Should i buy 18 0 flatware

Notify me of new comments via email. Notify me of new posts via email. You must be logged in to post a comment. Menu Skip to content. Home About Us Contact Us. Quick Tip When purchasing flatware , be aware of both standard and European model sizes. The only differences between the two are that European flatware is generally three times bigger and heavier than standards silverware.

In addition, European flatware is generally more expensive and is used on more formal tabletop settings. Share this: Twitter Facebook. Most of our testers preferred a satin finish over a polished finish because they found it aesthetically pleasing and less prone to unsightly fingerprints. Some also said satin flatware was a little easier to hold because it was less slick.

All flatware will develop some patina with age, despite its finish, so choose whichever you like better. Before you purchase a set of flatware, check that the finish is even all over the utensils. Cheaper flatware often includes forks with rough, unfinished areas between the tines, indicating that the manufacturer skimped on polishing the entire piece. As you examine the finish, also pay attention to the placement of the manufacturer branding on the utensils.

We were surprised to find so many flatware patterns with oddly placed brands and steel-grade markings. We prefer such markings on the underside of the knife blade, so the brand name is less noticeable. The most inconspicuous placement for branding is on the underside of the handle near the neck. When choosing flatware, you need to consider the weight, balance, length, and shape of each utensil. These considerations are largely subjective, however, so we recommend handling a few sets in stores to determine what you like best.

One of the most important reasons to look at flatware in person is to determine how it actually feels in your hands. Deciding on the weight of your utensils is a personal choice—you may prefer them light, heavy, or somewhere in between.

Some flatware can be egregiously back- or front-heavy, which throws off the entire balance of the piece. Utensils that are too thin and light often feel cheap and are easy to bend. Many of the testers for our guide to the best flatware set were put off by flatware that had sharp angles on the underside of the handles because it dug into their fingers.

Some knives with handles that curved to one side, such as those in the Lenox Chesterbrook Flatware Set , were awkward to hold while cutting, especially for lefties.

You may have noticed that Americans generally eat differently than Europeans do. American diners typically hold the fork in their left hand and the knife in their right hand while cutting food; then they set the knife down and switch the fork over to their right hand to bring the food to their mouth.

European diners keep the fork in their left hand, with the tines facing down and the knife in their right hand, and never set either utensil down unless they have a drink or finish eating.

This video demonstrates the differences nicely. European flatware usually has elongated fork tines, which some experts suggest may be intended to provide extra space on the back of the fork for holding food. Deciding on the length of your flatware is a personal choice, but we recommend finding something that will be comfortable to hold and the appropriate size for your eating habits.

Also be sure to think about the silhouette of your flatware. Some people prefer skinny necks on their utensils, while others like them wide and more substantial. Another consideration is the shape of the spoon bowls, which can be deep or shallow.

Knowing your design preferences before you start searching for flatware in stores or online will make the process far less overwhelming. Some knives are also constructed with hollow handles, which makes them lighter and more balanced than those made from a solid piece of metal.

Sometimes the blades can be so thin, you can wobble them slightly with your finger. We recommend avoiding stamped knives for home use.

A forged knife is made from a single piece of steel, called a rod, which the maker heats to an extremely high temperature and then pounds into shape using a high-pressure hammer. Forged knives are heavy since the handles are made from a thicker, solid piece of metal. The blades are also stronger and have better edge retention than stamped knives. That said, not all forged knives are created equal. Hollow-handle knives are made from three separate pieces: the blade, and two half shells that make up the handle.

The two handle pieces are brazed or soldered together, which creates a hollow center. The handle is filled with epoxy or cement, and the blade tang is inserted into the handle and allowed to set and cure. Grade is almost never used by flatware manufacturers, since it is way too expensive to be profitable. It's just a marketing thing, so don't be fooled! While all forks, knives, and spoons basically share the same characteristics, there are subtle differences in silverware designs that have a big impact on how it feels in the hand, how well the weight is distributed, and how it rests on the table.

There aren't complex designs, but all of the characteristics listed above contribute to the price differences. In the past few years, the "boxed set" of silverware has become very popular in retail stores we offer many of them as well. We offer these same complete sets at a discount, and many people are very happy with them. There are a few drawbacks to the boxed set:.

Of course, you can always just purchase a new boxed set whenever you lose a significant number of pieces. Shaking up the silverware design on your tabletop every couple of years isn't such a bad thing! Overall, you truly do get what you pay for. Now, whether those qualities are worth it to you is the question to ask. We can tell you that nearly every staff member at the Silver Superstore has upgraded their flatware patterns since they started working here.

There really is a difference worth paying for, especially since the durability of good stainless steel flatware will last you a lifetime. Next Question: Do you sell flatware for restaurants? Or click here to return to the main FAQ page. Hi Logout. Mon - Fri. Closed Sat.

Brands American Chest Co. Why are some stainless flatware patterns more expensive than others? We're glad you asked! There are several reasons why some cost more than others: Finish - edges, tines, roundness Knife construction, handle construction Polish, and alloy quality Design Individual item availability Reason 1 - Finish The care taken during the final steps of manufacturing is one of the top determinations of why some patterns cost more.