9 Best Stainless Steel Flatware
Flatware is one of those buys where the price tag tells you almost nothing. Two sets can look identical in photos, then feel completely different the moment you pick one up.
Steel grade is what separates them. An 18/10 set keeps its shine for years, while a cheap 18/0 set can go dull and start pitting at the tines after a season of dishwasher cycles.
What are makes the best stainless steel flatware? Stainless steel flatware should be made of high quality steel (ideally as 18/8 or even as high as 18/10). The design should be sturdy, comfortable, and useful, but also pleasing. Ideally it will match the style of dishes as well.
In this article, we’ve outlined the 9 best stainless steel flatware sets based on a combination of factors, ranging from price, quality, design, overall construction, and even warranty.
For each of our favorite stainless steel flatware sets, we’ve shared a list of their best and worst features, giving you an honest review to choose which factors matter the most for your unique household.
What is Stainless Steel Flatware?
A standard set of flatware consists of multiple place settings, each containing a dinner knife, fork, and spoon, a salad fork, and a tea spoon for a total of 5 pieces (each).
Sets will usually be sold for 4 people at a minimum, though you may also find them for 8 people or more, depending on what you’re searching for.
In addition to a standard table setting, some flatware sets also have serving spoons and knives and other utensils and potentially even steak knives.
Stainless steel is ideal for flatware because it is rust-resistant and doesn’t tarnish as easily as silver flatware does, making them easier to maintain on a daily use basis.
They can be placed in the dishwasher safely and they’re solid enough to last long-term, even with busy family usage.
Most flatware does come with the recommendation to dry the utensils as soon as they’re washed and not to let moisture collect on them for long periods of time. This is true for all the flatware on our list and it will help preserve the lifespan of your utensils, though some resist water spots more than others.
Stainless steel typically comes in three grade options, indicating the ratio of chromium and nickel in the steel:
- 18/0: The lack of nickel leaves the steel more prone to rusting and corrosion and this is the most likely grade for budget flatware.
- 18/8: This is mid-grade steel, which is evenly balanced between risks and benefits.
- 18/10: This is the highest quality steel and the most durable. It may also be the most expensive option.
9 Best Stainless Steel Flatware Sets
Most stainless steel flatware is made from 18/0 steel, however, and that majority is reflected in our list of favorites. This grade may not be the best, but it is durable and sturdy enough to last a while.
Here are our best picks for stainless steel flatware:
| Rank | Product | Best Feature | Where To Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | LIANYU 20 Piece Flatware Set | 18/8 stainless steel | Check it on Amazon |
| 2. | Brightown 45-Piece Flatware Set | Ergonomic design | Check it on Amazon |
| 3. | Berglander 20 Piece Plated Flatware Set | Titanium gold finish | Check it on Amazon |
| 4. | KINGSTONE 20-Piece Flatware Set | 18/10 steel at a budget price | Check it on Amazon |
| 5. | Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set | Great price for value | Check it on Amazon |
| 6. | Cambridge Silversmiths 20 Piece Flatware Set | Easy maintenance | Check it on Amazon |
| 7. | Pfaltzgraff Garland Frost 53-Piece Flatware Set | Includes steak knives | Check it on Amazon |
| 8. | Amazon Basics 20-Piece Flatware Set | Simple design options | Check it on Amazon |
| 9. | Quatish Travel Utensils With Case | Fits in a lunch bag | Check it on Amazon |
We’ve chosen flatware sets that use creativity in their construction process to make each piece of flatware stand out in a unique way. Some sets are low maintenance, others are high in style, and some focus on ergonomics.
The grade of the steel ensures you can get a high-quality set of flatware for a reasonable price, but there may be a slight trade-off in some areas.
We’ve done our best to present the potential drawbacks fairly in terms of what to expect from specific flatware sets, and what should be expected in all flatware selections. We’ve also added suggestions for how to overcome these minor flaws.
But let’s go into each set specifically, shall we?
1. LIANYU 20 Piece Flatware Set
Two of the most important factors to consider when it comes to flatware is how sharp the knives are and how durable the finish on the cutlery is.
Lianyu’s dinner knives are sharp enough to cut a perfectly cooked steak, though they are by no means chef’s knives.
The finish on the standard stainless steel set is durable and resistant to corrosion, and, for the price, this is a great starter set of flatware.
Key Features:
- 18/8, 304 grade stainless steel
- Classic, simplistic design with a mirror-finished surface and smooth edges that suits any kitchen décor or place setting and is easy to clean, even in the dishwasher
- Comes in multiple finish options, though silver appears to be the most popular
Biggest Drawback: If you opt for one of the colored finishes, it’s important to note that the paint will likely chip or scratch with use, especially if they’re washed in the dishwasher.
2. Brightown 45-Piece Flatware Set
Brightown has chosen a budget-friendly grade of steel and pairs it with strategic design to help the flatware stay in good condition over time.
They’re carefully constructed to be well balanced and easy to grip, no matter how large or small the hands holding the cutlery happen to be.
Key Features:
- 18/0 stainless steel is durable and hearty, great for families
- Ergonomic design and shape, heavy and large enough that they won’t bend or break through regular usage but light enough that they’re suitable for children
- 45 pieces provide a setting for 8 or allow families of 4 to enjoy two full meals before running the dishwasher
Biggest Drawback: As with all 18/0 grade stainless steel, if the flatware is left sitting in water or exposed to moisture for long periods of time, the finish can degrade, increasing the risk of rusting. The design of this set makes them easy to dry and keep clean, but this is something to pay attention to.
3. Berglander 20 Piece Plated Flatware Set
Berglander uses the same grade of stainless steel as many, possibly even most, other flatware manufacturers, but they further treat their utensils with high-temperature vacuum plating in gold, rose gold, black, or even rainbow colors and bi-colored.
