should magnet stick to stainless steel

Stainless steel is a non-magnetic material, which means that it does not have the ability to attract or hold magnetic fields. However, certain types of stainless steel (such as 400 series stainless steel) contain small amounts of ferrite, which is a magnetic material. This means that magnets will stick to these types of stainless steel, but only weakly and inconsistently.

The strength of magnetic attraction also depends on the strength of the magnet itself. A strong magnet will likely stick to stainless steel even if it contains no ferrite, while a weaker magnet may struggle to hold onto even slightly magnetic stainless steel.

In addition to the composition of the stainless steel and the strength of the magnet, other factors can also affect magnetic attraction. The thickness and shape of the stainless steel, as well as the distance between the magnet and the steel, can all impact magnetic attraction.

Overall, while magnets may occasionally stick to stainless steel, it cannot be relied on as a strong magnetic surface. If you are looking for a magnetic surface, it is best to use materials such as iron or steel that are highly magnetic.