Is 304 or 316 stainless steel better for food grade?

In the realm of industrial procurement, selecting the appropriate materials for food processing, storage, and transportation goes far beyond mere performance-it is a critical matter involving both safety and regulatory compliance.A question frequently arises: Is SUS304 stainless steel truly a "food-grade" material?
In short, the answer is yes; however, when it comes to relevant standards, certifications, and specific application environments, there remain important details and nuances to consider. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown, covering all the key information that every professional procurement specialist needs to know.

 

1. What Makes Stainless Steel "Food-Grade"?

A material is considered "food-grade" if it can come into direct contact with food without leaching harmful substances, changing the food's flavor, or corroding under the influence of food acids and cleaning chemicals.

Food-grade stainless steel must satisfy three criteria:

Corrosion Resistance: It must resist acids, alkalis, and chlorides found in food.

Cleanability: It must have a surface finish that prevents bacterial growth.

Heavy Metal Stability: It must not release Lead, Cadmium, or excessive Chromium/Nickel into food.

 

2.Is SUS304 stainless steel food-grade?

SUS304 (a Japanese JIS standard grade, equivalent to AISI 304 or 1.4301) is the most widely used food-grade stainless steel globally. Due to its high chromium (18%–20%) and nickel (8%–10%) content, this material is generally regarded as "food-safe," offering a combination of durability and ease of cleaning.

 

3.Applications of SUS304 Food-Grade Stainless Steel:

Dairy Industry: Milk storage tanks, piping systems, and pasteurization equipment.
Brewing Industry: Fermentation tanks and beer kegs.
Kitchenware: Commercial sinks, food preparation tables, and cutlery.
Industrial Food Processing: Evaporators, heat exchangers, and conveyor belts.

4. SUS304 Compliance with Global Food Standards

When procuring for international projects, "SUS304" is generally accepted under several key food-grade certifications:
FDA (USA): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration generally recognizes 304/304L as safe for food contact.
NSF/ANSI 51: This standard specifically lists 304 stainless steel for food equipment materials.
EU 1935/2004: The European regulation for materials in contact with food.
GB 4806.9 (China): The national standard for stainless steel food-contact materials, which SUS304 consistently meets.

 

Chemical Composition of SUS304 Stainless Steel

Element	Content (%)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.08
Chromium (Cr)	18 – 20
Nickel (Ni)	8 – 10.5
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.0
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.0
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.030
Iron (Fe)	Balance

The presence of 18–20% chromium forms a protective oxide layer that prevents rust and corrosion, while nickel improves stability and durability.

 

Mechanical Properties of SUS304 Stainless Steel

The mechanical strength of SUS304 allows it to withstand mechanical stress during food processing operations.

Property	Value
Tensile Strength	≥ 515 MPa
Yield Strength	≥ 205 MPa
Elongation	≥ 40%
Hardness	≤ 201 HB

These properties ensure that food equipment made from SUS304 can maintain structural stability and long service life.

 

Physical Properties of SUS304 Stainless Steel

Property	Value
Density	8.0 g/cm³
Melting Point	1400 – 1450 °C
Thermal Conductivity	16.2 W/m·K
Specific Heat	500 J/kg·K
Electrical Resistivity	0.72 µΩ·m

 

 

Property	SUS304	SUS316	Notes / Comparison
Chemical Composition (wt%)	C ≤ 0.08 Cr 18–20 Ni 8–10.5 Mn ≤ 2 Si ≤ 1  P ≤ 0.045  S ≤ 0.03	C ≤ 0.08 Cr 16–18 Ni 10–14 Mo 2–3 Mn ≤ 2  Si ≤ 1 P ≤ 0.045	SUS316 contains Mo (2–3%) for better corrosion resistance.
Tensile Strength (MPa)	520–750	515–690	Comparable strength.
Yield Strength (MPa)	205–310	205–275	Similar yield strength.
Elongation (%)	40–60	40–60	Both have excellent ductility.
Hardness (HRB)	70–95	70–95	Similar hardness.
Corrosion Resistance	• Good, prone to pitting in chlorides	• Excellent in chloride & seawater	SUS316 better for harsh environments.
High-Temperature Resistance	Up to ~870°C	Up to ~925°C	SUS316 better at high temperatures.
Common Applications	• Kitchen equipment, architectural panels	• Marine, chemical, medical devices	SUS316 preferred for corrosive setting

 

304 food grade stainless steel vs 18-8

304 and 18/8 stainless steels are virtually identical, with both containing ~18% chromium and ~8% nickel, making them excellent, non-reactive choices for food-grade applications. While 18-8 is a general description, 304 is the specific industrial grade, with both offering superior corrosion resistance and durability for kitchen, food processing, and cookware use.

Food Grade Stainless Steel 304 price

Food-grade 304 stainless steel is widely utilized in the manufacturing and processing of kitchenware; the wholesale price for sheet stock typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,100 per ton (approximately $1.50 to $3 per kilogram). Smaller, retail-sized sheets (such as 12 inches by 12 inches) are generally priced between $12 and $35, depending on thickness, while a 16-gauge sheet measuring 48 inches by 96 inches is priced at approximately $270 to $300.

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304 Stainless Steel Food-Grade Plate Test Report

 

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If you are looking to procure cost-effective SUS304 or SS304 stainless steel plates and coils, please contact us immediately to receive a free quotation! We offer customized processing services-including slitting, film lamination, and laser cutting-and provide 100% material certification along with technical guidance.