Web Store Jewellery

Difference Between T304 and T316 Waterless Stainless Steel Cookware

When shopping for waterless cookware, it is important to determine your priorities.  What cookware pieces are you most likely to use?  What type of steam control mechanism would you like—steam valve or thermo control knob?  To be classified as waterless cookware, the cookware must be at least 5 ply (layers), have some type of steam-control valve and have a flat, encapsulated bottom that contains the metal layers enclosed in stainless steel.  Waterless cookware is typically sold on the Internet, home parties, or state and county fairs.  The cookware sold in department store environments is generally 3-ply.  Waterless cookware because of its composition and construction is more expensive than conventional cookware.   However, even within the waterless cookware market, there is quite a price range between competitors.  Most  waterless cookware is T304 surgical stainless steel.  T304 stainless steel cookware has the following advantages including corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, flavor protection, and ease in cleaning.  With proper care and maintenance, this cookware will keep its shine and beauty for a lifetime.  Recently, a few companies have started to use T316 stainless steel in their cookware.  While there are some distinct differences between the two, the visible eye cannot detect any difference between the two.  Further, there is not a distinguishable difference in taste either.  What then is the actual difference between the two grades of stainless steel?

 Type 304 stainless steel contains 20% chromium or more and 10% nickel, combined with 0.08% carbon.  It is used for chemical processing equipment, for food, dairy and beverage industries, for heat exchangers, and for milder chemicals.  In the cookware industry, the 304 surgical stainless steel is most often used in the manufacturing process.  304 stainless steel has the ability to withstand the corrosive action of various acids found in fruits, meats, milk, and vegetables.  Therefore, it is often used for sinks, tabletops, coffee urns, stoves, refrigerators, milk and cream dispensers and steam tables. 

Type 316 stainless steel contains 16% to 18% chromium and 11% to 14% nickel.  Type 316 stainless steel also contains 2% molybdenum.  The molybdenum is added to help resist corrosion to chlorides (like sea water and de-icing salts.)  Type 316 is the main stainless steel used in the marine environment, with the exception of screws, bolts, nuts, and other fasteners where strength and wear resistance are necessary.  Then Type 304 is typically used.

 Do the differences specified above justify spending over $3000 for Saladmaster that now uses 316 stainless steel?  Saladmaster offers a great product but many people simply cannot afford such an investment in cookware.  When comparing the two grades of stainless steel, the differences are negligible.  When exposed to harsh sea salt conditions 24 hours a day for 7 days a week, 316 stainless steel would last longer under those conditions.  If exposed to high concentrations of sodium chloride, T316 is definitely preferable.  Therefore, if you are were to put one cup of sodium chloride (table salt) into 4 ounces of water on a daily basis, you would benefit from using T316 over T304 stainless steel.  

If you are considering the purchase of waterless cookware, two of your primary questions should be:  Which cookware set offers the pieces that I would most likely use?  and What type of steam control valve would I prefer—the steam-control value that has an open/shut lever or the Thermo-control value that has a color-coded dial that visibly shows the cooking temperature.    

 Waterless cookware is a lifetime investment.  While T316 stainless steel cookware might be the best option for marine use, the majority of cooks can feel comfortable using T304 surgical stainless steel.   If you can’t afford several thousand dollars for state-of-the-art cookware, don’t be dismayed.  You can still buy quality waterless stainless steel cookware at a fraction of that cost.   Check out our site—The Gourmets Cookware–for some great deals on waterless cookware.  In addition, we offer tips for cooking with waterless cookware, cleaning your stainless steel cookware, and great recipes to try with your waterless cookware

About the Author

Marcia Klun is a retired teacher as well as the owner and webmaster of http://www.thegourmetscookware.com, a site that offers quality stainless steel products, such as waterless cookware sets, stockpots, cutlery, skillets, flatware, and other gourmet cooking essentials. In addition, the site offers relevant information about waterless cooking and provides a variety of healthy recipes that can be adapted to waterless cookware.

Carrera Surgical Stainless Steel 18/10

Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set $162.99 NC-00210 Features: -10 Piece cookware set. Color/Finish: -Stainless steel finish. Dimensions: -Overall dimensions: 9” H x 20.5” W x 14” D. Collection: -Cooks standard collection. Warranty: -Manufacturer provides lifetime limited warranty….

Pig Tail Food Flipper Box Set $28.00 Our favorite new grilling tool and the only tool you need for your next barbecue! The sharp spiral snare at the end of Pigtail’s tapered stainless steel shaft is cleverly designed to lightly pierce the edge of virtually any solid food. A quick flip of the wrist and the food is turned over. Pigtail can handle almost anything from an 8 lb. rack of ribs -to hot dogs – steaks – chicken – bacon – Frenc…

Lindy’s Stainless Steel Stove Top Popcorn Popper, 6-Quart $38.99 Make fresh, classic style popcorn right on your stove at home. The paddle constantly stirs the popcorn so it will not burn. Stay cool handles. Make movie night with the kids fun, make fresh popcorn and it is less expensive then buying the microwave packs….

