Tanks, tank heads, buffer tanks and silos for milk are almost always made of stainless steel — the question is which grade. The choice is usually between 304 and 316. The difference seems small, but in practice it matters.

Composition and the basic difference

304 is the basic, most popular grade of austenitic stainless steel, widely used in the food and dairy industry. 316 differs by the addition of molybdenum, which significantly increases its resistance to pitting corrosion and to chlorides — including the washing and disinfecting agents used in dairy installation hygiene.

When 304 is enough

Under standard operating conditions — contact with milk, typical washing and disinfection — 304 steel performs very well and is the choice of the vast majority of farms. It’s also the more affordable option, which matters in real cost terms for large components like silos or big tanks.

When it’s worth investing in 316

Grade 316 is recommended where the installation is exposed to more intensive contact with chemical agents, higher chloride concentrations (e.g. in some CIP washing processes), or where you want to maximize the component’s lifespan under harsher conditions. Tank heads or elements particularly prone to corrosion are typical applications where the price difference is often justified.

How this looks in our offer

At Margo, stainless steel tank heads are available in both grades — 304 and 316 — and you can filter by grade right in the shop. It’s the same with tanks — at the ordering stage, you can agree the right steel grade with us for your specific application and washing conditions.

Not sure which grade is right for you? Get in touch with us — we’ll advise based on the conditions in your installation.