This not only makes for a beautiful color addition to your table, but it enhances surface hardness and the finish is quite resistant to chipping or tarnishing.
Key Features:
- 18/0 stainless steel, high-temperature vacuum plated with titanium gold for enhanced surface hardness
- The elegant construction is well-balanced and has an ergonomically friendly design that feels comfortable in your hands, no matter what your eating
Biggest Drawback: Though the titanium plating is resistant to scratching and chipping, if the cutlery isn’t dried after washing they will show water spots, so may need to be buffed with a kitchen towel before they’re brought out to impress VIP dinner guests.
4. KINGSTONE 20-Piece Flatware Set
KingStone makes the set I’d hand someone furnishing a first apartment. Twenty pieces, service for four, and it’s 18/10 steel at a point on the price list where most sets quietly drop to 18/0. The polish is a straight mirror finish, so it reads more expensive on a set table than it has any right to. It sits at 4.6 stars across 4,716 reviews.
Key Features:
- 18/10 stainless steel, so it resists the rust spotting that catches up with the 18/0 sets earlier on this list
- Service for four: dinner knife, dinner fork, dinner spoon, salad fork and teaspoon
- Thickened handles that don’t flex when you lean on a knife, and the whole set is dishwasher safe
Biggest Drawback: a mirror finish shows fingerprints, and this one shows plenty. KingStone’s own care note tells you to keep your hands dry when you handle it, which is a bit of a tell. A dry microfiber cloth wipes them off in seconds. But if smudges bother you, a brushed finish will bother you less.
5. Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set
Oneida is a leading brand of cutlery and tableware worldwide and they have a large selection of both fine dining and everyday flatware.
Some of their most popular options, however, are the budget-friendly flatware sets, like the Mooncrest setting we’ve featured, because of the great price for value and lengthy warranty.
Key Features:
- 18/0 stainless steel with a highly reflective mirror finish
- Sleek, simple understated design to pairs nicely with everything from fine China to a backyard patio set
- 25-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Biggest Drawback: The finish on this cutlery set is a very nice, shiny, and reflective finish that looks great but it has a tendency to tarnish if the flatware is not taken care of. This set, as well as all the others but perhaps even more so, should never be left soaking in water for long periods to protect the finish.
6. Cambridge Silversmiths Blossom Sand 20-Piece Flatware Set
Cambridge Silversmith’s are experts in designing and finishing flatware, treating it as a time-honored craft. Every one of their 300+ designs is unique and carefully manufactured for easy maintenance and high quality.
Key Features:
- 18/0 stainless steel with a brushed finish that’s ideal for everyday use
- Doesn’t require polishing, even after a run through the dishwasher
- Beautifully patterned with spring foliage for a standout setting even in casual dining situations
Biggest Drawback: The construction is very lightweight, which is great for younger members of the family but they do have a higher tendency to bend under force or regular pressure.
7. Pfaltzgraff Garland Frost 53-Piece Flatware Set
Pfaltzgraff has been a highly respected American kitchenware brand for over 200 years. In 2005, they joined the family of Lifetime Brands, which also manufactures brands such as KitchenAid and Farberware, among many others.
The quality, service, and product options from Pfaltzgraff are extensive, and this flatware design is just one of many that could have fit perfectly into this list.
Key Features:
- 18/0 stainless steel that’s dishwasher safe and doesn’t require polishing
- Attractive garland design combines everyday dining to a high-class contemporary place setting
- This serving set of 8 also includes steak knives, which is an appreciated bonus
Biggest Drawback: As with most of the other flatware sets you’ll find, these pieces are dishwasher safe but it’s always better to hand wash and dry them immediately to prevent the finish from deteriorating.
Because of the etched design, there are more crevices for water to collect, and that can damage the finish quicker than a smooth surfaced flatware set, though these have a much more unique design finish.
8. AmazonBasics 20-Piece Flatware Set
AmazonBasics is growing to be a brand as powerful as the eCommerce platform. This flatware set is great quality at a very reasonable price and we love how many options there are.
You can choose from a basic set of 20 pieces, or you can upgrade to a 45 piece or 65 piece set if you have a large family or you enjoy entertaining.
The classic round edge design is their most popular because it matches everything and is very easy to clean, but there are 7 alternate designs to choose from if you want something slightly more specifically styled.
Key Features:
- 18/0 stainless steel is very budget-friendly and yet still a heavy, well-balanced metal
- Backed by a 1-year warranty from Amazon itself
- Great options for design and quantity
Biggest Drawback: If you choose one of the more detailed designs there is a greater chance that water or other liquids will accidentally sit on the flatware rather than drying quickly.
Paired with the budget-friendly quality of the steel, this can lead to rusting if they’re not cared for properly. The smooth, rounded-edge design should not have this problem.
9. Quatish Travel Utensils With Case
Every other set on this list assumes a kitchen and a dish rack. This one assumes a backpack. The Quatish kit is five pieces, fork, spoon, knife and a pair of chopsticks, in a case a shade over nine inches long, and it travels to the office, on picnics, camping, or out to the backyard. At 4.8 stars across 6,749 reviews it’s the highest-rated pick on this page.
Key Features:
- 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, rust resistant and dishwasher safe
- Adult-sized fork, spoon and knife plus laser-etched chopsticks, all in a 9 by 2 inch case
- The case is lined with waterproof foil and has an elastic band, so nothing rattles around in transit
Biggest Drawback: it’s a set for one. Two people packing lunch means buying two of them, and at that point a larger roll-up kit takes up less bag room than a pair of these cases.
