Flatware, also known as silverware, is one of the most crucial parts of any kitchen, but how can you establish which is the right set for you?
Well, unfortunately, there’s so much choice in this market segment that it’s only too easy to end up with cheap or low-quality silverware if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Luckily, we do!
Before we get down to business with our reviews, take a moment to consider the following factors. They should help you streamline your buying decision.
OK, if you keep these simple pointers in mind, you should have no problems navigating our showcase of the best flatware and silverware sets in a very crowded market segment.
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The 15 Best Flatware and Silverware Sets
1. Our Pick Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set
Features
First in line and our favorite in today’s collection of the best flatware and silverware sets comes from Lenox in the guise of the Portola Collection.
Now, the first thing that rates a mention is the aggressive discount up for grabs. If you act right now, you can pick up this 65-piece set for close to half price.
The flatware is made of 18/10 stainless steel, so while you shouldn’t get any rusting, we would advise you check out some of the user reviews for this cutlery. A handful of disgruntled users report spotting and rusting, so do your due diligence.
Here’s what you get in the box:
- Dinner forks (12)
- Dinner knives (12)
- Salad forks (12)
- Teaspoons (12)
- Tablespoons (12)
- Serving spoon (1)
- Pierced serving spoon (1)
- Sugar spoon (1)
- Serving fork (1)
- Butter knife (1)
As you can see, you’ll have more than enough place settings for your next dinner party, and you know everyone will be dining in style.
Unlike some of the best silverware and flatware sets, you can slip this set into the dishwasher with no concerns for a superb overall experience from a brand you can trust.
2. LIANYU Silverware Cutlery Set
Features
If you’ve been hunting for the best flatware and silverware sets for a family of 4, this 20-piece set from LIANYU is well worth a second glance.
While this brand might not be the most recognizable, both build quality and aesthetics are commendable.
Each set consists of 4 of each of the following pieces:
- Dinner forks
- Dinner knives
- Salad forks
- Teaspoons
- Dinner spoons
The surface of this cutlery is treated with a mirrored finish meaning they should stay looking vibrant without any need for polishing.
The overall finish of the cutlery means there are no rough patches or sharp edges, although some users complain about the unfinished inner edges.
You can also safely pop this stainless steel flatware in the dishwasher for hands-free cleanup.
We didn’t find any complaints about rusting among a sea of positive user testimony, an issue that blights a lot of cheap silverware.
This is among the best flatware you can find for everyday use, and it’s also remarkably inexpensive, so what are you waiting for?
3. Knork Original Collection Utensils
Features
The Original Collection from Knork is a heavyweight set of flatware that is substantially thicker than most of the opposition. If you’re looking for something especially rugged, you can’t go wrong here.
To lead off with the only reported flaw, we found some scattered complaints about this cutlery rusting, so you may want to consider washing it by hand rather than relying on harsh dishwasher detergent.
This 20-piece set is ideal for a family of 4, but there are several other iterations of this line if you need something more from your silverware.
This set consists of 4 of each of the following pieces:
- Dinner forks
- Dinner knives
- Salad forks
- Teaspoons
- Tablespoons
Whether you’re setting the table for dinner or you’re inviting friends over for a more formal dinner party, this cutlery can segue from daily use to special occasions without looking out of place.
The design of this silverware helps each piece sit neatly into the contours of your hands, making for a comfortable experience.
The matte and brushed finish ensures this flatware looks good in modern kitchens.
4. Berglander Stainless Steel Flatware Set
Features
If you’re looking for a hardwearing yet attractive set of everyday flatware for 4 people, Berglander offers the following 20 pieces in this set:
- Dinner forks (4)
- Dinner knives (4)
- Salad forks (4)
- Teaspoons (4)
- Tea forks (4)
If this classic gold finish doesn’t appeal, you can choose from a handful of alternatives, including a brilliant rainbow variant.
All pieces of flatware are made from an 18/0 stainless steel. Strong, rust-resistant, and almost unbendable, this flatware can stand up to sustained use without letting you down.
The flatware is designed to sit neatly in your hand without feeling too heavy or too light.
The vacuum plating serves to strengthen the surface hardness of this flatware, and also to lengthen the expected lifespan.
As an added kicker, this flatware is very easy to care for, and also dishwasher-safe. The only gripes we could find reported issues with the gold treatment starting to fade over time.
