A kitchen item’s reliable performance and safe use depend heavily on the grade of its stainless steel.
Grades at a Glance
| Grade | Advantages | Drawbacks | Typical Use |
| 201 | Low cost, polishes up well | High manganese, low nickel; poor corrosion resistance; pits and leaches when in contact with salt or vinegar; not for food-contact surfaces | Outer shells and decorative parts (no food contact) |
| SUS304 （18/8） | Balanced and durable, easy to draw and polish, resists everyday acids; the most widely accepted food-grade option overseas and easy to certify for FDA / LFGB | Still at risk of corrosion in long-term high-salt settings; costs more than 201 and 430 | Pepper and salt mill contact parts, cutlery, ladles, milk pans, kettles, food containers |
| SUS316 （316L） | Contains molybdenum; much stronger resistance to chlorides (salt); better corrosion resistance than 304 | Noticeably more expensive | Premium salt mills, pickling containers, kitchenware for coastal markets, upscale cutlery |
| 430 | Nickel-free and magnetic, ideal for induction bases; good value | Weaker corrosion resistance, prone to rust; poor formability | Induction cookware bases, decorative shells |
| 420 （440C） | High hardness; hardenable and takes a sharp edge | Less rust-resistant than 304; rusts in damp conditions | Knives, scissors, metal grinding cores |
SUS304、304 与 18/8
All three describe the same 18/8 family, with essentially identical chemistry and performance. The difference is only which national standard the name follows
| Naming | Standard |
| SUS304 | JIS（Japan） |
| 304 / Type 304 | ASTM / AISI（US） |
| 06Cr19Ni10 | GB（China） |
| 1.4301 | EN（EU） |
| 18/8 | Trade name |
Choosing by Product
| Product | Recommended |
| Pepper and salt mills | Contact parts in SUS304 (18/8); SUS316 for premium lines |
| Cutlery, ladles, utensils | 304 by default; 316 for premium lines |
| Cookware, milk pans | 304 for the body; 430 for induction base layers |
| Knives, scissors | 420 / 440C |
In short: SUS304 (18/8) for food contact, SUS316 for high-salt or premium items, never 201 against food, 420/440C for blades, 430 for induction bases.