If you are in the market for stainless steel cookware, you might have noticed various numbers and grades associated with it. Two common grades are Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10. But what do these numbers and grades mean? What are the differences between them? In this blog post, we will be discussing the differences between Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10.
Difference Between Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10
Composition of Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10:
The main difference between Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10 is their composition. Stainless Steel 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, while 18/10 contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. In essence, 18/10 has more nickel compared to Stainless Steel 304.
Corrosion Resistance:
Both Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10 are highly resistant to corrosion and rust. However, this grade offers better corrosion resistance due to the higher percentage of nickel in 18/10. Hence, 18/10 is considered more durable and long-lasting than Stainless Steel 304.
Price:
As mentioned earlier, 18/10 has more nickel than Stainless Steel 304. Therefore, cookware made of 18/10 tends to be more expensive than Stainless Steel 304. However, it is worth noting that 18/10 cookware is considered a long-term investment and will last a lot longer compared to Stainless Steel 304.
Maintenance:
Both Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10 are easy to maintain. They are dishwasher safe; you can also clean them with warm, soapy water. However, it is recommended that you avoid using abrasive materials to avoid scratches that could damage the cookware’s surface.
Use:
Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10 are great for cooking, especially for dishes that require high temperatures and frequent stirring. Stainless Steel does not react with acidic foods like aluminum or copper, making them the perfect choice for cooking tomato-based sauces, vinegar-based salad dressings, and citrusy dishes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10 are great cookware choices. However, if you are looking for more durable cookware and corrosion-resistant, then 18/10 is the better option. It is also worth noting that 18/10 cookware comes at a higher price point, but it is an investment that will pay off in the long run. Nevertheless, Stainless Steel 304 and 18/10 are easy to maintain and great for cooking, providing excellent heat distribution and cooking performance.
