{"id":3525,"date":"2025-07-05T16:53:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T08:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chiggofactory.com\/?p=3525"},"modified":"2025-07-05T16:54:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-05T08:54:03","slug":"18-8-vs-18-10-vs-18-0-stainless-steel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chiggofactory.com\/zh-CN\/18-8-vs-18-10-vs-18-0-stainless-steel\/","title":{"rendered":"Comparing 18\/8, 18\/10, and 18\/0 Stainless Steels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
When choosing stainless steel<\/a> kitchenware and cutlery, you\u2019ll often see grades labeled 18\/8, 18\/10, and 18\/0. These numbers indicate the approximate percentages of chromium and nickel, two key elements that define the alloy\u2019s properties. Chromium forms a protective layer of chromium oxide (Cr\u2082O\u2083) on the steel surface, preventing rust and oxidation. Nickel stabilizes the face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, giving the steel ductility, toughness, and non-magnetic properties. it also enhances corrosion resistance and delivers a brighter, smoother finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While these grades appear similar, their performance varies notably due to their unique compositions. The article breaks down their key differences to help you choose the right material for your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18\/8 stainless steel is typically classified as Type 304 (in the American AISI grade designation system). It contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, and is the most widely used stainless steel grade. 18\/8 stainless steel belongs to the austenitic steel family (300 series), which means it is non-magnetic in the annealed state and shares the outstanding formability, hygiene, and weldability typical of this group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although 18\/8 offers good corrosion resistance for most kitchen and food-grade applications, it is somewhat prone to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments such as saltwater, bleach, or high-chlorine cleaning agents; therefore, it is unsuitable for marine applications, swimming pools, or other harsh chemical settings. Like other austenitic grades, 18\/8 cannot be hardened through heat treatment and relies on cold working to gain strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical applications:<\/strong> Cookware, kitchen sinks, food processing equipment, medical devices ,and outdoor furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18\/10 stainless steel is an austenitic alloy similar to 18\/8 but containing about 10% nickel. This slightly higher nickel content effectively strengthens the passive oxide layer, giving it marginally better resistance to chloride-induced pitting than 18\/8 grades. However, in very aggressive chloride environments (e.g. marine or heavily chlorinated settings), it can still suffer crevice and pitting corrosion. The denser passive film also produces a brighter, more reflective finish after polishing, improving resistance to fingerprints and water spots. Additionally, higher nickel content enhances low-temperature toughness, impact strength, and ductility, making it less prone to cracking or springback during deep drawing or stretching of complex shapes. Because nickel is expensive, each 1% increase in nickel content noticeably raises the material\u2019s cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical applications:<\/strong> Premium cookware, high-end flatware, food service equipment, and even decorative hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18\/0 stainless steel almost contains no nickel, classifying it as a ferritic stainless steel, typically equivalent to Type 430. Its ferritic crystal structure makes it naturally magnetic, harder, and more cost-effective, though it lacks the same level of ductility and formability as nickel-containing alloys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While 18\/0 performs well in dry or mildly corrosive environments, it is not recommended for continuous exposure to acids, bleach, or saltwater. It is also less heat-resistant than austenitic grades and may deform under prolonged high temperatures. Additionally, 18\/0 is prone to bending or denting under heavy force, so it is best used in simple, budget-conscious designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical applications: <\/strong>Economical flatware, basic kitchen utensils, appliance panels, and induction-compatible cookware bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is quick table as below for a direct overview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What Is 18\/8 Stainless Steel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is 18\/10 Stainless Steel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is 18\/0 Stainless Steel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Comparing 18\/8, 18\/10, and 18\/0 Stainless Steels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n