Which Type of Steel Should I Choose for a Handpan?
Do you want to buy a handpan but aren’t sure where to start? Building this instrument to produce such beautiful melodies is a time-consuming and difficult task. This post will go over how and what comprises a flawless handpan, as well as which type of steel you should use for your handpan.
What Is a Handpan Made Of?
Before diving into the steel types, it’s good to know how handpans are made. The process begins with a flat metal sheet molded into a dome (“shell”). It’s hand-tuned, hammered hundreds of times to make tones. The sound, durability, and maintenance of the handpan depend on the steel used. There are several steel varieties.
DC04 Nitrided Steel
Best for: Ceramic-like tones and percussion.
Downsides: Shorter sustain, rust care required.
It’s the go-to choice for many traditional handpan makers. This is industrial-grade steel (also used in car manufacturing), but when it’s nitrided – meaning it’s heated and treated with nitrogen – it becomes stronger and more rust-resistant.
Why do people love it?
It gives you super clear, distinct notes.
It’s ideal if you like percussive, rhythm-focused playing.
It has that crisp, “ceramic” tone that’s so satisfying.
Even though nitriding adds protection, it’s not completely rust-proof. If you leave it out in the rain or near the ocean, you’ll probably see some corrosion. So you’ll need to keep up with regular maintenance – oiling it every now and then and keeping it dry.
Stainless Steel – A Smooth, Long-Sustaining Option
Best for: Meditative vibes, long sustain, and chill playing.
Downsides: Slightly pricier, harder to work with.
In recent years, stainless steel has been making serious waves in the handpan world. Especially AISI 430 stainless steel, which is what Cosmos Handpan and other modern makers love to use.
Here’s what sets it apart:
Way more resistant to rust than nitrided steel
Produces warm, mellow tones
Sustain lasts forever (okay, not forever – but way longer)
This is the go-to if you love playing slowly and want those notes to really linger in the air. It’s perfect for meditation, yoga, or just zoning out after a long day. On the flip side, stainless steel is harder to shape and tune, which is why handpans made with it are often more expensive. The payoff? A deep, resonant sound that wraps around you like a cozy blanket.
Ember Steel – The Premium Pick
Best for: Rich tone, warm overtones, a hypnotic soundscape.
Downsides: More expensive, less common.
Think of Ember Steel as the gourmet version of stainless steel. It’s a custom alloy that blends the best features of other materials into one powerful package.
Why it stands out:
Warm, controlled overtones
Strong sustain
Rich, complex harmonics
Insanely beautiful for slow, expressive playing
Cosmos Handpan uses this steel in some of their higher-end models, and for good reason. It’s a favorite among players who want maximum sound depth and don’t mind paying a little more.
If you want something with meditative power and a “singing” quality, Ember Steel delivers. It’s not as widely available as nitrided or standard stainless, but it’s worth it if you’re chasing that dream sound.
Nitrided vs Stainless vs Ember
Here’s a simple rundown to help you decide:
| Feature | Nitrided Steel | Stainless Steel | Ember Steel |
| Rust Resistance | Moderate | High | High |
| Sustain | Short | Long | Long |
| Tone Style | Crisp, ceramic-like | Warm, mellow | Deep, hypnotic |
| Ideal For | Percussive rhythms | Meditative playing | Expressive solos |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Maintenance Needs | Regular care needed | Low | Low |
Conclusion
There’s no single answer to “What type of steel is best for handpans?” Your tastes, playing style, and instrument upkeep determine the finest steel. Nitrided steel produces crisp, rhythmic sounds. For quiet, long-lasting acoustics, choose stainless steel. Spend on Ember for the best. Regardless of your choice, the handpan’s power comes from more than steel.
