What differences will I find between 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0? Why are some stainless flatware patterns more expensive than others?

We're glad you asked! There are several reasons why some cost more than others:

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1. Finish - edges, tines, roundness
2. Knife construction, handle construction
3. Polish, and alloy quality
4. Design
5. Individual item availability

Reason #1 - Finish

The care taken during the final steps of manufacturing is one of the top determinations of why some patterns cost more.

Edges - In lower-priced patterns, a machine will typically stamp out a squared edge that is usually quick-polished to prevent very sharp edges. You may still have a sharp edge on the handle, but it's only sharp enough to be uncomfortable. The Silver Superstore does not sell patterns that have a rough edge like this.

Tines - Higher-priced patterns will have more care given to polishing the fork tines. While it's very subtle and subconscious, your lips and tongue will feel the slight roughness. When you eat with a pattern that has well-polished tines, it feels smooth all the way through. These patterns typically sell for $30 or more per place setting.

Roundness - Higher quality patterns can feature more rounded handles, and some will even be completely round.

Reason #2 - Knife construction

There are three main methods for constructing a knife. The first method involves stamping a single piece of metal into the shape of a knife. The "blade" area is generally made a bit thinner, and is almost always serrated. This is the least expensive method for constructing a knife, and its cutting performance is poor to fair, depending on the manufacturer.

The second method is to use the "drop forge" technique, where molten steel is poured into a mold, and is fashioned into the shape of a knife. Again, the "blade" area is made thinner than the handle, and is also usually serrated. Most manufacturers who use this technique will spend a little more time on the blade finishing, and its performance is fair to moderate.

The third method is to use a hollow knife handle, insert a high-quality carbon-steel cutting blade, then sealing the two together. These knives are called "hollow handle" knives. With this technique, the manufacturer can offer a variety of different quality knife blades. Many of these blades are serrated, but in the higher quality of patterns they are not, due to their already superior cutting edge. The performance of this type of knife is moderate to excellent.

High-carbon blades are used in better kitchen knives, due to their superior performance. The only downside is that high-carbon blades are less stain-resistant than the other flatware pieces. Flatware manufacturers are always working to create a good balance of dishwasher resistance and superior cutting performance.

Reason #3 - Alloy Quality and Polishing Stages

When shopping for stainless flatware, you will often see the numbers "18/8" or "18/10" or "18/0", or even "13% Chrome". These numbers are often very confusing, so let's look at the details behind these numbers. All of these numbers refer to the percentages of Chromium and Nickel found in the stainless steel alloy. They do not refer to the weight of the flatware.

Chromium gives a flatware pattern its rust-resistant qualities. It is the best available in consumer stainless steel flatware patterns. The presence of Nickel gives a flatware pattern a superior shine, which is intended to mimic new silver flatware. Nickel is very expensive, and is a major contributor to the price of flatware.

So, here's what the numbers mean:

• 18/10 flatware - 18% Chromium, 10% Nickel
• 18/8 flatware - 18% Chromium, 8% Nickel
• 18/0 flatware - 18% Chromium, no Nickel
• 13/0 flatware - 13% Chromium, no Nickel

Which one is better? Well, if you want flatware with a high polish finish and superior rust resistant qualities, pick a flatware that is 18/8 or 18/10. If you are opening a restaurant, and want to keep your costs down, as well as being able to wash it several times a day in the dishwasher, pick a 13/0 or 18/0 flatware pattern with a cheap, flat handle knife.

One more thing, the difference between 18/8 and 18/10 is non-existent. It's a little deceiving on the part of the manufacturers who are listing their products as 18/10. The steel manufacturers who create sheets of stainless steel for the flatware makers don't use those numbers. They sell what is called Grade 304, which contains at least 18% Chromium, and a range between 8% and 10% Nickel. Most of them fall around 8.3%.

By contrast, a company that makes 18/10 pots and pans purchases a stainless steel called Grade 305, which contains a minimum of 10% Nickel. This is required, because pots and pans are shaped in such a way that the 10% is an absolute necessity. Grade 305 is almost never used by flatware manufacturers, since it is way too expensive to be profitable.

This may be way more information than you need, but it's provided so that you don't dismiss a pattern simply because it says 18/8 instead of 18/10. It's just a marketing thing, so don't be fooled!

Reason #4 - Design

While all forks, knives, and spoons basically share the same characteristics, there are subtle differences in silverware designs that have a big impact on how it feels in the hand, how well the weight is distributed, and how it rests on the table. The Silver Superstore offers over 70 patterns with Plain handle designs, but the price range varies from $8.95 to $79.95 per place setting. There aren't complex designs, but all of the characteristics listed above contribute to the price differences.

