201 Stainless Steel vs 304 Stainless Steel – Which One Should You Choose?
Daftar isi
Perkenalan
201 stainless steel vs baja tahan karat 304 is one of the most common comparisons people make when choosing materials for kitchenware, drinkware, or building projects. At first glance, both look almost identical—shiny, strong, and resistant to daily use. But the truth is, one is cheaper while the other offers much greater durability. So how do you know which one fits your needs? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
SUS304 – The Standard for Durability
SUS304 is often called the “gold standard” of stainless steel. It contains about 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, two elements that are key to corrosion resistance. That higher nickel content makes SUS304 more stable, which means it won’t rust easily—even if you use it around salty water, acidic food, or outdoors.
That’s why you’ll find SUS304 in professional kitchens, medical tools, and premium water bottles. It’s strong, easy to clean, and safe for long-term food contact. Yes, it costs more, but you’re paying for reliability.
SUS201 – The Budget-Friendly Alternative
SUS201 was developed as a lower-cost version of stainless steel. To reduce price, manufacturers cut down the nickel content (around 3.5–5.5%) and replaced it with manganese and a bit of nitrogen.
This makes SUS201 harder and stronger in terms of tensile strength, but the trade-off is clear: it’s less resistant to rust and discoloration. Indoors, for things like decorative panels, furniture fittings, or low-cost utensils, it performs well. But in humid kitchens or outdoor settings, SUS201 will show rust much sooner than SUS304.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Fitur | SUS201 Stainless Steel | SUS304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium Content | 16–18% | 18–20% |
| Nickel Content | 3.5–5.5% | 8–10.5% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate, rusts faster outdoors | Excellent, food-grade and outdoor safe |
| Strength & Hardness | Higher hardness, less ductile | More ductile, less brittle |
| Penampilan | Slightly darker, bluish tint | Brighter, silvery finish |
| Price | Lower (30–50% cheaper) | Higher |
| Common Uses | Indoor décor, low-cost utensils | Kitchenware, medical tools, outdoor gear |
In short: 201 stainless steel vs 304 stainless steel is really a question of cost vs durability.
Corrosion Resistance – Where They Differ Most
Here’s where the two grades truly part ways.
304 holds up against saltwater, acids, and cleaning chemicals. Even in tough conditions, it resists pitting and rust.
201, on the other hand, may start showing rust spots within months outdoors or in kitchens with high humidity.
If you need a product to last years without worry, 304 is the clear winner.
How to Tell 201 from 304
Magnet test: 201 is often slightly magnetic, while 304 is usually non-magnetic.
Appearance: 304 has a brighter finish, while 201 may look darker.
Chemical test: A drop of copper sulfate can help—201 discolors faster.
Professional tools: Manufacturers use XRF analyzers to verify the exact composition.
Applications
Best Uses for 304 Stainless Steel:
Premium cookware, cutlery, and water bottles
Medical and surgical tools
Outdoor structures and marine environments
Best Uses for 201 Stainless Steel:
Indoor décor, wall panels, furniture fittings
Budget-friendly utensils and appliances
Places where cost matters more than long-term resistance
Conclusion – 201 Stainless Steel vs 304 Stainless Steel
The 201 stainless steel vs 304 stainless steel comparison boils down to your priorities.
Choose 201 if cost is your main concern and you’re using it indoors for decorative or budget items.
Choose 304 if you need strength, hygiene, and corrosion resistance—especially for food, medical, or outdoor use.
In simple terms: 201 saves money, 304 saves problems.
