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When is 304 Stainless Steel the Better Choice?

Use 304 when the environment is clean, dry, or mildly wet.

304 stainless steel works well in most indoor settings. It’s cost effective, easy to clean, and can handle light to moderate cleaning chemicals.

It’s the right choice for:

• Dry food areas, such as bakeries or packaging rooms
• Laboratories without chemical exposure
• General storage units, tables, or trolleys
• Areas with standard cleaning processes

When is 316 Stainless Steel the Better Choice?

Use 316 in areas with moisture, salt, or harsh cleaning.

316 stainless steel holds up better where conditions are more aggressive. This includes exposure to chemicals, disinfectants, high humidity, or saltwater.

It’s the better option for:

• Seafood, meat, and dairy processing
• Hospitals, labs, and cleanrooms
• Pharmaceutical equipment
• Medical equipment
• Chemical processing plants
• Marine or coastal factories

Is 316 Stainless Steel Worth the Extra Cost?

316 stainless steel will cost more – sometimes up to 40% more, depending on the market. That can add up fast across large projects.

But remember: a rusted or failing unit costs more to fix or replace. Spending a bit more now might save a lot later.

In low risk areas, 304 stainless steel is often more than suitable enough. You don’t need to overspend if your conditions don’t require the extra protection.

Which One is Easier to Clean?

Both are easy to clean, but 316 stainless steel holds up better to strong cleaners.

Both 304 and 316 have a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe down and sanitise. Neither will hold on to germs or dirt easily.

But if your cleaning process involves strong acids, bleach, or harsh scrubbers, 316 might hold up better in the long run. It’s less likely to stain, pit, or break down.

Can You Mix 304 and 316 in the Same Setting?

Yes, but stick to one grade per unit or area when possible.

Mixing them won’t cause major problems at first, but over time, it could lead to galvanic corrosion – especially in damp or wet areas.

We recommend choosing one grade for each piece of equipment or zone. That way, everything wears evenly and there’s no hidden risk.

Real World Examples

Food Factories: 304 or 316?

In a dry bakery with little steam, 304 stainless is often used for tables, catering sinks, trolleys, cupboards and utensils. It’s easy to clean and holds up well.

But in a seafood plant or cheese room, 316 is safer. Salt and brine will eat away at 304 over time, causing pitting and rust spots.

Pharmaceutical Lab: What’s Best?

Most pharma spaces need 316 because of the harsh cleaners used. Hydrogen peroxide, bleach and other sanitisers break down 304 faster. 316 is built to handle them.

Outdoor Use?

We suggest always going with 316 for outdoor environments. Rain, pollution, and sea air can attack 304. Over time, you may see rust rings or stains. 316 stays cleaner and lasts longer outside.

So Stainless Steel Doesn’t Rust?

No, not in normal food industry settings.

Stainless steel has chromium in it, which is a natural layer that helps protect it from moisture. When it mixes with air, it creates a thin shield on the surface. That shield stops water and air from eating into the metal.

This is a big deal in food production. Machines and surfaces get washed down often. If you used standard steel, it would rust quickly. Stainless steel holds up much better, even when exposed to hot water, steam or strong cleaners.

And It’s Easy to Clean?

Absolutely – it’s another reason why it’s so popular in food environments. Stainless steel has a smooth surface which makes it harder for bacteria and grime to stick. Wipe it down, rinse it off – and it’s ready to use again.

This helps save time, which is crucial in busy kitchens or large food factories. You can clean and sanitise stainless steel without using harsh methods or extra tools.

Does It Look Clean?

Yes. And that matters more than you might think.

When customers, inspectors or visitors walk through a food facility, they judge what they see. Stainless steel looks clean, sharp, and professional. Even better, it is clean. That gives people confidence in the process and your food products.

Appearance matters in every part of the food chain. From processing to packaging, having clean looking, strong equipment helps keep standards high and worries low.

Why Else Do Food Factories Love Using Stainless Steel?

Of course, hygiene is a huge part of it, but stainless steel brings other benefits too, such as its high durability.

For example, certain materials can crack or flake as they age. If that happens in a food area, it can lead to contamination, which is a real problem. Bits can break off and end up in the product. Stainless steel helps avoid that risk altogether.

And as we alluded to earlier, stainless steel is also non-reactive, so it doesn’t affect the food it touches (no matter what type of food you’re dealing with). We’ve supplied equipment to meat, dairy, fish, fruit and ready meal factories, and stainless steel performs well in all of them.

Long Life, Fewer Problems

In the food industry, equipment gets used all day, every day. If something breaks, it slows everything down.

