Stainless grades

Choosing the correct stainless steel grade:- While the surface finish dictates how your worktop looks, the underlying steel grade determines how well it stands up to chemicals, liquids, and atmospheric exposure over decades. Stainless steel is an alloy, and the precise blend of metallic elements makes a noticeable difference to long-term performance. The fabricator will be able to advise you so you can make the correct steel grade choice.

Grade 304 (18/10 Catering Grade) – The Gold Standard for Indoor Kitchens:- Containing roughly 18% chromium and 8%–10% nickel, 304 is the universal standard for premium domestic kitchens and professional commercial catering. The chromium forms an invisible, self-healing “passive layer” that blocks oxygen and prevents rusting, while the nickel adds deep lustre and structural ductility. Grade 304 easily shrugs off heat, boiling liquids, and common household acids such as citrus juice, wine, vinegar, and tomato sauces. Completely non-porous and naturally antibacterial, it delivers lifetime durability for everyday indoor cooking.

Grade 316 (Marine Grade) – Essential for Outdoor & Coastal Settings:- Grade 316 contains an additional 2%–3% molybdenum, an element that dramatically boosts resistance to harsh chlorides, salts, and aggressive chemicals. While Grade 304 performs flawlessly indoors, outdoor air containing coastal sea mist or winter road grit can trigger microscopic pitting and surface staining over time. Grade 316 is the required specification for barbecue surrounds, coastal properties, swimming pool enclosures, or laboratory environments where the worktop is subjected to industrial disinfectants and harsh cleaning agents. While indoor installations commonly use Grade 304, outdoor and coastal fabrications demand molybdenum-enriched 316 alloy. Learn more about material grades on the stainless steel outdoor kitchens page.