Not only are these knives, forks, and spoons hardwearing enough for daily use, but they also look slick enough for a dinner party or special occasion. Completely food-safe and also highly heat-resistant, take care of all your cutlery needs for a small family without spending a fortune.
5. Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Flatware Set
Features
Next up comes another 20-piece flatware set, also made of 18/0 stainless steel. This grade of stainless steel contains 18% chromium, but no nickel whatsoever. This is one of the favored grades for mid-level flatware like this cost-effective offering from Amazon Basics.
Each set contains the following 20 pieces, ideal for 4 people:
- Dinner forks (4)
- Dinner knives (4)
- Salad forks (4)
- Teaspoons (4)
- Tablespoons (4)
This variant comes with pearled edges to all flatware. If you don’t like this design element, there are multiple other configurations available.
You can also opt for a couple of larger sets if you have a bigger family. This brand offers a 45-piece set and a 65-piece set for large families or special occasions.
If you’re looking to really stock up your kitchen accessories, you can also opt for bundles containing sets of kitchen knives.
Easy enough to care for, you should ideally clean this flatware within a couple of hours of using it. Avoid allowing your flatware to soak in water for extended periods.
The pieces all feel nicely balanced, especially impressive since this flatware is priced firmly in budget territory.
With the exception of a handful of complaints about rust developing over time – avoidable with the proper care – most user testimony praises the versatility and the lifespan of this excellent flatware from Amazon Basics.
6. Oneida Mooncrest Cutlery Service for 8
Features
Oneida Mooncrest is a great collection of flatware that works well for larger families, or for anyone who frequently entertains for bigger gatherings.
Each of these sets is comprised of 8 pieces of each of the following:
- Dinner forks
- Dinner knives
- Dessert forks
- Soup spoons
- Teaspoons
You’ll also get 2 serving spoons, a serving fork, a butter knife, and a sugar spoon, rounding out a comprehensive 45-piece set.
One of the key selling points of this cutlery is that it never needs polishing, but will look sleek and shiny year-round.
Made from rugged stainless steel, you shouldn’t get any rust. That said, a couple of users complain about spotting appearing over time.
Whether you choose to use this flatware on the daily, or you prefer the thought of keeping it for special occasions, you can’t go wrong with this affordable set of silverware. If you’re still in any doubt, perhaps the limited lifetime warranty might change your mind. You can’t ask for much more than that, and it removes any risk from purchase.
7. Hommaly Store Portable Utensils Set
Features
Have you been hunting for some great travel cutlery? If so, the Hommaly Store has a first-class option with this portable set for one.
Each of these utensil sets contains the following:
- Dinner fork
- Dinner knife
- Straight straw
- Bent straw
- Chopsticks
- Cleaning brush
You also get a soft fabric carrying case so you can keep all these utensils close to hand, whether you’re camping, hiking, or out in the RV.
Just because you’re buying travel cutlery, that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality. Far from it. The stainless steel build here will give you plenty of faithful service, while also ensuring you can eat using quality silverware on the go.
The cleaning brush is an especially neat touch if you’re camping, and lets you keep this set in tip-top shape for maximum lifespan with no rusting.
The only gripes we could unearth among many positive reviews concerns the outer edge and its tendency to rub away over time.
8. Zwilling Provence Flatware Set
Features
This 45-piece set of flatware from the Zwilling stable gives you 8 pieces of each of the following:
- Forks
- Knives
- Soup spoons
- Teaspoons
- Salad forks
In addition to this, there is also a 5-piece hostess set. This gives you the following pieces:
- Butter knife
- Sugar spoon
- Serving spoon
- Slotted serving spoon
- Meat fork
So, you’ll have place settings for 8, ideal for big family gatherings or large dinner parties, and also great for much larger families.
The blades of the knives in this set are forged so you can slice through everything on your plate without any resistance.
The stainless steel build includes chromium and nickel in the right ratios to minimize any chance of rusting.
Fashioned as a monoblock, you’ll find the dinner knife is ideally weighted and balanced.
Once you’re finished with dinner, all of this cutlery is safe to slide in the dishwasher for seamless cleanup.
Aside from a handful of quality control issues, this is some of the best silverware out there, and it comes in at a very reasonable price point for such a comprehensive set.
