B15 · Housewares & Kitchenware
Stainless Steel Sheets for Kitchenware: 304/201 Selection and Four-Part Checklist
For our kitchenware, we organized four stainless steel components: the widely used 304 / 201 / 316, thickness 0.3–5 mm.
Four Parts and Material List
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Configuration | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cookware/Pots/Ceramic Insulators | 304/316/201 | 0.3–1.2 mm | 2B/Electropolished/Polished | Food contact + Acid + Cleaning + Discoloration under dry firing | GB/T 3280; GB 4806.9 |
| Cutting Tools/Knives | 420/440 | 1–5 mm | Hardened + Polished | Edge wear + Chipping + Food acid corrosion | GB/T 1220; GB 4806.9 |
| Sinks/Laminated Countertops/Splash Guards | 304/201 | 0.8–3.0 mm | 2B/Brushed/Uncoated | Moisture + Dishwashing liquid + Scratches + Food contact | GB/T 3280; GB 4806.9 |
| Material Selection Tips | 304/201 | 0.5–2.0 mm | Mirror/Polished/Embossed | Moisture + Soap solution + Plating + 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 move to 904L / duplex as concentration and temperature increase (2/4 matches).
- Thickness range 0.3–5 mm: thin sheets for formed parts (consider springback in bending and cracking in deep drawing), thick plates for welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).
FAQ
Which stainless steel is most used for housewares and kitchenware?
Top 4 across all pages: 304 (3), 201 (3), and 316 (1). For specific parts, refer to the environment and temperature—for example, stainless steel kitchen countertops require 316L when exposed to salt water.
Which part is most prone to problems?
Failure description, typically for "cookware/mugs/thermoses": food contact + salt / acid + cleaning + dry heating leads to discoloration; recommended grades 304 / 316 / 201, thickness 0.3–1.2 mm. For this scenario, it is advisable to define the average concentration, temperature, and cleaning method at the design stage.
What thickness should I choose?
The thickness range in the list is 0.3–5 mm. For thin sheets, consider bending and surface treatment; for thick plates, consider welding and structural strength. Values for the same location may vary by equipment manufacturer—check your drawing or operating conditions.
Related Materials and Adjacent Sectors
Delivery Practice Examples for Similar Operating Conditions
Kitchenware and Cookware Manufacturing
304 / 201 stainless steel round bar, thickness 0.4–3.0 mm
Deep drawing grade, Surface: 2B and BA, Diameter and weight customized to order
Applications4
Thickness0.3–5mm