2 |
5.5–7.5 |
Low |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
✅ Excellent |
⚠️ Moderate |
⚠️ Fair to Good |
|
Magnetic |
❌ Non-magnetic (unless worked) |
❌ Non-magnetic (slightly when worked) |
✅ Magnetic |
|
Weldability |
✅ Excellent |
✅ Good |
❌ Poor |
|
Durability |
✅ High |
⚠️ Moderate |
⚠️ Moderate |
|
Cost |
💲💲💲 (High) |
💲💲 (Medium) |
💲 (Low) |
|
Common Uses |
Sinks, kitchenware, medical tools |
Cookware, restaurant equipment |
Appliances, automotive trim |