Chrome Vs. Stainless Steel: What’s The Difference Between Chrome and Stainless Steel?
Chrome and stainless steel are two of the most popular metals used in the construction of buildings and various metal appliances. They both come with certain advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re confused about which material to go with, learning the difference between Chrome and stainless steel can help you decide.
At first glance, you might not be able to see the distinctive features of these two objects other than the shinier appearance of chrome steel. But there are quite a lot of differences. For your convenience, we’re going to address them all to give you a better understanding.
Chrome vs. Stainless Steel: Definition
Allow us to give you a brief summary of Chrome and stainless steel to jolt your memory a bit so that you don’t miss out on anything!
What Is Chrome?
Chrome steel refers to any kind of steel that’s been coated with chromium, which is a chemical element. Chromium is usually applied to the metal using a process known as chrome plating.
After applying chromium, the metal becomes shinier and more elegant to look at. However, improving the appearance is not the only purpose of chrome plating. It also enhances the durability of the object and prevents corrosion and rust.
What Is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel doesn’t look all that different from Chrome, but there are some obvious differences.
It is a special form of metal that is made by combining various elements like nickel, carbon, silicon, iron, aluminum, chromium, etc., with steel. Stainless steel must have a minimum of 10.5% chromium count. Otherwise, it cannot be regarded as stainless steel.
Stainless steel is available in different grades based on the percentage of specific elements used. You won’t find two grades of this metal to have similar properties. It’s exceptionally strong and durable.
What Are the Differences?
Alright, let’s head right into the differences without any further ado!
· Appearance
The use of chrome plating gives Chrome steel a much shinier look that you won’t be able to take your eyes off. It looks bright and refined. Anything made with this material will stand out with its attractive appearance.
However, it is important to note that the polished finish on chrome steel allows it to be easily scratched or show fingerprints. You would have to do regular maintenance to keep the appearance pristine.
On the other hand, stainless steel usually comes with an easily distinguishable satin appearance. It doesn’t look as shiny as chrome steel. However, it can look quite premium.
· Durability
When it comes to durability, stainless steel easily takes the cake because it’s much more durable than chrome steel. The use of different elements makes it incredibly sturdy and robust. You won’t be able to break it easily. It offers praiseworthy rust and corrosion resistance.
Pretty sure you will be able to rely on stainless steel products for many years to come.
Although chrome steel offers a certain degree of durability, you won’t be able to compare it with the strength of stainless steel. It suffers the most from a wet environment. So, if you expose anything made of chrome steel to water, it will start rusting. However, you can make it last a long time through proper care.
· Cost
Stainless steel products will be more expensive than chrome steel. That’s no surprise considering stainless steel’s superiority in strength and durability. Most of the high-quality metal appliances are built with stainless steel. You will have to pay a little more if you want to get your hands on high-quality objects.
Chrome steel products don’t cost as much money to purchase. They’re much cheaper than stainless steel and more budget-friendly. So, you should side with chrome steel if you’re on a tighter budget. Don’t worry, as it offers plenty of durability for most applications.
· Use & Application
Chrome steel should be your metal of choice when the aesthetic value is more important than durability. That’s simply because it looks brighter, shinier, and definitely more appealing. They’re perfect for decorative purposes. That’s why you’re more likely to find them in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc.
Stainless steel is perfect for when high-strength and durability are required. You will find this metal to be used in the construction, engineering, and manufacturing of high-quality utility products.
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Which One Should I Get, Chrome or Stainless Steel?
It all comes down to what you want and what you need, really. If you want your products to look more attractive and don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of durability, you should go for chrome steel. It’s also more budget-friendly. You will find it to be suitable for decorations.
On the other hand, prioritize getting stainless steel if durability is of utmost importance. If you want your objects to last longer, this is what you should go for.
Difference Between Chrome and Stainless Steel: A Table
Let’s sum up the differences using a good old-fashioned table!
| Chrome | Stainless Steel | |
| Made of | Chrome steel is made by applying a layer of Chrome on steel metal through chrome plating. | Stainless steel is a metal alloy that is created by mixing several elements with steel. |
| Durability | Quite durable and capable of resisting corrosion and rust. | Stronger and more than Chrome. |
| Appearance | Looks bright and shiny. | Boasts a satin appearance. |
| Cost | Budget-friendly. | More expensive than Chrome. |
| Application | Useful for decorative and industrial purposes. | Useful for construction, engineering, and producing utility products. |
Final Words
In the end, the choice is all yours. But now that you know the difference between Chrome and stainless steel, you’d be able to make a more informed decision. We’ve tried to provide as much information as possible to help you out. Hopefully, you’ve got everything that you wanted to know!
