Is 304 Stainless Steel Food Grade? Your Complete Guide for Australian Café Owners

Yes, 304 stainless steel is food grade—it’s fully approved for food contact applications in Australia and internationally. This austenitic stainless steel meets stringent safety standards set by regulatory bodies including the FDA (21 CFR §177.2600), NSF International, and European food safety authorities, making it the most popular grade of stainless steel for commercial kitchen equipment and café furniture.

If you’re setting up a café or restaurant, you’ve probably wondered whether this metal is safe for your tables, chairs, prep areas, and benches and sinks. Your customers’ health and your business reputation depend on making the right material choices. The good news is that 304 food grade stainless steel isn’t just safe—it’s actually the industry standard for food and beverage service environments.

Key Takeaways

Grade 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel (18-8), creating a protective oxide layer that prevents contamination
It’s approved by the FDA, NSF International, and EU authorities for direct contact with food across all food service applications
This stainless steel alloy handles temperatures from freezing to 925 °C, well beyond what’s needed for commercial dishwashers
For most indoor Australian cafés, grade 304 offers better value than grade 316 stainless steel without compromising safety
Proper maintenance requires only mild detergent and water—it’s easy to sanitize with no special products needed

What Makes Stainless Steel “Food Grade”?

Food-grade stainless steel is any stainless steel grade that meets safety standards for food contact without leaching harmful substances. The material must be non-porous, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean and sanitise to prevent bacterial growth. These properties come from the steel’s chemical composition and protective surface layer.

The term “food grade” means the material has been tested to ensure it won’t migrate into your food or transfer chemicals, metals, or other contaminants into beverages. For this alloy, protection happens because chromium in the metal reacts with oxygen to form a thin, invisible oxide layer. This layer is self-healing—if you scratch the surface of the stainless steel, it reforms automatically when exposed to air.

According to NSF International standards, food-grade materials must withstand repeated cleaning with commercial sanitisers, resist corrosion in acidic and alkaline conditions, and maintain their protective properties throughout their service life.

Is 304 Stainless Steel Approved by Food Safety Authorities?

Grade 304 stainless steel is approved for food contact by major international regulatory bodies, including the U.S. FDA, under regulation 21 CFR §177.2600. In Australia, it complies with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) requirements for food contact materials. These approvals confirm that 304 doesn’t leach harmful substances into food or beverages under normal use conditions.

The FDA’s food contact substance regulations specifically list iron-based stainless steel containing at least 16% chromium as food safe for repeated food contact. Since 304 contains 18% chromium, it easily meets this requirement. The FDA tested this material for chemical migration, corrosion resistance, and safety across different food types—making it suitable for everything from appliances to cookware.

For Australian café owners, this means your local health inspector will approve 304 stainless steel furniture and equipment without question. When you invest in quality 304 stainless steel tables, chairs, or benches, you’re choosing one of the most common materials found in kitchens that regulatory authorities worldwide recognise as safe for food preparation.

What Certifications does 304 Stainless Steel Hold?

This food-grade stainless alloy meets several key international certifications for food service applications. These include NSF/ANSI Standard 51 (food equipment materials), EU Regulation 1935/2004 (materials in contact with food), and ISO 15510 (classification of steel alloys). Each certification verifies different aspects of the material’s food safety and performance.

Key Certifications Explained

NSF/ANSI Standard 51 is particularly important for commercial kitchens and cafés in Australia. This certification ensures the material can withstand exposure to food, cleaning chemicals, and sanitisers without degrading or contaminating food. The testing includes resistance to organic acids found in citrus fruits and vinegar, corrosion from commercial cleaners, and durability under repeated sanitation cycles.

EU Regulation 1935/2004 confirms that 304 stainless steel doesn’t transfer constituents to food in quantities that could endanger human health or cause food poisoning. For Australian businesses importing furniture or equipment, these EU certifications provide additional confidence in material safety for the food industry.

How does 304 Compare to 316 Stainless Steel for Cafés?

304 and 316 are both food-grade austenitic stainless steel types, but 316 contains 2-3% molybdenum for enhanced resistance in high-salt and marine environments. For most indoor Australian cafés and restaurants, 304 offers equivalent safety and durability at a lower cost. Grade 316 is better suited for coastal venues or outdoor furniture near the ocean.

Feature	304 Stainless Steel	316 Stainless Steel
Chromium content	18%	16-18%
Nickel content	8-10.5%	10-14%
Molybdenum	None	2-3%
Best for	Indoor cafés, standard food service	Coastal locations, high-salt exposure

When to Choose 304 or 316

If you’re running a café in Melbourne’s CBD, Surry Hills, or any typical urban location, grade 304 is perfect for food handling. It handles all the daily wear and tear—coffee spills, acidic foods, commercial cleaning products, and high-temperature sanitation.

However, if you’re opening a beachside café in Byron Bay or a seafood restaurant on the Gold Coast where salt-laden air creates corrosive environments, the molybdenum in 316 specifically targets chloride-induced pitting corrosion. The choice between 304 versus 316 ultimately depends on your location and exposure to salt.

