Stainless Steel Handpan

The choice between stainless steel and nitrided steel primarily affects note sustain, instrument care, and how the instrument ages. Let’s look at each of these points in turn:

• Composition: Nitrided steel is a low-carbon mild steel, most commonly DC04. Its surface is hardened through high-temperature nitrogen diffusion. It is the original material used to make handpans. Stainless steel, on the other hand, contains at least 10.5% chromium, which forms a passive layer on the metal’s surface that can regenerate itself.
• Protection: The protective layer on nitrided steel exists only on the surface. A scratch exposes the bare steel to the air and then becomes a rust spot. In contrast, stainless steel is rust-resistant throughout its entire thickness, so even a micro-scratch leaves it protected. • Sound: Stainless steel offers longer sustain, often with a softer attack and a clear tone. Nitrided steel, on the other hand, produces a warm, earthy sound with less overlap between notes.
• Maintenance: Nitrided steel must be wiped down after every session and oiled regularly, whereas stainless steel can go several months without any special care.
• Shaping: Stainless steel is more elastic and resists hammering. The maker must spend more time and use more hammer strikes to shape it, which influences its sonic profile.
• Appearance: Stainless steel is shiny and may take on golden, copper, brown, or purple hues depending on how it is heated. Nitrided steel is generally dark grey and matt, sometimes with a bluish or purplish tint. You will also find colours such as blue, gold, and black.

A stainless steel handpan is therefore perfect for slow, melodic, or even meditative playing, while rhythmic players tend to prefer nitrided steel. However, an experienced player can play quickly on a stainless steel handpan by muting the notes to control their resonance. We recommend listening to both materials before making your decision. To learn more, read our article that will help you choose between a nitrided steel, stainless steel, or Ember handpan.

Yes, a stainless steel handpan can rust, but far less easily than a nitrided steel one. Chromium forms a passive layer on the surface that protects the steel and regenerates itself. However, this protection does not provide complete immunity. Salty sweat, sea salt, and moisture trapped inside the case can stain or corrode the surface of stainless steel. Stainless steel may also tarnish or change colour when exposed to an acid, but these stains are primarily cosmetic and should not affect the sound, even though a discoloured surface cannot be restored to its original appearance. If a recent, superficial rust spot appears, you can remove it with a soft cloth and a small amount of suitable oil. However, if the stain persists, it is best not to keep rubbing it and, above all, never sand it.

To care for your stainless steel handpan, simply wipe it down with a microfibre cloth at the beginning and end of each playing session, then store it in a dry place. We recommend washing your hands before playing and never trapping moisture inside the case. Oiling is optional for this type of steel. If you wish to apply oil, choose a mineral oil formulated for stainless steel care rather than a vegetable oil such as coconut or olive oil, which is acidic and not recommended. You can clean it with 70% alcohol or higher in a well-ventilated room, but never use vinegar, harsh solvents, abrasive powders, steel wool, or scouring pads. Surface treatments vary from one instrument to another.

With proper care, a stainless steel handpan can last for many years, and stainless steel has an advantage over nitrided steel when it comes to corrosion resistance. This steel is hard throughout, not just on the surface. However, a strong impact can damage or detune stainless steel instruments just as it can nitrided steel instruments, and the lifespan of a handpan primarily depends on how you play, transport, and store it.

Yes, a stainless steel handpan holds its tuning well. With this type of instrument, the material is not the only factor affecting tuning stability: the tuning itself, note size, metal thickness, striking force, and impacts all play an equally important role.

If a magnet sticks to certain stainless steel handpans, it is because these instruments are generally made from ferritic stainless steel, which is magnetic. There are several families of stainless steel. Ferritic steels such as AISI 430, which contains 16–18% chromium, attract magnets, whereas austenitic steels do not. Stainless steel handpans are primarily made from steels in the 430 and 441 families. Therefore, a magnet sticking to the instrument does not mean it is not made of stainless steel, and you can perform this test without concern.

Yes, you can take your stainless steel handpan outdoors because this metal withstands humidity and sea air, including sea spray, better than nitrided steel. If you enjoy playing by the ocean or live near the coast, this steel will provide better protection. Keep in mind, however, that it is not waterproof. Never submerge it in water or place it directly on the sand. After a session at the beach, remove the salt with a slightly damp cloth and then dry the instrument thoroughly. Never rinse it under running water.

When outdoors in the sun, keep it in the shade and do not play a handpan that has become hot. In humid climates, such as coastal or tropical areas, maintenance will need to be more frequent regardless of your instrument’s material.