When choosing a kettle, we often hear about two materials, 316 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel. So, what exactly is the difference between these two stainless steels, and which one is more suitable for making a kettle?
First of all, we need to understand the relationship between the number of stainless steel and its composition. In the number of stainless steels, such as 304 and 316, the first two digits indicate the chromium content, while the last two numbers indicate the nickel content. Specifically, 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, while 316 stainless steel contains 18% chromium, 8% nickel, and 2% molybdenum.
Next, let's analyze the properties of these two stainless steels and where they can be used. 304 stainless steel is a material that is widely used in tableware and kitchenware because of its good corrosion resistance and beautiful appearance. It has strong anti-rust ability, and it is easy to process and easy to clean. Therefore, for the daily use of the family's kettle, 304 stainless steel is a good choice.
316 stainless steel has 2% molybdenum added to 304 stainless steel, which makes it further corrosion resistant, especially in high temperature and acidic environments. Therefore, for kettles that need to be exposed to high temperature steam or acidic environments for long periods of time, such as teapots or coffee pots, 316 stainless steel may be more suitable.
However, for a kettle for general household use, 304 stainless steel has been able to meet the demand. Its corrosion resistance is enough to cope with various situations in daily household use, and it is relatively more accessible.
To sum up, for the daily use of the family kettle, 304 stainless steel material is more suitable. Its excellent corrosion resistance and aesthetically pleasing appearance make it the first choice of most people. Of course, if you are more specific to the environment in which the kettle is used, such as frequent exposure to high temperature steam or acidic environments, then 316 stainless steel may be more suitable for your needs.