Flatware refers to the serving and eating utensils we use for every meal, being that these implements lay flat on the table. Centuries ago, spoons, forks, and knives represented the highest levels of dining etiquette. These days, you can find them in almost every home or, and of course, at any dining establishment.
It’s not too difficult to find usable flatware online. The challenge lies in finding a product that can stand the wear and tear of daily use. To save you time and effort, below are some of the best flatware sets you can purchase for your kitchen.
Best Flatware Sets Comparison & Rating
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Want to Learn More?
Now that you know our top five recommendations, go through each flatware set to get a better picture of what each product has to offer. And of course, don’t forget to click the yellow buttons below to see their best deals on Amazon!
Berglander Flatware Set
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Stainless Steel |
Color | Multicolor |
Number of Pieces | 20 |
Weight | 1.96 pounds |
This flamboyant set from Berglander is a fun addition to your existing flatware collection. They have a nice weight to them. And being made from stainless steel, they can withstand daily wear and tear for months on end. However, you’ll be happy to know that they’re actually quite lightweight for durable cutlery so you can use any of the pieces as often as you’d like. Overall, if you’re looking for a highly usable yet fun addition to your dining utensils at home, order this set today.
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Stainless Steel |
Color | Metallic |
Number of Pieces | 65 (also available in 12-piece and 24-piece sets) |
Weight | 9.25 pounds |
Even Though this set is made from 18/10 stainless steel, it gives you really good value for your money. The pieces boast a versatile design. The slight detail at the base of each handle is understated but is still able to provide some visual interest. It has a nice heft to it too. The pieces on this set have a good balance. The utensils feel comfortable in your hand.
Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Stainless Steel |
Color | Silver |
Number of Pieces | 45 |
Weight | 6.8 pounds |
Oneida has been creating stylish tableware since 1880. This is reflected in the classic fiddleback shape of the handles of this particular flatware set. With its 18/10 steel composition, you can be sure that this product is durable as well as aesthetically pleasing. The handles are not too thick or too thin. And despite having an ornate design at the bottom, they aren't at all uncomfortable to hold.
LIANYU 20-Piece Flatware Set
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Stainless Steel |
Color | Silver (other colors available) |
Number of Pieces | 20 |
Weight | 2.1 pounds |
Did you just move in to your first home and start out on your cutlery collection? Do you want extra flatware for an upcoming cooking party? Then, you can’t go wrong with this affordable set. With this flatware set, you'll get enough pieces for four people to each have a salad fork, a dinner fork, a soup spoon, a teaspoon, and a dinner knife. If you’re looking for something with a little more personality than boring stainless steel, this LIANYU set comes in five different colors for you to choose from.
Villeroy and Boch New Wave Flatware
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Stainless Steel |
Color | Gray |
Number of Pieces | 64 (also available in 40-piece, 44-piece, 46-piece, 60-piece sets) |
Weight | 8.98 pounds |
This New Wave Flatwear Set looks great and is really easy to maintain. The modern, minimalist design fits well with any dining table setup. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, it does not require any polishing. You can load individual pieces in the dishwasher and they’re safe to clean that way. If you want an affordable flatware set that exudes sophistication and is made to last, this flatware set is definitely a solid choice.
Flatware Set Buyer's Guide
When perusing flatware online, you’ll find that sets can have as many as 64 individual pieces. Knowing the basic flatware pieces helps you decide which pieces are needed in your kitchen.
There are the basic pieces you should have in your home kitchen are the following:
Forks. There’s the standard-sized fork or dinner fork. And then there’s specific forks for use during a fancy multi-course meal. You have the salad fork, which is slightly smaller than the dinner fork. A dessert fork is as long as the salad fork, only narrower. The fish fork is about the length of a dinner fork but is often narrower. Finally, the oyster or shellfish fork is very small and usually has only two times.
Spoons. In a normal dining setup, a soup and dessert spoon is all you’ll ever need. A demitasse spoon may be brought out with a cup and saucer when you have a coffee course after dessert.
Knives. There’s the standard-size knife, which is smaller than a butter knife with a rounded tip. A fish knife is as big as the butter knife but has a special tip to help you eat fish that’s served with head, skin, or bones. A steak knife has an extra-sharp serrated blade to make it easier to cut into the meat.
Serveware. These refers to implements needed to dish out food. Examples include a soup ladle, a large serving spoon, a large serving fork, a pie or cake wedge, and a cheese knife.
Another aspect of buying flatware is deciding how many place settings you need. Flatware is often sold by the place setting. To give you more of an idea, a five-piece place setting usually consists of a dinner fork, a salad fork, a dinner knife, a teaspoon, and a tablespoon. A 20-piece flatware set usually has four place settings. Generally, you’ll want to have enough flatware to serve eight to 12 people. Adding a few more is helpful in case a piece is dropped during the meal and your guest needs a clean replacement.
On the product descriptions you’ll often see descriptions like 18/8, 18/10, and 18/0. These numbers denote the quality of stainless steel the flatware is made from. You may already know that stainless steel is a combination of steel, chrome, and nickel. 18 is the chromium amount in the flatware. 10 is the nickel amount. You’ll want either an 18/10 or an 18/8 because these have a shiny luster, at the same time resistant to rust.
FAQs
Stainless steel and sterling silver are commonly used as raw material for making flatware. In the case of silver-plate, a base metal (such as a high-quality copper alloy) over which a layer of silver is electrically deposited.
Handwashing flatware is always ideal. When you do this, be sure to aim for hot temperatures so everything can be disinfected. Always dry the cutlery right away using a non-abrasive cloth to prevent spots.
There are four different types that fit under this category. They are as follows.
Medium Weight Flatware - often bendable when held in one’s hand and commonly used in cafeterias, schools, and other institutional settings.
Heavy Weight Flatware - is more durable than medium weight flatware and doesn’t bend easily. It’s typically used in fast-casual dining establishments and many other mid-level eateries.
Extra Heavy Weight Flatware - this type feels extra sturdy in your hand and is very difficult to bend. Silverware like this is used at finer restaurants and hotels.
Forged Flatware - made from a single piece of thick stainless steel, it’s the strongest type of flatware there is. Extremely durable, it can withstand any commercial environment, while fitting in well with upscale dining.
Natural cleaning solutions work really well for removing stains from stainless steel flatware. You can use vinegar, cider, lemon juice, olive oil, and soda water for this purpose. For rust spots, mix a solution of equal parts cream of tartar and lemon juice and gently scrub away. Rinse well and dry.