Common materials for stainless steel storage racks include 201 and 304. 304 stainless steel has a higher nickel content (8–10.5%), resulting in significantly better corrosion resistance, toughness, and oxidation resistance than 201. Food-grade, medical, or humid environments (such as kitchens and laboratories) must use 304 or higher grade; while 201 can be used for dry storage to reduce costs. When purchasing, you should request a material testing report or spectral analysis certificate.
The material of stainless steel storage racks directly determines their service life and applicable scenarios. 304 stainless steel (06Cr19Ni10) contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, exhibiting excellent rust resistance. It is not easily rusted even in high humidity, salt spray, or acid/alkali environments, meeting GB/T 20878-2007 and food contact material standards. 201 stainless steel, on the other hand, has a low nickel content (only 0.5–1%) and a high manganese content. While it is cheaper, it has poor corrosion resistance and is prone to rust in humid environments. Products intended for use in kitchens, cold storage facilities, hospitals, food factories, and other similar locations must be made of 304 stainless steel. Their authenticity can be verified through magnetic testing (304 is weakly magnetic or non-magnetic), chemical testing, or a third-party spectrometer to prevent merchants from passing off inferior products as superior ones.
