Is Stainless Steel Magnetic? 🧲🧲🧲

It seems like something called “stainless steel” would be magnetic. After all, magnets are attracted to steel. But there are many different type of stainless steel and not all are magnetic. In this video we’ll look at three types you’re likely to have in the home. Austenitic, Martensitic, and Ferritic.

Steel is made of Iron and a bit of Carbon.

Stainless Steel is made of Iron, a bit of Carbon, and Chromium. It can also include: N, Al, Ni, Cu, Mo.

Depending on the elements present, stainless steel will sometimes be attracted to magnets. Three of the most common types of stainless steel are presented below:

Austenitic Stainless Steel .
About 2/3 of the stainless steel produced.
E.g. Sinks, Surgical Instruments

Ferritic Stainless Steel Not as much Ni and cheaper to make.
E.g. Domestic appliances, pots and pans

Martensitic Stainless Steels
Harder but not as corrosion resistant.
E.g. Knives, Razors, Tools

Austenitic Stainless Steel is usually not magnetic.

🧲Ferritic and Martensitic Stainless Steels are usually magnetic.

Thumbnail Image of Magnetic Lines of Force:

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But what makes magnetic versus not? Isn't everything magnetic if magnet is strong enough?