9. Mikasa Regent Stainless Steel Flatware Set
Features
If you’re searching for some silverware that’s both easy on the eye and built to last, you can’t go wrong with this stainless steel set of flatware from Mikasa. The Regent Collection consists of 12 of each of the following:
- Dinner knives
- Dinner forks
- Dinner spoons
- Salad forks
- Teaspoons
Alongside these place settings, you’ll also get a 5-piece hostess set, which includes the following:
- Sugar spoon
- Butter knife
- Cold meat fork
- Pierced tablespoon
- Tablespoon
Made from premium 18/10 stainless steel, you shouldn’t encounter any of the rusting issues that blight a great deal of silverware.
The steel is accented by beading of 24K gold. This is subtle enough not to look overpowering, but pronounced enough to make a conversation piece at your next dinner party.
Entirely dishwasher-safe, you get a fantastic and comprehensive set of cutlery here, even though you need to pay a premium. That said, we still feel this flatware represents great overall value for money, so see what you think.
10. Wallace Hotel Flatware Set
Features
As we edge on through this showcase of the best silverware and flatware sets, we have an offering from the Wallace Hotel Collection that makes a great fit for traditional kitchens. What do you get for your money, then?
Well, the 77-piece set gives you enough place settings for 12.
Each set consists of 12 of each of the following pieces:
- Salad forks
- Dinner forks
- Dinner knives
- Dinner spoons
Beyond this, you’ll get 24 teaspoons.
For the purposes of serving, the hostess set consists of the following:
- Tablespoon
- Pierced tablespoon
- Sugar spoon
- Cold meat fork
- Butter knife
The cutlery is all made of stainless steel, the premium 18/10 variety that inhibits rust most effectively.
The cutlery is all emblazoned with a selection of traditional designs, so you’ll be able to enjoy classic silverware without the need to polish it constantly or cosset it in any way.
Indeed, once you’re finished eating, the cutlery is safe to pop in the dishwasher, so you won’t find yourself chained to the kitchen sink washing the dishes or cutlery by hand.
11. Hampton Signature Flatware Set
Features
Don’t be fooled by the mention of bamboo in the listing for this flatware set. This refers to the design rather than material.
You get a 20-piece stainless steel set containing 4 of each of the following pieces:
- Dinner forks
- Dinner knives
- Salad forks
- Dinner spoons
- Teaspoons
This gives you enough for 4 place settings, perfect for most families.
Although we can’t knock the design of this cutlery, we found a number of complaints about the relative flimsiness of the build.
The premium stainless steel should resist any corrosion, even if you pop it in the dishwasher after use. That said, the manufacturer recommends you steer clear of air drying in the dishwasher, as well as avoiding any settings that keep the flatware in contact with water for prolonged periods.
If you still have any doubts about this silverware set, you might be swung by the lifetime guarantee. What have you got to lose?
12. Gourmet Settings Silverware
Features
Next up is a great 2-piece set of silverware from Gourmet Settings. How does it shape up, then?
Well, you’ll get 4 pieces of each of the following:
- Dinner forks
- Dinner knives
- Salad forks
- Teaspoons
- Tablespoons
The sleek stainless steel cutlery comes with a highly polished finish, but you won’t need to slave over it polishing like you would with sterling silver cutlery.
You benefit from a sprawling 25-year warranty, removing any trepidation from purchase and giving you the security of knowing this manufacturer has your back for life.
As with all the best flatware and silverware sets, you can pop this into the dishwasher without any concerns about corrosion.
Where many generalist companies also produce a line of flatware or two, this is all that Gourmet Settings does, so you’ll get an expert rather than a jack-of-all-trades, and it shows in the quality of the finished product.
13. Pfaltzgraff Capri Frost Flatware Set
Features
As we near the end of our quest for the best silverware and flatware sets, we have a great 20-piece option from Pfaltzgraff Capri Frost.
The 20-piece set contains 4 of each of the following pieces:
- Dinner forks
- Dinner knives
- Salad forks
- Dinner spoons
- Teaspoons
So, this set should make a smooth fit for most families, or for couples who want some extra place settings for guests.
The stainless steel silverware means you’ll need to waste no time on polishing or maintenance, although the frosted finish means this stuff won’t look out of place for special meals.
The dishwasher-safe nature of this flatware gives you an easy overall experience and completes a winning package at a very reasonable price point.
14. Robert Welch Westbury Flatware Set
Features
As we near the end of our quest for the best flatware and silverware sets, we have some exceptional cutlery from Robert Welch, a famous British designer, in the form of the Westbury set.
