You might have noticed that some stainless steel refrigerators are magnetic while others are not. If you love to display fun, personal items, photos, and notes on your fridge, then a magnetic model could be the best fit for your kitchen. So, are stainless steel refrigerators magnetic, and is it still worth getting one?
Are Stainless Steel Refrigerators Magnetic?
Yes, stainless steel refrigerators are magnetic, but only some of them. Stainless steel is ferromagnetic, meaning it has a high susceptibility to be magnetic under certain conditions. Some grades of stainless steel are magnetic while others aren’t.
A couple of popular stainless steel grades that are magnetic include 430 and 434. A couple of grades that are not include 304 and 316, which fall under the category of austenitic stainless steel. Black stainless steel, a fridge finish rising in popularity, could make your fridge less magnetic. However, it depends on your magnets’ strength and the thickness of the black finish. Check with the specific fridge model you are eyeing on to see if it meets your magnet needs.
Can Magnets Harm Stainless Steel?
Magnets can be anything you want them to be, but some could risk scratching your stainless steel if they are pointy and sharp. Otherwise, there is no reason to think that they will harm your fridge immediately or over time.
Are Stainless Steel Refrigerators Still in Style?
Is it even worth it to get a stainless steel appliance these days?stainless steel refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, etc., are still going strong as the most popular appliance material.
Many options are available that could work best for your kitchen, such as integrated appliances, colored glass, mixed metals, and specialty colors like “sunset bronze” or “truffle brown.” While not all will be magnetic, you certainly have plenty of creative finishes to consider.
Taking Care of Your Stainless Steel Appliances
Let’s say you do go with a magnetic, stainless steel refrigerator. Regular maintenance is easy. If you need to clean your stainless steel, simply remove all the magnets and wipe your fridge down with a warm, wet cloth, going with the grain. Use a stainless steel cleaner to wash it thoroughly, and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.
