When comparing 304 and 316 stainless steel, there are three areas to consider: durability, range of applications and cost. Which one is better needs to be decided based on your needs.
First, 316 stainless steel has better corrosion and temperature resistance than 304 stainless steel due to the addition of molybdenum, which means that 316 stainless steel lasts longer in certain corrosive or high-temperature environments.
Secondly, 304 stainless steel has a wide range of applications and is widely used in industrial production, home decoration and food and medical industries. In contrast, 316 stainless steel is mainly used in production equipment, chemical and marine fields.
Finally, from a cost perspective, 316 stainless steel is usually more expensive than 304 stainless steel. However, considering its durability and range of applications, 316 stainless steel still has certain advantages.