How to Buy Flatware

Flatware is one of the few items that a dinner table cannot do without, but knowing how to buy flatware can be a challenge when consumers are confronted with a wide array of styles, settings, and prices.

Standard place setting.

Before buying flatware, it is important to know its basic characteristics in order to effectively compare brands. Flatware is one of the most utilized items in the home, and most flatware is composed of durable stainless steel, an alloy composed of steel, chromium and nickel for rust-resistant and luster properties. Stainless steel can be dropped, scraped and washed repeated and still look good, though it can be damaged by excessive force such as bending or becoming stuck in a trash disposal.

The majority of flatware and silverware is solid stainless steel, though there are variations that have handles made of plastic, mother of pearl or a composite material, while the working end of the flatware is still stainless steel. Pure silver flatware is becoming increasingly rare, while gold-plated sets or those with gold accents are typically reserved for more luxurious settings than everyday use.

Flatware generally comes in sets of five pieces per place setting: a dinner fork, a salad or dessert fork, a tablespoon, a teaspoon and a rounded knife. Lower-quality settings may omit the salad fork and tablespoon, and many manufacturers offer single piece replacements for popular sets. Serving or hostess sets with serving spoons, serving forks, cake servers, butter knives, and salad servers are generally sold separately and are not always available in every pattern. Similarly, steak knives are not usually included in basic flatware sets and must be purchased separately.

When buying flatware, it is important to balance the beauty of the pieces along with their functionality and utility. Consider the following tips for how to buy flatware:

Traditional pattern.

• Choose a design – traditional, contemporary, elaborate, or utilitarian – that matches not only your personality and lifestyle, but one that coordinates with your china and other dishes to give the table a matching look. Note that some manufacturers offer lifetime patterns that will never be discontinued, which can be useful if pieces are damaged or lost.
• Buy enough place settings to match the amount of china you have while allowing room for expansion. Particularly if the flatware design may be discontinued, it is important to have spares available.
• Purchase a fitted storage chest for more expensive flatware such as silver or gold-plated pieces. This will help protect the flatware from accidental nicks, scratches, and dents, as well as keep it in a consistent location.
• Don’t forget to add steak knives, serving utensils, and other accessories to complete the flatware set. If exact pattern matches are not available, opt for plain accessories that can coordinate with different patterns should you purchase new flatware in the future. Because serving pieces are used least, they generally last longer than place settings.
• Consider maintenance requirements when choosing a set. Silver flatware requires regular polishing, while stainless steel is dishwasher safe and only needs occasional polishing if desired. Gold-plated pieces or those with gold accents may not be dishwasher safe.
• Examine handles for durability. Solid steel pieces are the safest options; flatware with riveted handles can chip or break more easily, particularly with inexpensive handles. Inlaid designs such as mother of pearl accents can also come loose and be lost.
• Always hold flatware pieces properly to test them before buying. The balance, weight, and proportion of the pieces should be comfortable to grip and turn.

Plastic-handled flatware.

Flatware sets range in price from less than $20 for an entire service with inexpensive plastic handles, to more than $50 per place setting for elaborate designer flatware. If you are interested in discounts, consider visiting outlet malls or overstock stores for surplus or discontinued styles, or opt for less elaborate designs. Complete services (usually for 6, 8, or 12 settings) may also be discounted or include serving pieces as a free bonus.

Discount stores offer plain or minimalist flatware designs, while department stores (typically those with bridal registries, since flatware is a frequent wedding gift for newlywed couples) have a wider range of design and setting options. The following manufacturers are some of the most widely renowned flatware dealers available:

• Silver Warehouse offers both new and replacement pieces for a wide range of sets.
• Williams Sonoma offers quality stainless steel flatware with original and exclusive designs.
• Oneida is one of the world’s most popular flatware manufacturers and offers both trendy and traditional designs, including patterns guaranteed never to be discontinued.
• Lenox offers designer flatware in a range of luxurious patterns suitable for everyday dining or entertaining.

Many stores offer flatware, but if you choose a designer brand, be sure you are working with an authorized retailer to avoid potential problems and scams. Furthermore, ask about return policies in case the flatware does not look as nice on your table as you’d anticipated.

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