July 13, 2025

18/10, 18/8, 18/0 stainless steel: what's the difference? The guide to making the right choice.

July 13, 2025

Do you often see “ 18/10 stainless steel ” on a pan or saucepan without really knowing what it means?
You sometimes come across “ 18/8 stainless steel ” or “ 18/0 ” and you wonder what the difference is?

👉 You are right to ask the question: these figures are much more than a technical detail — they determine the quality, durability and safety of your kitchen utensils.
In this guide, we explain simply how to choose your stainless steel properly.

Stainless Steel Saucepan - 18 cm Healthy

What do the numbers 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0 mean?

These two numbers indicate the chemical composition of the stainless steel :

The first number (always 18) → corresponds to 18% chromium , a metal that protects against rust and corrosion.
The second number → indicates the nickel content , an element that makes stainless steel more stable, more resistant and shinier.

18/10 = 18% chromium, 10% nickel
18/8 = 18% chromium, 8% nickel
18/0 = 18% chromium, 0% nickel

💡 These nuances may seem similar, but they have a major impact on the strength and durability of your pots and pans.

18/10 stainless steel: the best choice for the kitchen

It is the absolute benchmark in the world of cooking.
Used in high-end professional, medical and domestic catering, 18/10 stainless steel combines safety, performance and elegance.

Excellent corrosion resistance , even when exposed to acidic foods (lemon, tomato, white wine...)
Long-lasting shine, without tarnishing
Perfect stability at high temperature
No release of harmful substances
Impeccable hygiene, easy to maintain

🎯 This is the alloy used in all SAINE pans , because it offers the best compromise between durability, safety and performance .

👉 Discover our high-end 18/10 stainless steel models.

And to better understand why this material is the safest for health:
Read our article on the dangers of stainless steel pans .

18/8 stainless steel: an intermediate version

18/8 stainless steel is quite close to 18/10, but it contains slightly less nickel , which makes it slightly less stable over time.

✅ Advantages:

Good corrosion resistance
Cost less than 18/10

❌ Disadvantages:

Less resistant to food acids
Gloss that fades more quickly

💬 Verdict: suitable for utensils or pans for occasional use, but not for a pan used daily.

18/0 stainless steel: beware of confusion

18/0 stainless steel is often used in inexpensive cutlery or dishes.
It contains no nickel , which makes it magnetic (therefore induction compatible), but also more susceptible to corrosion.

✅ Advantages:

Nickel-free → suitable for allergy sufferers
Compatible with induction hobs

❌ Disadvantages:

Risk of long-term rust
Less heat stable
Less resistant to acids

🎯 Not recommended for pots and pans. This type of stainless steel is better suited for secondary utensils.

Also read: Stainless steel pan comparison: how to choose in 2025?

Comparative table: how to choose your stainless steel

Type & Composition	Quality	Recommended Use
18/10 18% Chrome 10% Nickel	💎 Shine +++ 🛡️ Resistance +++	The must-have. For high-end stoves & everyday use.
18/8 18% Chrome 8% Nickel	💎 Shine ++ 🛡️ Resistance ++	Correct. For utensils or occasional use.
18/0 18% Chrome 0% Nickel	💎 Shine + 🛡️ Resistance +	Entry-level. Cheap cutlery or dishes.

SAINE pans: 100% 18/10 stainless steel, nothing else

At SAINE , we made a simple choice: to use only 18/10 stainless steel .
Why? Because our customers deserve the best, without compromising on health or sustainability.

Our stoves offer:

Cooking without chemical coatings , healthy and natural
Long-lasting shine without tarnishing
Fully compatible with all hobs, including induction
A lifetime guarantee — because a good utensil shouldn't end up in the trash.

👉 Discover our models: