Buying guide for Best flatware sets
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For some reason, my family has the worst luck with our forks. No matter how hard we try, we can never seem to keep track of them. When my sisters and I were kids, our mother would often accuse us of throwing them out. I started to think she might be right when I had my own flatware set to manage and kept misplacing the forks.
However, it turns out my forks hadn't wound up in the garbage. When we replaced our deck this past summer, we actually found four forks that must have fallen between the wooden slats when we were carrying the dishes in after barbecues and other outdoor dining occasions.
But because of our constantly disappearing forks, I've bought more than my fair share of flatware sets over the years. However, while it's one of those purchases that seems so simple, like your dinnerware, you use your flatware daily — sometimes several times a day. So when it’s time to buy a new flatware set, it's worth putting the time and effort into finding one that you love.
Modern flatware is usually made from stainless steel, but not all stainless steel flatware is of the same quality. Stainless steel flatware should be marked 18/10, 18/8 or 18/0. The first number is the percentage of chromium; the second is the percentage of nickel. The higher the nickel percentage, the more resistant the flatware is to corrosion. While 18/10 stainless steel flatware sets are the most corrosion-resistant, you can still find quality 18/8 and 18/0 sets.
You'll also want to consider how many place settings you need. Most sets contain four, eight or 12 place settings. The number of place settings you need depends on your circumstances. In a household with just one or two people, a set of four place settings might be enough. A family of six, however, would need at least eight place settings.
At BestReviews, we've researched and analyzed dozens of flatware sets to find the best ones. Our top pick, the Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set, stands out for its classic design and impressive 65 pieces that provide 12 place settings and serving pieces. It is made of 18/10 stainless steel and dishwasher-safe to make cleaning easier.
Expert Tip
When laying a place setting, make sure your knife is facing with the blade toward the plate. An old-school tradition, it's both safe and polite.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Best flatware sets
Lenox Portola Flatware Set
Best of the Best
This is an excellent set for entertaining, so social butterflies, take note! With a design that bridges traditional and contemporary, it’s perfect if you want something that's neither too modern nor too conservative. Made with 18/10 stainless steel, it feels nicely heavy and well-balanced, making it a joy to eat with.
If you like these Lenox Portola pieces and want them for your dining table, you may appreciate the fact that you can choose from a range of options. For example, the 65-piece set comes in silver and contains 12 place settings consisting of a dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, dinner spoon and teaspoon, along with a five-piece serving set.
If you want a smaller Portola set, however, you could also choose from among several. For example, Lenox makes a 20-piece Portola set containing four standard place settings and a 24-piece set with steak knives. All are safe to go in the dishwasher.
Kingstone 20-Piece Silverware Set
Best Bang for the Buck
EWFEN 49-Piece Silverware Set
Bargain Pick
Hiware 48-Piece Silverware Set
Most Versatile
sharecook Matte Black Silverware Set
Unique Choice
EWFEN 24-Piece Black Silverware Set
Durable & Versatile
MUTNITT 24 Pcs Silverware Set
Elegant Design
KINGSTONE 20 Piece Flatware Cutlery Set
Simple Yet Solid
Liberty Tabletop Satin Annapolis 20 Piece Flatware Set
Best Warranty
Mikasa Virtuoso Frost Flatware
Best for All Hand Shapes
Expert Tip
If you want your serveware to match your flatware, make sure the pieces you need are available in the same pattern. Serveware can include large solid spoons, slotted spoons, a large fork, a salad serving spoon/fork set, nut spoons, sugar spoons,
long-handled spoons, a carving knife, a pie server, and more.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
What’s included in a flatware set?
Traditional flatware sets contain seven pieces for each place setting, but modern sets tend to contain five or fewer.
Here's what you would get in a traditional flatware set:
- Dinner knife
- Dinner fork
- Soup spoon
- Salad/dessert fork
- Salad/dessert knife
- Dessert spoon
- Teaspoon
Of these seven pieces, most modern flatware sets only contain the dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon and teaspoon. Some only contain four pieces per place setting, abandoning the salad fork. The soup spoon in modern sets is often referred to as a dinner spoon and is a multifunctional utensil you can use for soup, dinner and dessert.
If you want matching serving utensils, it's best to look for a flatware set that includes a serving set. You may also be able to find specialty pieces to match your flatware set, such as grapefruit spoons, demitasse spoons or crab forks, but you'd need to purchase these separately.
Alternative flatware set materials
As mentioned, this guide focuses on stainless steel flatware because it's by far the most popular contemporary choice. However, there are a few other material options to consider.
Silver
While much less common today, mostly because of its price, silver flatware (or "silverware") is an elegant choice for formal dining.
Silverplate
Silverplate flatware looks similar to silver but is significantly cheaper, as there's only a thin layer of silver coating over a cheaper metal, such as nickel.
Pewter
Pewter was a common choice for flatware in colonial America due to its strength and durability. Although seldom used today, some collectors love it for its attractive patina.
Considerations for selecting a flatware set
Construction
You might not have thought much about how your flatware is made, but there are two main construction types: stamped and forged. It's good to know the difference between the two, though it shouldn't be a major consideration when buying.
- Forged: Forged flatware is made from a single piece of metal that has been heated and then cut and hammered into shape (usually by a machine, though traditionally this would have been done by hand). It's heavier and more durable than stamped flatware but significantly more expensive.
