300 series grade stainless steel is a chromium-nickel alloy that is manufactured into a range of products including stainless steel tubes and steel pipes. Both 304 and 316 steel pipe is durable enough to maintain its strength at high temperatures, resist corrosion, and is easy to maintain.  The choice between material is highly dependent upon how you will use the pipe and the environment in which the pipe will be installed.

Type 304 stainless steel is perhaps the most common type used because it is corrosion-resistant and easy to sanitize. This type of steel is often used for food and beverage applications or in building applications.

Type 316 stainless steel is also corrosion-resistant and easy to clean but is more resistant to corrosion resulting from chemicals and solvents. Because of this, 316 stainless steel is preferred for industrial and surgical applications, or outdoor or marine applications due to its resistance to chloride corrosion.