Stainless steel is designed to last a long time, and it works well for the whole time too.

Even when it’s been used for years, stainless steel doesn’t lose its shape or function. And when it finally does reach the end of its life, it doesn’t need to be thrown away. It can be melted down and used again. It helps to reduce waste and support greener food production.

What Equipment Can Be Found in Food Factories?

There’s no shortage of stainless steel in a food production site. You’ll find it in almost every area – from prep areas to packing. Popular equipment includes:

• Boot Washing Stations
• Dispensers
• Lockers
• Welly Racks
• Storage Bins
• Pallets
• Protective Barriers
• Platforms, Steps and Gantries
• Cupboards
• Shelving
• Hand Washing Sinks
• Urinals
• Taps
• Ingredient Tables
• Trolleys and Racks
• Utensils

At Unitech, we supply all of these products and more.

Which One is Stronger?

Stainless steel is stronger and more durable than aluminium.

If you need something that can take a hit, hold weight, or last for years in demanding conditions, stainless steel is the better option. It resists dents, heat, and wear. Hence why it’s so commonly found in heavy duty environments.

Aluminium, on the other hand, is softer and more likely to bend or scratch. It can still be a great choice for less demanding tasks or where weight matters more than strength.

Which One is Lighter?

As we’ve just alluded to, aluminium is much lighter than stainless steel.

This makes it a good fit for equipment that needs to be carried or moved often. If you need a mobile table or a trolley that’s easy to handle, aluminium could be the way to go.

The lighter weight can also mean quicker cleaning and easier storage, which might save you time in the long run.

Which One Resists Corrosion Better?

Stainless steel handles corrosion better in wet or harsh environments.

While both metals have protective layers, stainless steel is more reliable when exposed to water, chemicals, or cleaning products every day. Ideal for kitchens, washdown areas, and medical spaces.

Aluminium holds up well in dry areas or where contact with water is limited. But in the long term, especially with strong cleaning products, it may start to wear down faster.

Which One Looks Better?

We believe stainless steel keeps its clean look for longer.

It has a smooth, shiny surface that doesn’t stain or fade easily. Aluminium can dull over time and may scratch more easily, which can make it look older sooner.

Which One is Easier to Clean?

So we’re of the opinion that stainless steel is the better looking material. But is it easier to clean?

The answer is yes. Stainless steel is easier to clean thoroughly.

It has a non-porous surface that doesn’t hold on to dirt or bacteria. That’s why it’s trusted in places where hygiene is key. You can wipe it down quickly, and it stands up well to harsh cleaning chemicals.

Aluminium is still easy to clean, but it’s not quite as strong when it comes to heavy duty cleaning. Some cleaners can damage its surface or leave marks behind.

When Should You Use Stainless Steel?

Choose stainless steel if your equipment needs to be long lasting and easy to keep clean. 

We recommend using it for:

• Food prep areas
• Cleanrooms
• Wet environments
• Medical facilities
• Heavy duty use
• High traffic zones

When Should You Use Aluminium?

So we’re of the opinion that stainless steel is the better looking material. But is it easier to clean?

Opt for aluminium when you need equipment that’s easy to move or if your working environment is dry and less demanding. We think it’s useful for:

• Light duty use
• Mobile stations or trolleys
• Dry areas with low humidity

How Do I Know If It’s Definitely Time to Upgrade?

If your trolleys are making your job harder instead of easier, it’s time. Look for these signs:

• Bakery trays don’t slide in and out easily.
• Wheels squeak, jam, or leave marks.
• The frame wobbles, feels loose or bent.
• Rust starts to show – especially at the joints or where water collects.

These might seem like small issues. But they can easily slow your operations down, lead to mistakes, or cause accidents. Over time, the cost of keeping them going adds up – not just in money, but also in time and energy.

What Makes a Good Bakery Trolley?

So you’ve decided to make the upgrade. Next up – what should I be looking for when buying a new bakery trolley?

We believe a good one should be strong, stable, and easy to clean. It needs to fit all your trays and move smoothly even when full. The welds should be clean, the corners smooth, and the wheels strong enough for daily use.

At Unitech, we use stainless steel for most of our frames. They don’t rust and they’re food-safe.

Anything Else I Should Look Out For?

Make sure they fit your trays. That might sound obvious, but tray sizes can vary.

Standard tray sizes in the UK are often 600 x 400mm. When ordering, check your tray measurements and be sure you’re happy they’ll fit.

And if you’re unsure – our trolleys can be made to fit custom sizes. We’ll build the trolley to suit your requirements, whether you need more shelves, tighter spacing, or a special height.