When it comes to choosing professional flatware for your foodservice establishment, one of the most important factors to figure out is which grade of stainless steel will work best for your restaurant.
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Stainless steel is a popular material used in flatware due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. There are various grades of stainless steel used for flatware, each with different properties and characteristics. In this article, we help you decide the right grade stainless steel for your establishment by comparing durability, price, aesthetic appeal, and more.
When considering which grade of stainless steel would work best for your business and budget, its important to first note the similarities and differences between the common grades18/10, 18/8, and 18/0of commercial flatware used in the restaurant industry. The first number, 18, indicates the level of chromium, which adds toughness and resilience to steel. The second number indicates the levels of nickel.
All three grades of stainless steel are durable, making them suitable for years of continued use within a busy professional environment. Similarly, all three grades are corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and safe for use in commercial dishwashers (however it is always wise to defer to manufacturer recommendations).
The main difference between the three types of stainless steel is the amount of nickel each grade holds. 18/10 stainless steel has the most nickel, followed by 18/8 stainless steel, and 18/0 stainless steel. The amount of nickel contained within the stainless steel affects many qualities of flatware, bringing about both benefits and drawbacks to each grade, which we will now examine in detail.
This grade of stainless steel contains 10% nickel.
This stainless steel contains 8% nickel. It is also known as 304 stainless steel.
This grade of stainless steel contains no nickel. It is also known as 430 stainless steel.
The best grade of stainless steel flatware for a restaurant will depend on the specific needs of the establishment. For example, a fine dining restaurant that wants to provide its guests with the highest quality flatware will likely choose 18/10 stainless steel. A mid-range or casual restaurant that is looking for a more affordable option may choose 18/8 stainless steel. And a restaurant with a high turnover of flatware may opt for 18/0 stainless steel because it is less expensive to replace. What grade of stainless steel does your restaurant prefer and why? Let us know in the comment section!
Flatware is an investment for any restaurant, and the higher the quality, the greater the expense. Still, flatware is what your guests use to enjoy their meals, and quality flatware will make a good impression. If you're purchasing new flatware for your restaurant, you may be asking questions like "what is the best stainless steel flatware?" and "what are stainless steel grades?"
Here's what you need to know about stainless steel grades and flatware.
The best stainless steel flatware is durable, corrosion-resistant, and develops a beautiful shiny patina over time. But you don't necessarily need to invest in the most expensive and highest quality flatware to impress your guests and get the most use out of your flatware.
Understanding the grades for stainless steel flatware will make it easier to find the right one for your restaurant.
To find the right stainless steel flatware for your restaurant, it's important to understand the different grades and what they mean.
Modern stainless steel flatware is graded to help restaurants find the best options for their establishments. The right one for your eatery will depend on your:
Let's take a closer look at these grades and what they mean.
Flatware is typically made from composite steel. Chromium and nickel are the primary components.
Flatware grades let you know the chromium percentage (the first number in the grade) and the nickel content (the second number in the grade). The greater the nickel content, the greater the shine and corrosion resistance.
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Stainless steel flatware grades are as follows:
13/0 flatware is 13% chromium and 0% nickel, which is the minimum amount of chrome that can be found in stainless steel. It's the least expensive grade and often the preferred choice for institutions and other facilities where quantity is the top priority.
This grade of flatware is commonly used for dessert and dinner knives. It's still resistant to rust and corrosion, but it helps produce a sharp cutting edge that makes it suitable for knives.
18/0 flatware contains 18% chromium and no nickel. Flatware of this grade is commonly found in cafeterias and casual restaurants. It offers several beneficial properties, including:
Additionally, 18/0 flatware is magnetic, so it's a great option if your restaurant uses magnetic flatware retrievers.
18/8 stainless steel flatware contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Flatware of this grade has a more distinctive shine and greater resistance to corrosion.
Because it contains nickel, this flatware won't work with magnetic retrievers.
18/10 stainless steel flatware is comprised of 18% chromium and 10% nickel. It offers even greater corrosion and rust resistance, although the presence of nickel causes it to lose its magnetism.
This grade of flatware is the most expensive, but its quality only improves over time. With age, this type of flatware will develop a shiny patina, making it an excellent choice for high-end restaurants.
When it comes to quality, 18 10 stainless steel flatware is better than 18/8.
While 18/10 flatware is the best option in terms of quality, 18/8 isn't too far behind. For casual and mid-range restaurants, 18/8 may be the better option because it offers the best compromise of budget and quality.
For higher-end restaurants and eateries with a budget, 18/10 flatware is worth the investment. Flatware of this grade feels sturdier in the hand, is less likely to bend, and overall, longer lasting.
When deciding on which flatware to buy, another important thing to consider is whether the stainless steel is stamped or forged.
Generally, forged flatware is stronger and more durable than stamped flatware. Stamped flatware has more flexibility.
When choosing stainless steel flatware for your restaurant, it's important to consider your style, customer volume, and budget.
If you're running a fine dining restaurant, then 18/10 should be your choice for flatware. But for more casual and mid-range restaurants, you have more flexibility. A set of 18/8 flatware may work just as nicely or even 18/0. While 13/0 may be the most affordable option, it's generally best suited for cafeterias and institutions.
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