Stainless steel is the common name for chromium-iron alloys containing at least 12% chromium. Such alloys develop a chromium rich oxide film which give the steel its anti-corrosive properties. The type of stainless steel used in kitchens and bathrooms is ‘Austenitic’, which also contains at least 8% nickel. Where higher corrosion resistance is required (for example in laboratories), molybdenum is also added. Grades of stainless steel