There are many grills on the market so you may ask yourself why do I need to spend the extra money to purchase a higher-quality stainless steel grill? If this is your question, We are here to help educate you on the different grades of stainless steel used to manufacture grills. There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, of which, there are around 15 grades that are commonly used to make grills. So let’s dive a little deeper and discover why ALL STAINLESS STEEL GRILLS ARE NOT CREATED EQUALLY.
WHAT IS STAINLESS STEEL?
Stainless steel contains iron, manganese, silicon, carbon, and, in many cases, significant amounts of nickel and molybdenum. Stainless steel also contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium. The addition of this alloy represents the stainless steel protective layer which inhibits staining and rusting. Making stainless steel the perfect outdoor metal.
GRADES OF STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel’s grade refers to the quality, temperature resistance, and durability of the metal. Therefore It’s important to consider the stainless steel grade of a grill to ensure that the finish, quality, and durability will meet your expectations. Let’s look at a few of the most popular stainless steel grades.
- 304 Stainless Steel. As noted in our WHAT IS STAINLESS STEEL section above, this stainless steel grade includes a mixture of chromium, nickel, and carbon. This durable, water-resistant alloy is smooth, sleek, and non-magnetic. 304 is the superior grade as it simply lasts longer and holds up to heat and corrosion much better than other grades. You will find all the grills at Wilmington Grill are made from this superior grade.
- 443 Stainless Steel. This grade combines chromium and titanium and a little carbon and has many of the same properties as the 304 however it has been found to be less durable.
- 430 Stainless Steel. 430 is not water-resistant and requires much more cleaning. This cheaper alloy brings down the price of the grill. But would not be a good choice for a high humidity area.
- 201 and 202 stainless steel. These two stainless steel options do not withstand moisture as well as 304. They were created to cut the cost of Austenitic alloys by replacing most of the Nickel with Manganese or Nitrogen. Neither Manganese nor Nitrogen is nearly as resistant to corrosion as Nickel. However, consumer low cost has made it more and more commonly used.
Now that you know the difference you will know what to look for before you head to the store or click on numerous websites. With this information, you will be able to choose a well-built grill that’s perfect for you. If you need more assistance, contact us today at Wilmington Grill we are here to help.