The appearance and feel of your flatware is more important than you think. Aesthetically, a luxurious dining layout will impress your guests. Physically, how comfortable, heavy, and effective your knives, forks, and spoons are will make all the difference.
With this in mind, I have looked at hundreds of sites to find the best flatware. I looked for durability without compromise on design, ergonomics, and feel. I looked for deep soup spoons, knives that could cut through chicken breast, and forks that could perfectly spear salad leaves.
In absence of being able to hold thousands of pieces of flatware, I've scoured the internet. I researched expert and customer reviews to come to a conclusion on the best flatware on the market. If a knife scratches your plate, or fork doesn't feel right, I know about it.
These are the best collections available, all at a reasonable price. Once you've got flatware ticked off your list, a new dinnerware set will take your hosting skills to a whole new level.
The best flatware sets
Includes: salad fork, dinner fork, knife, dessert spoon, teaspoon
Set of: 45
Made from: 18/10 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: yes
+ Easy to hold
+ Simple design
- Not for special occasions
This simple cutlery is perfect for everyday usage. Reviewers all say that the handles feel smooth and weighty, without being too heavy, Each utensil does an excellent job of cutting, scooping, and spearing, so it's our top recommendation.
Includes: table knives, table forks, soup spoons, tea spoons
Set of: 24
Made from: 18/10 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: yes
+ Looks beautiful
+ Lifetime guarantee
- Might not need 6 teaspoons
As a classic set, this both looks and feels luxurious. Comfortable to hold and not too heavy, the knives cut really well. I love the fluid, contemporary shape too. It's packaged in a beautiful box and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It is the perfect wedding gift.
Includes: Dinner forks, salad forks, dinner knives, dinner spoons, teaspoons
Set of: 20
Made from: stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: yes
+ Great price
+ Available in copper and black
- Knives are a little blunt
Some of the most stylish flatware is this simple. With a modern touch, the slim stems look casually elegant and well-suited to everyday dining. If you're serving meat or tough foods, you'll need a different knife, as this isn't very serrated.
Includes: Table Fork, Table Knife, Dessert Spoon, Tea/ Coffee Spoon (x6)
Set of: 6
Made from: 18/10 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: yes
+ Durable
+ Solid handles
+ Shiny finish
Not only can this set serve six people at once, it's made from durable, high-quality stainless steel. Reviewers love the long fork tines, with are the perfect length. They also commented on how durable this set is: it's guaranteed not to chip.
Includes: Serrated Table Knife, Table Fork, Table Spoon, Salad Fork, Dessert Spoon
Set of: 1
Made from: Gold plated 18/10 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: Yes, but hand wash is preferable
+ Unique moon shape
+ Beautiful color
- No coffee spoon
This set is a beautiful addition to your culinary collection. The unique moon shapes are hand-crafted by artisans in Portugal. Even though they're gold, the serrated knives cut really well. I love this set.
Includes: Table Fork, Table Knife, Dessert Spoon, Dessert Fork, Tea/ Coffee Spoon
Set of: 1
Made from: Silverplated on 18/10 Stainless Steel
Dishwasher safe: yes
+ High quality
+ Classic
- Only five pieces
Sambonet makes some of the most elegant flatware on the market. The solid handles are sleek and stylish and yet the 18/10 stainless steel is solid. I'd recommend buying a few sets, because this classic design won't go out of style.
Includes: Table Fork, Table Knife, Dessert Spoon, Dessert Fork, Dessert Knife, Tea/ Coffee Spoon (x12), 1 Serving Spoon, 1 Serving Fork, 1 Soup Ladle
Set of: 12
Made from: Stainless steel & resin
Dishwasher safe: Yes
+ Great for large parties
+ Stylish design
- Expensive
If you like to host large parties, this is the best way to serve all of your guests in style. You'll only need to buy one set, because this is extensive, but that means that it's also expensive. I think it's worth it.
Includes: Table Fork, Table Knife, Dessert Spoon, Dessert Fork, Tea/ Coffee Spoon (x5), Serving Spoon (x2), Serving Fork, Sugar Spoon, Butter Knife
Set of: 8
Made from: 18/0 Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: Yes
+ Simple and stylish
+ Durable
- Could be too plain
Chic and classic, this set of servware covers five place settings. There's a hostess serving set with two serving spoons, a serving fork, sugar spoon, and butter knife. It's everything you could possibly need.
Includes: Table Fork, Table Knife, Dessert Spoon, Dessert Fork, Tea/ Coffee Spoon
Set of: 1
Made from: Gold-plated stainless steel and brass patina
Dishwasher safe: No
+ Bold twig design
+ Stylish forks
- Not dishwasher safe
As decorative as it is functional, this 5 piece set from Arhaus is truly unique. Inspired by a morning walk through the woods, these pieces are designed to replicate the curves and knots in branches from trees. It's a stunning set, which is surprisingly comfortable to hold.
FAQs
What should I consider when buying a flatware set?
When shopping for the best flatware sets, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you buy the right set for you. Refer back to this list when browsing and you won't regret any purchases you make.
Materials: The primary aspect of flatware sets to consider is what the pieces are made from. Stainless steel is the most common material used, of which 18/10 is the highest-quality grade, so keep an eye out for this in product descriptions if you want to buy a set that will withstand chipping and fading. Stainless steel sets can be mixed with other materials like resin and brass to create different finishes, or a set can have a different base metal like high-quality copper alloy, though this is less common.
Care instructions: A standard stainless steel flatware set is most likely dishwasher safe, but always read the product description to make sure. Other materials, like titanium and brass, will probably require delicate handwash over a dishwasher, so if physically cleaning the set isn't something you want to be doing, bear that in mind when shopping. Gold sets look great, but they require more maintenance than silver sets to stay in pristine condition.
Service: On a more basic level, you'll want to think about how much cutlery you actually need before buying. There are many stylish five-piece sets out there, but these aren't ideal if you know you're going to be serving dinner for a lot of people in your home. Sets can range from 16 pieces to 75, so make sure you select one which is going to work for your specific dining needs.
Finishes: Lastly, there are different styles of flatware sets to choose between. Whether you prefer a shiny finish to a matte, a silver set to a gold, or a patterned handle to a plain, is completely down to your personal preference. Consider buying a black flatware set for a more modern and trendy style.
What is the most long-lasting material for flatware?
Stainless steel, because it won't rust easily, is easy to keep clean, and it has enough weight to still feel premium.
What's the difference between flatware and silverware?
Silverware is anything made from silver, but flatware is anything that is an eating utensil, such as forks, knives, and spoons.
Final Thoughts
There are endless different flatware styles on the market, so you'll never be short on options. From soft gold to bright silver, you can choose between clean lines or soft curves.
When thinking of how your flatware can complement tablescaping ideas, I would always recommend staying simple with your knives, forks, and spoons. There are plenty of opportunities to add a final flourish, but simple flatware feels better and is easier to eat from.
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