Flatware is the serving ware that comes in direct contact when you sit at a table to enjoy your meal. A flatware set is more than a tool to eat. It should provide the ultimate comfort to you apart from its basic functionality.
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Your old flatware set is dented, molded, or probably you are newly married and setting up your house; there are many reasons you will want to buy a new flatware set.
However, when buying flatware sets, there are a lot of factors involved that should be addressed to get the perfect tableware companion. Here's what you need to know about choosing the ideal flatware.
Types of Flatware Material
Before we get into what makes flatware sets perfect utensils, it's necessary to discover what flatware options are available in the market. Hence, it becomes easier for you to choose the best companion for the dining table.
Stainless Steel
On the top of the list comes stainless steel. It's one of the most preferred and used flatware material choices. It's super hygienic, offers hassle-free maintenance, doesn't oxidize, and resists the stains.
If you are looking for durable flatware set for regular dining use, then stainless steel is a super durable material that provides the ultimate functionality at a minimum cost.
Chromium and Nickel Percentages
Stainless steel is made of chromium and nickel and is often mentioned on the packaging box as 18/0, 18/8, which describes the ratio of both elements used in forming the flatware set.
However, most people prefer to use stainless steel as their daily utensils for casual settings. But, it totally depends on your choice. If stainless steel works best for your table settings, you can use it for elegant table settings.
Moreover, the flatware of 18/0 describes that they are only made of chromium that won't last long in the fight with rust. So with time, the tableware consisting of the 18/0 is more likely to catch the stains.
On the other hand, 18/8 or 18/10 offer extra durability as they consist of chromium and nickel that resist the rust and acidic compounds from accumulating on the flatware surface that causes the stains.
Silver Plated
Silver-plated flatware sets are as durable as stainless steel and challenging as well. However, they are preferred and used with elegant table settings such as upscale parties and weddings on special occasions.
Silver-plated comes with an electrolyte layer as thin as human hair, providing an elegant touch to its overall presence. However, maintaining and storing the silver-plated flatware is quite tricky, and you can say not everyone's cup of tea.
The silver flatware sets aren't dishwasher safe, as the excessive heat can damage the plated layer. Instead, they should be hand-washed with a special detergent containing non-lemon scents.
Moreover, it shouldn't be covered with newspapers, cardboard boxes, or even rubber bands when storing the silver-plated flatware. Otherwise, they will tarnish. So instead, the safer way to store the silver-plated flatware is to keep them in a polythene bag or in anti-tarnish strips.
The silver-plated flatware set will tarnish, and removing it will require a commercial silver cleaner. It works for the light tarnish. However, you will need to seek commercial silver polishing for the heavier tarnish.
Does Flatware's Weight Really Make the Difference?
The simplest and shortest answer to this question is Yes! The weight really does matter in providing you with the comfort element in your dining experience.
When choosing flatware, most people overlook the weight factor of the flatware sets. However, the weight of silverware plays a significant role while providing comfort, durability, and strength while holding it.
Before buying the flatware sets, you always have an option to test them by holding them to try whether they provide you the comfort element and perfect grip or feel hefty. The spoons should offer a comfortable grip with a balanced weight on both sides.
As the bigger flatware will be favorable for big hands and, similarly, the size of the short silver set for the smaller hands. Again, pay attention to the bowl of the soup spoon; it should be deep.
Moreover, different hand sizes fit different styles of flatware sets, so make sure you don't have to compromise the comfort of your hands while dining for the sake of elegance.
Disposable Flatware or Reusable Flatware?
When choosing the flatware set, you may want to decide between disposable or reusable flatware sets. Both serve multiple needs, but it depends on your needs and requirements and what you want from your flatware sets.
The reusable flatware sets need maintenance, extra care, and a place to store it. Although buying reusable flatware sets is a one-time investment, they bring cleaning and maintenance costs.
On the other hand, the disposable provides a hassle-free dining experience. Instead of washing or cleaning them, they are supposed to be discarded just like a used tissue paper.
The plastic flatware sets are plastic-coated with layers that provide a hygienic dining experience and make the flatware pieces light in weight.
