How can you test the quality of stainless kitchen or galley gear? One of my early sets had a mid-range price and felt solid in your hand, yet it began rusting in about a year. And I don’t do dishes in saltwater.
When I bought it, I just somehow figured that if it was stainless, that’s all I needed to know. Obviously, I was wrong. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
I recently wrote about the various stainless designations on kitchenware, and said that while the best stainless for kitchen/galley use was 18/10, 18/8 would probably also be fine, while 18/0 was likely to rust.
A couple of readers made the point that many items simply aren’t labeled in the store or even online. So how do you know if you’re getting high-quality stainless or something that will rust?
Another reader, Debra Trottier, gave the answer: carry a small magnet with you. Says Debra, ” I’ve taken to carrying a magnet in my purse at all times so I can ‘test’ anything I’m considering buying for the boat. It works well as many household items aren’t marked as to stainless quality. If the magnet sticks, I move on. Just make sure it’s not in the same pocket as your credit cards!”
Debra’s right: 18/10 and 18/8 stainless aren’t magnetic, 18/0 is. Now, it’s not as strongly magnetic as straight steel, but this refrigerator magnet will pick up a spoon at an angle. Just before it gets fully vertical, the spoon will slide off. But on my other, better quality stainless, it just doesn’t stick at all.
One more quick tip: The rust is concentrated in the grooves. I believe that’s because water tends to sit there longer when the dishes are drying. I know that the grooves are harder to clean out when washing by hand — and it takes more water to rinse them out, too. So one feature that I’ll be looking for in a new set is a nice, simple streamlined design.
For years, if we were buying screws or bolts in a hardware store and weren’t sure of the stainless quality, we’d wander over to the “magnet aisle” and use one to test the item in question. Now I’m just going to stick a small magnet in the day pack that I usually carry when shopping.
Now if I could just find a “virtual magnet” for online items that aren’t marked!
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Carol Ann on Facebook says
What a Great tip! Thank you! 🙂
The Boat Galley on Facebook says
Thanks to Debra for suggesting it!!
Ted says
Another item to keep away from the magnet in your pocket or bag is your passport. They also have the mag. strip in them with your info. Most other I.D. does also ie. drivers license..
The Boat Galley on Facebook says
Ted also just made a great comment — be sure to keep magnets away from your passport, too. Some driver’s licenses have a mag strip as well.
Candy Ann Williams on Facebook says
Good idea!!
Cheryl Geeting on Facebook says
Great tip that I didn’t know about … Thanks Carolyn!
Lindsey Paris says
I never knew this…thanks for the great tip!
Shawn Haugen says
Thanks good to know!
Mckissick Journey says
Great tip…. Thanks
Soupy Sayles says
good tip Carolyn, As a man i”m not quite so particular so i went to the dollar store & bought some nice looking “silverware”, never tested them, but have had them on boat for 4 yrs. Now, no rust. I NEVER let air dry. Rince with scalding hot water, dry with dish towel & put in drawer.
Judith C says
That’s good to know. I know what to do with Memaw’s silver sitting in that box in the closet.
Tina Gonsalves says
We bought a used boat last year and try as I might I cannot get the stainless sink and oven front clean of stains/spots/rust. Any tips on how to get the marks off? Thanks!
Carolyn Shearlock says
Barkeeper’s Friend is the first thing I turn to. If that doesn’t work, you can try Prism Polish. Good luck!
Gregory Thompson says
Don’t keep a magnet in your purse. Keep it in your glove box or similar. It can damage your credit card, passport or nexus cards and such
The Boat Galley says
Good thought.
Frances Liz Fernandez says
Good to know!
Temp Tag says
This is also helpful when shopping for new appliances. Lots of ‘stainless’ out there that looks great but will rust. Got these calls all the time as an appliances salesperson!
Richard Baxter says
I have an App on my Android phone called “Metal Detector” (kurt radwanski) that appears to detect Ferrous metals but not Non-Ferrous metals (stainless, aluminium, copper).
I carry a magnetic money clip that I have used on multiple occasions to check metals. Never had an issue with credit cards but it ruins hotel key-cards.
The Boat Galley says
I really wonder how a phone app can detect magnetism!