About Stainless Steel Flatware
Stainless steel flatware is the functional flatware most people buy for daily use, whereas silverware is saved for special occasions because it tarnishes. Stainless steel flatware is available in various styles, but it is also available in different grades. If you are not familiar with the grading system for stainless steel flatware, you may be confused as you shop. Do you buy the 18/10 or the 18/0? Once you understand what the figures mean, picking out stainless steel flatware is just a matter of choosing a style. Does this Spark an idea?
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Definition
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Stainless steel is composed of different steels. The main ingredient is chromium. Nickel is often included to help stop corrosion. In fact, the higher the nickel content, the better the resistance to corrosion.
Grading System
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There are three grades of stainless steel flatware sold in the United States: 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0. The 18 stands for the percentage of chromium in the flatware; the second number is the percentage of nickel. Flatware with a higher percentage of nickel is heavier, shinier and better protected against corrosion. Flatware that is 18/0 will dull after time. Flatware that is 18/10 will keep its shine.
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Laws
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Federal law allows companies to label products with at least 8.3 percent nickel as 10 percent nickel. Therefore, some products that say they are 18/10 don't necessarily have 10 percent nickel. The best way to determine quality is to compare to other 18/10 flatware. Look at the shine and feel the heaviness of the flatware.
Styles
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Stainless steel flatware is available in traditional and contemporary styles. The beaded style is a traditional favorite, as are floral designs. Some people prefer contemporary pieces that are void of pattern. There are also continental styles of flatware that are over-sized, similar to European sizing. Instead of a fork measuring 7 1/2 inches, it would be 8 inches long.
Prices
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Prices vary according to the manufacturer and the amount of pieces in the set. The higher the nickel content, the higher the cost, so expect to pay more for 18/10 flatware. Sets can range from $40 for a 40-piece set to more than $400 for a 101-piece set that will include serving spoons, salad sets and butter knives.
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Resources
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