Moreover, the price of both flatware sets is also a critical point. The reusable ones come at a higher price, while the disposable ones come at a fraction of the cost.
Flatware for Special Occasions
If you are looking for flatware set for parties or other special occasions, buying the reusable set might upset your budget. However, the fancy plastic silverware is a perfect choice to serve a large crowd, as it will cut the clean-up cost and is inexpensive.
Get the fancy plastic silverware at a fraction of the cost to serve all your catering needs. We have a wide range of disposable flatware that resembles real silverware and works like a charm.
Flatware For Regular Use
If you are looking for flatware set for daily use, you may want to buy the stainless steel or a silver plated. They are super durable and last longer than you can imagine. In addition, they stay for their entire life as they are made of rust-proof super-durable steel.
Party on Smarties! With Love,
Smarty Had A Party!
To help you pick the best flatware and silverware sets for your home, we tried out some highly rated options and evaluated each on design, durability, grip, material, weight, and overall value. We spooned, forked, and knifed everything from chicken breast and soup to salad and whole grains to make sure these sets are truly worthy of a spot in your kitchen drawer.
Choosing a flatware or silverware set can be tricky. On top of deciding between the variety of flatware designs and types of steel on the market, you're also tasked with figuring out aesthetics, budget, and the number of place settings you will need. You may be in search of a durable collection for everyday use or a high-end set for special occasions. There's also the matter of settling on a modern feel or more of a classic, vintage look. Either way, the right utensils offer an opportunity to ornament your table setting and show off your unique style.
Best Overall
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$210
What We Like
Sleek and sophisticated design
Service for 12, plus hostess set
Appropriate for casual and formal dining
What We Don't Like
Some pieces aren't the best size
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set Review
Earning our best overall spot, the Lenox flatware set features quality construction, a contemporary design, and a reasonable price point. It is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which means it has an 18 percent chrome content and a 10 percent nickel content. Nickel is what keeps stainless steel shiny meal after meal and dishwasher run after dishwasher run. (Yep, this set is dishwasher safe.) In fact, in terms of longevity, we think this set could easily be passed down to the grandchildren. It is also available in gold and black.
The set comes with enough five-piece settings for 12 people, plus five serving utensils. The pieces are ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold while eating, and the beaded channel design at the base is subtle. We love the flatware's high-quality feel and minimalist but beautiful detailing. A rather versatile, modern design for the 130-year-old Lenox company, this set adds an upscale touch to your table&#;no matter if used during a casual pancake breakfast or formal dinner party.
We noticed while testing this set that the dinner fork is a bit big and could give small hands trouble, and the soup spoon is a bit smaller and more shallow than we'd like. As with all stainless steel tableware, be sure to wash this flatware immediately after use to protect it from corrosion. Likewise, dry each piece right after washing, avoid citrus detergents, and don't soak the utensils for too long. If you do notice any corrosion or flaws in general, however, Lenox offers a Breakage Replacement Program that refunds or replaces products within 120 days after purchase.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Flare | What's Included: (12) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) pierced serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
Best Budget
LIANYU 20-Piece Silverware Flatware Cutlery Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$20
What We Like
Easy to clean
Simple design
Easy to store
What We Don't Like
Mirror finish can show fingerprints
LIANYU Flatware Set Review
You can't go wrong with this affordable set, especially if you're just starting out or want extra flatware for an upcoming dinner. You'll get enough pieces for four people to each have a salad fork, a dinner fork, a soup spoon, a tea spoon, and a dinner knife. Also, the set comes in five different colors, in case you're looking for something with a little more personality than basic stainless steel.
While these stainless steel utensils are lightweight&#;which can give the set a less-expensive feel depending on your preference&#;we found that the pieces are durable for the price and hold up well after multiple rounds in the dishwasher. The set is also super compact and doesn't take up a lot of space in the kitchen drawer, or it can be placed in a glass on the counter.
No dishwasher? The simple design makes these easy and quick to hand wash, but we did notice that fingerprints stand out a bit. Also, be careful when wiping, as this knife is sharper than one might expect from a butter knife. We also found that the serrated edges on the knives work well for cutting items like ham, turkey, and vegetables.
