18/8 Stainless Steel: Everything You Need to Know!

Von: HDCMFG
Januar 17, 2025

Do you know what 18/8 stainless steel is? Do you know what they’re used for? In this blog, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about 18/8 stainless steel!

From what you need to know, how you can leverage it, to investments, and many more!

What is 18/8 Stainless Steel?

In a nutshell, 18/8 stainless steel is a stainless steel grade that many industries use because of its properties. Famous for being food-safe, this austenitic stainless steel type is made up of 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel–hence the classification.

Most companies consider it as one of the most versatile stainless steel grades that share a good mix of corrosion, heat, and wear-resistance, and durability. It’s not weak, but it’s not the strongest grade of steel either.

What 18-8 Stainless Steel is Also Known As

18-8 stainless steel is also commonly referred to as austenite or 304 stainless steel. The reason why 304 and 18-8 is used interchangeable is because of their similarities in composition and structure.

HINWEIS: According to AZoM, 18/8 is a loose and old term that’s used to identify 304 stainless steel.

Is 18-8 Stainless Steel Good Quality?

Yes, 18/8 stainless steel is a generally decent grade of stainless steel. It offers corrosion resistance, strength, median temperature resistance, and is graded to use daily.

Its quality is great that many marine-grade home appliances and household items are made from 18/8 stainless steel. In addition, they also resist most acidinetc natures, salt, and water.

However, the resistance levels of 18/8 begins degrading faster and sooner than the stronger and costlier 18/10 stainless steel.

18/8 Stainless Steel Properties: What You Need to Know!

There are certain properties 18-8 stainless steel materials have that are worth knowing. So, here they are!

Korrosionsbeständigkeit

18/8 stainless steel, also known as 304, is highly resistant to corrosion. Its 18% chromium and 8% nickel content form a protective oxide layer, shielding it from rust and chemical damage.

This property makes it ideal for environments exposed to moisture, humidity, and mild acids, such as kitchen equipment, medical tools, and outdoor structures.

HINWEIS: Unlike other metals, 18/8 stainless steel maintains its durability even in wet or corrosive conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Aesthetics and Visual Appeal

18/8 stainless steel blends practicality with a sleek, appealing look. It is a popular option for consumer goods like cookware, appliances, and decorative items because of its smooth, reflective surface, which resists tarnishing, scratches, and discoloration.

This alloy is popular in both residential and commercial applications because it requires little maintenance to maintain its sleek finish.

Its modern look and resistance to stains also contribute to its widespread use in design-focused industries.

Haltbarkeit und Stärke

Known for its excellent mechanical properties, 18/8 stainless steel offers impressive strength and durability. It can withstand substantial stress without deforming, making it suitable for demanding applications like industrial machinery, automotive parts, and building materials.

Its ability to resist wear and tear ensures that products made from this alloy remain functional and visually appealing over time. Additionally, its toughness enhances safety and performance, especially in load-bearing or high-impact scenarios.

Resistance to Heat

And last but most definitely not least would be its heat resistance. It’s part of the most notable features of 18/8 stainless steel. Its ability to handle high temperatures without losing integrity is definitely a win-win.

It performs well in both low and high-temperature environments, making it a reliable choice for kitchen utensils, exhaust systems, and industrial processing equipment.

This resistance to thermal stress ensures the material remains stable and functional, even under fluctuating conditions.

These are the most important properties you need to know about 18/8 stainless steel

18/8 Stainless Steel vs. 304 Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?

18/8 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are often used interchangeably due to their similarities, but they aren’t entirely identical. Both share the same composition—18% chromium and 8% nickel—but 304 stainless steel is a broader category that encompasses various grades, including 18/8.

Below is a detailed comparison to clarify their distinctions to help you gain a better understanding of what each of them are.

Aspekt	18/8 Stainless Steel	Edelstahl 304
Komposition	Enthält 18% Chrom und 8% Nickel.	Typically includes 18% chromium, 8–10.5% nickel.
Standard Designation	Informal term describing composition.	Officially recognized under the AISI 304 grade.
Anwendungen	Used in household items, cutlery, and cookware.	Widely applied in industrial and medical sectors.
Korrosionsbeständigkeit	High resistance in moderate environments.	Superior performance in harsher, more corrosive conditions.
Hitzebeständigkeit	Effective up to 750°F (400°C).	Handles slightly higher temperatures depending on the variant.
Kosten	Slightly cheaper due to informal classification.	May cost more due to its regulated standards.

Both materials are durable, versatile, and resistant to rust and corrosion, making them suitable for diverse uses. However, 304 stainless steel’s broader chemical tolerances and regulated production standards make it the better choice for demanding industrial or medical environments.

18/8 stainless steels are made to fit consumer products and consumer goods more, because of how it’s structured.

Why HDC is China’s #1 Manufacturer of 18/8 Stainless Steel

From the most generic of stainless steels, to carbon steels, plastics, and 18-8 stainless steels, we got what you need. We here at HDC have been in the business of steelmaking and parts manufacturing for more than 8 years now.

Our expertise has been focused primarily on Luft- und Raumfahrt, Automobil, zu medicalund sogar transportation industries. In terms of material handling, we’re experts with titanium alloys, carbon steels, stainless steels, copper alloys, and many more.

If you ever need help with any type of alloy or metal, don’t hesitate to work with us here at HDC. Our business is armed and equipped with experts that you can fully bank on and trust, whatever business industry you’re in.

Kontaktiere uns today and get a free quote of the materials and products you need! Dial us or send us an email!