About the Quality of Stainless Steel Flatware
The quality of stainless steel flatware is determined by the amount of nickel present. Nickel makes the flatware more durable and gives the flatware its signature shiny finish. Lower quality stainless steel flatware will contain little to no nickel and its finish will be duller and more susceptible to pitting and corrosion. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Types
-
The highest quality of stainless steel flatware is labeled 18/10. This means that it contains 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel. The next highest quality is labeled 18/8 and the lowest quality will be labeled 18/0, with no nickel present in the flatware. Purchasing stainless steel flatware based on its percentage of nickel is the best quality indicator, not price.
Considerations
-
Stainless steel used in flatware is a composite of different steels and varies in terms of grades for different uses. The main ingredient in flatware is chromium and nickel has been added to provide a resistance to corrosion.
-
Benefits
-
Stainless steel makes flatware resistant to corrosion, fire and heat, and impact, as well as durable, easy to manufacture, sanitary and aesthetically appealing with a high shine finish.
History
-
Harry Brearley developed 18/10 stainless steel in 1913 when he was trying to prevent rifle barrels from corroding. While dissolving the barrels in acid, he discovered that the steel with a high chromium content didn't dissolve in the acid. After experimentation with various levels of chromium, he took his discovery to Thos Firth & Sons in 1914 and began to produce stainless steel flatware for the public. Brearley's stainless steel was later improved to make production and polishing easier of the knives.
Maintaining Stainless Steel Flatware
-
Stainless steel flatware, especially the knives, are prone to discoloration or rust spots, although these can be removed with a non-abrasive stainless steel polish. These spots are mostly caused by repeated exposure to coffee, tea, vinegar and salt, and typically appear during the dishwasher's hot dry cycle. Avoid soaking stainless steel flatware in water overnight and avoid detergent with lemon to maintain its shiny finish.
-
References
- Photo Credit Stockvault.net
