Storez SA Solutions

Steel vs Plastic Drums: Which Is Right for Your Application?

Steel and plastic drums solve the same problem — bulk liquid or solid storage and transport — but they suit different jobs.

Steel drums

Rigid, puncture-resistant and fire-safe, steel drums are the standard choice for flammable liquids, solvents and anything that needs to survive rough handling. They’re heavier than plastic and can corrode with certain acids and aggressive chemicals, so they’re not the right choice for every substance.

Plastic (HDPE) drums

Lighter, corrosion-resistant to most acids and chemicals, and lower cost, plastic drums are a common choice for water, food-grade liquids and chemicals that would attack steel. They’re less rigid than steel and not rated for flammable liquid storage, so match the drum to what’s actually going inside it.

What we stock

Product Material Capacity Price (ZAR)
60L Steel Drum (Open Top) Steel 60L R420
60L Plastic Drum (Sealed) HDPE Plastic 60L R350
210L Steel Drum (Open Top) Steel 210L R780
210L Plastic Drum (Sealed) HDPE Plastic 210L R650
210L Steel Drum + Lifter Set Steel 210L R3,650
1,000kg Bulk Bag (FIBC) Woven Fabric 1,000kg R285

Moving them safely

A full 210L drum weighs well over 200kg depending on contents, so handling gear matters as much as the drum itself. Our range includes a Drum Dolly for short moves, a Manual Drum Lifter & Trolley for lifting onto racks or bakkies, a Drum Rotator/Tilter for controlled pouring, and a Forklift Drum Clamp for warehouse volumes.

See the full range on the Bulk & Drum Handling page.

Price shown is an estimated trade-direct price — confirm final pricing and lead time when you enquire.

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