Simple tips for Stainless Steel Terminology...

Have you ever thought of getting yourself a stainless steel product but are confused with which one to choose/buy?

Well, stainless steel needs a minimum of 10.5% or 11% chromium content in order to achieve its stainless, rust-free status.

When you walk into a shop full of stainless steel products, make sure the salesperson knows about 18/0, 18/8, 18/10.

18/0 - 18% of Chromium and 0% of Nickel
18/8 - 18% of Chromium and 8% of Nickel, equivalent to Type 304
18/10 - 18% of Chromium and 10% of Nickel, equivalent to Type 316

Why Nickel? Nickel will actually enhance the corrosion resistance of the staninless steel and I always feel that it makes the stainless steel shinier and less magnetic. So, theoretically speaking, stainless steel with higher content of Nickel is a better one.

Bring a piece of fridge magnet with you if you are shopping for your stainless steel...:-) Many companies always claimed that they are using 18/10 S/S...well, the magnet cannot lie. If it sticks easily, you roughly could gauge the content of Nickel in it.

Of course, the price of a piece of S/S Cookware might also be determined by many other factors such as thickness, handle type etc. Just ask! ask! ask!