B15 · Housewares & Kitchenware
Stainless Steel Sheets for Kitchenware: Choosing Between 304/201 and a Four-Part Breakdown
In our kitchenware, we've specified four stainless steel components: commonly used 304 / 201 / 316, thickness 0.3–5 mm.
Four Components and Material List
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Condition | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cookware pots/pans/ceramic insulators | 304/316/201 | 3–1.2mm | 2B/ electropolished/polished | Food contact + acid + cleaning + discoloration from dry burning | GB/T 3280; GB 4806.9 |
| Cutting tools/slicing blades | 420/440 | 1–5mm | Quench hardened + polished | Edge wear + sticking + food acid corrosion | GB/T 1220; GB 4806.9 |
| Sinks/laminate countertops/water shields | 304/201 | 8–3.0mm | 2B/brushed/draped | Moisture + liquid dishwashing + scratches + food contact | GB/T 3280; GB 4806.9 |
| Material Selection Tips | 304/201 | 5–2.0mm | Mirror/sandblasted/gold | Moisture + soap solution + scale + hand perspiration | GB/T 3280 |
InsideStandard ConfigurationCommon grades: 304 (3), 201 (3), 316 (1)
Material Types
- 304, 201, 316
- For acidic environments, start with 316L and escalate to 904L / duplex (2/4 hits) depending on concentration and temperature.
- Thickness range 0.3–5 mm: thin sheets are for formed parts (consider springback and deep-drawing fracture), thick plates are for welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stainless steel is most commonly used for housewares and kitchenware?
By total pages, the top 4 are: 304 (3), 201 (3), and 316 (1). For specific parts, refer to the media and temperature — for example, stainless countertops require 316L where salt water is present.
Which part is most likely to have problems?
Failure description, typically for "cookware/cups/thermos water bottles": food contact + salt / acid + cleaning + dry burning causes discoloration; recommended grades 304 / 316 / 201, thickness 0.3–1.2mm. For this scenario, we recommend defining the medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method at the design stage.
Which thickness should I choose?
The thickness range in the list is 0.3–5 mm. For thin sheets, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, consider welding and structural strength. Values for the same application may vary between equipment manufacturers — review your drawings or operating conditions.
Related Materials and Adjacent Industries
Delivery Case Studies for Similar Operating Conditions
Kitchenware & Cookware Manufacturing
304 / 201 stainless steel coils, 0.4–3.0 mm thickness
Deep-drawing grade, surface finish: 2B and BA, diameter and weight as required
Applications4
Thickness0.3–5mm