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The Best Cutlery Sets

Last updated on April 12, 2022

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Twirling spaghetti on your fork, using a knife to slice into a buttery steak, using a spoon to scoop up the last little bit of ice cream in your bowl – we often don’t think of cutlery as a vital part of our day, but it is what helps us transport our delicious meals into our mouths. Sometimes referred to as flatware, there are numerous styles of cutlery available for daily use and special occasions.

When selecting cutlery sets, first consider what you need and how many you need. For example, are you looking to add a new set of steak knives to your kitchen or do you just need to add a few small utensils for your kids? Do you want 12 formal place settings for dinner parties or a set of four for your kitchen table?

Cutlery can be sold in open stock, which means that it is available as individual pieces. This is great for college dorm rooms, office cabinets or just to add a couple of low-investment pieces for outdoor parties in your backyard. Another option is cutlery that is available as place settings. Typically, each place setting comes with five pieces, such as a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon and teaspoon. Box sets of cutlery include multiple place settings, such as four, eight or twelve. They can also include serving utensils in addition to the place setting utensils.

When it comes to material, cutlery sets are usually made from stainless steel or sterling silver. Stainless steel is an excellent option for daily use cutlery, as it is affordable, durable and easy to care for. For special occasions, sterling silver is a good choice. While it can be costly, this material is elegant and exquisite. However, it does require maintenance and polishing.

Our Picks For The Top Cutlery Sets

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

dokaworld Dishwasher Safe Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, 20-Piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

dokaworld

Dishwasher Safe Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, 20-Piece

This cutlery set is both affordable and elegant, and perfect for daily use. It is made from 18/10 stainless steel and will not rust. The set is dishwasher safe and won’t lose its polish.

Overall Take

Affordable and ElegantThis cutlery set offers high quality at a fair price.

 Runner Up

HIWARE Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, 48-Piece

HIWARE

Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, 48-Piece

This classy cutlery set features a highly mirrored polish, smooth edges and a comfortable handle. It is made from high-quality stainless steel and is corrosion resistant. The set includes eight place settings.

Overall Take

Classy Choice This cutlery set features a mirrored polish and smooth edges.

 We Also Like

PHILIPALA Laser Engraved Floral Pattern Cutlery Set, 20-Piece

PHILIPALA

Laser Engraved Floral Pattern Cutlery Set, 20-Piece

This cutlery set has a unique look with a flowery laser engraving. It has a smooth polished edge without any rough spots. The set includes four place settings.

Overall Take

Unique LookThis cutlery set features a flower laser pattern.

 Strong Contender

M MCIRCO Mirror Polished Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, 65-Piece

M MCIRCO

Mirror Polished Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, 65-Piece

If you’re looking for simplicity, this delicate cutlery set is a good option. It includes eight place settings. The material is corrosion resistant and highly durable.

Overall Take

Simple DesignThis cutlery set has a delicate look.

What to Look For

  • In addition to the material, you’ll want to consider what kind of finish you prefer for your cutlery sets. When it comes to stainless steel, you will have two options: mirror or satin. Mirror, as the name suggests, is a shiny, polished finish while satin is more muted and matte. Mirror is a lovely choice, but you will be able to see more fingerprints on this type of finish.
  • When it comes to daily use cutlery especially, comfort is key. After all, you will be eating with this flatware for every meal for years to come. That’s why it’s important to check out the weight of each piece and see whether you like the feel of it in your hands. For example, is the knife too heavy or does the fork feel too top-heavy? These are important aspects to consider.
  • When choosing flatware, it’s important to keep style in mind. While being trendy is important, cutlery is typically something people use for many years at a time. This is why many people stick to classic styles rather than something unique and eclectic. The style of the flatware should match with your dishware and overall aesthetic, but also be able to compliment any future dining styles you have. Clean lines that are free from too many embellishments is usually a safe way to go, especially if you’re looking for something you will potentially have for decades.

More to Explore

Did you know that knives and spoons were used long before forks were invented? Since the Paleolithic era, humans have been using cutting tools. However, we have only used them at the table since around 1,000 BC. This is when knives first appeared on the dinner table. In addition to knives, spoons that were carved out of bone, wood or shells were used around this time. This new utensil was a response to new foods that people started to eat that had different consistencies, and as a result required different tools. When did the fork arrive at the table? It likely wasn’t until the mid 1500s in Europe, when they became a royal trend. At this time, forks had just two prongs, instead of the three or four we have now.

More to explore