Stainless 304 vs 316: which grade for your liquid

304 and 316 look identical and both resist corrosion, but one alloying element separates them, and it decides how they behave against salt and acids. Here is when the upgrade is worth it.

The difference is molybdenum

Both are austenitic stainless steels with chromium and nickel. 316 adds around two to three percent molybdenum, which sharply improves resistance to chlorides and to many acids. That single addition is what you pay for.

When 304 is enough

For potable water, food-grade liquids and general indoor use, 304 is food-safe, durable and the standard choice. It is cleanable, reusable and corrosion-resistant in normal conditions, at a lower cost than 316.

When to step up to 316

Choose 316 where chlorides are present: coastal and marine air, salt, and chloride-bearing chemicals, and for harsher acids where 304 would pit. The classic case is a marine or dockside environment, or a chemical that 304 cannot hold.

What Fortitude21 uses

Our stainless water and food cans are AISI 304, the right grade for potable water and food-grade liquids. If your application is marine or chloride-heavy, tell us and we quote 316. See the water and food-grade range.