- Stamped: Other flatware pieces are stamped, which means they were cut from a sheet of metal, a bit like how you cut a cookie with a cookie cutter. Stamped flatware is lighter and more affordably priced than forged flatware.
Weight
Weight is a great divider in the world of flatware. Some people love heavy, sturdy flatware, whereas others favor lightweight pieces.
If you're unsure about your preference, it's worth trying out some different options before you buy. If you like weighty flatware, forged pieces tend to be the heaviest, followed by stamped and, finally, those with hollowed handles.
To some extent, weight is also a sign of quality. While there is some sturdy lightweight cutlery, heavier pieces are often more durable. Expensive flatware is usually heavier, offering the same kind of feel in the hand as utensils used in a fancy restaurant.
Finish
Consider what kind of finish you'd like your flatware to have. Some flatware sets have a high-shine, mirrored finish. Some are completely matte. The rest fall somewhere in between these extremes.
There's no right or wrong choice, so choose whichever finish you prefer aesthetically. Keep in mind, however, that matte flatware has a slightly more contemporary look to it. So, if you're searching for something with a high-end-looking finish to wow your guests, you may wish to go with matte.
That said, highly mirrored flatware is also a striking choice. But, consider the downside: It will show smudges and watermarks much more clearly, so you'd probably need to polish it before company comes over.
Color
While most utensils have a standard silver stainless steel finish, you can also find some with specialty finishes. Black, gold and copper are the most common, but you can find other color options as well, including bronze, rose gold and even rainbow finishes.
If you're bored of basic silver flatware, you might like to try an alternative color. Note, however, that color is added as an extra coating over stainless steel. As such, it can wear off over time, especially if you choose cheap flatware.
Design
Looks aren't everything, but you'll be seeing a lot of your new flatware set, so it's worth spending the time to find a design you love. You can find everything from classic traditional sets to sleek modern ones.
If you're unsure what you want, you might prefer something simple with a standard shape and no engraving or embellishment. This type of flatware is timeless and unlikely to become dated or go out of fashion.
Traditional pieces are more likely to have embellishments, such as beading on the handles. If you know you like a classic style, this is a safe bet that wouldn't look too basic for a formal dinner. Modern designs often have non-standard shapes, such as slim, elongated knives and notably rounded spoons.
Handles
Most flatware is one piece; that is, the handles along with the tines of the forks, bowls of the spoons or blades of the knives are made from one piece of metal. However, some have handles made from plastic, resin or wood.
In most cases, one-piece flatware is more durable, but that's not to say you can't find flimsy one-piece options.
If you like the feeling of a bulkier handle, you might prefer wood, resin or plastic handles. However, flatware with wooden handles usually must be hand washed, which is bad news for anyone attached to using their dishwasher.
You might like the look of engraved or embossed handles, but bear in mind that dirt can get lodged in crevices over time, so these pieces would need more thorough cleaning.
Tines
Most forks have four tines, but occasionally, you'll find ones with three tines. This doesn't make any marked difference in how they pick up food. The primary difference is the appearance. If you like the look of three-tined forks, you have fewer options, but there are still plenty of great flatware sets that feature this fork style.
Expert Tip
Specialty finishes like
gold, brass,
black, or even iridescent metals generally require hand washing. Make sure you’re committed to maintaining your flatware before you buy.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
How to extend the life of your flatware set
Don't leave your flatware soaking in water for long periods of time. Over time, this practice could lead to corrosion.
Acidic foods and liquids can gradually corrode your flatware. This doesn't mean you should avoid vinegar and tomatoes; just try not to leave dirty flatware sitting for days, covered in food.
Washing flatware by hand can help preserve its finish. Flatware with specialty finishes, such as gold or black, might be advertised as dishwasher-safe. Nevertheless, the finish lasts longer if washed by hand.
Dry your flatware as soon as possible after washing it. This helps avoid streaks and watermarks.
FAQ
Q. How much should I expect to spend on a flatware set?
A. The price of a flatware set depends on factors such as the material and how many place settings are included.
$15-$30 will get you a basic stainless steel flatware set with four place settings.
$30-$50 can purchase anything from a single place setting of high-end 18/10 flatware to a basic 18/0 flatware set with 12 place settings and a hostess set.
$50-$100 gets you a good quality flatware set with 8 to 12 place settings. You might not find designer brands, but you are likely to get sturdy, long-lasting pieces.
$100-$500 buys a high-end 18/10 or 18/8 flatware set with 12 place settings and, usually, a hostess set. At the top of this price range, you find options from designer homeware brands. Here, the cost may have more to do with the manufacturer than a marked increase in quality.
Q. What is a serving set?
A. A serving set (also sometimes called a "hostess set") is the name given to a collection of serving flatware that sometimes comes with a flatware set. A five-piece serving set usually includes a tablespoon, slotted tablespoon, butter knife, serving fork and sugar spoon, although this can vary.
Q. What's the correct positioning for flatware on a dinner table?
A. Once you've got a decent set of flatware, display it by positioning the utensils correctly on the dinner table, particularly if you're having guests. With standard five-piece flatware service, the dinner fork goes to the left of the plate, the salad fork goes to the left of the dinner fork, the dinner knife goes to the right of the plate, the soup spoon goes to the right of the dinner fork and (where applicable) the teaspoon goes to the right of the cup and saucer.
Q. Is stainless steel flatware dishwasher-safe?
A. Yes, stainless steel flatware is dishwasher-safe, though it's best not to use citrus-based detergents.
