Buy Flatware

The affordable Cambridge Silversmiths Julie Satin Flatware is a great all-purpose set of cutlery. This flatware was a favorite among our testers because it has a classic silhouette with clean lines. The smooth satin handles are a pleasure to hold, and each utensil has a medium weight that we think most people will find comfortable. The fork tines are long enough to look elegant but not too long, the knife cuts well, and the spoons hold a generous amount of liquid.

buy flatware

In researching this guide, I spoke at length with Matthew A. Roberts, co-founder and president of Sherrill Manufacturing, the last remaining domestic maker of flatware in the United States. He was kind enough to give me a tour of the Sherrill Manufacturing facility (the former Oneida factory before the company moved production overseas) in Sherrill, New York, so that I could see how flatware is made firsthand. I also spoke to Eric Lawrence, a flatware etcher at Sherrill Manufacturing. (Note: One of our picks is made by Liberty Tabletop, a division of Sherrill Manufacturing. However, because we conducted a blind test, our testers were unbiased in their selection and had no knowledge of which flatware was made by the company.)

As a kitchen staff writer for Wirecutter, I have reviewed all kinds of tableware items, including dinnerware, wine glasses, Champagne glasses, and drinking glasses, as well as other kitchen gadgets and equipment. Prior to joining Wirecutter, I was an editor at the International Culinary Center in New York City, and I worked in various facets of the food and restaurant industry for over a decade. I can often be found hunting for vintage flatware and other treasures at thrift stores and estate sales in my free time. This guide builds on work by freelance writer Stephen Treffinger.

To assess quality and durability, we took a close look at each piece of flatware to check for any unfinished or rough areas. We also washed all of the flatware several times and let it sit in a moist and humid dishwasher for two days to see if any of the utensils discolored or developed rust spots, which was a surprisingly revealing test.

You can remove minor discoloration from flatware by using distilled white vinegar or a slurry of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth or a nonabrasive sponge. But be sure to rinse the flatware afterward and dry it completely.

Our testers universally disliked the Crate and Barrel Scoop, Lenox Cantera, and Lenox Chesterbrook flatware sets because the knife handles curve sideways to the left in the hand, making them uncomfortable to hold, especially for lefties.

The Oneida Aero, Villeroy & Boch Celeste, and Liberty Tabletop Modern America collections had thick necks that made the flatware feel clunky and utilitarian. The Modern America knife blade also developed rust spots after we ran it through the dishwasher.

We really liked the size, shape, and weight of the Mepra Lucca flatware, but the pewter finish was polarizing for our testers. The fork tines are also slightly blunt on this set compared with those of our picks.

The Liberty Tabletop Classic Rim and Annapolis flatware sets were too basic for many of our testers, who said these collections reminded them of diner flatware. We also thought the large serrations on the knives were not refined enough for more formal occasions.

We suggest starting your search by looking at flatware in person, if you can. Many stores have sample sets available to handle, which will tell you a lot about the weight of individual utensils and how comfortable they are to hold. If you need some recommendations to get the ball rolling, see our guide to the best flatware.

Before you purchase a set of flatware, check that the finish is even all over the utensils. Cheaper flatware often includes forks with rough, unfinished areas between the tines, indicating that the manufacturer skimped on polishing the entire piece.

When choosing flatware, you need to consider the weight, balance, length, and shape of each utensil. These considerations are largely subjective, however, so we recommend handling a few sets in stores to determine what you like best.

Many of the testers for our guide to the best flatware set were put off by flatware that had sharp angles on the underside of the handles because it dug into their fingers. Some knives with handles that curved to one side, such as those in the Lenox Chesterbrook Flatware Set, were awkward to hold while cutting, especially for lefties.

Also be sure to think about the silhouette of your flatware. Some people prefer skinny necks on their utensils, while others like them wide and more substantial. Another consideration is the shape of the spoon bowls, which can be deep or shallow. Knowing your design preferences before you start searching for flatware in stores or online will make the process far less overwhelming.

Choosing a flatware pattern that has been around for a while increases the likelihood that it will remain in production for years to come, should you need to replace utensils or grow your set. That said, sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly how long a pattern has been sold. We recommend calling the flatware manufacturer directly or going to a store in person to speak with a sales associate. Most retailers can tell you what patterns have remained popular and in stock over the years. If the set is sold online, you can sometimes approximate how old it is based on how many years back the owner reviews are dated. You can also check Replacements, Ltd. to find out the lifespan of specific designs.

Rucker has about 75 sets of flatware at River Twice. "We made sure we had enough for one and a half turns and when adding outdoor seating during the pandemic, we have had to buy and add to our flatware collection," he says. "Ideally, we'd have enough flatware for two full turns, so with a 20-seat restaurant, that would be 40 sets."

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.

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.

Spoons, forks, and knives are the three basic types of flatware, but did you know that there are multiple types of each utensil for different applications? This buying guide will go through the various purchasing considerations for flatware, such as stainless steel flatware grades, types of flatware, and what each type's application so that you can choose the best flatware for your establishment.Shop All Bulk FlatwareUse the following links to learn more about stainless steel flatware, so you can make more informed purchases for your business!

There are four different grades of stainless steel flatware: 18/0, 18/8, 18/10, and 13/0. These designations refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel alloy. Chromium is used in stainless steel to provide durability as well as resistance to rust and corrosion, while nickel is used to give flatware its luster.

18/8 vs 18/10 Stainless Steel18/10 stainless steel is made with 2% more nickel than 18/8 stainless steel, making it more durable and more resistant to bending as well as more resistant to corrosion. 18/10 stainless steel flatware also has more of a luster and shine than 18/8, making it the premium choice of flatware for fine dining establishments. 18/8 stainless steel flatware is a more affordable option while still delivering on durability and corrosion resistance.

18/10 flatware is the best quality stainless steel flatware. Typically of the extra heavy weight variety, 18/10 flatware feels sturdy in the hand, and it is more difficult to bend, making it a long-lasting flatware choice. Plus, the 10 percent nickel gives it more of a shiny luster and enhanced corrosion protection.

Keep in mind that the grades of stainless steel do not refer to the thickness (or gauge) of the flatware, which is what determines the weight. The higher the gauge, the thicker / heavier the flatware is.

Restaurant flatware comes in four different weights: forged, extra-heavy, heavy, and medium weight. Read on to learn about each flatware weight so you can decide which is best for your business.1. Forged Flatware:Forged flatware is the thickest and strongest type of flatware. It is made from a single piece of thick stainless steel which creates the pattern on all sides of the handle rather than just stamped on the top. It is extremely durable and built to withstand any commercial environment, while also fitting in well with upscale dining.

As our premium grade of flatware, extra heavy weight flatware exudes a level of quality that you will see at most finer restaurants and hotels. It feels very sturdy in your hand and is very difficult to bend, compared to medium or even heavy weight flatware.

Heavy weight flatware is more durable than medium weight flatware, not easily bent, and makes for a nice presentation. As a definitive step-up in quality from medium weight, it is commonly used in fast-casual dining establishments and many other mid-level eateries.

Medium weight flatware is the lightest flatware that we carry. This is primarily called medium weight flatware in the industry, but it can also be called economy weight and is commonly sought by the value-minded buyer. Medium weight flatware is often bendable in your hand and commonly found in cafeterias, schools, and other institutional settings.

Now that you understand flatware quality and weight, the next step in choosing flatware is learning the types of flatware and their uses. There are multiple sizes and styles of spoons, forks, and knives; and the chart below will walk you through each type we have available. 041b061a72