Another magnetic SS Grate


 
Good luck finding any non magnetic grates. Even the Weber ones are magnetic. Non magnetic stainless steel has become too expensive. I have a set from RCplanebuyer which are non magnetic 9mm solid rods. I love them but they are expensive.
 
Depends to me, first, what you mean when you say "magnetic." When I did my extensive stainless grate comparison, I found that almost all of the grates - even rcplanebuyer - had a MILD magnetic attraction. This is particularly true regarding the weld joints. I considered these to still be 304 stainless. A couple sets had virtually no magnetic attraction which I also considered 304. Two grates I tested, including Weber OEM, had STRONG magnetic attraction. These I assumed to 430 stainless.

I realize that many will dismiss grates made with 430 stainless. But in my limited experience with Weber OEM grates, I have not had any issues with rust and have had their grates perform very well for me. One set by MidWest Hearth was one of the most attractive, pretty thick grates I looked at but were also magnetic/430. I am not ready to write them off just because they aren't 304.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B06Y18YRGS/tvwb-20

Please note that what I don't approve of grates where the stainless is wrapped around cast iron or other metal. These will definitely register as magnetic, but over time - as Larry has noted - these are likely to start breaking apart, possibly with some drama in your grill!
 
Other than the fact that they are "magnetic" did you find any other negatives? Like Jon says, 304 is nice, but I don't think other stainless options are that big of a drop off in quality. That would be a killer price otherwise.

Bottom line is though, since you got them from Amazon, you can return them for free. Even return postage.
 
The magnetism in stainless steel has to do with the crystal structure of it. Welding or cold rolling can change that structure and make it slightly magnetic. Since your picture shows the end of the rod where it was probably “sheered” off when cut it could be magnetic. Or too close to the weld. Try testing the middle of the rod. I have had 304 burner tubes that were slightly magnetic in the area where the Venturi was formed (cold pressed) and the rest of the tube was non magnetic. If the whole rod is strongly magnetic it is probably not 304 as the description on Amazon states.
 
I wish I hadn't seen this. Just took delivery of a nearly identical set for $55ish last week, and these are probably the same thing from a different seller. Sigh.
 
Likely as the description for different vendors are very similar. However, the article that Jon tofte was very well written. However, the ones that have been cited to be competitive in quality in comparison to rcplanebuyer has gone up more than 10 percent in price. Just wanted to see what else is out there that can be the new kid on the block.

jon - any possible way to identify the type of magnet you used in your study? I only have consumer grade ones that are part of junk that i hang stuff on fridges. Included a picture of a flimsy magnet that catches on the bars.
 

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I bought a set of QuliMetal 7528 SS grates for an E-310 in early January from Amazon Warehouse for $36.95. The grates were slightly out of alignment, but a couple hard bumps on the corner and it went square again.

I tried putting a really big magnet against them and it didn't stick. This is a really strong magnet too, I made the mistake of putting it on my refridgerator and it took a few minutes to pry it off.

I also tested an original set that came with a 10 year old S-310 and the magnet didn't stick to it either.

If the magent sticks, does that mean the material is metal coated in SS? Or is it just a lower grade of SS?
 
It's good to know that if you used a strong magnet and it didn't stick or even pull slightly, it's a good change they are 304 grade. But what I used was a dinky magnet that goes on fridges and it pulled on the metal.

Disclaimer - I'm not a metal specialist. I'm just a misunderstood healthcare worker that had to do case studies during my training.
 
If the magnet sticks, does that mean the material is metal coated in SS? Or is it just a lower grade of SS?

You would have to examine the grate carefully. Stainless clad iron grates tend to be much heavier than they would be as SS alone. SOmetimes you can find a seam, or places where the SS was joined over the iron
 
JohnS NJ said:
It's good to know that if you used a strong magnet and it didn't stick or even pull slightly, it's a good change they are 304 grade. But what I used was a dinky magnet that goes on fridges and it pulled on the metal.

Disclaimer - I'm not a metal specialist. I'm just a misunderstood healthcare worker that had to do case studies during my training.
Click to expand...

Here is the magnet.

Tested on a cheap kettle grate and it has a very strong bond. Had to pry it off

20200506_084703.jpg
 
Yah, I don't think you need any special magnet. One with any good pull is fine. But, I have yet to hear of someone getting SS coated mild steel rod grates when they thought they were getting solid SS rods. I also do not think think that a guy has to have 304 stainless to get a good quality, good functioning set of grates or flavorizer bars. The others SS offerings may be a step down, but not a large step down.
 
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