Materials: Stainless steel | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and a tea spoon
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Best Gold
Gourmet Settings Birch 20-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set
PHOTO: Wayfair
What We Like
Contemporary black and gold finish options
Playful mashup of styles
Stamped unibody construction
What We Don't Like
Hand wash strongly recommended
This place setting combines contemporary finishes with a classic silhouette&#;a versatile mix of new and old. Available in both a matte black or antique gold finish, these attractive pieces will look at home alongside sleek modern dinnerware as well as more traditional table settings.
Each set comes with 20 pieces for a four-person service, including dinner and salad forks, table spoons, tea spoons, and a dinner knife. These are quite substantial in weight and feel balanced and comfortable to hold, though the knife edge is smooth and therefore we found not quite sharp enough to cut through less tender meats. As for the fork, the tines are fairly thick, but still spear well without feeling awkward. The spoons feel nice in the hand and are perfect for soup and sauces.
Made of 18/10 stainless steel, this unique gold flatware set carries a 25-year limited warranty provided by the manufacturer. We did find that the gold finish showed some signs of wear after a run through the dishwasher, so hand-washing (and drying right away to avoid spotting) will be the best way to preserve the finish on these pieces.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel, gold finish | Handle Shape: Oval | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon
The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik
Best Modern
Knork Stainless Steel 20-Piece Flatware Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$130
What We Like
High-end artisan appearance
Ergonomically designed
Beveled fork edge makes one-hand cutting easy
What We Don't Like
Only serves four
Knork's 210 Original Collection Cutlery Is Ergonomic and Contemporary
Knork flatware's lauded design was the invention of the brand&#;s founder Michael D. Miller who, while struggling to eat a slice of pizza with a fork, was inspired to create a fork that&#;s more like a pizza slicer. He went on to design the Knork&#;s signature fork (part knife-part fork) with beveled outer tines that can be used to eat left- or right-handed and are sharp enough to cut many foods.
This dishwasher-safe set comes with enough utensils to set a full five-piece serving for four people (though we do wish it included more). We love that each utensil is ergonomically designed with noticeably balanced weight. Plus, the utensils feature a wide, flat finger platform for comfort and are designed to fit the contours of your hand. Each piece is hand-forged according to a 26-step process and is made of 18/10 stainless steel. We also love how the branding blends seamlessly into the flatware&#;s design, so you won't find any bold brand etchings on your knife handles.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
Best for Parties
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Opus 45-Piece Flatware Set
PHOTO: Zwilling
$200
What We Like
Balanced
Holds up to washing
Great value
What We Don't Like
Handles may be too narrow for some
Zwilling J.A. Henckels is known for its premium forged knives made in Germany for nearly three centuries, so it's safe to say they know their way around cutlery. The company's Opus flatware collection combines elegance and convenience with 18/10 stainless steel construction and a reasonable price. This set includes eight 5-piece settings as well as five serving utensils for a total of 45 pieces, everything you need for a big dinner party. Once the meal is over, simply run the flatware through the dishwasher and get back to enjoying your guests.
Although the knife blade is shorter than others, it worked well during testing. Still, the knives were noticeably heavier than the other pieces in the set. The spoons were also on the smaller side but still held a satisfying amount of soup. Likewise, the salad fork's light handle and shorter tines weren't ideal for salad, though the dinner fork's wide design and larger tines more than made up for it.
Along with the balanced weight and value, long-term users praise this set for handling multiple runs through the dishwasher without any corrosion or damage. Overall, this is a simple and functional set that offers great value.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Rectangular | What's Included: (8) 5-piece settings with knife, dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon; (1) slotted serving spoon, (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) sugar spoon, and (1) butter knife
For more information, please visit Party Stainless Steel Cutlery.
The Spruce Eats / Joy Kim
Best Color Options
Jean Dubost Laguiole Flatware Set
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Super sharp
Lightweight
Range of colors to choose from
Attractive design
What We Don't Like
Hand-washing recommended
The Dubost family has spent generations perfecting the art of cutlery, famously adapting their craft in response to consumer demand while maintaining the integrity of traditional French workmanship. This set features the distinguished bee emblem that sets Laguiole cutlery apart and acrylic handles available in a wide range of colors to match any aesthetic.
