18 refers to 18% chromium content, and the other number refers to the percentage of nickel content. There is no difference between 18/8 and 18/10. It's purely marketing. 18/0 however, has no nickel content, which means it won't keep its silver-like shine over the years.
The numbers 18/0, 18/8 and 18/10 refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel alloy. The "18" refers to the chromium content, which gives flatware its rust-resistance properties, and the "8" or "10" refers to the nickel content, which gives it its silver-like shine and some rust-resistance. There is a lower quality flatware commonly available called 13/0 or 13 Chrome, which simply has 13% chromium content.
These numbers are merely "nicknames" for the lay person to use, and are only used for marketing efforts by flatware manufacturers. When a manufacturer purchases stainless steel from a steel mill, they purchase stainless steel Grade 304, which has a range of 18-20% chromium, and 8-10% nickel content. Grade 304 in flatware is usually at the lower end of that range. To keep the cost down, steel manufacturers will make grade 304 with 8.2% nickel, which clears the legal hurdle of calling it 18/10.
What does all this mean? It means that there is no difference between 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel in flatware. The difference between the two is purely a marketing effort.
18/0 however, is a different story. It's made from the "Grade 400 series", which contains no nickel.
Keep in mind that these numbers do not refer to the weight of the stainless. If the weight is a concern to you, please ask your sales representative about the weight and feel of patterns you are interested in. As a general rule, the Silver Superstore does not sell stainless steel flatware that is flimsy, or bends easily.
Questions? us at
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Qingzhan.
Or click here to return to the main FAQ page.
Next Question: Click here to return to the main Stainless Flatware page.
Picking flatware is a surprisingly weighty decision, especially since the average American buys only three sets in a lifetime. We learned this from Matthew A. Roberts, president of Sherrill Manufacturing &#;the last flatware factory based in the United States&#;just one of the many experts we consulted for this guide to helping you pick the right settings for your table.
With thousands of patterns to choose from, purchasing a set of flatware is a daunting task if you don&#;t know what to look for. That&#;s why we spent over a hundred hours researching what makes great flatware, including taking a tour of Sherrill Manufacturing, interviewing a professor of material science and engineering, and handling hundreds of different utensil designs, to help you make a more informed decision in your quest for the perfect cutlery. It includes a basic overview of construction techniques, design, and materials, so you&#;ll have a better understanding of what&#;s worth paying for.
We suggest starting your search by looking at flatware in person, if you can. Many stores have sample sets available to handle, which will tell you a lot about the weight of individual utensils and how comfortable they are to hold. If you need some recommendations to get the ball rolling, see our guide to the best flatware.
After over 200 hours of research and testing over 300 utensils, we recommend 11 sets in a wide range of designs and prices.
The company is the world’s best Stainless Steel Flatware With Classic Features supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.