How to Choose and Distinguish Stainless Steel Cutlery Sets
Oct 03, 2025
The simplest way to distinguish them is:
Distinguishing: Use a magnet to attract the bottom. If it attracts, it's 430 stainless steel; if it doesn't, it's 304 or 18-10. However, the rim of a 304 pot or the front and back of a spoon may sometimes attract the magnet due to polishing. Therefore, the most accurate method is to attract the bottom. 201 mixed steel is commonly used in China; it's non-magnetic and relatively soft.
Selection: First, consumers should choose between "austenitic" and "martensitic" stainless steel. Bowls and plates are generally made of "austenitic" stainless steel, which is non-magnetic; knives and forks are generally made of "martensitic" stainless steel, which is magnetic.
