201 vs 304 vs 430 Stainless Steel: How to Choose the Right Grade for Your Application
When selecting stainless steel for your projects — whether it’s kitchen equipment, construction panels, or industrial fabrication — choosing the right grade makes a big difference in durability, appearance, and cost.
Here’s a practical comparison between 201, 304, and 430 stainless steel, the three most common types used in manufacturing and export.
🔹 1. Chemical Composition
| Grade | Main Elements | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 201 | Cr 16–18%, Ni 3.5–5.5%, Mn up to 7.5% | Lower nickel, higher manganese; economical alternative to 304 |
| 304 | Cr 18–20%, Ni 8–10.5% | High corrosion resistance, easy to form and weld |
| 430 | Cr 16–18%, Ni ≤ 0.75% | Ferritic type, magnetic, good oxidation resistance, cost-effective |
304 stainless steel contains more nickel and chromium, giving it superior corrosion resistance and shine compared with 201 and 430.
201 reduces nickel content to save cost, while 430 eliminates nickel almost completely, making it more magnetic and less resistant to certain environments.
🔹 2. Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Indoor / dry environment | 201 or 430 |
| Outdoor / humid environment | 304 |
| Food processing or kitchen use | 304 |
| Decorative or low-cost projects | 201 |
| Automotive parts / exhaust systems | 430 |
304 performs best in humid, salty, or acidic conditions, while 201 is more suitable for indoor, dry, or decorative applications.
430 can handle mild environments but may rust slightly if exposed to water or acid for long periods.
🔹 3. Mechanical Properties
| Property | 201 | 304 | 430 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ~520 | ~515 | ~450 |
| Ductility | Medium | Excellent | Moderate |
| Magnetism | Slight | Non-magnetic | Strong magnetic |
304 stainless steel remains the most balanced in strength, formability, and non-magnetic properties — that’s why it’s widely used in industrial tanks, kitchen equipment, and medical devices.
430 is magnetic and slightly harder, while 201 is tougher but less ductile.
🔹 4. Applications Overview
| Industry | Common Material | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Equipment | 304 / 201 | Sinks, cabinets, tables, panels |
| Construction | 201 / 430 | Decorative panels, elevator doors |
| Industrial Use | 304 | Tanks, pressure vessels, machinery |
| Automotive | 430 | Mufflers, trim, exhaust components |
🔹 5. Cost Comparison
In general:
304 > 201 > 430 (from most expensive to least)
304 offers premium quality and corrosion protection, but if your customer needs a competitive price, 201 or 430 can be smart alternatives depending on application.
🔹 6. Summary Table
| Property | 201 | 304 | 430 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Austenitic | Austenitic | Ferritic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Fair |
| Magnetic | Slight | No | Yes |
| Cost | Low | High | Very Low |
| Application | Decorative, indoor | Industrial, food grade | Appliances, auto parts |
✅ Conclusion
Each stainless steel grade has its own balance of performance, appearance, and cost.
If your project requires high corrosion resistance and food-grade quality — choose 304.
For general decorative or indoor use, 201 offers a cost-effective option.
And if magnetism or oxidation resistance is needed for appliances or automotive use, 430 is a reliable choice.
At HTF Materials, we supply a full range of stainless steel sheets, coils, pipes, and bars in grades 201, 304, and 430, with thicknesses from 0.3mm to 20mm.
We also provide cutting, polishing, and export packaging services to ensure your materials arrive ready for production.
📩 Contact us to get the best material for your projects.