Stainless steel is characterized by a particularly pronounced vibration property and a long-lasting aftertaste. Handpans made of stainless steel are particularly easy to play and are characterized by a particularly rich resonance. The sounds flow into one another and thus create a particularly intensive carpet of sound.

Traditionally, the first handpans were made of nitrated carbon steel and are still popular today for percussive, fast, rhythmic playing. Due to the milder crosstalking effects and not quite as pronounced aftertaste, nitrated handpans are also easier to use for recordings and making music together with other instruments.