DURABLE. RELIABLE. BUILT FOR THE TOUGHEST JOBS.
For High-Purity, Food & Pharmaceutical Products
Stainless steel drums offer unmatched purity and corrosion resistance for high-value chemicals, food, and pharma. Built from 304 or 316 stainless, they withstand aggressive contents, repeated cleaning, and extreme temperatures for reusable service.
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304/316 Stainless
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Non-Reactive Interior
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CIP & Steam Safe
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Reusable
Overview
304 and 316-grade stainless drums for applications demanding purity, hygiene, and chemical resistance. Preferred for pharma, fine chemicals, and high-purity food, they tolerate steam and CIP cleaning for repeated, closed-loop reuse.
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304 and 316 grades resist acids, chlorides, and aggressive chemicals across a wide pH range.
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Non-reactive, non-porous walls protect product purity for pharma and food applications.
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Withstands steam cleaning and CIP sanitation for safe, repeated closed-loop reuse.
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Maintains integrity across extreme hot and cold processing and storage conditions.
Specifications
Nominal Capacity
55 U.S. gallons (208 L); 5-110 gal sizes available
Material
304 / 316 Stainless Steel
Height
34.5 in (876 mm)
Diameter
22.5 in (572 mm)
Wall Thickness
1.0-1.5 mm
Weight
45-55 lbs (20-25 kg)
Closure & Fittings
Bolted Ring (open-head) or 2" & 3/4" Bungs (closed-head)
UN Certification
UN 1A1 / 1A2 ratings by configuration
Interior
Electropolished / 2B Mill Finish
Exterior Finish
Brushed or Polished Stainless Steel
Common Uses
Acids & Caustics
Paints & Coatings
Industrial Chemicals
Food-Grade Ingredients
Liquid Fertilizers
Hazardous Liquids
Water Treatment Chemicals
Agricultural Chemicals
Waste & Recovery Materials
How to spec yours
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Choose 316 for chloride or high-acid exposure, 304 for general high-purity service.
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Select closed-head for liquids and open-head for solids, slurries, or easy cleaning access.
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Specify interior surface finish for CIP, steam, or pharmaceutical-grade cleaning needs.
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Match tri-clamp, bung, or lever-lock fittings to your filling and dispensing system.
Compare
Type
Best For
Key Benefit
Consideration
Steel Drums
Solvents, fuels, and UN-rated hazardous liquids and solids
Can corrode; heavier than plastic
Maximum strength and durability
Stainless Steel Drums
Corrosive, high-purity, food and pharma products needing a reusable drum
Highest upfront cost
Corrosion-proof and sanitary
HDPE Plastic Drums
Non-hazardous liquids and industrial chemicals
Not ideal for high heat
Chemical resistance, won't rust
Natural HDPE Drums
Food, beverage, and pharma products needing fill-level visibility
Less UV resistance
Product visibility
Black HDPE Drums
Light-sensitive chemicals and lubricants for outdoor storage
Heat can cause expansion
UV protection
Fiber Drums
Dry powders, granules, and solid bulk products
Not for liquids
Lightweight and recyclable
Related Products
What are stainless steel drums used for?
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Stainless steel drums are used for high-purity chemicals, pharmaceuticals, flavors and fragrances, and premium food ingredients where corrosion resistance, hygiene, and reusability are essential. They excel in closed-loop and CIP-cleaned operations.
Can stainless steel drums be reused?
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Absolutely. Stainless drums are built for long-term, repeated use and tolerate steam cleaning and CIP sanitation between batches. Their durability gives them the lowest total cost of ownership for high-value, recurring applications.
Are stainless drums suitable for food and pharma?
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Yes. 304 and 316 stainless are non-reactive, non-porous, and easy to sanitize, making them ideal for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products that demand strict purity and hygiene standards.
Why choose stainless over carbon steel or plastic?
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Stainless offers far greater corrosion resistance and purity than carbon steel and withstands chemicals and temperatures that degrade plastic. The upfront cost is higher, but its reusability and product protection deliver superior long-term value.
How are stainless steel drums cleaned between batches?
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Stainless drums withstand steam cleaning and clean-in-place (CIP) sanitation, so they return to service between batches without degrading. The non-porous interior resists staining and cross-contamination in closed-loop operations.
How are 55-gallon drums handled and moved?
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Filled 55-gallon drums are moved with drum dollies, forklift attachments, or rimmed drum handlers rather than by hand, and stored upright on a flat surface. Confirm the filled weight and follow safe lifting and stacking limits for your contents.
Our packaging specialists will help you match the ideal container to your product, storage, and compliance needs. We stock and ship nationwide.