Common Mistakes that Damage 304 Stainless Steel

Using steel brushes or wire wool: Even though it’s tempting to scrub tough stains with steel wool, don’t do it. The iron particles left behind will rust and make your furniture look terrible. Use plastic scourers or non-abrasive pads instead.
Reusing cleaning tools: Don’t use the same cleaning cloth on both stainless steel products and regular steel surfaces. Particles picked up from plain steel will transfer to your furniture and cause rust spots.
Leaving chlorine cleaners on the surface: Chlorine bleach and similar cleaners can damage the protective oxide layer if left in contact too long. If you must use them, rinse thoroughly with water immediately afterward.
Ignoring spills: Salt, brine, or acidic substances left on the surface overnight can start the corrosion process. Wipe spills promptly and rinse with clean water.

How Should You Clean and Maintain 304 Stainless Steel Furniture?

Clean this material with warm water and mild detergent using a soft microfibre cloth or sponge. Wipe in the direction of the grain, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots. This simple routine keeps your furniture looking professional whilst maintaining its food-safe properties.

Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

Do This	Don’t Do This
Use mild dish soap and warm water	Use steel wool or wire brushes
Wipe in the direction of the grain	Use chlorine bleach
Rinse thoroughly after cleaning	Let salt or brine sit overnight
Dry with a clean cloth	Use abrasive cleaners
Use microfibre cloths	Share tools with plain steel surfaces

For tougher grime, a paste of baking soda and water gently removes residue without scratching. Quaternary ammonium sanitisers (common in commercial kitchens) are safe for this material when used according to manufacturer directions.

For Australian café owners, this maintenance simplicity translates to lower labour costs. Your staff don’t need special training or expensive specialty products. A quick wipe-down at the end of each day keeps everything spotless.

What to Look for When Buying 304 Stainless Steel Furniture

Check for certification documentation confirming the furniture is genuine 304 meeting Australian food safety standards. Quality manufacturers provide material certificates showing the chemical composition and compliance with ISO 15510 standards. Ask for this documentation before purchasing—it’s essential for health inspections and proves the material is used for food contact applications.

Surface Finish Matters

The surface finish affects both cleanability and food safety. Look for furniture with a No. 4 surface finish, which has been properly polished to create a smooth, hygienic surface. According to the British Stainless Steel Association, electropolishing is superior to manual grinding because it strips away the surface layer to reveal a microscopically smooth substrate. This not only enhances the oxide layer’s strength but removes microscopic flaws that could harbour bacteria.

Welding Quality

Check the weld points on furniture pieces. Quality manufacturers use proper welding techniques that preserve the protective oxide layer. Poor welding can strip this layer, making those areas vulnerable to corrosion. Look for clean, smooth welds without discolouration or rough edges.

Verify the Grade

Genuine 304 is non-magnetic. Whilst this isn’t a foolproof test (some 304 can become slightly magnetic after cold working), a strong magnetic attraction suggests the material might be a different grade like 430 stainless steel (a chromium ferritic stainless steel), which isn’t as corrosion-resistant or suitable for food processing.

Why Should Australian Café Owners Choose 304 Stainless Steel?

This material offers Australian café owners proven food safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The alloy meets all food safety requirements, withstands the rigours of commercial use, maintains its appearance with minimal maintenance, and provides decades of service without replacement. Whether you need a pan, kitchen bench, or dining furniture, grades 304 and 316 are trusted choices.

Beyond the technical specifications, this material just works. It doesn’t chip like painted metal, doesn’t harbour bacteria like wood, doesn’t stain like cheaper materials, and doesn’t require refinishing like coated surfaces. When health inspectors visit, they approve it. When customers see it, they perceive cleanliness and quality.

Quality 304 stainless steel furniture from Café Solutions costs more upfront than cheaper alternatives, but properly maintained material lasts 15-20+ years in commercial environments. Cheaper furniture might need replacement every 3–5 years. Factor in replacement costs and the hassle of shopping again, and this becomes the economical choice.

Ready to Upgrade Your Café With Food-Safe Stainless Steel Furniture?

Now you know why this material is the gold standard for Australian cafés—it’s FDA-approved, built to last, and requires minimal maintenance whilst keeping your venue looking professional year after year. The right furniture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making a smart long-term investment in your business.

Café Solutions specialises in commercial-grade 304 stainless steel furniture designed specifically for Australian cafés and restaurants. Our tables, chairs, benches, and sinks meet all food safety certifications and come with full compliance documentation for your health inspections. Contact our team today to discuss your café furniture needs and discover how quality stainless steel can elevate your venue whilst protecting your investment.

FAQs on Is 304 Stainless Steel Food Grade?

Can 304 stainless steel leach chemicals into food or drinks?

No, this material doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages under normal use conditions. The FDA tested it specifically for chemical migration and approved it under 21 CFR §177.2600 because it’s non-reactive with food substances. The protective chromium oxide layer prevents the base metal from contacting food, so nothing will migrate into your food.

Is all 304 stainless steel the same quality?

Not quite—whilst the chemical composition is standardised, the surface finish and manufacturing quality vary between suppliers. Food-grade material should have a No. 4 surface finish for proper cleanability and hygiene. Quality manufacturers properly electropolish the surface to enhance the protective oxide layer. When sourcing café furniture, ask for certification documentation confirming the grade meets food service standards.

How long does 304 stainless steel café furniture typically last?

With proper maintenance, this furniture routinely lasts 15-20 years or more in commercial café environments. The material doesn’t degrade with age—it maintains its strength, corrosion resistance, and appearance throughout its service life. Many established restaurants and cafés in Australia have been using the same furniture for decades.