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Even though it was slightly lighter, the Oneida Voss 45-Piece Flatware Sets 60-gram salad fork felt bulky and unwieldy compared to Robert Welch Westburys 64.6-gram version. Still, I overall preferred the heavier sets. The average weight of dinner forks was 56.8 grams. Models that fell significantly below this, including the 36.4-gram and 44.7-gram offerings from Pflatzgraff and HENCKELS, felt thin and flimsy.
Smooth Finishes Were Pleasant
The ideal flatware should feel pleasant both in the hand and in the mouth, and I preferred forks and spoons with a smooth finish. Some sets, like the Williams Sonoma Pantry 36-Piece Flatware Set with Caddy and the Pflatzgraff, had rough edges as though they had been stamped out of a metal sheet. This created an unpleasant sensationthe fork tines caught slightly in my mouth. Other sets, like the Mikasa York 20-Piece Flatware Set and Reed & Barton Flatware Place Setting had a smooth texture but felt thin and tinny. The Made In Flatware, Dansk Bistro Cafe Flatware Sets, and Robert Welch Caesna Mirror 5-Piece Flatware Place Setting had a pleasant balance of body and presence.
Good Design Was Essential
Certain design elements are practical. All the sets I tested were 18/10 stainless steel and dishwasher-safea must for everyday flatware. Stainless steel is durable and low maintenance. It will last for years and doesnt require polishing. Beyond those basic elements, setting your kitchen table is a visual endeavor. The flatware I tested ranged from simple and classic to ornamented and elaborate. Design is a personal choicethe best flatware set is the one youll be excited to use. My winners are all beautiful and versatile, but a few models deserve a special design callout: The Reed & Barton is vintage-inspired and ornate, while cottagecore fans might enjoy the charming and rustic Ginkgo Lyon Stainless-Steel Flatware. For modern design lovers, check out the sleek Dansk Bistro Cafe Flatware set.
The Criteria: What to Look for in a Flatware Set
The best flatware sets are balanced, with a pleasant heft and smooth edges. Complete sets should include a minimum of five piecesa dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, large spoon, and a soup or dessert spoon. Anything outside of this (like a butter knife or matching salad serving set) earns bonus points. Look for reasonably sized utensils that can fit comfortably in your mouth. For ease and durability, choose a dishwasher-safe set with stainless steel construction. Utensils should last a lifetime and will get near-daily use, so dont be afraid to invest in a set that you love and will stand the test of time.
Our Favorite Flatware Sets
What we liked: The Made In flatware set is simple and elegant. Each piece is pleasantly heavy and well-balanced. Theyre also well sizedthe utensils accommodate a generous amount of food and fit comfortably in the mouth. Their smooth finish has a pleasant mouthfeel. The knife is sharp enough to slice through chicken but won't accidentally nick you if you reach for it in the drawer.
What we didnt like: This is an expensive set. At $10 per piece, its the priciest winner. Made In doesnt manufacture any serveware, like a slotted spoon or large fork, so if you want your serving pieces to match your flatware, this isnt the set for you.
Key Specs
What we liked: This set includes everything you need to host a dinner party. In addition to 12 complete place settings, it comes with two serving spoons, a serving fork, a butter knife, and a sugar spoon. This is a great option for anyone who is stocking their first kitchen. The Lenox Portola flatware delivers impressive quality for the price, toothe pieces are pleasantly balanced and feel durable.
What we didnt like: During testing, I found that this set has slightly rougher edges than its pricier competitors, and the fork tines catch slightly in the mouth. The pieces feel reasonably high-quality, but theyre significantly lighter than the other winning choices and four out of five of the standard pieces fell below the average category weight.
Key Specs
What we liked: This is a sleek, well-made set with heavy pieces and smooth edges. The spoons have a modern silhouette with a gentle, sloping transition between the basin and the handlejust enough to add a subtle design flair to your table. The forks were well sized and the teaspoon was large enough to hold satisfying bites of soup. Robert Welch also manufactures Caesna steak knives and serving sets, which can be purchased separately to complete your tablescape.
What we didnt like: The dinner spoon is huge and slightly off balancethe handle is disproportionately heavy and might tip out of a bowl if shaken.
