The Best Flatware of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter

The Best Flatware of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter

Searching through various sources, it’s clear that selecting the right flatware set in 2024 is essential for enhancing your dining experience. Experts recommend considering both aesthetics and functionality when choosing a set that suits your table setting and individual taste.

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After assessing over 300 forks, knives, and spoons, we've curated a list of 11 exceptional sets, catering to a diverse range of preferences including modern, retro, classic, or formal styles.

Our selections are not only crafted to meet high-quality standards but also encompass a variety of weights and price points, ensuring you find the ideal flatware that aligns with your lifestyle and budget.

Weight of the Flatware Sets

While I found the Oneida Voss 45-Piece Flatware Set to be slightly lighter, its 60-gram salad fork felt bulky compared to the 64.6-gram version from Robert Welch Westbury. Overall, though, I preferred the heavier sets. The average weight of dinner forks was 56.8 grams, and those that were below the average, like the 36.4-gram option from Pfaltzgraff, felt flimsy.

Smooth Finishes Were Pleasant

Forks should feel smooth in the mouth; rough edges that catch on the cheek can be unpleasant during meals.

The best flatware combines a comfortable feel in hand and mouth, with preference given to smooth finishes for forks and spoons. Sets like the Williams Sonoma Pantry 36-Piece Flatware Set displayed some rough edges, creating an uncomfortable experience when eating. In contrast, options like the Mikasa York Flatware Set and the Reed & Barton Flatware Place Setting achieved that ideal balance of body and presence.

Good Design Was Essential

Durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel is a must for everyday utensils.

Many practical design aspects were evident in the tested sets. Each was made of 18/10 stainless steel and was dishwasher-safe, ensuring a long-lasting, low-maintenance option. Additionally, the visual appeal of flatware cannot be overlooked; it ranges from simple elegance to intricate designs. The Reed & Barton offers a vintage-inspired look, while the modern-minded might appreciate the sleek lines of the Dansk Bistro Cafe Flatware Set.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Flatware Set

The ideal flatware sets are well-balanced, with a pleasant heft and smooth edges. A complete set should ideally feature a minimum of five pieces: a dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, large spoon, and a soup or dessert spoon. Sets should be sized appropriately, ensuring comfort during use. Selecting a dishwasher-safe stainless steel set is wise, as these utensils should last a lifetime and be capable of withstanding daily use.

Our Favorite Flatware Sets

What we liked: The Made In flatware is elegantly designed, each piece being pleasantly heavy and well-balanced. They accommodate a good amount of food and have a smooth finish that feels enjoyable to use.

What we didn’t like: This set carries a higher price tag at $10 per piece, and lacks additional serveware options, making it less suitable if you desire matching serving utensils.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless steel
• Cost per piece: $10
• What’s included: 4 dinner forks, 4 salad forks, 4 dinner spoons, 4 dessert spoons, 4 dinner knives
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe
  

What we liked: This set provides everything necessary for hosting with 12 complete place settings and additional serving pieces. The Lenox Portola flatware offers great quality for the cost, boasting pleasant balance and durability.

What we didn’t like: The pieces, while decent, produced slightly rougher edges, making for a less enjoyable eating experience compared to pricier sets.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless steel
• Cost per piece: $1.74
• What’s included: 12 complete 5-piece place settings and a 5-piece serving set.
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe
  

What we liked: This is a contemporary flatware set that offers heavy pieces with smooth finishes and modern silhouettes, enhancing the dining experience.

What we didn’t like: However, the oversized dinner spoon can disrupt balance and might not be suitable for every user.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless steel
• Cost per piece: $9
• What’s included: Dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, and teaspoon
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe
  

What we liked: The Robert Welch Westbury set is heavy and smooth with a timeless design that complements various table styles.

What we didn’t like: An oversized dinner spoon could prove tricky for some users.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless steel
• Cost per piece: $9
• What’s included: Dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, and teaspoon
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe

The Competition

FAQs

Which silverware sets don’t rust?

Stainless steel is our top choice as it resists rust, and can be cleaned in a dishwasher without discoloration or the need for polishing.

What does 18/10 stainless steel mean?

The designation indicates material composition; 18/10 stainless steel consists of 18% chromium and 10% nickel, a quality metal for flatware.

What's the difference between flatware and silverware?

Although used interchangeably, silverware generally refers to utensils made from silver, while flatware can be made from various metals.

How many flatware settings should you have?

Most households find four place settings (20 pieces) sufficient, but larger households may require more to comfortably entertain guests.

What's the best way to clean flatware?

Dishwasher-safe stainless steel flatware is the best option. Should discoloration or stuck-on food occur, a solution of baking soda in water can help restore their shine.

Why We’re the Experts

• Madeline Muzzi has over 10 years of experience as a food writer and recipe tester.
• Madeline collects vintage silver servingware.
• She values spoon performance as she has been known to eat multiple soups in one sitting.
• Having tested flatware sets for years, she has meticulously assessed these options, focusing on weight, usability, and durability.

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