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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.
Deciding how many pieces to buy
Credit:
Getty Images / RyanJLane
Before you purchase any flatware sets, consider how many place settings you need on a regular basis&#;and how often you enjoy entertaining guests.
Flatware can be sold as boxed sets or individual pieces, usually called open stock, which is convenient if you need to replace one or two pieces in your set. Deciding how many pieces you should purchase depends on the size of your household.
A good rule of thumb is to have one set of flatware for every dinnerware place setting&#;12 is a commonly recommended number to have on hand to account for your household and any guests you&#;re entertaining. It&#;s also best to have more flatware than you need in case a few forks and spoons become dirty throughout the evening and need to be replaced.
Most standard boxed sets sold at retailers include five pieces (a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon) and are packaged in five- or 20-piece sets, making them good for one or four place settings, respectively. Serving pieces such as butter knives, cake servers, and pierced spoons are often sold separately.
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:
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Stamped: Each piece is individually stamped out of a flat piece of stainless steel. Stamped flatware is generally lighter in weight.
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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.
Caring for your flatware
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Getty Images / kosmos111
Some types of flatware require hand-washing, while others can be put right into the dishwasher.
Stainless steel flatware doesn&#;t require a lot of maintenance and, if properly cared for, can last you a long time. Samara Tuchband, vice president of merchandising at Crate & Barrel, suggests buying flatware constructed of high-quality stainless steel, as it&#;s the easiest material to care for.
&#;Whether you&#;re using the dishwasher or hand washing, dry the flatware as soon as possible to avoid spotting and pitting, especially on the knives,&#; she says. &#;If using a dishwasher, load the utensils and serving pieces loosely and use a spot-free rinsing agent.&#;
For sterling silver and silverplated flatware, it is best to hand-wash and hand-dry.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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To help you pick the best flatware and silverware sets for your home, we tried out some highly rated options and evaluated each on design, durability, grip, material, weight, and overall value. We spooned, forked, and knifed everything from chicken breast and soup to salad and whole grains to make sure these sets are truly worthy of a spot in your kitchen drawer.
Choosing a flatware or silverware set can be tricky. On top of deciding between the variety of flatware designs and types of steel on the market, you're also tasked with figuring out aesthetics, budget, and the number of place settings you will need. You may be in search of a durable collection for everyday use or a high-end set for special occasions. There's also the matter of settling on a modern feel or more of a classic, vintage look. Either way, the right utensils offer an opportunity to ornament your table setting and show off your unique style.
Best Overall
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set
Amazon
View On Amazon
$160
View On Wayfair
$176
View On Shoppremiumoutlets.com
What We Like
Sleek and sophisticated design
Service for 12, plus hostess set
Appropriate for casual and formal dining
What We Don't Like
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set Review
Earning our best overall spot despite only coming in one finish, the Lenox flatware set features quality construction, a contemporary design, and a reasonable price point. It is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which means it has an 18 percent chrome content and a 10 percent nickel content. Nickel is what keeps stainless steel shiny meal after meal and dishwasher run after dishwasher run. (Yep, this set is dishwasher safe.) In fact, in terms of longevity, we think this set could easily be passed down to the grandchildren.
The set comes with enough five-piece settings for 12 people, plus five serving utensils. The pieces are ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold while eating, and the beaded channel design at the base is subtle. We love the flatware's high-quality feel and minimalist but beautiful detailing. A rather versatile, modern design for the 130-year-old Lenox company, this set adds an upscale touch to your table&#;no matter if used during a casual pancake breakfast or formal dinner party.
As with all stainless steel tableware, be sure to wash this flatware immediately after use to protect it from corrosion. Likewise, dry each piece right after washing, avoid citrus detergents, and don't soak the utensils for too long. If you do notice any corrosion or flaws in general, however, Lenox offers a Breakage Replacement Program that refunds or replaces products within 120 days after purchase.
Materials: 8/10 stainless steel | What's Included: (12) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) pierced serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon
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The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
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The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
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The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Rago
Best Budget
LIANYU 20-Piece Silverware Flatware Cutlery Set
Amazon
View On Amazon
$15
View On Walmart
$33
What We Like
Easy to clean
Simple design
Easy to store
What We Don't Like
LIANYU Flatware Set Review
You can't go wrong with this affordable set, especially if you're just starting out or want extra flatware for an upcoming dinner. You'll get enough pieces for four people to each have a salad fork, a dinner fork, a soup spoon, a tea spoon, and a dinner knife. Also, the set comes in five different colors, in case you're looking for something with a little more personality than basic stainless steel.