This 5-piece set is intended for a single place setting. If you need more pieces, you can opt for a variety of other options with up to 50 pieces giving you enough for the whole family and guests.
With the 5-piece set, you’ll benefit from the following:
- Dinner knife
- Dinner fork
- Salad fork
- Teaspoon
- Soup spoon
Both the forks and spoons are made of 18/10 stainless steel, while the knives come from one ingot of hardened stainless steel, ensuring you get a sharp and clean finish capable of slicing through anything on your plate.
Once you’ve finished with dinner, you can pop all this flatware into the dishwasher without any niggling concerns about rust.
Guaranteed for 25 years for any defects in the manufacturing process, you can buy this silverware with complete confidence, as long as you don’t mind digging a little deeper.
15. Laguiole Boxed Flatware Set
Features
To round out our curated selection of the best flatware and silverware sets, we have something that’s better for special occasions than for everyday use.
The French-made cutlery undergoes up to 40 different stages in the workshop, and when you see the hand-crafted results, you won’t mind paying a little more for this flatware set.
The 24-piece set consists of 6 knives, 6 forks, 6 teaspoon, and 6 tablespoons. This gives you enough for 6 place settings, perfect for larger families or anyone who entertains often at home.
Perhaps the key selling point of this cutlery is the mother-of-pearl nacrine handles. This contrasts wonderfully with the stainless steel, and this silverware set.
The knives are easy-care, and they are also very easy to sharpen.
While this flatware is perhaps not the best choice for daily use, there are few sets this classy on our shortlist today, so why not give your guests a treat?
As an added kicker, the set comes in a wooden presentation box, making this a great festive gift if, that is, you can resist the temptation to keep it for yourself.
FAQs
1) What is the most effective ratio for flatware when it comes to stainless steel?
As we mentioned above, stainless steel comes in different grades. If these are not listed on the packaging, you can assume the steel is low-grade. The grading reads as a fraction expressing a ratio of chromium to nickel. The most common ratios are 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0. These are the highest quality grades of stainless steel. 18/10 stainless steel is weighty and shiny. 18/0 stainless steel can be prone to rusting.
2) How many sets of flatware do I need?
You should aim to have double the amount of silverware as the number of people in your household. Couples should opt for 5-piece settings for 4. This allows you to keep a spare set to hand, even if a complete set is in the dishwasher. For anyone who regularly entertains, it’s obviously worth buying a bigger set, ideally one including utensils.
3) What is the right way to set the table with flatware?
While you don’t need to be obsessive about the way you set the table for dinner with family, if you have guests for a dinner party or a special occasion, it’s worth learning how to do it the right way. Fortunately, a few simple tips should clear this up for you. You use the utensils from the outside in as you eat. This means you’ll put the salad fork and soup spoon on the outside. As you’ll know, you put forks to the left of the dinner plate, with knives and spoons to the right. Above the plate, you set the utensils for tea, coffee, and dessert. If you look from left to right across the place setting, you should have the salad fork followed by the dinner fork, the plate, the steak knife, the dinner knife, and the spoon. If you need a dessert fork and a teaspoon, pop the dessert fork nearest to the top of the plate, with the teaspoon above it and pointing in the opposite direction. If you are not using any of the above pieces, just remove them without changing the order of the other flatware you’re using.
4) How can I clean my silverware?
You should find that most stainless steel flatware is safe in the dishwasher, but this is not always the case. Copper, gold, and black finishes often fare best when hand washed. You should avoid using steel brushes or steel wool on flatware since this can easily nick the surface, prompting corrosion over time. Don’t let the flatware soak in either food or water for extended periods. For any stubborn food debris, just soak the flatware first and then use a soft sponge to get rid of any residue. Don’t be fooled by the name stainless steel either. You may find your stainless steel flatware picks up stains from hard water. To reduce the intensity of this spotting, always dry your silverware as soon as you remove it from the sink or the dishwasher.
Conclusion
We hope that anyone who arrived at Royal Tavern today stuck on how to find the best flatware and silverware sets is now spoiled for choice.
Many of the sets on our shortlist come with a flaw or two – often a tendency to rust – and we always point out where products fall down to help you more accurately choose the right kitchen equipment for your needs. It goes unsaid we’ll also be highlighting the many benefits of this silverware, too.
If you come across some silverware we didn’t review today, use the information in our buying guide and FAQs to help you determine whether it’s any good.
We update our site regularly, so we would suggest you pop back soon so you don’t miss out on more great content.
