Shopping for the best flatware set for your kitchen can instantly become overwhelming, thanks to a crowded market with plenty of reputable brands and beautiful designs to choose from. Consider how you’ll utilize a set of new flatware—is this an everyday set that you’ll dine with most days of the year, or are you looking to build upon your existing collection with a new set that will bring personality to the table? “Flatware, like high jewelry or an evening gown, really can make or break a tablescape. I always look for collections that fit the needs of how I entertain,” says Marc Sievers, cookbook author, entertaining expert and stylist.
The best flatware sets should be durable, stylish, comfortable to use and easy to care for. Flatware Table Setting
But before you buy a set based on looks alone, consider the ergonomics. “I always look to see if the handle is easy and comfortable to hold in the hand and if the weight of each piece feels substantial,” says Peter Som, fashion designer and entertaining expert. “With the fork, I also take care to check if the tines and roots are of a good size that they can hold a healthy bite of food, and for the knife, if the cutting edge is sharp enough to comfortably cut through poultry or hearty vegetable.”
Our favorite set of flatware overall is the Robert Welch Kingham Flatware Set due to its sleek, yet traditional style, comfortable feel and expansive line of additional pieces. If you’re on a budget, we were impressed with the value of the Henckels Lani 65-pc Flatware Set, which serves 12. Our luxury pick is the sleek and shiny Kate Spade New York Malmo 20-Piece Flatware Set. Below, the best flatware sets you can buy to create the perfect tablescape.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Included pieces: 5-piece set including dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, dinner spoon and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
This shiny set of stainless steel flatware has a mirror-like finish and timeless design that still feels modern. Each piece of this 5-piece set has a nice weight to it and they’re scratch-resistant (trust me, I tried to do some damage). What sets this apart from other products—besides its classic style and durability—is the fact that you can purchase so many additional matching utensils, ranging from serving spoons and forks to a pie server. Say goodbye to mismatched serving pieces and hello to entertaining in style.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Included pieces: dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, teaspoon, dinner knife, serving spoon, serving fork, slotted spoon, butter knife and sugar spoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
If you’re looking for a high-quality set of flatware that’s wallet-friendly, this set is, without a doubt, one of the best values. J.A. Henckels International is one of the most reputable brands for cutlery and kitchen products—and this budget flatware set is no exception. The 65-piece set includes 12 five-piece place settings, plus five serving pieces. The lightweight-design is comfortable to hold and has a classic appearance that will look good 365 days a year. Another bonus? Each set works out to just $5 per person.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Included pieces: 5-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
The clean, modern aesthetic of this flatware set from Kate Spade New York is what initially caught our eye, but the durability solidified that this is a dependable set of flatware. Like other flatware sets on our list, this one is crafted with 18/10 stainless steel, which offers superior strength and shine. Though this 20-piece set is more expensive than others on our list, we think it’s worth it for those looking for something special. If you want something that will really sparkle on your tabletop, go for the gold finish.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Included pieces: 5-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
This set of bistro-inspired flatware, which is crafted with 18/10 stainless steel, will never go out of style. Its traditional design is fitting for everyday dining and special occasions alike and the subtle ridges on the handle is a 21st century approach to your grandmother’s flatware. Each piece is heavy and substantial, which we love because no one should feel like they have to be too precious when slicing a steak.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel, resin and/or acetal polymer | Included pieces: 5-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
This sculptural set of flatware is equal parts fun and functional. The thin, elongated handle is sleek and each piece is remarkably lightweight. Choose from four stylish finishes—stainless-steel, black and stainless steel, white and stainless steel and white and champagne gold. Though this set doesn’t have the classic look that others on this list do, it’s perfect for design lovers who buck tradition.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel and resin | Included pieces: 5-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
If you quite literally want to taste the rainbow, stock up on this multi-hued set of colorful flatware from Mepra, a luxury Italian brand that has been producing flatware since the mid-20th century. The brand is a favorite of Som’s, too. While some sets from their Fantasia collection include pieces in assorted colors, others employ just one vibrant colorway. Each piece is crafted with a combination of 18/10 stainless steel and resin—and yes, they’re dishwasher-safe.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Included pieces: 5-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: No
If you’ve settled on adding a set of gold flatware to your rotation, you should know that all that glitters is not gold. It’s important to choose a reliable, high-quality set of flatware that won’t tarnish or fade after a few washes. We did our research and were impressed with how well this set from Crate & Barrel stood up over time. And while many sets are finished with a bronzy yellow gold, we love that this one is a slightly softer hue of champagne gold.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel and PVD color finish | Included pieces: 20-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, large spoon, small spoon and knife | Dishwasher safe: Yes
This classic flatware design gets an urban chic upgrade with a matte black coating. Hiding beneath the black PVD color finish is 18/10 stainless steel, proving that this flatware set isn’t just about looks but durability, too. Plus, the weight of each piece is perfect if you consider yourself Goldilocks—it’s not too light nor too heavy.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Included pieces: 5-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
