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Whether you are purchasing a set of flatware for your new home, or looking for the perfect wedding gift for a friend, flatware is one of the most commonly used items in your household—a high-quality set is an investment that can last you a lifetime.
There are a few things to consider when buying flatware including the material, whether it’s stamped or hand-forged (which will affect the weight), and of course, functionality. Here is a helpful guide to use when deciding which flatware set to purchase.
The Criteria: What to Look for In a Flatware Set Look for perfectly balanced pieces with a pleasant heft and a design that suits your taste. Choose a high-quality, rust-resistant material like stainless steel, so that your set will last forever. To make your life easier, find a set that’s dishwasher-safe.
Choosing the weight of your flatware
Flatware comes in three materials: stainless steel, sterling silver, or silverplated. Stainless steel flatware is most commonly used and is recommended for everyday use. It is made out of both chromium and nickel, which is represented by the two numbers you might find on the package such as: 18/10, 18/8, 18/0.
The first number (18) represents the chromium content, or how much it’s resistant to rust and stain, while the second number (10, 8 or 0) represents the percent of nickel. The higher the nickel content, the brighter and shinier the flatware, so if you prefer a matte appearance, look for flatware with the label 18/0.
Some sets like this brushed gold flatware set from CB2 has both a shiny finish and matte handles.
Stainless steel flatware is also made in two ways:
- Stamped: Each piece is individually stamped out of a flat piece of stainless steel. Stamped flatware is generally lighter in weight.
- Hand-forged: Hand-forged flatware uses a thick slab of stainless steel and heat to cut and form each utensil, which results in heavier-weighted pieces.
Sterling silver, as the name implies, is made out of silver and is generally reserved for more formal settings. Silverplated flatware is made out of metal (i.e. nickel, copper, or zinc) and then coated with a silver finish.
Selecting the type of finish
Selecting a finish is a personal preference. In general, there are two main types of flatware finishes: satin and mirror.
A satin finish, also called matte, is less likely to show fingerprints and creates a more casual appearance.
A mirror finish has more shine than a brushed or matte finish, which gives it a more formal and classic appearance—perfect for dinner parties.
How to Buy Silver for Beginners – 5 Min Video
FAQ
How can you tell the quality of silverware?
How do you choose silverware?
What grade of silverware is best?
What is the difference between flatware and silverware?
What should you consider when buying a flatware set?
Keep two basic considerations in mind when looking for a flatware set : how it feels and how it looks. Balance daily functionality with a style you love, and you’ll look forward to using your stainless traditional silverware for every occasion—from quick weeknight meals to formal holiday feasts.
How do you know if a set of flatware is good?
When determining a set of flatware’s quality, you’ll want to look at the chromium and nickel percentages, the latter of which adds luster and provides resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel flatware sets are labeled with one of three ratios indicating the amount of chromium and nickel: 18/10, 18/8, or 18/0.
Should you buy stainless steel or sterling silver flatware?
We recommend getting stainless steel flatware for everyday use because it’s affordable, easy to care for, and long-lasting. Sterling silver flatware is an elegant choice for formal occasions, but it’s very expensive and requires more maintenance. Here’s how the two materials compare.
How do I know if my stainless silverware is good?
Balance daily functionality with a style you love, and you’ll look forward to using your stainless traditional silverware for every occasion—from quick weeknight meals to formal holiday feasts. To see if it’s comfortable, pretend to cut with a knife and fork. Judge heft, substance and strength.