B14 · Commercial Kitchen
Stainless Steel Sheets for Commercial and Restaurant Use: 304/316L Selection and 3 Part Lists
In commercial kitchens, we have organized three stainless steel parts: commonly used 304 / 316L with thickness ranging from 1–3 mm.
List of Components by Location
| Parts / Components | Recommended Grades | Specifications / Thickness | Surface | Main Failure Conditions | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Chimneys/Smoke Shields | 304 | ≥1.2mm; Oil Mesh ≥0.8mm | Rustproof/Diamond Sand/Laminate | Oil Stains + High Heat + Cleaning Agents + Scratches | GB/T 3280；GB 50016 |
| Commercial Dishwashers Interior/Utensils/Washing Arms | 304/316L | 1.0–3.0mm | 2B/Ra≤0.8μm | High Temperature 60–85℃ + Detergents + Scale | GB/T 3280；GB 4706.1 |
| Commercial Ovens/Work Surfaces/Steam Cabinets | 304 | 1.0–3.0mm | 2B / Rustproof | High Heat + Oil Stains + Cleaning Agents + Load Capacity | GB/T 3280；GB 35848 |
Specifications InsideStandard Configurations.The same part may switch from 304 to 316L or 2205 based on usage conditions —— It's more convenient to specify the conditions rather than just the grade.
Key Points in Material Selection
- The most common grades used are 304 (3) and 316L (1) —— The numbers in parentheses indicate how many parts they apply to, which can serve as a starting point for quoting and material preparation.
- High-temperature section also accumulates creep and oxidation fatigue, necessary then 310S / heat-resistant castings (3/3 hits).
- Frequent cleaning and disinfection amplify the risk of cracks and intergranular corrosion (2/3 hits).
- Thickness range 1–3 mm: thin plates are mostly formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are mostly welded structural components (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common Issues
Which stainless steel is used most in commercial kitchens?
Based on the total number of these three areas, the most frequent is 304 (3 hits) and 316L (1 hit). Specific to a part still depends on the medium and temperature, for example, the same stainless steel countertop will switch from 304 to 316L when exposed to saltwater.
Which parts are prone to problems?
Based on failure descriptions, typical is "commercial dishwasher inner bowl/washing basket/lavender arm": high temperature 60–85℃ + detergent + scale; recommended grade 304/316L, size 1.0–3.0mm. For this condition, it's recommended to clarify the medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method in the design phase.
What thickness should be selected?
The listed thickness range is 1–3 mm. Thin plates consider forming and surface quality, thick plates consider welding and structural strength; different manufacturers may have different values for the same part based on your drawings or conditions, recheck accordingly.
Related materials and adjacent industries
Delivery cases for similar conditions
Kitchenware and cookware manufacturing
Round stainless steel sheets · 0.4–3.0 mm
304 / 201 Stainless Steel Sheets, Deep Drawn Grade, 2B and BA Finish, Thickness 0.4–3.0 mm, Customized by Diameter and Weight
Applications3
Thickness1–3mm