Key Specs
What we liked: The Robert Welch Westbury flatware is smooth and heavy. The pleasant heft makes the pieces feel high-qualityeach utensil weighed more than the average category weight. This set features a simple designthe utensils have clean, elegant lines and a slightly tapered handle that feel timeless and would mesh well with any interior aesthetic. The serrated knife cuts chicken easily and both forks have sharp tips and smooth sides. Robert Welch also manufactures Westbury serving utensils, which can be purchased separately to complete your tablescape.
What we didnt like: The Robert Welch Westbury dinner spoon is even larger than the Caesna modelit may be difficult for children or people with small mouths.
Key Specs
The Competition
FAQs
Which silverware sets dont rust?
Stainless steel is our top choice because its rust-resistant. You can run stainless steel utensils through the dishwasher without worrying about discoloration and they will never require polishing.
What does 18/10 stainless steel mean?
The numbers refer to the material composition18/10 steel is 18% chromium and 10% nickel, making it a high-grade metal.
What's the difference between flatware and silverware?
Flatware and silverware are often used interchangeably. These terms both refer to eating utensils including forks, knives, spoons, and serveware. Technically speaking, silverware describes utensils made from silver or plated in silver while the term flatware can be applied to utensils made from a range of materials.
How many flatware settings should you have?
The ideal number of place settings depends on the size of your household and how often you entertain. Most people will find it helpful to have at least four place settings (20 pieces), but if you plan on hosting dinner parties or have more people to feed, a 65-piece set (12 settings) should do it.
What's the best way to clean flatware?
Stainless steel flatware is dishwasher-safe. If your flatware develops any discoloration or has bits of stubborn, stuck-on food, soaking the utensils in a solution of baking soda and water will help restore their shine.
Why Were the Experts
To help you pick the best flatware and silverware sets for your home, we tried out some highly rated options and evaluated each on design, durability, grip, material, weight, and overall value. We spooned, forked, and knifed everything from chicken breast and soup to salad and whole grains to make sure these sets are truly worthy of a spot in your kitchen drawer.
Choosing a flatware or silverware set can be tricky. On top of deciding between the variety of flatware designs and types of steel on the market, you're also tasked with figuring out aesthetics, budget, and the number of place settings you will need. You may be in search of a durable collection for everyday use or a high-end set for special occasions. There's also the matter of settling on a modern feel or more of a classic, vintage look. Either way, the right utensils offer an opportunity to ornament your table setting and show off your unique style.
Best Overall
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set
What We Like
Sleek and sophisticated design
Service for 12, plus hostess set
Appropriate for casual and formal dining
What We Don't Like
Some pieces aren't the best size
Lenox Portola 65-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set Review
Earning our best overall spot, the Lenox flatware set features quality construction, a contemporary design, and a reasonable price point. It is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which means it has an 18 percent chrome content and a 10 percent nickel content. Nickel is what keeps stainless steel shiny meal after meal and dishwasher run after dishwasher run. (Yep, this set is dishwasher safe.) In fact, in terms of longevity, we think this set could easily be passed down to the grandchildren. It is also available in gold and black.
The set comes with enough five-piece settings for 12 people, plus five serving utensils. The pieces are ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold while eating, and the beaded channel design at the base is subtle. We love the flatware's high-quality feel and minimalist but beautiful detailing. A rather versatile, modern design for the 130-year-old Lenox company, this set adds an upscale touch to your tableno matter if used during a casual pancake breakfast or formal dinner party.
We noticed while testing this set that the dinner fork is a bit big and could give small hands trouble, and the soup spoon is a bit smaller and more shallow than we'd like. As with all stainless steel tableware, be sure to wash this flatware immediately after use to protect it from corrosion. Likewise, dry each piece right after washing, avoid citrus detergents, and don't soak the utensils for too long. If you do notice any corrosion or flaws in general, however, Lenox offers a Breakage Replacement Program that refunds or replaces products within 120 days after purchase.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Flare | What's Included: (12) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) pierced serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon
Best Budget
LIANYU 20-Piece Silverware Flatware Cutlery Set
What We Like
Easy to clean
Simple design
Easy to store
What We Don't Like
Mirror finish can show fingerprints
LIANYU Flatware Set Review
You can't go wrong with this affordable set, especially if you're just starting out or want extra flatware for an upcoming dinner. You'll get enough pieces for four people to each have a salad fork, a dinner fork, a soup spoon, a tea spoon, and a dinner knife. Also, the set comes in five different colors, in case you're looking for something with a little more personality than basic stainless steel.
