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Appliances compete on cost per tonne and first-pass forming yield. The choice usually sits between 201 / 304 / 430, and what separates them is deep-drawing behaviour and surface class rather than corrosion resistance.

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Typical parts and material selection

Part	Grade	Surface / size	Watch out for
Refrigerator door / side panel	304 / 430	2B / brushed / embossed, 0.4–0.8 mm	Surface class, bend lines
Washing machine drum	304 / 201	2B, 0.5–1.0 mm	Deep-drawing r-value, welding
Sink / dishwasher liner	304	2B / embossed, 0.6–1.2 mm	Drawing cracks, scratches
Cookware	304 / 201 / 430	2B / BA, 0.4–1.0 mm	Magnetic response (430 for IH)
Hob panel	304 / 430	HL / 8K, 0.6–1.0 mm	Fingerprint and heat resistance

These are the usual configurations. Actual selection depends on medium, temperature and welding method — the same part may move from 304 to 316L or 2205. Describing the service conditions is more useful than naming a grade.

Three real constraints in this industry

First-pass yield is set by r-value

Deep-drawn parts such as drums and sinks need high r and low Δr. The same grade from a different rolling schedule differs a lot — run a drawing trial on the actual batch.

Surface class must be agreed by application

Appliance panels tolerate no pitting, scratches or roll marks. Specify the surface class (e.g. 2B judged to ASTM A480) and keep the protective film on.

201 can replace 304 only in dry areas

201 is manganese-bearing and clearly less corrosion resistant. It is fine for dry interior parts, but in contact with water or detergent it pits — the rework cost far exceeds the saving.