304 vs 18/10 vs 18/0 Stainless Steel: Which Grade for Your Tableware?

# 304 vs 18/10 vs 18/0 Stainless Steel: Which Grade for Your Tableware?

“18/10,” “18/0,” “304,” “430” — if you buy or sell tableware, these codes show up on every spec sheet, and they directly affect price, durability, and how premium a product feels in a guest’s hand. This guide explains what they actually mean and how to pick the right grade for your market — without overpaying or under-speccing.

As a stainless steel tableware and cookware manufacturer since 2016, we quote these grades every day. Here’s the plain-English version.

—

## What the numbers mean

The two-number code describes the alloy mix:

– The **first number = chromium %** (corrosion resistance).
– The **second number = nickel %** (shine, luster, and extra corrosion resistance).

So **18/10** = 18% chromium + 10% nickel. **18/0** = 18% chromium + ~0% nickel.

| Common name | Industry grade | Chromium | Nickel | Magnetic? |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| 18/10 | 304 | 18% | 8–10% | No |
| 18/8 | 304 | 18% | 8% | No |
| 18/0 | 430 | 16–18% | ~0% | Yes |

> **18/10 and 18/8 are both 304-series.** The practical difference is mostly luster and price; both resist corrosion well.

—

## 304 (18/10 & 18/8): the premium choice

– **Best corrosion resistance** and a bright, lasting finish.
– **Non-magnetic.**
– Ideal for **upscale hotel, restaurant, and retail brands** where look and longevity matter.
– Higher cost (nickel is the priciest input).

**Use it when:** your buyers expect premium quality, items face acidic foods or dishwashers daily, or your brand positioning is high-end.

## 430 (18/0): the value choice

– Good chromium content, **no nickel** → lower and more stable cost.
– **Magnetic** (works on induction for cookware).
– More prone to spotting/corrosion over time than 304, especially in harsh washing.

**Use it when:** you need a competitive price point, for budget lines, or for items where induction compatibility matters.

—

## How grade affects your cost and order

Because nickel drives price, **304 costs more than 430**, and the gap widens when nickel prices rise. Many distributors run **both**: a 304 premium line and a 430 value line to cover more of the market.

→ See how grade fits into volume pricing in our [wholesale tableware guide](https://yorkers-intl.com/stainless-steel-tableware-wholesale-guide/).

At Yorkers, our standard tableware is produced in **201 and 304**. 201 is a cost-effective austenitic grade (lower nickel, higher manganese) commonly used for value lines, while **304 is the premium choice** for corrosion resistance and finish. Beyond the standard two, we can manufacture in **430, 316L, and tri-ply (three-layer) stainless** as well — essentially any grade your market requires.

—

## A simple way to choose

| Your priority | Recommended grade |
|—|—|
| Premium feel & longevity | 304 (18/10) |
| Balanced quality & cost | 304 (18/8) |
| Lowest price / induction cookware | 430 (18/0) |

When in doubt, order a **sample in each grade** and compare finish and weight in person — the difference is obvious once you handle them.

—

## FAQ

**Is 18/10 stainless steel food safe?**
Yes. Both 304 (18/10, 18/8) and 430 (18/0) are food-grade. 304 simply offers better corrosion resistance for demanding use.

**Why is my 18/0 cutlery magnetic but 18/10 isn’t?**
Nickel makes 304 non-magnetic; 430 has no nickel, so it’s magnetic. Magnetism is not a quality defect — just a property of the alloy.

**Which grade is better for dishwashers?**
304 (18/10) holds up better to repeated high-temperature, high-detergent washing.

**Which stainless steel grades can you produce?**
Our standard tableware comes in 201 and 304, and we also manufacture in 430, 316L, and tri-ply stainless on request. [Ask us about grade options](https://yorkers-intl.com/contact-us/).

—

## Need help speccing the right grade?

Yorkers International manufactures stainless steel tableware, kitchenware, and hotel supplies in the grade your market expects — exported to 50+ countries since 2016. Send us your product list and we’ll recommend the right grade and quote it.

👉 **[Request samples & a quote](https://yorkers-intl.com/contact-us/)** · Browse our