9 Best Stainless Steel Flatware
Every kitchen needs a great set of flatware, whether it’s to serve a bachelor, a family of 4, or a household that loves to host. Utensils are at the center of everyone’s dining experience, so you want to be proud of the set you own and use daily.
When you’re searching for a new set of flatware, stainless steel will always offer the most value for the price pay.
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.Â
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.Â
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | LIANYU 20 Piece Flatware Set | 18/8 stainless steel |
| 2. | Brightown 45-Piece Flatware Set | Ergonomic design |
| 3. | Berglander 20 Piece Plated Flatware Set | Titanium gold finish |
| 4. | Radley & Stowe 20 Piece Flatware Set | Sleek, modern design |
| 5. | Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set | Great price for value |
| 6. | Cambridge Silversmiths 20 Piece Flatware Set | Easy maintenance |
| 7. | Pfaltzgraff Garland Frost 53-Piece Flatware Set | Includes steak knives |
| 8. | Amazon Basics 20-Piece Flatware Set | Simple design options |
| 9. | HOMMALY Travel Camping Cutlery Set | Portable and high quality |
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. Radley & Stowe 20 Piece Flatware Set
Radley & Stowe has their flatware made in China, as are the majority of other flatware sets on the market, but they are designed just outside of London, UK, and the company is headquartered in Colorado, USA. These utensils are truly international in their design and creation.
Key Features:
- 18/0 stainless steel, though with 30% more steel than the leading competitor for added durability
- Very sleek, modern and elegant design with a black matte finish
- 100% Money back guarantee, no questions asked
Biggest Drawback: As with most, if not all flatware, it isn’t recommended that you soak this set in water for any prolonged period. Instead, either wash them within 2 hours of using them so they’ll be easy to clean, or rinse them before putting them into your dishwasher. This will extend their lifespan exponentially.
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.Â
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. Portable Utensils Travel Camping Cutlery Set
All the other stainless steel flatware options on this list are for a conventional kitchen home setting, but the list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t take into consideration meals that are eaten outside the home. This portable stainless steel flatware set can be taken camping, to the office, campus picnics, or even your backyard treehouse.
Key Features:
- 18/8 stainless steel, higher-quality steel for more rugged usage
- Includes basic fork, knife and spoon utensils alongside reusable chopsticks, straws and even cleaning brushes in an attractive case to keep track of your flatware
- Eco-friendly and easy to clean
Biggest Drawback: While there is very little to complain about in regards to the flatware itself, the case it comes in is rather plain and doesn’t adequately showcase the high quality and style of the contents within.
