All ”stainless” steels are alloys.
In all cases, ”prime” (not recycled) material, regardless of composition, is what you want. Any manufacturer should be completely up-front about the metallurgy….
304 stainless specifies 18% chromium and 8%-10% nickel. Sinks and commercial worktables usually have lower nickel content Flatware and cookware tend to have higher content. More nickel means a brighter and more durable finish.
316 adds molybdenum, which vastly increases resistance to corrosion AND heat. It is far more expensive than 304.
There is another alloy called ”monel”, which has a higher molybdenum percentage content than 316, and is used almost exclusively in naval applications. It is even more expensive.
I’d be suspicious of any claim of material other than 304 in residential applications
My products are all 304, It is the industry workhorse composition, and is entirely equal to the level of service required.
The important thing is to ensure the matrrial you’re getting is ”prime stainless”. Apparently the recycling process is either not well controlled, or not entirely scientific: If the ”re-mix” is badly prrformed, it “exposes“ some raw ferrous metal, which rusts…
I hope this is helpful.
Q