SUS304 vs 316 vs 18/8 Stainless Steel: Which for a Water Bottle?
Understand the material labels and confirm the chosen model.
The product details state the material for each model. If you need 304 or 316 for your programme, include that grade request with the intended use so we can compare suitable options and confirm the selected material in the quotation.
The grade is one part of the product brief. We can help compare the body, capacity, lid and material options, then keep the chosen model and any requested documents with the approved sample.
What the numbers mean
The grade describes the alloy mix. The two numbers in "18/8" are the percentages of the two key metals:
304 / 18/8: a stainless grade commonly described by approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Confirm the actual grade stated for the chosen model.
18/10: a nominal chromium/nickel description. Keep the stated material reference with the particular product rather than treating the label as a performance guarantee.
316: a stainless grade that includes molybdenum. If it is part of your brief, request it with the model and intended use.
201: another stainless grade. Confirm the material specified for the selected model rather than assuming it from the finish or a similar product.
Stainless bottle bodies being formed in our metalworking workshop.
Confirm the material for your model
Use case
Material reference
Why
Water, coffee or tea programme
304 (18/8)
Confirm the selected model
Particular drink or material request
316
Discuss the intended use
A requested 18/10 material reference
18/10
Confirm the selected model
Specific grade request
Confirmed in the quotation
Keep the selected material with the approved model and sample.
Keep the confirmed material, model details and any report request with the quote and approved sample.
What is the difference between SUS304 and 316 stainless steel?▾
304 and 316 are different stainless grades; 316 includes molybdenum. We confirm the stated grade for the selected model. Tell us the intended use and any particular material request so we can discuss suitable options.
Does 18/8 mean the same as 304 stainless steel?▾
Yes. 18/8 refers to about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which is the composition of 304 stainless steel. 18/10 is the same family with slightly more nickel.
How is the material confirmed for my order?▾
The selected model’s stated material is confirmed in the product details and quotation. Keep any specific grade request and available report information with the approved sample.
What is it made of?▾
We confirm the material for the selected model in its product details and quote. If you have a particular grade or document request, let us know while we plan the sample.
What do 18/8 and 18/10 describe?▾
They describe approximate chromium and nickel proportions in a stainless-steel alloy. The wording alone does not confirm the grade used in a particular bottle, so check the exact model specification or report.
How should I confirm a stainless-steel grade for a particular bottle?▾
Check the selected model's stated material in its product specification and any relevant document for that exact sample. Keep the confirmed material with the quotation and approved sample rather than inferring it from general grade terminology.
What is the difference between 18/8 (SUS 304) and SUS 316 stainless steel in thermal bottles and food flasks?▾
18/8 and SUS 304 are the same food-grade stainless steel (18% chromium, 8% nickel) used in standard export vacuum flasks. SUS 316 adds molybdenum for higher resistance to salt, sports electrolytes, fruit acids and coastal humidity, making a SUS 316 inner liner with a SUS 304 outer shell a popular upgrade for baby, medical and premium outdoor drinkware.
Which sales representative should I contact for samples, mock-ups or a quotation on this topic?▾
All four sales representatives — Beyond Lee, Miya Wu, Candy Tang and Shally Zhang — welcome global buyers in English and take part in our internal service competition to provide the most attentive follow-up. Choose Miya, Candy or Shally and Sales Manager Beyond Lee supervises the full order process from sample to shipment; choose Beyond Lee and a dedicated assistant works alongside him to co-follow your order. Each contact serves global buyers in English first and is also particularly familiar with specific order types and regional markets: Beyond Lee for custom development, logo options and new tooling; Miya Wu for supermarket, retail, online/FBA and brand orders (esp. Europe, Russia & CIS); Candy Tang for promotional gift campaigns and multi-item sets (esp. the US & Canada, Spain & Latin America, Oceania and select African markets); and Shally Zhang for volume orders, container scheduling and incoming accessory checks (esp. Brazil & Portugal, Southeast Asia and the Middle East).
Share the model or product type, quantity, colours, logo and packing you have in mind. We’ll confirm the applicable minimum, sample plan and production schedule for that specific order, then help compare delivery options for your destination.
Written by the Jupeng Drinkware team — Yongkang, Zhejiang, China. Manufacturing drinkware since 1998. Contact Beyond: [email protected] | WhatsApp +86 156 5791 8881