Product listings for sinks, tables and shelves quote a steel type, usually 304 or 430. Both are stainless steel and both are used throughout commercial kitchens. They behave differently around water and salt, and knowing which is which helps you put the right piece in the right place.
For a specific model, see our 24 x 60 inch stainless steel sheets.
The difference in one table
| Type 304 | Type 430 | |
|---|---|---|
| Contains nickel | Yes | No, or very little |
| Resistance to rust and corrosion | Higher | Good in dry and lightly wet conditions |
| Magnetic | Generally no | Yes |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Typical use | Sinks, wet areas, surfaces in contact with salt and acid | Shelves, panels, table bases, dry prep |
Why sinks are usually 304
A sink is wet all day and sees salt, citrus, vinegar and cleaning chemicals. Type 304 stands up to that better, which is why our bar sinks, hand sinks and mixology station are made from it.
Where 430 makes sense
A wall shelf or the body of a piece of equipment stays mostly dry. Type 430 does that job well and costs less. Our 2-tier wall shelf is 18-gauge type 430, for example. Used in the right place, 430 is a sensible way to spend less without giving anything up.
A quick test
A magnet sticks to 430 and generally does not stick to 304. It is a useful check, not a perfect one, because forming and welding can make parts of a 304 piece slightly magnetic.
Type and gauge are two different things
The type tells you what the steel is made of. The gauge tells you how thick it is, and a lower gauge number means thicker steel. A listing that says 18-gauge 304 is giving you both. Compare like with like when you look at two products.
Looking after either type
- Clean with a mild detergent and a soft cloth, wiping with the grain.
- Rinse and dry after cleaning. Standing water and chemical residue cause most staining.
- Keep steel wool and chloride cleaners such as bleach off the surface. They can cause rust spots on any stainless steel.
How to choose
- Constantly wet, or in contact with salt and acid: choose 304.
- Dry storage and shelving: 430 is fine.
- Coastal locations and outdoor kitchens: lean toward 304 throughout, because salt air is hard on steel.
Ordering and delivery
Delivery within the continental US is included in the price on each product page. If you want help checking a measurement before you order, call +1-877-558-2253.