The 10 Best Silverware Sets
Special Honors
Christofle Paris Christofle Paris offers a collection of sterling silver, stainless steel, and silver-plated flatware.The pieces are expensive, but will last a lifetime. Prices range from hundreds of dollars to over $34,000. The cheapest five-piece set for one person, the Origine features a timeless design that fits into any style of dishware. christofle.com
Wikihow: Cleaning Stainless Steel Flatware Stainless steel flatware will last a lifetime if cared for properly. To learn how to take care of your investment, follow the tips on wikihow. wikihow.com
Editor's Notes
May 01, 2020:
We examined dozens of stainless steel silverware sets for this review and could not ignore a glaring issue. Regardless of the brand, customers seem to either love a set for its look or hate it because the knives rusted. There was very little middle ground. That raised the question: Why are knives more prone to accumulating the unsightly reddish-brown stains more than other pieces of flatware?
First, a note about the two numbers (i.e., 18/10) used to describe the other elements added to stainless steel to make flatware. The first number represents the percentage of chromium, and the second number indicates the nickel content. Chromium is used to prevent corrosion, and nickel is added to counter acids and provide further protection. However, not all sets contain nickel. Furthermore, if a piece of silverware from a set such as Lianyu Cutlery Series or the AmazonBasics Pearl is exposed to the elements of oxygen and water for long periods, rusting occurs.
But this still doesn't answer the question: Why are knives prone to rust quicker than other flatware? The answer lies in the construction. Generally, the blades on the knife contain less chromium and more carbon steel to ensure they are sturdy enough to cut through foods. To avoid rusting, experts recommend drying them thoroughly after washing.
Aside from the chromium and nickel mixture, you should consider the number of place settings you'll need. If you have a small family, a 20-piece set like Sagler Flatware should suffice. On the other hand, if you have a large family or entertain often, you may want to purchase a set similar to the Lenox Abilene that can accommodate a party of 12.