Stainless Steel Number Myths|What's the difference between 201, 304, and 316?
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Some say Cuitisan stainless steel lunchboxes can be put in the microwave? Is that really true?
Stainless steel products are ubiquitous in daily life, from kitchenware to medical equipment, and are highly favored for their durability and corrosion resistance. But have you ever wondered what "304 stainless steel" and "316 stainless steel" on product labels mean? Does a larger number truly indicate better quality?
OTL Mall helps you decipher the stainless steel number code in one minute.
In fact, these numbers represent different compositions of stainless steel, each with unique characteristics:
Stainless steel is mainly divided into three series based on its composition and properties: 200, 300, and 400:
1. 200 Series Stainless Steel: Economical Industrial Grade Choice
A product of World War II: Due to a shortage of nickel during the war, people replaced some nickel with manganese, leading to the development of 200 series stainless steel.
Advantages: Lower price, with basic hardness and corrosion resistance.
Disadvantages: Weaker corrosion resistance compared to the 300 series, more prone to rust.
Applications: Industrial uses such as window frames, doors, and columns.
2. 300 Series Stainless Steel: Most Widely Used Food-Grade First Choice
Golden Ratio: The perfect combination of high chromium and nickel content, achieving the best balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and workability.
304 Stainless Steel: The most common food-grade stainless steel, with excellent corrosion resistance, widely used in tableware, kitchenware, medical equipment, etc.
316 Stainless Steel: Contains added molybdenum, enhancing corrosion resistance even further, completely non-magnetic, commonly used in medical equipment, chemical equipment, high-end cookware, etc.
3. 400 Series Stainless Steel: Economical Iron-Chromium Alloy
Simple Composition: Mainly composed of iron and chromium, containing no or very little nickel.
Advantages: Low price, easy to process, good nitric acid corrosion resistance, and can be attracted by magnets.
Disadvantages: Weaker corrosion resistance compared to the 300 series, more prone to rust.
Applications: Car parts, kitchen utensils, dishwashers, washing machine interiors, etc.
204 vs. 304 Stainless Steel: How to Choose for Daily Use?
Many people struggle to choose between 204 and 304 stainless steel. In fact, just remember one principle: the choice depends on the corrosion resistance required!
- 204 Stainless Steel: Cheaper but more prone to rust, suitable for situations with limited budgets and lower corrosion resistance requirements.
- 304 Stainless Steel: Higher price but excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for products that come into contact with food, water, or humid environments.
More on the distinctions between the 200, 300, and 400 series of stainless steel
201 Stainless Steel: Higher manganese content, weaker corrosion resistance, relatively cheaper.
- 204 Stainless Steel: Low nickel content, suitable for individuals allergic to nickel.
- 304 Stainless Steel: The most common stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel, excellent corrosion resistance, widely used in tableware and kitchenware.
- 316 Stainless Steel: Contains added molybdenum, even better corrosion resistance, commonly used in medical equipment and chemical equipment.
- 430 Stainless Steel: Lower chromium content, stronger magnetic properties, low price, suitable for products with lower corrosion resistance requirements.
A higher number does not necessarily mean better!
Choosing the right stainless steel material should be based on actual needs. For example, 304 stainless steel is sufficient for everyday tableware, while 316 stainless steel would be chosen for medical equipment requiring higher corrosion resistance.
Cuitisan: Breaking Myths, a New Era of Microwavable Stainless Steel
Traditional wisdom holds that stainless steel is not suitable for microwave heating, but Cuitisan stainless steel food containers made in Korea have overturned this idea! Their exclusive CromoSteel stainless steel material is not only microwavable and oven-safe but also withstands temperatures from -40°C to 400°C, making it safe, hygienic, and convenient.
Cuitisan Stainless Steel Food Container Series:

1. SIGNATURE Series: Simple Aesthetics, Ultimate Craftsmanship
- Made from premium 316 stainless steel, it is strong, durable, and highly corrosion-resistant.
- Simple and sleek line design maximizes capacity, showcasing minimalist aesthetics.
- European design, Korean manufacturing, quality guaranteed.
2. Flora Series: Simple Living, Calm Elegance
- Made from high-quality 304 stainless steel, it is sturdy and durable, meeting daily needs.
- Diverse designs, suitable for various occasions, adding an elegant touch to the dining table.
- Manufactured by CNT in Korea, with 50 years of experience in stainless steel container manufacturing, ensuring trustworthy quality.
3. Korean-Made Divided Rectangular Stainless Steel Food Container Series
- Conveniently delicious, healthy on-the-go
- Made from high-quality 304 stainless steel, easy to clean without residual odors, healthy and hygienic.
- Divided design prevents food flavors from mixing, reduces intake of oil, salt, and sugar, making healthy eating easy.
- Microwavable and oven-safe, convenient for heating, making it the best choice for office workers and students.
Cuitisan stainless steel food containers not only boast excellent materials and practical features but also have been tested by the Korean KCL Research Institute, achieving up to 99% antibacterial function, effectively inhibiting harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, safeguarding your food safety.
More advantages of Cuitisan stainless steel food containers:
- Safe Material: Uses 304 or 316 stainless steel, safe and non-toxic, BPA-free, allowing safe storage and heating of food without worrying about harmful substance release.
- Sturdy and Durable: Stainless steel material is sturdy and drop-resistant, not easily deformed or damaged, making it more suitable for carrying out than glass food containers.
- Convenient Heating: Microwavable and oven-safe, very convenient for heating food, saving time and effort, also suitable for bringing packed lunches.
- Excellent Sealing: Silicone sealing ring effectively prevents leaks and flavor mixing, ensuring good preservation.
- Easy to Clean: Smooth surface, not prone to stains and odors, easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, saving time and effort.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Simple and stylish design, with a variety of colors and sizes to choose from, meeting different needs and preferences.
Choose Cuitisan and embark on a new healthy and convenient eating lifestyle!
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