View Cart Choosing the Best Fridge Magnets
Types of fridge magnets and mistakes to avoid when choosing one
In this article we cover what makes a good fridge magnet and what does not; giving you the knowledge to find that perfect magnet for your fridge.
In this article we will cover the following topics:
Shop Fridge Magnets
1. Choosing the right strength fridge magnet
How strong should my fridge magnet be?
This is a difficult question and the answer depends on the type of magnet and how it will be used. Below is a list of general rules of thumb when choosing a strength.
-
Measure gap - A gap between the magnet and the steel on the fridge door will lower effective magnet strength. The fridge coating, a coating on the magnet such as plastic and photos or whatever you are holding all are a gap. You can use our magnet strength calculator to estimate your magnets strength over a gap.
-
Calculate friction - When hanging, the magnet is at the mercy of gravity and a low friction will lower the magnet's effective pull force. Using our adhesive non slip pads to increase friction, a high-friction anti-slip rubber coating or using a strong magnet to overcome the friction loss is ideal.
-
Number of magnets - Using more magnets to hold an object to your fridge not only helps to lower leverage, but smaller magnets are easier to handle and safer. Using multiple smaller magnets can also be more cost effective than using fewer larger ones.
-
Leverage - Only using one magnet, or using a magnet at an unideal location can cause the magnet to fall off the fridge more easily. Using multiple magnets or strategic placement is key to keep your magnets sticking to your fridge. Learn more in below article about friction and leverage.
2. Best types of refrigerator magnet for each occasion
While having strong fridge magnets that don't fall is important, stronger isn't always better and very strong magnets do not make the best fridge magnets.
-
Cylinder Magnets - Cylinder magnets a good choice because you get the strength you need to hold papers and photos and they also allow for super easy removal as you have something to hold onto.
- Easy to grip
- Easy to remove and move around
-
Disc Magnets - Disc magnets are the perfect choice for hanging decorative magnets on the fridge. It allows the decoration to be closer and lowers the chance of it being leveraged off.
- Thin profile and low leverage
- Best choice for making decoration magnets
-
Plastic Magnets - A plastic coating not only protects your magnet from rusting and preventing scratching the fridge, but there are a variety of colors, perfect for livening up your kitchen.
- Waterproof
- Smooth surface
- Variety of colors
-
Thumbtack Magnets - Magnetic thumbtacks are also a great option for the fridge if you want color and ease of removal. Our thumbtack fridge magnets come in a variety of colors and in variety packs. They can also be placed around the borders of photos holding it up, while not blocking the view.
- Easy to grip and move
- Many colors to choose
-
Rubber Hook Magnets - Our rubber hook magnets are perfect if you need to hang something heavier on the fridge. The rubber gives more grip and the hook rests on surface lowering leverage. Check out our Hanging with Magnetic Hooks article where we showcase just how strong they are!
- Best for hanging heavier things on fridge
-
Decorative Magnets - are the best way to spice up your fridge! Our article How to Make Fridge Magnets shows how to turn your favorite decorations or souvenirs from your past vacations into the perfect fridge magnets!
Shop Fridge Magnets
Hang photos, art, shopping lists and more on your fridge with a large selection of colorful magnets!
3. Things to avoid when choosing fridge magnets
You would think any magnet would work on your fridge and you are technically correct, but some magnets make great fridge magnets, while others can leave you regretting making that choice. Below are some good tips to help you choose the best magnet for your fridge.
How to avoid scratches on your fridge with magnets
-
Do not use magnets with rigid or with sharp corners as they can easily dig into the fridge coating.
-
Magnets that are too strong may scratch surface just by sliding around or during removal.
-
Make sure the surface of the fridge is clean. If there is dirt or dust on the surface, attaching a magnet or moving it will sandwich the particles and cause them to dig into the fridge coating.
-
If it's not just a decorative magnet, just make sure there is always a photo or something between the magnet and fridge coating.
-
Add a magnet cushion pad, a thin plastic sticker or coating on the back. This will protect the fridge from scratches even if the magnet is moved around.
-
Make sure the magnet has a smooth finish like our nickel plating or use softer coatings like our plastic or rubber coated magnets.
Other things to be cautious of when using fridge magnets
-
Our mounting magnets are made to attach to steel and would seem perfect for the fridge, but have steel cups which are harder than the fridge coating and may leave scratches if moved around carelessly.
-
Removal - It is great to use powerful neodymium magnets on your fridge, and attaching is easy, but when it comes time to remove them, thin disc magnets will be harder to remove than our cylinder fridge magnets or thumbtack fridge magnets.
-
Leverage - The further out your magnets stick, the easier they will be to knock off the fridge. In our Making and Repairing Magnets article, we made various custom magnets, but a few of them stuck out far from the fridge. If your magnets stick out from the fridge, make sure to avoid bumping them. If you have a busy kitchen and the fridge is near a walkway, you may want to use magnets with a low profile such as our disc magnets for fridge.
-
Moisture - If you live in an area with high humidity or the kitchen can get lots of moisture, it may be best to get magnets with a plastic coating to protect the magnets and surface of the fridge from rust and corrosion.
