SUS 304 vs. SUS 430 in Commercial Warewashing — What Matters
SUS 304 is an austenitic stainless with higher chromium and added nickel, giving it markedly better corrosion and pitting resistance than ferritic SUS 430. In a hot, humid, salt-and-detergent kitchen environment, that difference decides whether a machine lasts 4 years or 10.
The metallurgical difference
SUS 304 contains roughly 18% chromium and 8% nickel; SUS 430 has chromium but little nickel. Nickel stabilizes the protective passive layer, so SUS 304 shrugs off the chloride attack that pits SUS 430.
Why it matters in a pot washer
Pot washers run hot, wet and chemically loaded all day. Lower-grade steel pits and streaks; SUS 304 stays sound. The CE-UWL uses SUS 304 throughout the chamber and structure for this reason.
Spotting the difference
SUS 430 is magnetic and cheaper; SUS 304 is largely non-magnetic. If a quote is unusually cheap, ask which grade the chamber actually is.
- SUS 304 adds nickel — far better corrosion resistance.
- SUS 430 pits in hot, salty, wet kitchens.
- The CE-UWL is SUS 304 throughout.