While these stainless steel utensils are lightweight&#;which can give the set a less-expensive feel depending on your preference&#;we found that the pieces are durable for the price and hold up well after multiple rounds in the dishwasher. The set is also super compact and doesn't take up a lot of space in the kitchen drawer, or it can be placed in a glass on the counter.
No dishwasher? The simple design makes these easy and quick to hand wash, but we did notice that fingerprints stand out a bit. Also, bee careful when wiping, as this knife is sharper than one might expect from a butter knife. We also found that the serrated edges on the knives work well for cutting items like ham, turkey, and vegetables.
Materials: Stainless steel | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and a tea spoon
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The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Best Gold
Gourmet Settings Birch 20-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set
Wayfair
View On Wayfair
$90
What We Like
What We Don't Like
This place setting combines contemporary finishes with a classic silhouette&#;a versatile mix of new and old. Available in both a matte black or antique gold finish, these attractive pieces will look at home alongside sleek modern dinnerware as well as more traditional table settings.
Each set comes with 20 pieces for a four-person service, including dinner and salad forks, table spoons, tea spoons, and a dinner knife. These are quite substantial in weight and feel balanced and comfortable to hold, though the knife edge is smooth and therefore we found not quite sharp enough to cut through less tender meats. As for the fork, the tines are fairly thick, but still spear well without feeling awkward. The spoons feel nice in the hand and are perfect for soup and sauces.
Made of 18/10 stainless steel, this unique gold flatware set carries a 25-year limited warranty provided by the manufacturer. We did find that the gold finish showed some signs of wear after a run through the dishwasher, so hand-washing (and drying right away to avoid spotting) will be the best way to preserve the finish on these pieces.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel, gold finish | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon
The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik
Best Black
Cambridge Silversmiths Poet Black Satin 20-Piece Flatware Set
Amazon
View On Amazon
$61
View On Wayfair
$85
View On Jossandmain.com
What We Like
Sleek, modern design
Dishwasher safe
Comfortable to hold
What We Don't Like
The sleek satin finish on this black flatware set by Cambridge will add a dramatic accent to your table setting, especially for themed parties. This set includes four five-piece settings featuring a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon, each made of 18/0 stainless steel and specially treated to achieve the flat black finish.
During testing, the pieces felt lightweight, but not flimsy, and comfortable in the hand. The knife is serrated to aid in cutting through pieces of meat, and the soup spoon has an easy shape that holds a generous amount of liquid. The fork tines come to a gentle point that pierces food easily, giving you great control over whatever you're eating, from salad to fish and everything in between.
While you can toss these utensils in the dishwasher, you'll want to avoid citrus-scented detergents, and when hand-washing, don't use a scouring pad or metal polish as it may damage the finish. After running the set through the dishwasher, some spots were left behind but easily removed with a polishing cloth. Stubborn hard water spots can be removed with a bit of white vinegar and a warm water rinse, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Materials: 18/0 stainless steel, black satin finish | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon
The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik
Best Modern
Knork Stainless Steel 20-Piece Flatware Set
Amazon
View On Amazon
$48
View On Wayfair
$91
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Knork's 210 Original Collection Cutlery Is Ergonomic and Contemporary
Knork flatware's lauded design was the invention of the brand&#;s founder Michael D. Miller who, while struggling to eat a slice of pizza with a fork, was inspired to create a fork that&#;s more like a pizza slicer. He went on to design the Knork&#;s signature fork (part knife-part fork) with beveled outer tines that can be used to eat left- or right-handed and are sharp enough to cut many foods.
This dishwasher-safe set comes with enough utensils to set a full five-piece serving for four people (though we do wish it included more). We love that each utensil is ergonomically designed with noticeably balanced weight. Plus, the utensils feature a wide, flat finger platform for comfort and are designed to fit the contours of your hand. Each piece is hand-forged according to a 26-step process and is made of 18/10 stainless steel. We also love how the branding blends seamlessly into the flatware&#;s design, so you won't find any bold brand etchings on your knife handles.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon
Best for Parties
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Opus 45-Piece Flatware Set
Zwilling
View On Wayfair
$120
View On Zwilling.com
View On Perigold.com
What We Like
Balanced
Holds up to washing
Great value
What We Don't Like
Zwilling J.A. Henckels is known for its premium forged knives made in Germany for nearly three centuries, so it's safe to say they know their way around cutlery. The company's Opus flatware collection combines elegance and convenience with 18/10 stainless steel construction and a reasonable price. This set includes eight 5-piece settings as well as five serving utensils for a total of 45 pieces, everything you need for a big dinner party. Once the meal is over, simply run the flatware through the dishwasher and get back to enjoying your guests.
