Stainless steel silverware sets are a great investment for any restaurant, hotel, or catering company. Sets like this are durable and require little maintenance to keep them looking good as new.
They are also a great choice for those who want to invest in high-quality utensils that will last them a lifetime. Stainless steel is an excellent material because it is very rust-resistant and durable, perfect for frequent use in busy kitchens.
So, if you’re looking for the best stainless steel silverware sets, then this blog post is for you! We’ve compiled all the information you need about stainless steel silverware sets – including what you should be looking for in a set of stainless steel silverware and some product recommendations on the best brands to buy – into one helpful article.
What Criteria Did I Use to Come Up With These Suggestions?
I used factors such as durability, weight, and comfort of use, price-quality ratio to determine the best stainless steel silverware sets above. First, I looked at the stainless steel grade in each set. I wanted the best quality stainless steel silverware sets that would be durable and last for many years.
I then looked at how comfortable they are to hold, as well as their weight. You don’t want a set of cutlery that is too heavy or bulky because it could make eating more awkward or turn it into an uncomfortable rather than enjoyable affair.
Next, I considered what other people had said about a product based on reviews they left online. This helped me determine which products were the most reliable, trustworthy, and lived up to their price tag.
Finally, I compared the price of each set to how many pieces it had. I wanted sets with a good value for money ratio. If they were cheap but only included one or two pieces, that wouldn’t be such a great product since you would need to purchase more than just one set anyway.
I mainly used my experience with these products or similar ones both in a catering and home environment to determine which sets are the best.
What Is a Stainless Steel Silverware Set?
A stainless steel silverware set is a set of utensils made from stainless steel; these can include knives, forks, spoons, and any other types of silverware you might need – such as a cake knife.
There are many benefits of having a stainless steel silverware set, including:
- They are much more resistant to rust and corrosion than other types of metal.
- They are very easy to clean and do not absorb any smells or stains.
- They make excellent utensils for outdoor and indoor cooking and high-use situations like hospitality and professional catering.
- They are very durable and hard-wearing. Stainless steel is a strong metal, so it will last for many years.
Why Would You Need a Stainless Steel Silverware Set?
You may need a stainless steel silverware set for a variety of reasons. Whether you are cooking for fun or professionally, having a stainless steel silverware set is incredibly useful.
For example:
- If you are cooking at home, then it will make meal preparation and serving much easier. For instance, instead of using plastic knives and forks (which can break easily), you could use strong and durable pieces like the ones in a stainless steel silverware set.
- If you are cooking professionally, then it is essential to have your stainless steel silverware set in order to be hygienic and efficient – particularly as they are easy to clean, many are dishwasher-safe, and they don’t absorb smells or fragrances from food like food and plastic can.
- Having your own stainless steel silverware set can also save you money in the long run, as it is more cost-effective than buying disposable utensils every time you need them.
What are the Different Types of Stainless Steel Silverware?
Despite what many people think, there are actually many different types of stainless steel silverware. For example, there is a range of different thicknesses and finishes available.
Stainless steel silverware can be divided into two categories:
- Industrial Stainless Steel Silverware – this type is often used in catering or other industry settings. It tends to have the highest resistance to corrosion as well as being dishwasher safe (depending on which finish it has).
- Household Stainless Steel Silverware – You should buy a silverware set with a specific rating of chromium to nickel for everyday household use. There are plenty of affordable options out there that are suitable for households or more casual restaurants.
The Metal Thickness
You’ll also need to think about the quality of the metal that you are buying. When it comes to stainless steel cutlery, the first number – usually an ’18’ – refers to the chromium content, whereas the second letter refers to the amount of nickel the cutlery contains.
The proportion of chromium in stainless steel cutlery is usually 18%. This is a very hard and durable metal that is resistant to damage and stains, and it has a high resistance to corrosion. The majority of the weight and sturdiness in a piece of cutlery comes from chromium.
