Is All Stainless Steel Magnetic?

[Tilly2]

ie, will any stainless steel utensil be ok to use on my induction hob?

[EDDIE51]

There are 2 types of stainless steel one is magnetic and one is non magnetic.

[EDDIE51]

Details here
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-dont-magnets-work-on/
Most stainless steel is magnetic it is called ferritic steel, austenitic steel is non magnetic. It has a higher Chromium content.

[KARL]

The simplest way to check any particular item is to place a magnet onto the bottom of it then turn the item to see if the magnet falls off or not. In fact the vast majority of items older than 10-15 years cannot be used on induction hobs.

[Tilly2]

Thank you both. I need to buy a magnet.

[EcclesCake]

Do you not have a fridge magnet lurking somewhere?

[Tilly2]

I may have. They are not on the fridge though. The fridge is built in, with a wooden door.

I'll have a scout round. Thanks, Eccles.

[Psybbo]

What is the difference between induction and ordinary hobs?

[Tilly2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_cooking

This explains it better than I can, sibs. I love mine but you have to be careful when buying new cooking utensils. Fortunately, mine came with a whole set of appropriate pans but I now need a small frying pan and it has to be compatible, ie the right kind of stainless steel. Hence, my question.

[Mamyalynne]

Most modern cookware will have a label stating what it is suitable for.

[Tilly2]

Thanks, Mamya. I'll take my glasses and a magnet when I go looking for one.

[gingejbee]

If you take a look at the cookware in Argos (catalogue or online), it labels them all clearly if they are "induction compatible"....will give you an idea.

[Tilly2]

Thanks, ginge. That's a good idea. I'll have a look.

[Psybbo]

Thanks Tilly, I'm assuming our hob is not an induction one as we use ordinary pots on it.

[Tilly2]

Perhaps yours is a ceramic hob, sibs. I had one of those, previously.