Although the knife blade is shorter than others, it worked well during testing. Still, the knives were noticeably heavier than the other pieces in the set. The spoons were also on the smaller side but still held a satisfying amount of soup. Likewise, the salad fork's light handle and shorter tines weren't ideal for salad, though the dinner fork's wide design and larger tines more than made up for it.
Along with the balanced weight and value, long-term users praise this set for handling multiple runs through the dishwasher without any corrosion or damage. Overall, this is a simple and functional set that offers great value.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What's Included: (8) 5-piece settings with knife, dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon; (1) slotted serving spoon, (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) sugar spoon, and (1) butter knife
10 Questions You Should to Know about Home Furnishing Industry Solutions
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Best Color Options
Jean Dubost Laguiole Flatware Set
Amazon
View On Amazon
$258
View On Williams-Sonoma
$100
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Dubost family has spent generations perfecting the art of cutlery, famously adapting their craft in response to consumer demand while maintaining the integrity of traditional French workmanship. This set features the distinguished bee emblem that sets Laguiole cutlery apart and acrylic handles available in a wide range of colors to match any aesthetic.
There's a total of 24 pieces included, enough for six place settings with a knife, fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon, along with a wooden tray to store everything in. The handle colors range from vibrant blue and classic silver to pale pink and even multicolor, all with rust-resistant (and dishwasher-safe) stainless steel.
Durability is always something to look out for with acrylic handles, so we made sure to keep that in mind during testing. We found that the overall look is the best feature of this set, particularly the classic two-toned design. While it didn't show wear after one round in the dishwasher, we suggest washing these by hand to keep them in good condition.
Materials: Stainless steel, acrylic | What's Included: (6) 4-piece settings with knife, fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon
The Spruce Eats / Joy Kim
Best Splurge
Made In Flatware 4 Place Settings Set
Made In Flatware
View On Amazon
$199
View On Walmart
$199
View On Madeincookware.com
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Want to dine like Italian nobility? Made In's line of stainless steel flatware is produced by a partnership of artisans with almost two centuries of experience and a history of crafting silverware for Italy's noble families. Each utensil is made using a single piece of stainless steel with a polished finish that's durable and resistant to corrosion. This flatware set is made with usability in mind; forks and spoons are crafted from 18/10 stainless steel to protect the pieces even further from corrosion and rust, while the knives are made of 18/0 stainless steel to increase the blade strength.
We loved the balance and weight of this flatware during testing, noting the contour of each fork, knife, and spoon is comfortable in the hand while adding a touch of elegance. While slicing into chicken breast, the knives were sharp enough to easily cut through the meat without being too sharp to the touch. The spoons had a good weight with chic, thin handles, and the dinner forks featured soft round tines with smooth edges that gave them a high-quality feel. We also appreciated the proportions of the lightweight salad forks, which had luxurious, rounded edges. The flatware was easy to clean in the dishwasher, coming out free of smudges or spots. For this price, we do wish the set was bigger, but the quality, look, and feel are still worth it.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a dinner fork, salad fork, table spoon, dessert spoon, and dinner knife
The Spruce Eats / Joy Kim
Best Simple
Oneida Mooncrest Flatware Set
Amazon
View On Amazon
$98
View On Wayfair
$105
What We Like
Outstanding price point
Sleek design
Rounded edges on handles
Good for small hands
What We Don't Like
Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set Review
If your style is no-fuss, no-muss, you'll appreciate this flatware's sleek and simple lines. It's 18/0, which means it has 18 percent chrome to prevent rusting and wear and tear over time. The flatware feels sturdy, so you won't have to worry about it warping with continued use. The set comes in one finish with a few serving pieces and enough forks, knives, and spoons for up to eight dinner settings, and its very reasonable price makes it a great value.
We particularly like the flatware's ease of use&#;their soft curves and balanced weight make them well-suited for all ages to handle. Take care to dry these pieces carefully, as our at-home testing found that rust formed when the knives were left damp too long (as with all stainless steel). Overall, if you&#;re hunting for an affordable starter collection, this set checks many boxes.
Materials: 18/0 stainless steel | What's Included: (8) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) slotted serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon
Best Everyday
Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set
Williams Sonoma
View On Williams-Sonoma
$45
What We Like
Classic design
Comfortable to hold
Nice weight
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set Review
This timeless and elegant flatware is for anyone who prefers a minimalist approach to their tablescape. We think this pattern is sure to feel as contemporary and classic 10 years from now as it will when you buy it&#;and the quality means you'll still be able to use it every day. Its longevity is thanks to its 18/10 stainless steel and quality forging process.