On the other hand, nickel is a silver-white metal that gives the metal it’s blended with a high sheen. Nickel is also anti-corrosive, providing a corrosion-resistant covering to the metal it’s coated on. Here’s a quick guide to some of the differences between the different types of stainless steel silverware:
18/0 Stainless Steel Silverware
This type of stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 0% nickel. It is often seen on the shelves in shops and supermarkets and is the most common type of stainless steel utensil. The aesthetics of most sets are fine if a little thinner than some, but it includes no nickel.
This means that the cutlery has a dull sheen and is more prone to rust and stain. Flatware made of 18/0 stainless steel is frequently the most cost-effective variety, and it’s ideal for restaurants with a more laid-back atmosphere or high turnover rate, as well as for everyday usage at home.
18/10 Stainless Steel Silverware
18/10 stainless steel is composed of the exact amount of chromium as 18/0, but it has a 10% nickel content. But that 10% makes a huge difference to the look and life of the metal. It makes the piece of silverware more sturdy, and it gives it an attractive shine.
This type of stainless steel is also very easy to clean since nickel does not corrode easily. This higher resistance is ideal for eateries with a more high-end ambiance. However, of course, it’s also the most expensive type of stainless steel silverware.
18/8 Stainless Steel Silverware
With not quite as much nickel as the 18/10, but significantly more than the 18/0, 18/8 stainless steel silverware provides a happy medium for consumers.
It’s less prone to rust and stains than the 18/0 variety but not as shiny or sturdy as the 18/10. The price point for this type of stainless steel is quite reasonable, so it makes a great choice for everyday usage at home or for restaurants that want higher quality utensils but don’t expect them to last forever.
Open Stock Stainless Steel Silverware
Open stock stainless steel silverware is the most convenient option for home use. It’s available in a number of different sizes, is very reasonably priced, and can be purchased piece by piece to suit your exact needs. Open stock basically means that you can buy the exact number of pieces you need without purchasing more as part of a set.
Box Set Stainless Steel Silverware
Of course, for many people buying just a few pieces of stainless steel silverware isn’t really enough – they want to be able to buy a complete set that will look great on their table or restaurant. And this is where box sets come in.
A box set is typically a collection of stainless steel cutlery that comes with a certain number of pieces per utensil type. This means you’ll get forks, spoons, and knives – often the three most common types. Boxed silverware can be purchased online, from your local department store, or from a specialist catering supplier. Some manufacturers also offer smaller box sets that contain a selection of more specialized pieces, such as seafood forks and cake spoons.
One thing to look out for with boxed stainless steel silverware is the material it’s made from, as these will vary from box to box. It’s always best to go for complete sets of 18/10 or 18/8. This will ensure that you have the most durable silverware on your table!
13/0 Stainless Steel Silverware
If you’re looking for a really cheap option, then 13/0 is probably your best bet. This type of stainless steel contains the least amount of chromium, at only 13%, and no nickel. It has a dull appearance and is usually thinner than higher chromium counterparts, but it’s really inexpensive, so perfect if you just want something to get by.
What Should You Look For in Stainless Steel Silverware?
When it comes to choosing the best stainless steel silverware sets, there are several factors to think about.
Firstly, you need to decide how often the silverware will be used and where it will be used – in other words, is it for home use, or do you want something better suited to a commercial environment? This decision should help narrow down your search considerably since the quality requirements are different depending on the situation.
For home use, something with a good chromium content is preferable. But you’ll also want something with a high nickel content since you probably will be using the silverware on a daily basis and it will be subject to a lot of wear and tear. However, if you plan to use your silverware for entertaining guests or in a restaurant or commercial environment, then 18/10 or 18/8 is what you should be looking for.
What about the cutlery type? Again, this depends on how often it will be used and where – if you’re just looking for something cheap and basic, then 13/0 may well do the job! However, most people prefer to go for a higher quality that they won’t need to replace as often.
If you order a set online, make sure to check the manufacturer’s description and always read what previous buyers have said about it – this will help avoid disappointment!
