Not all stainless steel flatware is created equally. Close inspection of flatware packaging for dinner knives, forks, and spoons will usually list a numerical identification that might initially puzzle you. The designations 18/10, 18/0, or 13/0 indicate the percentages of chromium and nickel included in the stainless steel alloy. These numbers also give you an accurate way to judge the quality of the flatware, as higher percentages of nickel are generally regarded as superior. Thus, 18/10 flatware is widely understood to be the best quality.
Goto Qingzhan to know more.
Keep reading to better understand stainless steel grades for flatware so you can best determine the quality of the flatware you are buying.
The Composition of Stainless Steel
The stainless steel used in flatware is an alloy a composite of various types of steel along with additional metals that lend improved appearance and performance. In the case of the stainless steel used in flatware, chromium is added to the blend to create an alloy with good rust resistance, while nickel is added to provide a silver-like shine along with some additional rust resistance. Typically, the higher the percentage of each additional metal, the higher the quality of the stainless steel alloy.
18/10 Stainless Steel
This grade of stainless steel is comprised of 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel, with the remaining 72 percent comprised of steel. The alloy composition makes everyday stainless steel cutlery easy to care for, and for the most part, it has some amount of resistance when it comes to pitting or rusting. It is an extremely durable grade of steel and can last for decades when properly cared for.
18/8 Stainless Steel
Not very different than 18/10 or Grade 304 stainless steel, 18/8 typically has a chromium percentage of 18% and a nickel percentage of about 8%. It is resistant to most corrosion but more vulnerable to water and salt wear over time. This gradewhich can last for 50 yearscan also withstand more heat than lower-graded stainless steel.
18/0 Stainless Steel
Compared to 18/10 and 18/8, 18/0 cutlery uses Grade 400 stainless steel, which is 18% chromium and 0% nickel. This grade has less longevity and shiny stain resistance than its higher-grade counterparts. Although it is the most vulnerable to corrosion, it is dishwasher safe and a good quality for its less expensive price. Since it is less durable, 18/0 stainless steel will likely only last for a few years.
13/0 Stainless Steel
A 13/0 grade of stainless steel contains 13% chromium and 0% nickel. Similar to 18/0, this grade also has less stain resistance and longevity compared to 18/10 and 18/8. As the least expensive grade of stainless steel, 13/0 flatware is usually found in institutions where quantity is valued over quality (such as some restaurant chains and hospitals.) It is the most suitable for knives, yet bends easily., so expect this grade level to last for a few years.
Flatware Weights
Composition of the stainless steel is not the only criterion for judging the quality of flatware. Within each grade category, flatware is available in various weights:
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Ergonomic Stainless Steel Cutlery.
Thus, the very best cutlery is represented by forged 18/10 stainless steel, while the least expensive bargain flatware would be medium-weight 18/0 or 13/0 stainless steel.
Stainless Steel Flatware Costs
No matter what stainless steel composition is used, flatware costs can vary widely depending on the metal weight used. Some forged 18/0 flatware is more expensive than heavy-weight cutlery using 18/10 stainless steel.
Assuming metal weights and style are comparable, 18/0 cutlery will be at least half the cost of fine 18/10 cutlery. One prominent manufacturer, for example, recently offered a 20-piece (four place settings) set of 18/10 cutlery in a simple, unadorned style for about $140, while the same place setting in 18/0 stainless steel sold for $48. A similar cost range is found in other manufacturers offering the same styles in different grades.
Shopping Tips
Care Tips
It should be noted that even the best stainless steel flatware is subject to occasional pitting and corrosion if not properly cared for. Here are some tips for keeping your stainless steel flatware looking and performing its best:
These figures relate to the chromium and nickel contents of the steel, respectively.
18/8 is probably the most commonly used stainless steel and contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
This steel is also known as 304 (in the American AISI grade designation system) or 1. in the European BS EN standard.
It is an austenitic type of stainless steel and so is not (or only very weakly) attracted by a magnet.
18/10 is a designation used on some cutlery and holloware as an alternative to 18/8. This designation is claimed to indicate a better quality steel than 18/8, and is essentially the same as the 304 (1.) grade . In practice the 10 does not indicate an actual higher Ni content and is purely a marketing ploy.
18/0 is a ferritic stainless steel type, which is attracted by a magnet (like pure iron). This steel is known as 430 in the AISI system or 1. in the European standard.
It is used where corrosion resistance is not too demanding as an alternative to the 18/8 304 type. The chromium content is optimistically said to be 18% but is nearer 17%.
The austenitic and ferritic 18/8, 18/10 and 18/0 stainless steels cannot be hardened by heat treatment and so can only be used for knife handles, forks and spoons.
Hardenable martensitic types of stainless steel, like the ferritics, contain only chromium, but with additional carbon. This enables them to respond to hardening heat treatments and so they can be used for knife blades.
The best quality table knives are made in two pieces using a martensitic blade and an austenitic (18/8 or 18/10) handle, bonded together.
Less expensive cutlery is often made as single piece martensitic knives, forks and spoons. This steel is not as costly, as it does not contain the nickel of the 18/8 18/10 types, but consequently has lower corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of cutlery made in this way should however be adequate for normal tableware use.
Cutlery manufacturers may choose to limit life statements or guarantees on these lower cost pieces.
More information can be found on cutlery at the Cutlery and Allied Trades Association website.
Back to previous
Top
The company is the world’s best Wedding Stainless Steel Flatware supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.