Although it may seem easy, choosing a cutlery set can sometimes be a head-scratching decision. After all, high quality cutlery isn't frequently replaced. Having the right cutlery can help bring class and elegance to any meal, bring your dinner table to life, and create withstanding memories on special occasions.

Cutlery material

Materials can be combined with a variety of metals, have extra coatings, and even additional components. Whilst this variety may be great for aesthetics, these materials' quality and durability may vary. Stainless steel cutlery is recommended for everyday use because it is very durable and easy to clean, giving it a longer lifespan than other materials. The shine and weight of stainless steel cutlery is unrivalled, which adds to its value for money.  

 

Fully forged stainless steel cutlery in a restaurant setting

18/0 versus 18/10

Stainless steel is an alloy material, meaning that it comes in different grades. Whilst these numbers (18/0 and 18/10) might not mean a lot, they are crucial in helping you make your decision when shopping. The two principal components making up stainless steel cutlery are chromium and nickel.

The numbers represent the percentage of these components in the stainless steel alloy:

18/0: 18% chromium and 0% nickel
18/10: 18% chromium and 10% nickel

Offering hardness and rust-resistance, chromium is important to stainless steel cutlery products. Nickel, on the other hand, is added for the product’s shine and corrosion resistance.

Nickel-containing cutlery is more luxurious. Whether you want to pick 18/0 or 18/10 cutlery is entirely up to you and usually based on your budget. Many people get by with using 18/0 cutlery every day, although it feels lighter and looks less shiny than the superior 18/10 grade.

Stainless Steel Chopstick Cutlery on a table

Different styles

The style of cutlery usually depends on the occasion. You may want a simple design for everyday use, whilst wanting patterned traditional heavyweight cutlery for special dinners with the whole family. The most popular stainless steel finishes are mirror and satin. Whilst mirror creates a highly polished finish, satin gives a brushed, matt finish. 

12 person setting vs 4

What cutlery set you get depends on the number of people using it. Your household may only use a few pieces of cutlery daily, but big occasions like parties or Christmas can easily increase to a full place setting plus additional cutlery pieces. Smaller sets are popular with smaller parties or storage space, however larger sets are popular with bigger gatherings where matching pieces are vital. No one wants odd cutlery at a dinner party right?

Forged versus stamped cutlery

Most cutlery comes in two different forms, stamped and forged. Stamped cutlery is formed when a design is ‘stamped’ out from a big sheet of steel before being heat-treated for durability. Fully forged cutlery is made out of a bar of steel which is then heated, and then finally pounded into shape. Forged cutlery is usually heavier and more expensive than stamped cutlery. Overall, you should choose the product based on how it feels in terms of design, comfort and efficiency when using it. Looking for trusted brands like Grunwerg can also help you make a reliable decision.

Luxury stainless steel cutlery on a dining table

75 years of cutlery experience

Grunwerg has a range of cutlery collections to choose from, introducing you to stainless steel and highly durable British staples to help customers enjoy a range of cuisine. With 75 years of British design experience, customers can rely on Grunwerg cutlery sets, whether they are hunting for something for everyday use or for those more sophisticated moments.

The 44-piece Yin & Yang White cutlery set is for 6 people. With a highly polished mirror finish and a weighty, luxury feel, this set offers a holistic and elegant design, ideal for dinner parties. Using 18/10 stainless steel gives this product its outstanding robustness, whilst the Full Tang offers users an efficient grip.

The 56-piece Gliss cutlery set for 8 people also offers durability with its 18/10 stainless steel construction and elegance taking any dining experience into a sophisticated setting. With a heavyweight feel, smooth hold, and polished mirror finish, this gleaming set is perfect as a wedding present or for everyday use.

The Tatami 84-piece set caters to 12 people, offering all the essentials and more with a luxury, heavyweight feel. With a hammered, fully forged design, this set is unique in its tastefulness, adding a contemporary, textured style inspired by the traditional Japanese Tatami rice straw.

Take your dining experience to the next level with a cutlery set that is perfect for your needs. It’s time to immerse yourself in the sophistication that Grunwerg is known for around the globe.

15 February , 2022