Why Doesn’t a Magnet Stick to Stainless Steel?

Introduction

Have you ever held a magnet up to something that looks like metal—shiny, hard, even a bit cold to the touch—but the magnet just slides off like it’s made of plastic? Most of us assume all metals attract magnets, especially when it comes to something like stainless steel. But surprisingly, many types of stainless steel don’t attract magnets at all. Why is that?

In this blog, we’ll break down why magnets sometimes don’t stick to stainless steel, what’s going on behind the scenes, and what it means for your kitchen tools, appliances, and even cutlery. We'll also talk about related topics like what is 18/8 stainless steel, whether 18/8 stainless steel is food grade, and where reflective steel fits into all this.

So, Why Doesn’t a Magnet Stick?

Let’s get straight to the point: not all stainless steel is magnetic.

Some stainless steel types will attract a magnet, and others won’t. It depends on how the stainless steel is made and what's mixed into it.

Stainless steel is made by mixing regular steel with other stuff like chromium and nickel to make it stronger, shinier, and more resistant to rust. These extra ingredients change how the metal behaves—including how it reacts to magnets.

Quick Example:

• You might have a stainless steel refrigerator that doesn’t hold magnets.
• But your stainless steel kitchen knife? That one might grab a magnet like it owes it money.

Why the difference? They’re made with different "recipes" of stainless steel.

The Role of Nickel and Chromium

Let’s talk about the “ingredients” in stainless steel.

Nickel is a big one. When nickel is added to stainless steel, it makes the metal non-magnetic. Chromium helps make the metal resistant to rust and corrosion. The more nickel in the mix, the less likely the stainless steel will attract a magnet.

This is exactly what happens in 18/8 stainless steel. So, what is 18/8 stainless steel?

It means:

• 18% chromium
• 8% nickel

This type of stainless steel is common in kitchen tools like spoons, forks, bowls, and pans. And because of the nickel, it’s usually not magnetic. That’s why your magnets might not stick to your mixing bowls, even though they’re made of metal.

Is That a Bad Thing?

Not at all. The fact that some stainless steel doesn’t attract magnets doesn’t make it fake or low quality. It just means it’s been made for a different purpose.

In fact, when you ask is 18/8 stainless steel food grade, the answer is: yes, it is.

This type is widely used in food and kitchen industries because:

• It doesn’t rust easily
• It doesn’t react with acidic foods
• It’s easy to clean
• It lasts a long time

So just because it won’t grab a magnet doesn’t mean it’s any less safe or strong. If anything, it means it’s better suited for cooking and food storage.

But Some Stainless Steel Is Magnetic

Now let’s flip the coin.

There are types of stainless steel that do attract magnets. These are usually made with little or no nickel. That means they’re more magnetic but also a little more likely to rust over time if not taken care of properly.

You might find these types in:

• Some cheaper cutlery sets
• Toolboxes
• Metal cabinets
• Industrial or construction materials

If you’ve got a stainless steel item and the magnet sticks, you’re probably looking at one of these versions.

What About “Reflective Steel”?

Now you may be wondering about reflective steel. Does its mirror-like shine mean it’s magnetic?

Not really. The reflective surface is more about how the steel is polished and finished than what's inside it. You can have shiny steel that’s magnetic, and you can have shiny steel that’s not.

A good example: those super shiny kitchen sinks or countertops. They might look like mirrors, but they could be made from non-magnetic stainless steel.

So just because something looks “metallic” or “reflective” doesn’t mean it will attract a magnet.

Common Situations and Misunderstandings

“My fridge won’t hold magnets!”

This is one of the most common complaints. Many modern stainless steel fridges use non-magnetic stainless steel on the outside because it looks sleek and resists fingerprints. That’s why your kid’s artwork keeps sliding to the floor.

But guess what? The sides of the fridge might still be magnetic, because they’re often made with a different type of steel. Try putting your magnets there.

“My new silverware doesn’t stick to magnets. Is it fake?”

Nope. If it's 18/8 stainless steel, it's actually high-quality. It’s made to resist rust and handle all kinds of food. The fact that it doesn’t attract magnets means it has nickel in it, which helps prevent corrosion.

Should You Care If It’s Magnetic?

That depends on what you’re using it for.

If you're in the kitchen:

You probably want something that resists rust and doesn’t react with food. That’s where 18/8 stainless steel shines. Whether it’s magnetic doesn’t matter much here.

If you’re working on a construction project:

You might need steel that’s magnetic so it sticks to tools or can be sorted by recycling machines. In that case, a magnetic version might be more useful.

If you’re buying a stainless steel watch or jewelry:

Some people think magnetic stainless steel is lower quality or more likely to irritate the skin. That’s not always true, but non-magnetic types are often preferred for their smoother finish and resistance to corrosion.

Fun Facts

• Some people use magnets to test if something is “real” stainless steel. That’s not always a good test. The best stainless steels for kitchens often don’t stick to magnets.
  
  
• Stainless steel can actually become magnetic over time if it gets bent, hammered, or otherwise stressed. So if your old mixing bowl suddenly starts grabbing the fridge magnet, it’s not haunted—it’s just been through a lot.
  
  
• Magnets don’t stick to aluminum either. So if you're wondering whether your pan is stainless steel or aluminum, a quick magnet test can help—but keep in mind it's not foolproof.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Recap: Why Magnets Don’t Always Stick to Stainless Steel

Let’s sum it up:

• Not all stainless steels are the same.
• The ones with more nickel (like 18/8 stainless steel) are non-magnetic.
• The ones with little or no nickel are magnetic, but may rust more easily.
• Reflective steel looks shiny but might or might not attract magnets.
• Just because a magnet doesn’t stick doesn’t mean the steel is low quality.
• Yes, 18/8 stainless steel is food grade and safe for everyday use.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to assume that magnets and metal go hand in hand. But stainless steel is a bit of an exception—and for good reason. The stuff that makes stainless steel so useful (like nickel and chromium) also changes how it interacts with magnets.

So next time your magnet slips off your shiny mixing bowl or fridge door, don’t worry. It’s not broken. It’s just science.

Whether you're wondering what is 18/8 stainless steel, trying to figure out if 18/8 stainless steel is food grade, or comparing shiny reflective steel items at the store, now you know how it all connects—and why magnets don’t always play along.