How to Choose a Kitchen Pull-Out Basket: 304 vs 201 Stainless Steel

Buying pull-out baskets in bulk? The single most important spec to check is the steel grade. Many
factories quote “stainless steel” but actually use grade 201, which contains less nickel and will show
rust spots in humid kitchens within a year or two. Genuine SUS304 costs more but stays rust-free for the
life of the cabinet — and it is what discerning markets in the Gulf and Southeast Asia increasingly demand.

Beyond material, inspect four things before placing an order. First, weld points: they should be full
and clean, with no cold-weld gaps; quality factories use spot welding that leaves almost no visible scar.
Second, surface finish: chrome plating should be bright and even, while electrolytically polished
stainless steel shows the metal’s natural color without scratches. Third, wire structure: thicker is not
automatically better — an 8mm main wire is sufficient for standard baskets; what matters is even spacing
and deburred edges. Fourth, hardware: slides should be thick-gauge, smooth and quiet, and clips should be
stainless steel.

A practical tip for importers: ask whether the factory does its own electroplating and polishing.
Outsourced surface treatment is the most common cause of batch-to-batch quality variation. GST runs its
own electroplating plant and electrolytic workshop, which is why our finish stays consistent from sample
to container.