ABS vs Stainless Steel Crash Carts: Which Should Buyers Choose?
How should buyers choose between ABS vs stainless steel crash carts? Start with where the cart will be used. Then check storage, cleaning needs and weight.
At Airomay, we first ask which department needs the trolley. For operating rooms, we usually consider 304 stainless steel first. Some of our ABS models weigh less than the stainless steel models we compare them with. They also offer a choice of drawer counts and colors.
The best choice is the model that meets the buyer’s needs. For a basic overview, see What Is a Crash Cart?.
ABS vs Stainless Steel Crash Carts: A Practical Comparison
| Buying factor | ABS models | Stainless steel models |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Different drawer counts are available. Check drawer depth and space. | Layouts vary by model. Check that the required supplies fit. |
| Weight | Some Airomay ABS models weigh less than the steel models being compared. | Some emergency trolley models are heavy. Ask for the exact weight. |
| Cleaning | Check the care guide for the chosen model. | Check the steel grade and the whole cart’s care guide. |
| Size and options | Drawer counts and colors can be chosen on suitable models. | Several sizes are available. Custom orders are also possible. |
| Price | Get a quote for the model and options needed. | Compare a quote with the same storage and included items. |
A material name does not describe every part. An ABS cart may have metal supports. A stainless steel cart may also use other materials.
Read Crash Cart Materials for details about these parts. Here, the aim is to choose between models that can do the required job.
When Should Buyers Choose an ABS Crash Cart?
Consider an ABS crash cart when its storage layout fits your supply list. It may also be a useful choice when staff need to move the cart often.
Compare the weight of the two models. In Airomay’s range, some stainless steel emergency carts are fairly heavy. The ABS models being compared may weigh less.
This does not mean every ABS cart is lighter. Ask for the net weight of each model with the quoted accessories fitted. Then account for the supplies and devices you will add.
Weight is only one part of handling. The wheels, load and hospital route also affect how the cart moves.
Choose drawers that fit the supplies. Airomay offers ABS options with different drawer counts and colors. A buyer can choose a layout that suits the storage plan. Drawer colors can also match the hospital’s labels.
Check drawer depth as well as count. Five shallow drawers may not hold the same items as three deeper drawers. Make sure large packs fit without being crushed.
These choices apply to the available models. They do not mean the ABS body can be made in any size. If a standard model fits your space, it may meet your needs without a custom design.
The cart must also suit the hospital’s cleaning process. Share that process before ordering. See How to Clean a Crash Cart for the cleaning steps.
When Should Buyers Choose a Stainless Steel Crash Cart?
Consider stainless steel when the project asks for it. It may also be worth considering when you need a custom size.
Airomay usually considers 304 stainless steel first for operating rooms. We make this recommendation because cleaning needs are a key part of the choice.
This is our approach to choosing models. It is not a rule for every operating room. Buyers still need to check the proposed cart against the hospital’s needs.
Share the cleaning products and methods with the supplier. Ask whether they can be used on the whole cart.
A 304 body does not mean the whole trolley can be steam cleaned or autoclaved. The wheels, slides, locks and other parts may have different limits. These methods need approval for the exact model and process.
For example, Harloff states that one stainless steel cart is not designed for a cart washer. This limit applies to that model. Other models may have different care rules.
The steel itself also has limits. Outokumpu explains that corrosion resistance depends on the steel and its exposure conditions. Do not assume that every cleaning chemical is suitable.
A custom size may help when standard models do not fit. Airomay offers stainless steel trolleys in several sizes. We also support custom orders, subject to review.
Send the required width, depth and height. Include the storage needs and space for side accessories. Ask which changes are possible before placing the order.
See OEM Crash Cart Customization for more about custom orders.
How to Compare Two Models With the Same Required Setup
Compare two carts against the same list of needs. A one-drawer trolley and a five-drawer emergency cart are different products. Their price gap cannot be explained by material alone.
Use the same supply list for both. Then compare these points:
| Requirement | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Storage | Drawer space, depth and dividers |
| Accessories | Shelves, holders and included items |
| Access | Lock type and opening steps |
| Load | Cart, drawer and shelf limits |
| Cleaning | Approved products and methods |
| Delivery | Quantity, destination and delivery terms |
Airomay prices vary by model and setup. A single-drawer trolley and a two-drawer trolley have different prices. We do not apply one price ranking to all ABS and stainless steel carts.
Here is a hypothetical example. A buyer needs several drawers and a shelf for a defibrillator. One ABS model and one stainless steel model meet those needs. Both also suit the required cleaning process.
If the ABS model weighs less, the buyer may prefer it for frequent moves. The buyer should still review handling with the planned load.
If neither model fits the available space, the buyer can ask about a custom stainless steel size. If the project requires stainless steel, the ABS model does not meet that requirement.
When both models meet the essential needs, compare their handling, options and quotes. Choose the cart that fits the full purchase requirement.
Send the department, drawer needs, cleaning process and quantity to sales@airomay.com. View the Airomay crash cart range to choose models for comparison.
