What is Food Grade Stainless Steel?

According to the NSF International Standard for Food Equipment Material, stainless steel used in food equipment has to be of a type in the (AISI) 200 series, 300 series, or 400 series. Let’s have a more detailed look at what these series mean.

300 series

304 stainless steel

By far the most common type of stainless steel used in cookware. The two most popular types of stainless steel are 18/10 and 18/8 which form part of the 304 series. You might have seen these numbers stamped on stainless steel cookware and wondered what those are. Let’s explain what these mean.

The first number refers to the amount of chromium present and the second represents the amount of nickel. For example, 18/10 stainless steel is made of 18% chromium and 10% nickel.

Likewise, 18/8 stainless steel has 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

In terms of performance, there is negligible difference between 18/10 and 18/8 and if a manufacturer claims otherwise, it is just a marketing ploy.

304 stainless steel is known as an ‘austenitic’ type of stainless steel and is non-magnetic.

316 stainless steel

Less common that 304 stainless steel, the 316 type of stainless steel is a high-end version of stainless steel that contains a small percentage of molybdenum. The chemical composition is approximately 16–18% chromium, and 10–14% nickel and 2% molybdenum. This grade of stainless steel is even more resistant to corrosion but is also more expensive.

316 is also called marine stainless steel since it is used in marine environments where a higher resistance to corrosion is needed due to high exposure to extreme salt water erosion. It is also called surgical stainless steel as it is used in biomedical implants.

So if you’re wondering about a Surgical Stainless Steel Cookware Set, now you know the difference: it contains molybdenum (or titanium), has a higher corrosion resistance and might cost you more.

400 series

430 Stainless Steel

Now we come to 18/0, which, as we know by now, means 18% chromium and and 0% nickel.

This is part of the ‘400 series’ and is used primarily for flatware, mixing bowls and cheaper stockpots.

While some people with allergies are looking for nickel free flatware and cookware, keep in mind that flatware made with 18/0 stainless steel will not be as corrosion resistant or keep its shine over the years.

It’s also important to know that while ‘legally’ nickel-free, it does contain a negligible 0.75% of nickel.

400 series stainless steel is a ‘ferritic’ type of stainless steel and is magnetic.

200 series

In the 200 series, manufacturers replace the nickel with manganese since it is much cheaper. So the end result is a much cheaper stainless steel. This series is also considered food grade and is safe, however it is not a high quality stainless steel and can corrode or rust.

Like 304, it is also non-magnetic.

About MSF

Motivated by our 10-year experience of Production & export in stainless steel cookware, Shenzhen Meishengfa set out in 2008 to rethink the kitchen landscape we grew up with. We partnered with the best kitchenware wholesaler around the world and found that the cuisines in different countries are so diverse.

We realized that only stainless steel product can no longer meet the cooking needs of an ordinary kitchen. Therefore, with the continuing passion for cooking and years experience in kitchenware, Shenzhen Meishengfa Trade company was founded in August 2009, Shenzhen, aims at integrating more abundant kitchen products to provide customers with one-stop purchasing needs. If you are looking for a reliable merchandise of Stainless Steel Cookware, please contact us now!