Although many people love the look of stainless refrigerators, they are disappointed when they go to put a magnet on the door and find it won’t stick. This is a property that salesmen always forget to mention.
Does that mean that if a magnet does stick to your refrigerator, it is not real stainless steel but is a fake?
Not necessarily.
The long answer is, there are commonly two different types of stainless steel, the 300 series and the 400 series. The 400 series is magnetic and is usually used in cutlery. Put a magnet against your stainless steel knife and you will most likely find that it sticks.
The 300 series is not magnetic and is the type used the most often in kitchen appliances such as refrigerators.
And it gets even more complicated. The 300 series is not magnetic normally, but if it undergoes a process called cold-rolling, it becomes magnetic.
So why don’t they make refrigerators out of the 400 series? The 300 series is considered a better grade. It is more resistant to corrosion.
If that’s the case, why do they make cutlery out of it? Because the 400 series is harder and is a better substance to use for things that need sharpening like knives. But the downside is that it is more susceptible to corrosion.
The bottom line is, if a magnet does stick to your refrigerator, it is either a fake such as stainless steel paint or brushed chrome, or it is made from 400 series or cold-rolled 300 series stainless steel.
Alternatives to Magnets
If you really want to stick your child’s algrebra test on the fridge, there are a couple of alternatives.
- Test the sides. Often the sides are made differently than the front doors and are magnetic.
- There are products that are made which grip any non-porous surface such as stainless steel and glass. Here’s a website that makes non-magnetic refrigerator clips.
- Get an adhesive backed magnetic board and stick it on your refrigerator door.