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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.
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.
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:
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 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.
Credit: 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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Chromium and a few nickel alloys make up the metal known as stainless steel. Flatware, culinary utensils, equipment, vehicle components, certain jewelry, and other objects are frequently discovered to contain them.
It is a frequently used material due to its strength and adaptability. While “brushed steel” refers to a particular finishing technique, the word “stainless steel” relates to the kind of alloy that is utilized in steel. An item made of stainless steel might have a brushed steel finish because brushing occurs after the steel alloys or components have been mixed.
Metal that has been brushed has a dull finish and is produced by friction. A medium non-woven abrasive belt or pad is used to soften the metal after it has been polished with a fine bristle brush on a belt or wheel that rotates continuously in one direction. The steel has a dull, matte gloss as a result. The steel keeps part of its shine and develops extremely fine lines in the brushing direction, even if it loses its ability to reflect light. For ornamental things, it is a unique appearance that is frequently selected.
As with a sander or grinder, friction is introduced to the steel during the finishing process of brushing. This is different from other finishing techniques like electroplating or using a protective coating to leave the steel bright. It is referred to as brushed stainless steel when a stainless-steel object is subjected to a brushed finish. When stainless steel is given a brushed surface, it has a matte, unreflective appearance and is dull to the touch.
Decorative objects like vases, nozzles for specialty sinks, and other items are frequently made of brushed steel. The front of a wide range of appliances, including refrigerators, coffee machines, can openers, dishwashers, stoves, microwave ovens, and others, also use this material. Because of its durability and capacity to remove fingerprints, it is highly prized. Brushed steel has a warmer tone than raw steel, which helps to conceal any slight flaws that develop with the regular usage of an item. Other home decor and cabinet hardware are made from brushed steel.
The material of choice for usage in public spaces is brushed stainless steel. This results from its corrosion resistance. Additionally, it is quite ornamental and frequently utilized to give interiors a manly feel.
Polished stainless steel is a form of finished stainless steel with a bright look. Compared to a surface that has been rough or poorly polished, this form of stainless-steel resists corrosion better. It’s crucial to employ surfaces that have been roughed up in hostile situations, such as the nuclear or offshore sectors. But a polished, smooth stainless-steel surface is less prone to collect deposits, which means it may harm the steel less.
Polishing can be done to achieve a brighter, mirror-polished surface, a satin or grained polished finish, or both. Additionally, polishing may enhance uniformity and look, which can aid in fabrication and repair following welding as well as in covering up tiny faults.
A very versatile material is stainless steel. It is preferred in situations when both corrosion resistance and steel characteristics are necessary.
Its initial application was in cutlery, but because of its ability to resist corrosion. It then made its way to the chemical sector. Nowadays, stainless steel is largely ubiquitous.
Examples of applications include the creation of tiny watch components and large panels with a specific surface treatment that may also cover entire structures at the same time.
Several sectors that heavily utilize stainless steel include:
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