There's a total of 24 pieces included, enough for six place settings with a knife, fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon, along with a wooden tray to store everything in. The handle colors range from vibrant blue and classic silver to pale pink and even multicolor, all with rust-resistant (and dishwasher-safe) stainless steel.
Durability is always something to look out for with acrylic handles, so we made sure to keep that in mind during testing. We found that the overall look is the best feature of this set, particularly the classic two-toned design. While it didn't show wear after one round in the dishwasher, we suggest washing these by hand to keep them in good condition.
Materials: Stainless steel, acrylic | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (6) 4-piece settings with knife, fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon
The Spruce Eats / Joy Kim
Best Splurge
Made In Flatware 4 Place Settings Set
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Resistant to stains
Crafted by skilled artisans in Italy
Made of 18/10 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
What We Don't Like
Set of four
Want to dine like Italian nobility? Made In's line of stainless steel flatware is produced by a partnership of artisans with almost two centuries of experience and a history of crafting silverware for Italy's noble families. Each utensil is made using a single piece of stainless steel with a polished finish that's durable and resistant to corrosion. This flatware set is made with usability in mind; forks and spoons are crafted from 18/10 stainless steel to protect the pieces even further from corrosion and rust, while the knives are made of 18/0 stainless steel to increase the blade strength.
We love the balance and weight of this flatware, noting that during testing the contour of each fork, knife, and spoon is comfortable in the hand while adding a touch of elegance. While slicing into chicken breast, the knives were sharp enough to easily cut through the meat without being too sharp to the touch. The spoons had a good weight with chic, thin handles, and the dinner forks featured soft round tines with smooth edges that gave them a high-quality feel. We also appreciated the proportions of the lightweight salad forks, which had luxurious, rounded edges. The flatware was easy to clean in the dishwasher, coming out free of smudges or spots. For this price, we do wish the set was bigger, but the quality, look, and feel are still worth it.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Flare | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a dinner fork, salad fork, table spoon, dessert spoon, and dinner knife
The Spruce Eats / Joy Kim
Best Simple
Oneida Mooncrest Flatware Set
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Outstanding price point
Sleek design
Rounded edges on handles
Good for small hands
What We Don't Like
Only one finish option
Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set Review
If your style is no-fuss, no-muss, you'll appreciate this flatware's sleek and simple lines. It's 18/0, which means it has 18 percent chrome to prevent rusting and wear and tear over time. The flatware feels sturdy, so you won't have to worry about it warping with continued use. The set comes in one finish with a few serving pieces and enough forks, knives, and spoons for up to eight dinner settings, and its very reasonable price makes it a great value.
We particularly like the flatware's ease of use&#;their soft curves and balanced weight make them well-suited for all ages to handle. Take care to dry these pieces carefully, as our at-home testing found that rust formed when the knives were left damp too long (as with all stainless steel). Overall, if you&#;re hunting for an affordable starter collection, this set checks many boxes.
Materials: 18/0 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (8) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) slotted serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
Best Everyday
Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set
PHOTO: Williams Sonoma
What We Like
Classic design
Comfortable to hold
Nice weight
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Smudges easily
Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set Review
This timeless and elegant flatware is for anyone who prefers a minimalist approach to their tablescape. We think this pattern is sure to feel as contemporary and classic 10 years from now as it will when you buy it&#;and the quality means you'll still be able to use it every day. Its longevity is thanks to its 18/10 stainless steel and quality forging process.
When we put this flatware to the test, we found that the utensils' mirror-polished shine held up to everyday use. While we think the shine is definitely a selling point, it does mean that the set smudges easily. However, with a simple cloth wipedown, the brilliance was restored.
