When it comes to steel, the difference between hot and cold rolled is how the metal is processed. Hot rolled steel is heated to a higher temperature (above 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and then rolled into a thin sheet. This process creates higher quality steel that is less likely to rust and has a longer lifespan. On the other hand, cold-rolled steel is not heated and is instead rolled at a lower temperature (around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit). This process produces more readily deformable steel and has a shorter lifespan.