Stainless steel 304 and 316 are both types of stainless steel, but they have different properties and applications.

Stainless steel 304 is a standard 18/8 stainless steel, meaning it contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is often used in kitchen equipment, food processing, and other applications where corrosion resistance is important.

Stainless steel 316, on the other hand, contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. This additional molybdenum gives 316 stainless steel better resistance to corrosion, particularly in chloride environments such as coastal areas and areas with de-icing salts. As a result, 316 stainless steel is often used in marine applications, chemical processing, and medical devices.

In summary, the main difference between stainless steel 304 and 316 lies in their chemical composition, which gives 316 stainless steel higher corrosion resistance in certain environments.