Stainless steel seems to be all the rage these days: ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and all other manner of kitchen appliances are made of or at least paneled with stainless steel. This material provides a modern appearance, durability, corrosion and stain resistance, and easy clean up. With the rest of our kitchens going toward stainless steel, it’s no wonder that our table settings are doing likewise with stainless steel flatware sets.
Stainless steel flatware sets are an ideal addition to any home. They are the perfect flatware for everyday use and also have an elegance that allows them to be used for formal meals as well. Most stainless steel flatware will be 18/10 stainless. 18/10 refers to the makeup of metal within the flatware, in this case 18% chromium and 10% nickel.
This combination of metals enables the stainless steel flatware to survive temperatures ranging from as low as their freezing temperatures to as high as their melting point. Some of the chromium is reserved for the outside of each piece, so that a protective shell is created. Over time and with normal use, this will wear down and the shine of your stainless steel flatware will dull.
The care for your stainless steel flatware is relatively simple. Wiping the flatware with a soft cloth with a little bit of olive oil will get rid of any streaking. If heat stains appear, you can use a bit of club soda or vinegar on a soft cloth to polish the stains away. Everyday cleanup of stainless steel flatware is super easy – just run it through the dishwasher.
There are many different styles available when it comes to stainless flatware sets. Aside from the design of the handles (which are pretty much innumerable and could fit anyone’s tastes), the finish of the steel varies. Brushed finishes are less reflective and upon close inspection look just as they are described: as if someone took a wire brush to them. Satin finishes are accomplished by sand blasting the steel with small sand particles. A matte is also attained by sand blasting (or bead blasting). Reflective finishes have a mirror-like appearance but often include imperfections or dull spots. This is also known as “bright annealed” and is obtained through a heat treating process and buffing.
Because of the accessibility and affordability of stainless steel (the St. Louis Gateway Arch and the pinnacle of the Chrysler Building in New York are both made of stainless steel), flatware sets are easy to come by. They range in price from $25 for a twenty-piece set to $250 for a forty five-piece set. The more expensive sets will have greater detail in the design and are made by more prestigious companies. You can find stainless steel flatware sets at department stores, specialty shops, and online retailers ranging from overstock.com to oneida.com.
Finding a stainless steel flatware set with your style, price range, and specifications should prove simple, given their prevalence. The question then becomes, will you be able to choose just one?