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Stainless Steel vs Aluminium: Which Metal for Your Job?
Quick answer: Stainless steel is stronger, harder and better for food contact, heat and heavy cleaning, which is why dairy, kitchen and water equipment uses it. Aluminium is about one third the weight, easy to shape and cheaper for light structures such as windows, frames and some furniture, but it is softer, scratches more easily and reacts with strong acids and alkalis. For anything touching food, chemicals or high heat, choose stainless (304 for most food work). H-TECH stainless sheets from KSh 5,500.
Key facts
- Stainless = strength + hygiene
- Aluminium = light weight
- Food contact → stainless 304
- Aluminium is softer
On this page
Side by Side
| Stainless steel | Aluminium | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy (about 7.9 g/cm³) | Light (about 2.7 g/cm³) |
| Strength and hardness | High; resists dents and scratches | Lower; dents more easily |
| Corrosion | Very good (grade matters) | Good in air; attacked by strong acids/alkalis and some cleaners |
| Food contact and cleaning | Excellent; takes strong cleaning | Limited with acidic foods and caustic cleaners |
| Heat | Handles high temperatures | Conducts heat well; softens at lower temperatures |
| Welding | TIG/MIG, common in Kenya | Needs special skills and equipment |
| Typical uses | Milk equipment, kitchens, sinks, tanks, balustrades | Windows, doors, partitions, ladders, light frames |
Which Should You Choose?
- Milk chillers, pasteurizers, kitchen tables, sinks: stainless (see 201 vs 304 vs 316).
- Water tanks for drinking water: stainless or food-grade plastic: tank comparison.
- Windows, shop fronts, light partitions: aluminium.
- Outdoor railings: stainless for strength and low maintenance: balustrade prices.
Stainless Materials at H-TECH
Stainless steel laser sheets (0.5 mm 201)KSh 5,500
stainless steel Sus sheets (1 mm 304)KSh 14,000
stainless steel square tubes (40×40x1.2mm g201)KSh 5,000
stainless steel Round Tubes (51diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 4,800
Stainless Steel Rod bar(25mmx5.8mtrs g304 round bar)KSh 20,820| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel laser sheets (0.5 mm 201) | KSh 5,500 |
| stainless steel Sus sheets (1 mm 304) | KSh 14,000 |
| stainless steel square tubes (40×40x1.2mm g201) | KSh 5,000 |
| stainless steel Round Tubes (51diarx1.2mm g201) | KSh 4,800 |
| Stainless Steel Rod bar(25mmx5.8mtrs g304 round bar) | KSh 20,820 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 10 November 2026).
Cost
Per kilo, stainless often costs more, but an aluminium part of the same size weighs much less, so compare the finished part, not the price per kilo. Compare sheet prices in stainless sheet prices and weights in the sheet weight calculator.
Watch: Fabrication and components
Frequently asked questions
Is stainless steel stronger than aluminium?
Yes, stainless is stronger and harder; aluminium is lighter.
Which is better for food equipment?
Stainless steel, usually grade 304, because it is hygienic and handles strong cleaning.
Does aluminium rust?
Aluminium does not rust like iron, but it corrodes with strong acids, alkalis and some cleaners.
Which is cheaper, stainless or aluminium?
It depends on the part; compare the cost of the finished item, not just price per kilo.
Can you weld aluminium to stainless steel?
Not by normal welding; use mechanical joints or special processes.