Finally, think about whether a boxed or open stock set is best for your needs. The advantages of buying from a pre-made set are that it’s quicker, you can simply choose the set you like off the shelf, and they usually are more affordable than buying each piece individually.
However, you won’t get the same freedom when it comes to buying what you need, and if you want to add specialist pieces such as cheese knives, latte spoons, or steak knives, then it’s much easier when you buy your cutler piece by piece as opposed to having everything in one package.
Here are some of the most important things to look for in a stainless steel cutlery set:
Size
You may not think the size of your stainless steel silverware matters, however, each piece of cutlery from different brands or different designs will usually be a different size. You’ll need to consider what size will be best for you, especially if it’s for a commercial environment.
What is in the Set?
If you’re buying a pre-boxed set, then what’s in it? Are the pieces you want to be included? You’ll need to check this carefully, especially if what’s in it is not exactly what you were expecting. A good example of this would be a rounded butter knife vs. an offset one – most boxed sets don’t include both types, so unless they’re specifically mentioned, there is no guarantee that all your cutlery will be there.
What About the Design?
The look of your stainless steel silverware does matter – not only will it affect how often you use them, but also what they’re used for. For example, if you have a formal dinner set that comes with an intricate pattern or engraving, you’ll want to keep this on special occasions, whereas if it’s something plain, you can use them daily.
Types of Food to be Eaten
You’ll need to consider the types of foods that will be cooked with your cutlery. For example, if they are mainly meat-based dishes or thick sauces, then knives with serrated blades would work well, whereas if the cutlery is for serving salads, then a smooth blade would be preferred. Similarly, do you need any specialist pieces like fish knives or soup spoons?
Which Brand?
Next, it’s important to think about which brand you’re going to go with. A lot of people will simply head on down to their local houseware store and buy what they find there – this isn’t necessarily wrong, but why not do your research and check out what’s available online too? You’ll find some brands in almost every store, whereas others will be exclusive to certain retailers.
Grade of Steel
Look at the grade of steel that is used. This will affect how long your cutlery set lasts and whether it’s dishwasher safe or not – all stainless steel silverware sets are going to be made from a certain type of stainless steel, but if you’re looking for something really high quality, then check out 18/10.
Ease of Cleaning
Next, think about how easy the cutlery is to clean. While stainless steel won’t rust or tarnish like silverware sets that are made from other materials may do overtime, you still need it to be dishwasher safe if you want an easier way of cleaning them up after use! This is particularly important in a catering establishment because cleaning hundreds of pieces of cutlery by hand is time-consuming!
Comfort to Hold
Additionally, think about how comfortable it is to hold. If you have a heavy piece of cutlery, then this can cause problems not only with being able to use them properly but also for your own comfort – after all, who wants to use a fork that digs into your hand?
Weight and Balance
Think about the balance and weight of your stainless steel silverware set – this can be important depending on how you will use the cutlery. If it’s for a commercial environment, then weight and balance may not matter because they’ll need to withstand constant daily wear and tear, but if you’re buying them as an everyday piece of silverware or even something special like wedding cutlery, then they do need to be perfect.
Length of Handles
Also, consider the length of your stainless steel silverware set’s handles. Depending on what you need them for, this can be important – if they’re too short, then it could cause problems whether you want to use them or not because they may slip through your fingers and drop onto the floor! Conversely, if they are too long, then these could be awkward to use and uncomfortable in your hand.
Blade Edges on Knives
Make sure to check out the blade edges on your stainless steel silverware set. Some may have serrated blades designed for cutting through thicker foods more easily, while some will be smooth, so you’ll need to think about what types of food they’re going to be used with.
Design and Pattern
The design and pattern are also important to consider. If your stainless steel silverware set is for a special occasion, then you’ll want something that looks more formal, while if they’re used every day, then maybe the design isn’t as important and you’d be better off thinking about something else!
Last but not Least – the Price!