While these stainless steel utensils are lightweightwhich can give the set a less-expensive feel depending on your preferencewe found that the pieces are durable for the price and hold up well after multiple rounds in the dishwasher. The set is also super compact and doesn't take up a lot of space in the kitchen drawer, or it can be placed in a glass on the counter.
No dishwasher? The simple design makes these easy and quick to hand wash, but we did notice that fingerprints stand out a bit. Also, be careful when wiping, as this knife is sharper than one might expect from a butter knife. We also found that the serrated edges on the knives work well for cutting items like ham, turkey, and vegetables.
Materials: Stainless steel | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and a tea spoon
Best Gold
Gourmet Settings Birch 20-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set
What We Like
Contemporary black and gold finish options
Playful mashup of styles
Stamped unibody construction
What We Don't Like
Hand wash strongly recommended
This place setting combines contemporary finishes with a classic silhouettea versatile mix of new and old. Available in both a matte black or antique gold finish, these attractive pieces will look at home alongside sleek modern dinnerware as well as more traditional table settings.
Each set comes with 20 pieces for a four-person service, including dinner and salad forks, table spoons, tea spoons, and a dinner knife. These are quite substantial in weight and feel balanced and comfortable to hold, though the knife edge is smooth and therefore we found not quite sharp enough to cut through less tender meats. As for the fork, the tines are fairly thick, but still spear well without feeling awkward. The spoons feel nice in the hand and are perfect for soup and sauces.
Made of 18/10 stainless steel, this unique gold flatware set carries a 25-year limited warranty provided by the manufacturer. We did find that the gold finish showed some signs of wear after a run through the dishwasher, so hand-washing (and drying right away to avoid spotting) will be the best way to preserve the finish on these pieces.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel, gold finish | Handle Shape: Oval | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon
Best Modern
Knork Stainless Steel 20-Piece Flatware Set
What We Like
High-end artisan appearance
Ergonomically designed
Beveled fork edge makes one-hand cutting easy
What We Don't Like
Only serves four
Knork's 210 Original Collection Cutlery Is Ergonomic and Contemporary
Knork flatware's lauded design was the invention of the brands founder Michael D. Miller who, while struggling to eat a slice of pizza with a fork, was inspired to create a fork thats more like a pizza slicer. He went on to design the Knorks signature fork (part knife-part fork) with beveled outer tines that can be used to eat left- or right-handed and are sharp enough to cut many foods.
This dishwasher-safe set comes with enough utensils to set a full five-piece serving for four people (though we do wish it included more). We love that each utensil is ergonomically designed with noticeably balanced weight. Plus, the utensils feature a wide, flat finger platform for comfort and are designed to fit the contours of your hand. Each piece is hand-forged according to a 26-step process and is made of 18/10 stainless steel. We also love how the branding blends seamlessly into the flatwares design, so you won't find any bold brand etchings on your knife handles.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, table spoon, and tea spoon
Best for Parties
Qingzhan Product Page
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Opus 45-Piece Flatware Set
What We Like
Balanced
Holds up to washing
Great value
What We Don't Like
Handles may be too narrow for some
Zwilling J.A. Henckels is known for its premium forged knives made in Germany for nearly three centuries, so it's safe to say they know their way around cutlery. The company's Opus flatware collection combines elegance and convenience with 18/10 stainless steel construction and a reasonable price. This set includes eight 5-piece settings as well as five serving utensils for a total of 45 pieces, everything you need for a big dinner party. Once the meal is over, simply run the flatware through the dishwasher and get back to enjoying your guests.
Although the knife blade is shorter than others, it worked well during testing. Still, the knives were noticeably heavier than the other pieces in the set. The spoons were also on the smaller side but still held a satisfying amount of soup. Likewise, the salad fork's light handle and shorter tines weren't ideal for salad, though the dinner fork's wide design and larger tines more than made up for it.