Reason #5 - Individual Piece Availability

In the past few years, the "boxed set" of silverware has become very popular in retail stores (we offer many of them as well). The advantages of buying a complete set like this are obvious, since you simply purchase one complete set for 12 people, usually for $50 to $100, and your shopping is done. We offer these same complete sets at a discount, and many people are very happy with them. There are a few drawbacks to the boxed set:

• Here today, gone tomorrow - Many retailers and warehouse clubs will change their patterns once or twice per year. If you need to add to your set later on, you're not likely to ever see it again.
• No individual pieces - We hear from many people every day that their spouse or children are taking forks to work, and don't bring them back. Or sometimes the small spoons will follow the paper plates into the garbage during a birthday party. If your pattern was a boxed set, you may be out of luck when it comes to getting replacement pieces.
• Lower quality - Manufacturers are under pressure from big retailers to give them flatware patterns that they can offer at the magic retail prices of $49.95, $99.95, or $149.95. To keep them happy, the quality of sets at these prices gradually slips each year. In these prices ranges, you will generally not get a hollow handle knife, and the weights of the patterns are lessened.

Of course, you can always just purchase a new boxed set whenever you lose a significant number of pieces. Shaking up the silverware design on your tabletop every couple of years isn't such a bad thing!

Why would I want to pay for better silverware?

Overall, you truly do get what you pay for. Now, whether those qualities are worth it to you is the question to ask. We can tell you that nearly every staff member at the Silver Superstore has upgraded their flatware patterns since they started working here. There really is a difference worth paying for, especially since the durability of good stainless steel flatware will last you a lifetime.

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Choosing the perfect set of flatware that not only looks good but also feels good in your hand is a complex decision and highly personal. So how do you decide? Stainless steel versus silver plated? Matching patterns? Is weight important? Read on for our tips on choosing the perfect flatware set that exudes style while feeling comfortable and pleasant to use.

Balance 20 Piece Set. US $59.99

Stainless Steel Or Silver Plated Flatware?

Strong and durable, stainless steel is a fantastic metal for flatware. It is low maintenance, hygienic, durable, resists oxidation at high temperatures, will not rust and is resistant to stains and damage from fruit acids.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Qingzhan.

Silver plated flatware is hard and durable like stainless steel and is often a more affordable option. 

Our advice: Both options will work well. Find the pattern that you like best and don't worry about the rest. At Gourmetsettings.com we offer an industry leading 25-year Warranty on every item we sell. So no matter what the materials you choose we have got you covered!

TWIST 20 Piece Set. US $89.99

Chromium and Nickel Percentages

High grade 18/10 stainless steel is the highest quality composition for flatware. The number 18 represents the percentage of chromium, while the 10 percent is nickel. Chromium is the element that works to rustproof the flatware while nickel gives the flatware its sparkle and luster, adding to the steel's resistance to corrosion.

Though 18/10 is the highest grade of stainless steel flatware, compositions of 18/0, which has a negligible amount of nickel, are also a suitable composition. But keep in mind it is prone to rust and will most likely have a shorter life span.

Our advice: When possible look for flatware with a 18/10 composition.

Weight Is Important

Many people don't realize that weight plays an important role in choosing flatware. Weight provides you with a more substantial feel, allowing for balance, strength, and durability. 

Our advice: When possible test the flatware to see how it feels in your hand.

4 Piece Knife Set. US $39.99

Matching Your Flatware To Your China

There are your superhero hosts that wouldn't dare have flatware that didn't perfectly match their china pattern. And then there are your practical users who push this to the side and go for a more funky feel. The truth is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to matching your stainless steel flatware to your china pattern. It is a personal choice that relates more to your style than a specific rule. 

With this being said, matching flatware and china gives a more formal feel to a dinner party. Whereas, not matching your china and flatware adds a little more personal style to the look of your table, just like mixing and matching your clothes defines your personal style. It all comes down to the look you prefer. Have fun with it!

Our advice: Don't let anyone tell you what looks good. Find your own style and be confident.

Nouveau 45 Piece Set. US $170.00

Stock Your Kitchen

Our best advice is to start with as many place settings of flatware as you have in dinnerware. Typically 4-5 piece place settings are a fit for a starting family or 20-45 piece setting for large families and hosting alike. You might also wish to add extra forks and spoons to get you through coffee and dessert.

Which Flatware set best describes your style? Let us know in the comments below!

For more information, please visit mid-range stainless steel flatware sets.