The grinding ratios, grinding forces and surface roughnesses of HIPped austenitic (PM 316L), duplex (PM 2205) and super duplex (PM 2507) as well as as-cast (AC 304) stainless steels were measured during grinding using alumina wheels. It was observed that the grinding ratio decreased in the following order: AC 304, PM 316L, PM 2205 and PM 2507 steel, whilst the grinding force increased in the order: AC 304, PM 2205, PM 316L and PM 2507 steel. The surface roughness increased in the order: PM 316L, PM 2205, PM 2507 and AC 304 steel. It was observed also that the ground steel surfaces work-hardened in the following increasing order: AC 304, PM 316L, PM 2205 and PM 2507 steel. Abrasive plowing-wear grooves and adhesive built-up layers of alumina particles were observed on the ground surfaces of the steels, increasing in the following order: AC 304, PM 316L, PM 2205 and PM 2507 steel. Examination of the ground surface profiles of the workpieces showed that there were a considerable number of microcracks and microvoids on the ground surfaces of the steels, increasing in the following order: PM 316L, PM 2205, PM 2507 and AC 304 steel. Finally, the effects of work hardening, chemical interactions between the alumina wheel and the workpiece, as well as microcracks and microvoids, on the grindability of the stainless steels studied were investigated.