We really appreciate the versatility of this flatware. It's available in sets of five pieces, 20 pieces, 42 pieces, and 50 pieces, so you can get the exact number of settings you need for your home. The larger setting sizes also include steak knives and serving pieces so that everything on your table matches.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Pointed flare | What's Included: (1, 4, or 8) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon; with (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
Best Minimalist
Mepra Stiria Flatware
PHOTO: Amazon
$199
What We Like
Minimalist modern design
Lightweight, but still feels like quality
Dishwasher safe
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Mepra is known for its stylish Italian-made flatware featuring sleek, simple lines. The Stiria series is a minimalist, modern collection that has wonderful balance in the hand and a high-luster finish. Available in a 24-piece set, this flatware set will add a touch of contemporary luxury to any tablescape.
Made from 18/10 stainless steel, these pieces are lightweight, but also very sturdy and balanced. The tines on the forks are narrow, yet functional&#;nice for spearing salad greens or holding meat in place while cutting with the included serrated knives. We love the gentle curves of the soup and tea spoon that make them super comfortable for eating and the long, slender handles that feel very elegant to hold.
These high-quality pieces are very easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. Any spots could be wiped away with a dish towel. Mepra backs this set (and its slightly hefty price) with a limited-lifetime warranty, so expect that you'll be able to use it for a very long time.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Rectangular | What's Included: (6) 4-piece settings with a dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon
Best Small Set
Robert Welch Caesna Mirror 5-Piece Flatware Place Setting
PHOTO: Crate and Barrel
What We Like
Classic design
Sturdy
Well-balanced
What We Don't Like
Knives may require extra care while washing
If you're just starting out or live in a smaller household, that doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality (or buying more than you need). This Caesna flatware comes in 3-piece and 5-piece sets with beautiful pieces designed by Robert Welch. They're forged with 18/10 stainless steel and feature a mirror, satin, or silver finish with a smooth transition from top to handle. The 3-piece flatware place setting includes a dinner fork, dinner spoon, and dinner knife, while the 5-piece place setting adds a salad fork and tea spoon.
What we appreciate about this small flatware set is its versatility. Since there is also a 20-piece set available in the same collection, it's easy to add to your set as your family grows or you need more flatware for guests. There are also matching steak knives and a stunning serving set in the same style, perfect for larger groups. This flatware felt very simple yet elegant during our tests. The dinner forks were balanced and the tapered lines of the spoons held soup well. Thanks to the hefty weight and serrations on the knives, we were able to cut through chicken breast easily.
The manufacturers recommend a short hot cycle in the dishwasher with all-in-one dishwasher tablets and rinse aid for the best cleaning results. A few reviewers reported rust spots on the knives after washing, but we didn't have any issues during our testing period.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (1) 3-piece setting with dinner fork, dinner spoon, and dinner knife. or (1) 5-piece setting with dinner fork, salad fork, dinner spoon, tea spoon, and knife.
The Spruce Eats / Joy Kim
Best Portable
Hommaly Portable Cutlery Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$10
What We Like
Sturdy
Comes in fun colors
Washable, waterproof carrying case
What We Don't Like
Case has no loops or straps to hold silverware in place
Hommaly Portable Flatware Set Review
Those who care about the environment likely cringe when they have to eat their takeout salad with a disposable plastic fork, but who wants to carry around their regular flatware with them everywhere they go? Enter this portable, reusable stainless steel set. It comes with everything you could need to enjoy lunch at your desk&#;even a set of chopsticks for those days when you order sushi&#;plus two metal straws. It's also a perfect set for travel and camping.
Best of all, the utensils come packaged in a waterproof and washable bag that&#;s as easy to clean as the utensils. We love that it's available in a few different, fun colors, including rainbow, adding personality to your desk lunches. We also appreciate how sleek the packaging was, allowing for easy transportation and storage. In addition, the carrying case's interior features aluminum lining for quick cleanup. One thing we don't love is that there are no straps inside to keep each utensil in place, but this is still a great set to take with you anywhere.
Materials: Stainless steel | Handle Shape: Rounded flare | What's Included: (1) 8-piece setting with a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, cleaning brush, bent metal straw, straight metal straw, and carrying case
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar
PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar
We Sliced Through New York Strips to Find the Best Steak Knives
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