We’re consistently impressed with Fortessa’s flatware collections for their weight and durability, and this set is no exception. The Lucca line brings a harmonious feel of rustic elegance to the table and is suitable for everyday dining and holiday dinners alike. The handle features a notable honeycomb design, which catches the light and looks stunning. Thanks to the brand’s craftsmanship and use of 18/10 stainless steel, this set will last as long as it’s in style—which, frankly, will be forever.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Included pieces: 5-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
Don’t immediately equate lightweight with lesser quality. This artsy set from Oneida is just as good-quality as more expensive and heavier duty sets on this list. It’s crafted with 18/10 stainless steel for durability and rust resistance—plus it’s dishwasher-safe as well. In terms of looks, we love that this set is available in three finishes—champagne gold, silver and black—and features a hammered handle.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel and acrylic | Included pieces: 5-piece set including a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon | Dishwasher safe: Yes
There’s so much more to this set of bistro flatware than meets the eye. But let’s start with the obvious—it’s a stunning set of modern bistro flatware that seamlessly goes from gracing terrace tables at Parisian cafes to your dining room table. “There is something so earthy and elegant about collections of French flatware. The weight, the textures, the designs—it always seems to be just perfect. And, like Paris, is always a good idea,” says Sievers. Select from a vintage or shiny finish (we’re partial to the latter for a modern feel) and 12 colorways ranging from tortoise and light khaki to bright orange and burgundy. The handles are thicker than most but extremely comfortable and the visible rivets are proof of the thoughtful quality behind each piece.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel and natural bamboo | Included pieces: 5-piece set including salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon and dessert spoon| Dishwasher safe: No
For summer dinners, a set of bamboo flatware is a must-have tabletop item. While there are a number of stainless steel and bamboo sets available on the market, this one from Pottery Barn stands up against the competition and at a more accessible price point to boot. Interior designer Stephanie Stokes likes using bamboo flatware for “extremely casual dinners.” The handmade handles are crafted from natural bamboo, while the rest of each piece is made from 18/10 stainless steel. The only downside is that, due to the natural bamboo material, each piece needs to be hand washed—but their fun, summery style makes it worth it.
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best flatware sets. We spoke with Marc Sievers, a cookbook author, entertaining expert and stylist, for expert tips on choosing the right set for your tablescape. Here’s what to look for.
Most flatware is crafted of 18/10 stainless steel, which is a highly durable material that is resistant to corrosion (meaning you can stick it in the dishwasher time and time again). The numbers correlate to the amount of chromium and nickel used to create flatware that is resistant to corrosion and oxidation; 18% chromium and 10% nickel is an optimal combination for stainless steel flatware. While the handles may also be made of 18/10 stainless steel, you’ll find that this is where other materials such as acrylic, bamboo, resin and wood may be used.
Most flatware sets will be sold as a four or five piece set, which includes a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, teaspoon and knife. Some flatware sets, such as the Henckels Lani 65-pc Flatware Set, include additional serveware such as a butter knife, sugar spoon, slotted serving spoon and meat fork. You can typically buy an individual flatware set or a bundle that will include four, eight or twelve place settings.
Carefully read the care instructions when choosing a set of flatware. If you don’t want to hand-wash your everyday flatware, make sure you choose a set that is dishwasher safe. “You would be surprised at how many fabulous brands are dishwasher-safe—French silverplate included!” says Sievers. While most flatware these days are designed to be dishwasher-safe, some brands may recommend the use of non-citrus-based detergents, as the high acidity can cause the metal to tarnish. The same goes for flatware sets that do require hand washing; you may need to use mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge for cleaning.
The price for flatware varies based on the material and how many pieces are included in the set. “I always have a range of investment—spending the most doesn’t always equate to quality,” says Siever. On average, one 5-piece set of 18/10 stainless steel flatware should cost around $15 to $20 but there are huge variables, so don’t get stuck on the number. Instead, consider the brand’s heritage, the look and feel of the flatware, its care instructions and what occasions you intend to use it for. And if you want to splurge, make it worthwhile. “Keeping “the good stuff” tucked away for special occasions isn’t necessary. Use it—and a lot!” says Siever.
I’m a reporter on Forbes’ Money in Politics team, where I investigate all things related to the intersection of money and politics, including megadonors, fundraising organizations, the wealth of those holding or seeking public office, and the leadup to the 2024 elections. Before coming to Forbes, I had bylines at The Dartmouth (the nation's oldest college newspaper) and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. For tips, questions and comments, feel free to email kmullins@forbes.com.
I’m a reporter on Forbes’ Money in Politics team, where I investigate all things related to the intersection of money and politics, including megadonors, fundraising organizations, the wealth of those holding or seeking public office, and the leadup to the 2024 elections. Before coming to Forbes, I had bylines at The Dartmouth (the nation's oldest college newspaper) and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. For tips, questions and comments, feel free to email kmullins@forbes.com.
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I'm a writer, editor, and consultant focusing on luxury lifestyle. Formerly, I was an editor at Departures, Travel + Leisure, Glamour, and more. I'm also the founder of @littleackbook, a Nantucket-based publication and concierge service.
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