When we put this flatware to the test, we found that the utensils' mirror-polished shine held up to everyday use. While we think the shine is definitely a selling point, it does mean that the set smudges easily. However, with a simple cloth wipedown, the brilliance was restored.
We really appreciate the versatility of this flatware. It's available in sets of five pieces, 20 pieces, 42 pieces, and 50 pieces, so you can get the exact number of settings you need for your home. The larger setting sizes also include steak knives and serving pieces so that everything on your table matches.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What's Included: (1, 4, or 8) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon; with (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork
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The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
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The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh
Best Minimalist
Mepra Stiria Flatware
Amazon
View On Amazon
$138
View On Wayfair
$199
View On Walmart
$199
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Mepra is known for its stylish Italian-made flatware featuring sleek, simple lines. The Stiria series is a minimalist, modern collection that has wonderful balance in the hand and a high-luster finish. Available in a 24-piece set, this flatware set will add a touch of contemporary luxury to any tablescape.
Made from 18/10 stainless steel, these pieces are lightweight, but also very sturdy and balanced. The tines on the forks are narrow, yet functional&#;nice for spearing salad greens or holding meat in place while cutting with the included serrated knives. We love the gentle curves of the soup and tea spoon that make them super comfortable for eating and the long, slender handles that feel very elegant to hold.
These high-quality pieces are very easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. Any spots could be wiped away with a dish towel. Mepra backs this set (and it's slightly hefty price) with a limited-lifetime warranty, so expect that you'll be able to use it for a very long time.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What's Included: (6) 4-piece settings with a dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon
Best Small Set
Crate & Barrel Caesna Mirror 5-Piece Flatware Place Setting
Crate & Barrel
View On Crate & Barrel
$45
View On Zola
$180
What We Like
Classic design
Sturdy
Well-balanced
What We Don't Like
If you're just starting out or live in a smaller household, that doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality (or buying more than you need). This Caesna flatware comes in 3-piece and 5-piece sets with beautiful pieces designed by Robert Welch. They're forged with 18/10 stainless steel and feature a mirror, satin, or silver finish with a smooth transition from top to handle. The 3-piece flatware place setting includes a dinner fork, dinner spoon, and dinner knife, while the 5-piece place setting adds a salad fork and tea spoon.
What we appreciate about this small flatware set is its versatility. Since there is also a 20-piece set available in the same collection, it's easy to add to your set as your family grows or you need more flatware for guests. There are also matching steak knives and a stunning serving set in the same style, perfect for larger groups. This flatware felt very simple yet elegant during our tests. The dinner forks were balanced and the tapered lines of the spoons held soup well. Thanks to the hefty weight and serrations on the knives, we were able to cut through chicken breast easily.
The manufacturers recommend a short hot cycle in the dishwasher with all-in-one dishwasher tablets and rinse aid for the best cleaning results. A few reviewers reported rust spots on the knives after washing, but we didn't have any issues during our testing period.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What's Included: (1) 3-piece setting with dinner fork, dinner spoon, and dinner knife. or (1) 5-piece setting with dinner fork, salad fork, dinner spoon, tea spoon, and knife.
The Spruce Eats / Joy Kim
Best Portable
Hommaly Portable Cutlery Set
Amazon
View On Amazon
$11
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Hommaly Portable Flatware Set Review
Those who care about the environment likely cringe when they have to eat their takeout salad with a disposable plastic fork, but who wants to carry around their regular flatware with them everywhere they go? Enter this portable, reusable stainless steel set. It comes with everything you could need to enjoy lunch at your desk&#;even a set of chopsticks for those days when you order sushi&#;plus two metal straws. It's also a perfect set for travel and camping.
Best of all, the utensils come packaged in a waterproof and washable bag that&#;s as easy to clean as the utensils. We love that it's available in a few different, fun colors, including rainbow, adding personality to your desk lunches. We also appreciated how sleek the packaging was, allowing for easy transportation and storage. In addition, the carrying case's interior features aluminum lining for quick cleanup. One thing we don't love is that there are no straps inside to keep each utensil in place, but this is still a great set to take with you anywhere.
Materials: Stainless steel | What's Included: (1) 8-piece setting with a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, cleaning brush, bent metal straw, straight metal straw, and carrying case
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The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar
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The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar
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The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar
We Sliced Through New York Strips to Find the Best Steak Knives of
The company is the world’s best wedding stainless steel flatware supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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