Top 5 Ways to Differentiate Types of Stainless Steel Pots in the Market

If you're looking for a high-quality stainless steel pot that is rust-resistant, non-oxidizing, and safe for cooking, stainless steel 304 should be your top choice. However, these pots tend to be more expensive, so it's essential to consider your family's budget.

If your family frequently uses an induction stove, stainless steel 430 pots would be a great option. They are affordable and suitable for a wide range of consumers. However, the downside of this type is that it is prone to staining, so it's important to pay close attention to cleaning and maintenance.

Stainless steel 201 pots are a great choice for families who want an affordable yet decent quality kitchen tool. These pots are easily available in supermarkets or local markets. The only downside is that they are prone to small rust spots, so be sure to clean them thoroughly after each use.

Here are some of the most popular stainless steel pot products currently available:

• 3-Piece Kangaroo KG866 Stainless Steel Pot Set with 5 Layers and Glass Lids: The 5-layer base ensures excellent heat distribution, quick cooking, and time-saving. This set includes pots with diameters of 16cm, 20cm, and 24cm, making it ideal for simmering, cooking porridge, soups, stews, and hot pot dishes. Perfect for families of 2 to 4 people. Its flat base and good induction compatibility make it suitable for induction stoves, infrared stoves, and gas stoves.
• Sunhouse SHL24 Stainless Steel Hot Pot with Glass Lid (24cm): Made in Vietnam, this pot features a simple and attractive design. It is great for cooking hot pots, porridge, soups, and more, suitable for all families. Notably, the pot does not release harmful chemicals during cooking, is easy to clean, and can be used on induction stoves, infrared stoves, and gas stoves.
• Sunhouse SHG2502M 2-Piece Stainless Steel Pot Set with 5 Layers and Glass Lids: Made from durable, shiny stainless steel 201, these pots are safe to use, resistant to rust, and easy to clean. The pots feature anti-slip, sturdy handles, making them easy to handle and move around. They work well on induction stoves, infrared stoves, and gas stoves.
• ...

What is Inox? The name Inox originates from the French language and is commonly known as stainless steel. It is an alloy composed of various metals such as Carbon, Copper, Iron, Silicon, Manganese, Nickel, and Chromium. The mixture's proportions determine the material's hardness, durability, and flexibility, making it adaptable to different uses.

Uses of Inox in Everyday Life: Inox is widely used in numerous sectors today, including transportation, interior design, mechanical engineering, and household items. Its various types, each with unique properties, cater to specific needs. Kitchen products, for instance, are commonly made from Inox 201, Inox 410, Inox 304, and Inox 430, ensuring food safety as well as long-term durability and quality.

Currently, three main types of Inox are prevalent in the market:

• Inox 430:
  • Main components: Primarily Chromium and Iron with a low Carbon content and little to no Nickel.
  • How to identify: The most notable feature of Inox 430 is its magnetic nature, so a magnet can be used to test it. If it attracts the magnet, it's Inox 430.
  • Advantages: Safe for health and the least expensive of the three types.
  • Disadvantages: Inox 430 has the lowest quality, offering poor resistance to wear and oxidation. Products made from Inox 430 typically have a shorter lifespan.
• Inox 201:
  • Advantages: Easy to process, it is widely used in everyday products, offering good durability and resistance to corrosion. It's cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly.
  • Disadvantages: Over time, small rust spots may appear on its surface, so regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary.
• Inox 304:
  • Advantages: It offers excellent corrosion resistance, even in harsh environments, and can withstand high temperatures. Known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to oxidation, Inox 304 is widely used in medical equipment due to these superior properties.
  • Disadvantages: It is the most expensive among the three types of Inox.

Composition:

• Stainless Steel 304: It contains 18% Chromium and 10% Nickel, with the remainder being iron and other components.
• Stainless Steel 201: It contains 18% Chromium and 3% Nickel, with the remainder being iron and other components.
• Stainless Steel 430: It contains 18% Chromium and 0% Nickel, with the remainder being iron and other components.

Surface Appearance:

• Stainless Steel 304 has a slightly dull shine.
• Stainless Steel 201 has a shiny appearance similar to 304, but due to the lower Nickel content, it is more prone to corrosion and surface pitting.
• Stainless Steel 430 looks shiny and glossy at first, but over time, it becomes dull. When exposed to water and seasonings, it is more prone to rusting.

How to test and distinguish the different types of stainless steel:

• Stainless Steel 304: This type is non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic. You can use a pot scrubber to scratch the surface and apply a cleaning solution. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and if it’s 304, there will be little to no change. In industry, if tested with acid, Stainless Steel 304 will turn gray.
• Stainless Steel 201: It can be hard to visually distinguish between 304 and 201, as both are non-magnetic or weakly magnetic. In this case, applying a cleaning solution will cause 201 to turn yellow, and if tested with acid, 201 will turn brick-red.
• Stainless Steel 430: Of the three types, 430 has the strongest magnetic attraction. A magnet will noticeably “snap” to the metal, and when pulled away, you’ll feel a strong magnetic pull in your hand.