Maxam® Lockback Pocket Knife with 420 Surgical Stainless Steel Honed Blade and Durable LeymarTM Handle $1.75 Maxam® Lockback Knife with 420 Surgical Stainless Steel Honed Blade and Durable LeymarTM Handle Oval hole in the blade makes for safe and easy opening. The metal clip fastens easily to your belt. Knife measures 4″ closed, 7″ open. Limited lifetime warranty. Gift boxed. Suggested Retail Price : $6.95…

Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife $29.98 This powerful full tang bowie knife stretches an amazing 16 1/2″ overall! The 11 3/8″ blade is solid stainless steel construction and accented with brass plated guard. The solid hardwood handle is a classic dark blue accented with brass bolsters. Included is a custom genuine leather sheath. 1/4″ blade thickness….

United Cutlery Bush Master Survival Knife $19.57 The United Cutlery Bush Master Survival Knife is more than just a hunting/survival blade–this 15.25-inch fixed blade knife carries an entire survival kit contained within its handle, hand guard, and sheath–to keep you covered on any adventure. Built to last with quality and usability in mind, the knife features a 10-inch, clip-point blade of 420 stainless steel with a plain edge for slicing and …

5 Micro Plier Bend Nose Stainless Steel Red Grip Handle Good Quality $5.00 They measure approximately 5″(127 mm) long. Made Of Heavy Stainless Steel With PVC Red Grips. Use to achieve professional results. Bend Nose. Brand New Great Quality. Excellent Packing….

Nose Ring Pliers With Nylon Plastic Jaws $24.99 Nose Ring Pliers – Bend the Perfect Nose Screw Everytime to provide the perfect fit. Use these along with Nose Fistails to provide the perfect fit.. Specifications: Nose Ring PLIERS with Nylon Plastic Jaws, 410 ASTM Stainless Steel. Nose Ring PLIERS with Nylon Plastic Jaws…

Resilient Personality: Surgical Stainless Steel Brushed Finish Money Clip with Twisted Cable Ropes $29.99 This super durable, Brushed finish, solid 316L Surgical Steel Money Clip has super cool and strong twisted cable ropes that hold the architectural design together; a perfect creation of precision and care. You have a safe and sure grip on your assets and you can give this confidence to your best friends as a gift. Surgical Steel emulates the richness of precious metals and ensures a Promise of For…

Original Cablz 12 Stainless (Clear Coated) Eyewear Holders $9.95 For too long, there has only been one product to retain glasses, sunglasses and safety glasses – a sweaty, irritating strip of fabric hanging down our collective necks that snags and pulls at every opportunity. Fortunately, there’s now an alternative. Our patent-pending technology remedies all the things you’ve grown to accept about your existing eyewear retainer. * Sunglasses not included….

100W Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs $126.99 100W Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs is cool. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Stainless steel cleaner is your good choice and buy cleaner online.

150W Clocked Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs $239.99 150W Clocked Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs is good industrial cleaner. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Don’t miss stainless steel cleaner and buy cleaner online.

150W Digital Controlled Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set $216.99 150W Digital Controlled Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set is cool. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Stainless steel cleaner is your good choice and buy cleaner online.

150W High Power Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set $178.99 150W High Power Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set is cool. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Stainless steel cleaner is your good choice and buy cleaner online.

150W Ultrasonic Digital Controlled Stainless Steel Cleaners Set $219.99 150W Ultrasonic Digital Controlled Stainless Steel Cleaners Set is cool. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Stainless steel cleaner is your good choice and buy cleaner online.

200W Stainless Steel Ultrasonic Cleaners Set 2Pcs $265.99 200W Stainless Steel Ultrasonic Cleaners Set 2Pcs is good industrial cleaner. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Don’t miss stainless steel cleaner and buy cleaner online.

200W Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 1Pcs $238.69 200W Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs is good industrial cleaner. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Don’t miss stainless steel cleaner and buy cleaner online.

300W Ultrasonic Glass Tube Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs $399.99 300W Ultrasonic Glass Tube Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs is good industrial cleaner. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Don’t miss stainless steel cleaner and buy cleaner online.

300W Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs $359.99 300W Ultrasonic Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs is good industrial cleaner. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Don’t miss stainless steel cleaner and buy cleaner online.

400W Ultrasonic Digital Controlled Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs $467.69 400W Ultrasonic Digital Controlled Stainless Steel Cleaners Set 2Pcs is good industrial cleaner. Stainless steel cleaner is designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning them. Stainless steel cleaner uses water, alcohol and solvent to clean. Stainless steel cleaner is digital controlled and it is easy to operate and use. Don’t miss stainless steel cleaner and buy cleaner online.