Finally, it’s important to consider the cost (of course). Most people don’t want their cutlery set to break the bank, but stainless steel silverware sets can vary in price massively, so think about what you’re buying it for and how often you’ll use them to decide whether or not they need to be top of the range.
The Major Differences Between Commercial and Household Stainless Steel Silverware
There are lots of differences between commercial and household stainless steel silverware that you should consider before making a purchase.
One of the main differences is in the weight – commercial cutlery sets will be much heavier than those used at home because they need to withstand more wear and tear (and pressure), which means they’ll also need to be made from better materials too!
They may also not be dishwasher safe – depending on the type of catering establishment it is, you may need to wash them by hand, which can mean they’re less likely to get damaged.
Commercial stainless steel silverware also needs to look good too because aesthetics are important in restaurants and hotels! You’ll want something that looks smart no matter what price range you’re looking at, and if you’re buying for a wedding or other special event, then they should look particularly nice.
In contrast, household stainless steel silverware sets are generally dishwasher safe, which means that they’ll be lighter because there’s less material used to build them – but this doesn’t mean that they still won’t last a long time! They should be much cheaper than those used in commercial establishments too and generally have a more modern design.
Of course, you can also buy heavy, fancily patterned stainless steel silverware for your home, but this is entirely up to you. If you are frequently entertaining guests, or simply want a high-quality set, then it’s definitely worth splurging on something of a higher quality.
Our Top Stainless Steel Silverware Recommendations
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set
The Lenox flatware set is composed of high-quality, 18/10 stainless steel. The High nickel content ensures that they will stay shiny, meal after meal. Plus, this set is also dishwasher safe too, meaning it’s nice and easy to clean.
There are enough five-piece settings for 12 people and five serving utensils in the set. Each piece is designed with a sleek, modern look that will compliment any table decor. They are also designed to be comfortable to hold while eating, and the fine craftsmanship and elegant detailing of this flatware will impress your visitors. This set should last for many years of use.
Pros:
- This set has a beautiful design and will look great on any table.
- The weight is nice, and the length of each utensil should be perfect for most people’s hands.
- Suitable for both casual and formal dining
Cons:
- You need to ensure that you dry the cutlery thoroughly because dampness can still cause corrosion
Knork Original Collection Cutlery Utensils 18/10 Stainless Steel 20 Piece Flatware Set
Although they’re one of the more expensive stainless steel silverware sets on this list, there’s no denying the quality of Knork’s flatware.
The forks in the smart flatware cleverly combine the qualities of both a fork and a knife; They’re made of heavy-duty stainless steel with beveled outer tines that may be utilized to consume left- or right-handed and are sharp enough to slice through many different foods.
This particular set includes enough silverware to serve a complete five-course meal for four people. They are also dishwasher safe, meaning you can save a lot of time when it comes to clearing up after dinner.
The stainless steel is hand-crafted from high-quality 18/10 metal, which means that these pieces will last for many years. They also include a wide, flat finger platform for added comfort and are made to match the shape of your hand. This simple yet stylish design makes them appropriate for both casual and formal dining occasions.
Pros:
- They’re one of the most comfortable flatware sets to hold and use
- They have a beautiful, simple yet modern design which is suitable for all kinds of occasions.
- Made from high-quality stainless steel to make them more durable than many other flatware sets on the market.
Cons:
- These utensils are quite expensive but still worth it, in our opinion, if you’re looking for a high-quality product.
Bottomline
If you want to buy the best stainless steel silverware set for your kitchen, it’s important to know what type of flatware is dishwasher safe. It’s also important to consider which grade of stainless steel is appropriate for your needs and budget.
If you are looking for a high-quality cutlery set that will last many years, then Lenox Portola Flatware Set may be perfect! With their 18/10 quality metal, they should stand up well over time and will look great on any dining table.
I hope this article has helped you to know what type of flatware is dishwasher safe, and which stainless steel utensils are best for your needs.