Along with the balanced weight and value, long-term users praise this set for handling multiple runs through the dishwasher without any corrosion or damage. Overall, this is a simple and functional set that offers great value.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Rectangular | What's Included: (8) 5-piece settings with knife, dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon; (1) slotted serving spoon, (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) sugar spoon, and (1) butter knife
Best Color Options
Jean Dubost Laguiole Flatware Set
What We Like
Super sharp
Lightweight
Range of colors to choose from
Attractive design
What We Don't Like
Hand-washing recommended
The Dubost family has spent generations perfecting the art of cutlery, famously adapting their craft in response to consumer demand while maintaining the integrity of traditional French workmanship. This set features the distinguished bee emblem that sets Laguiole cutlery apart and acrylic handles available in a wide range of colors to match any aesthetic.
There's a total of 24 pieces included, enough for six place settings with a knife, fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon, along with a wooden tray to store everything in. The handle colors range from vibrant blue and classic silver to pale pink and even multicolor, all with rust-resistant (and dishwasher-safe) stainless steel.
Durability is always something to look out for with acrylic handles, so we made sure to keep that in mind during testing. We found that the overall look is the best feature of this set, particularly the classic two-toned design. While it didn't show wear after one round in the dishwasher, we suggest washing these by hand to keep them in good condition.
Materials: Stainless steel, acrylic | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (6) 4-piece settings with knife, fork, soup spoon, and tea spoon
Best Splurge
Made In Flatware 4 Place Settings Set
What We Like
Resistant to stains
Crafted by skilled artisans in Italy
Made of 18/10 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
What We Don't Like
Set of four
Want to dine like Italian nobility? Made In's line of stainless steel flatware is produced by a partnership of artisans with almost two centuries of experience and a history of crafting silverware for Italy's noble families. Each utensil is made using a single piece of stainless steel with a polished finish that's durable and resistant to corrosion. This flatware set is made with usability in mind; forks and spoons are crafted from 18/10 stainless steel to protect the pieces even further from corrosion and rust, while the knives are made of 18/0 stainless steel to increase the blade strength.
We love the balance and weight of this flatware, noting that during testing the contour of each fork, knife, and spoon is comfortable in the hand while adding a touch of elegance. While slicing into chicken breast, the knives were sharp enough to easily cut through the meat without being too sharp to the touch. The spoons had a good weight with chic, thin handles, and the dinner forks featured soft round tines with smooth edges that gave them a high-quality feel. We also appreciated the proportions of the lightweight salad forks, which had luxurious, rounded edges. The flatware was easy to clean in the dishwasher, coming out free of smudges or spots. For this price, we do wish the set was bigger, but the quality, look, and feel are still worth it.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Flare | What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a dinner fork, salad fork, table spoon, dessert spoon, and dinner knife
Best Simple
Oneida Mooncrest Flatware Set
What We Like
Outstanding price point
Sleek design
Rounded edges on handles
Good for small hands
What We Don't Like
Only one finish option
Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set Review
If your style is no-fuss, no-muss, you'll appreciate this flatware's sleek and simple lines. It's 18/0, which means it has 18 percent chrome to prevent rusting and wear and tear over time. The flatware feels sturdy, so you won't have to worry about it warping with continued use. The set comes in one finish with a few serving pieces and enough forks, knives, and spoons for up to eight dinner settings, and its very reasonable price makes it a great value.
We particularly like the flatware's ease of usetheir soft curves and balanced weight make them well-suited for all ages to handle. Take care to dry these pieces carefully, as our at-home testing found that rust formed when the knives were left damp too long (as with all stainless steel). Overall, if youre hunting for an affordable starter collection, this set checks many boxes.
Materials: 18/0 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (8) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) slotted serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon
Best Everyday
Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set
What We Like
Classic design
Comfortable to hold
Nice weight
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Smudges easily
Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set Review
This timeless and elegant flatware is for anyone who prefers a minimalist approach to their tablescape. We think this pattern is sure to feel as contemporary and classic 10 years from now as it will when you buy itand the quality means you'll still be able to use it every day. Its longevity is thanks to its 18/10 stainless steel and quality forging process.
When we put this flatware to the test, we found that the utensils' mirror-polished shine held up to everyday use. While we think the shine is definitely a selling point, it does mean that the set smudges easily. However, with a simple cloth wipedown, the brilliance was restored.
