Flatware Sets

When choosing a flatware set for your family, there are a number of considerations. In the past, families often had one set of flatware for “everyday” and another for special occasions. In today’s less formal society, one set is usually enough; but how can you tell which kind of flatware is right for you? One important thing to consider is the way your family will use your flatware. Will it be used outside for barbecues and family gatherings? Is it for formal sit-down dinners with important business associates and clients? Will it get constant heavy use, or will it mostly be reserved for special occasions? Do you want a flatware set that will be replaced regularly as styles and situations change, or one that will last for years to come? Your needs and budget will determine which flatware set is right for you. Also pantry cabinets are a good way to keep your kitchen organized.

Decorative flatware sets have handles made of a different, usually non-metallic, material. Ceramic, porcelain, wood and plastic are some of the most commonly used substances for this type of flatware. Some of the most ancient examples of flatware used bone or shells for the handles, so this is one of the oldest types of flatware. Usually the handles are joined with a screw-type attachment to the utensil itself, though in some of the cheaper versions a strong glue is used. Using a different material for the handles allows more versatility in matching your flatware to your kitchen décor and your china, but this versatility comes at a price. Generally, decorative flatware sets are less durable and will not stand up to long-term repeated use and modern dishwashers. Exceptions exist, but for the more durable synthetics, you will often pay a premium price.

Gilded or gold-plated flatware is notable for its beautiful golden color, and can be purchased as completely gilded or decoratively gilded; the latter is usually gilded only on the decorated parts of the handle as a cosmetic enhancement. Generally, a thin layer of chemically hardened gold is applied to stainless steel to produce a uniform golden color over the entire piece of flatware. If your set gets heavy daily use, you may notice that the gold coating wears away, a drawback of this particular design. Gilded flatware can be very expensive as well, making it a less practical choice for many families.

Solid silver flatware is the standard “heirloom” flatware set. Contrary to what its name implies, it is not one hundred percent pure silver, as silver is too soft to be used as flatware on its own. Solid silver flatware comes in two basic varieties, known as sterling silver and regular silver. A sterling silver flatware set is by far the more widely known and accepted type of solid silver flatware, and is certified in the United States as being 925 parts silver to the thousand, or 92.5 percent pure silver by weight. Hallmarks, or markings indicating that flatware qualifies as sterling silver, vary by manufacturer and country, but most United States sterling silver flatware sets are marked either “Sterling”, “925”, or “925/1000” to indicate their status. While copper is still the most commonly used alloy for sterling silver, there are many different alloys used to produce sterling silver, each with their advantages. Some modern formulations are even resistant to tarnishing. Ordinary silver flatware varies in purity, but usually is measured at about 800 parts silver to the thousand, or 80 percent pure silver.

Silver-plated flatware is a compromise between the luxury of silver and the practicality of stainless steel. Usually silver-plate is manufactured by adhering a thin layer of hardened silver over a stainless steel utensil. While silver-plated flatware is subject to the same wear issues as gilded flatware, it is usually dishwasher safe and is somewhat more durable than its gilded counterpart. For those who cannot afford sterling silver, silver-plated flatware can give much the same look at a heavily reduced price, depending on the depth and quality of the coating. Silver-plated flatware is graded differently than sterling silver. For instance, if a set is rated at 100 g, this means that at least 100 grams of silver was used to coat a set of 24 forks and spoons.

Stainless steel flatware is usually classed as either chromium-nickel or chromium-steel. Chromium-nickel flatware is, as its name suggests, made from an alloy of chromium and nickel. Popular in restaurants, it is very durable, rustproof, and dishwasher safe. Because these two metals are fairly malleable, chromium-nickel flatware can easily be shaped into unique and interesting designs. Nickel provides excellent protection against corrosion and pitting, making chromium-nickel the preferred type of stainless steel flatware. In fact, stainless steel flatware is graded according to the amount of nickel present in the alloy. 18/10 flatware is 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel by weight, and is considered the standard for high-quality stainless steel flatware. Chromium-steel flatware is usually the cheapest variety of flatware. While it provides some protection against corrosion and pitting and is classified as stainless steel, it lacks the durability and corrosion resistance of chromium-nickel. However, one advantage of chromium-steel flatware is its ability to be magnetized. This is of benefit to large restaurants that use magnetic dishwashing systems.