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Best flatware sets 2024: stylish sets selected by experts

Elegant, classy and practical, we've found the best flatware sets for all your dining needs – from casual everyday to special occasions

One of the best flatware sets, The White Company's Symon's set in a white box
(Image credit: The White Company)

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

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.

Laura Honey
eCommerce Editor

Laura is our eCommerce editor. As a fully qualified barista, she's our expert in all things coffee and has tested over thirty of the best coffee makers on the market. She has also interviewed Q-Graders and world-leading experts in the coffee industry, so has an intimate knowledge of all things coffee. Before joining Homes & Gardens, she studied English at Oxford University. Whilst studying, she trained as a master perfumer and worked in the luxury fragrance industry for five years. Her collection of home fragrance is extensive and she's met and interviewed five of the world's finest perfumers (also known as 'noses'). As a result of this expansive fragrance knowledge, she always puts quality and style over quantity and fads. Laura looks for products which have been designed simply and with thoughtful finishes.  

With contributions from