We really appreciate the versatility of this flatware. It's available in sets of five pieces, 20 pieces, 42 pieces, and 50 pieces, so you can get the exact number of settings you need for your home. The larger setting sizes also include steak knives and serving pieces so that everything on your table matches.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Pointed flare | What's Included: (1, 4, or 8) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon; with (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork
Best Minimalist
Mepra Stiria Flatware
What We Like
Minimalist modern design
Lightweight, but still feels like quality
Dishwasher safe
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Mepra is known for its stylish Italian-made flatware featuring sleek, simple lines. The Stiria series is a minimalist, modern collection that has wonderful balance in the hand and a high-luster finish. Available in a 24-piece set, this flatware set will add a touch of contemporary luxury to any tablescape.
Made from 18/10 stainless steel, these pieces are lightweight, but also very sturdy and balanced. The tines on the forks are narrow, yet functionalnice for spearing salad greens or holding meat in place while cutting with the included serrated knives. We love the gentle curves of the soup and tea spoon that make them super comfortable for eating and the long, slender handles that feel very elegant to hold.
These high-quality pieces are very easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. Any spots could be wiped away with a dish towel. Mepra backs this set (and its slightly hefty price) with a limited-lifetime warranty, so expect that you'll be able to use it for a very long time.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Rectangular | What's Included: (6) 4-piece settings with a dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon
Best Small Set
Robert Welch Caesna Mirror 5-Piece Flatware Place Setting
What We Like
Classic design
Sturdy
Well-balanced
What We Don't Like
Knives may require extra care while washing
If you're just starting out or live in a smaller household, that doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality (or buying more than you need). This Caesna flatware comes in 3-piece and 5-piece sets with beautiful pieces designed by Robert Welch. They're forged with 18/10 stainless steel and feature a mirror, satin, or silver finish with a smooth transition from top to handle. The 3-piece flatware place setting includes a dinner fork, dinner spoon, and dinner knife, while the 5-piece place setting adds a salad fork and tea spoon.
What we appreciate about this small flatware set is its versatility. Since there is also a 20-piece set available in the same collection, it's easy to add to your set as your family grows or you need more flatware for guests. There are also matching steak knives and a stunning serving set in the same style, perfect for larger groups. This flatware felt very simple yet elegant during our tests. The dinner forks were balanced and the tapered lines of the spoons held soup well. Thanks to the hefty weight and serrations on the knives, we were able to cut through chicken breast easily.
The manufacturers recommend a short hot cycle in the dishwasher with all-in-one dishwasher tablets and rinse aid for the best cleaning results. A few reviewers reported rust spots on the knives after washing, but we didn't have any issues during our testing period.
Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | Handle Shape: Round | What's Included: (1) 3-piece setting with dinner fork, dinner spoon, and dinner knife. or (1) 5-piece setting with dinner fork, salad fork, dinner spoon, tea spoon, and knife.
Best Portable
Hommaly Portable Cutlery Set
What We Like
Sturdy
Comes in fun colors
Washable, waterproof carrying case
What We Don't Like
Case has no loops or straps to hold silverware in place
Hommaly Portable Flatware Set Review
Those who care about the environment likely cringe when they have to eat their takeout salad with a disposable plastic fork, but who wants to carry around their regular flatware with them everywhere they go? Enter this portable, reusable stainless steel set. It comes with everything you could need to enjoy lunch at your deskeven a set of chopsticks for those days when you order sushiplus two metal straws. It's also a perfect set for travel and camping.
Best of all, the utensils come packaged in a waterproof and washable bag thats as easy to clean as the utensils. We love that it's available in a few different, fun colors, including rainbow, adding personality to your desk lunches. We also appreciate how sleek the packaging was, allowing for easy transportation and storage. In addition, the carrying case's interior features aluminum lining for quick cleanup. One thing we don't love is that there are no straps inside to keep each utensil in place, but this is still a great set to take with you anywhere.
Materials: Stainless steel | Handle Shape: Rounded flare | What's Included: (1) 8-piece setting with a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, cleaning brush, bent metal straw, straight metal straw, and carrying case
We Sliced Through New York Strips to Find the Best Steak Knives
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