The following is hopefully a very easy to understand discussion about flatware, and what you need to know before you invite it into your home.
What different styles of flatware are there & what should I keep in mind when purchasing a new set of flatware?
There are forged, stamped and hollow handled flatware sets. Ranking in order from heaviest to lightest AND most expensive to more affordable. You can get all types of materials of flatware (sterling silver, silver-plated & stainless steel) in each of these manufacturing processes.
Look. Very simple. How does it look with your existing kitchen aesthetic? Other attributes are important but every flatware customer conversation starts with look. Think of your dinnerware first, that will be your flatware’s best friend. Then look at the other metals in your kitchen. Your cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, small and large appliances. They don’t have to all match…at all. They just can’t be a mess.
Quality. What is important to you? Weight? Durability? Luster? Bragging rights? The pecking order goes like this. Sterling Silver. Silver-plated. 18/10 stainless steel. 18/8 stainless steel. 18/0 stainless steel. So does the price.
Care: Sterling silver and silver-plated flatware require more care for cleaning & storage. Stainless steel is more fit for everyday use.
What's the difference between silverware and flatware?
Technically silverware is a subset of flatware.
Flatware is a larger category that consists of your forks, spoons and knives. Most sets that are called fllatware are usually made of a stainless steel alloy consisting of chromium and nickel.
Silverware is flatware that is made of, or plated with, silver. Silverware is a term historically referring to flatware made of sterling silver. Usually 92% silver and the rest mostly copper.
Conversationally, they are fairly interchangeable. Think flatware is to whiskey as silverware is to bourbon.
Perspective check: Some plastic manufacturers call their product silverware.
What's the best grade of stainless steel for flatware?
The best stainless steel for flatware is 18/10. Perfect balance of durability and beauty. Resistant to excessive bending and corrosion.
How do I maintain and care for flatware?
Nothing revolutionary here. Hand rinse as soon as socially acceptable after use. 18/10 to 18/0 are perfectly fine in the dishwasher. Do not let flatware sit in standing water for excessive periods. If there is any water left on flatware after cycle hand drying is fine. Store in a moisture free environment. Try to avoid as much steel on steel action so dividers in your flatware drawers are advised. And don’t use your flatware to open Amazon boxes. So, common sense wins the day. Oh, almost forgot, sterling silver should be polished at least once a year and try to avoid using highly acidic liquids on silver (lemon juice, citrus detergents)
What is 18/10 flatware?
18/10 is the ratio of chromium to nickel in the stainless steel alloy. 18% chromium for rust resistance. 10% nickel for its luster. There is also 18/8. You can do the math. There is also 18/0, wish has less luster because of the lack of nickel. But interestingly enough, 18/0 is magnetic. There is also 13/0 stainless steel which is usually reserved for knives.
How many flatware sets do you need?
Entertaining?
1.5 set per dinnerware set or guest. Entertaining for 4? Have 6 flatware sets available. Odds are high you’ll have someone, drop a spoon or fork once. But might as well have a backup to your backup. Fact, spoons and forks are mishandled the most because of their unequal weight distribution and they are used most in bowls. Bowl rims create a fulcrum and see saws are no good at the dinner table.
Everyday dining? There are some studies that say we use forks 3 times more than knives. With spoons falling into a comfortable second place for usage (those studies also include plastic flatware). But since flatware isn’t really sold this way, this is more of a “how many forks can I cram in the dishwasher” conversation. If price is not a consideration, it’s best to have at the very least 2 flatware settings per human in your house. However, most parents that follow this rule will say 2 per human is not enough.
