Flatware Buying Guide

Stainless steel flatware is available in three qualities: 18/0, 18/8, or 18/10. These designations refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel alloy. The "18" refers to 18% chromium which is added to the steel mix to give it stainless properties and strength. The "8" or "10" refers to nickel, which gives a soft, silvery sheen and increases the rust-resistance of the alloy. A "0" indicates that nickel is not a part of the stainless steel alloy.

18/0 is much less expensive than 18/8 or 18/10. 18/8 or 18/10 gives greater protection against corrosion and has a softer shine. We currently sell two flatware patterns that are made of 18/8 stainless. They are called "Regency" & "Marquis".

Keep in mind that these numbers do not refer to the weight of the stainless.

Both grades of stainless steel are fully dishwasher-safe.

Flatware Weight Descriptions

1. Medium Weight Flatware - Medium weight flatware is the lightest flatware that we handle. This is primarily called medium weight flatware in the industry but it can also be called economy weight. This is the stuff that is bendable in your hand but used by the value minded buyer.
   
   Shop our medium weight flatware: Dominion 18/0, Melinda 18/0, and Windsor, Economy 18/0.
2. Heavy Weight Flatware - What we call heavy weight flatware at The WEBstaurant Store is, of course, a nicer weight than the medium weight flatware. It is what commercial made flatware used to be like years ago. It is very durable, not easily bent, but still makes for a nice presentation.
   
   Shop our heavy weight flatware: Belmore 18/0, Concord 18/0, Lexington 18/0, Queen Anne 18/0.
3. Extra Heavy Weight Flatware - Extra Heavy Weight Flatware is considered our premium grade flatware. This is the level of quality that you will see at most finer restaurants and hotels. This is very durable. It feels very sturdy in your hand and is very difficult to bend. It is the nicest level of flatware that you can buy next to silver-plate. You also have the advantage of the 18% chrome alloy, which makes for easy cleaning.
   
   Shop our extra heavy weight flatware: Regal 18/0, Prima 18/0, Laguna 18/0, Marquis 18/8, Regency 18/8.

Flatware Cross Reference Guide: Compare our Item Numbers to Styles and Weights Across Several Sources

Style	Description
Teaspoon	The classic teaspoon is part of most traditional place settings. It is used for a wide variety of items from coffee and tea, to desserts, cereal, and soup. It is what most people envision when they think of a spoon.
Dessert Spoon	A dessert spoon is similar in size and shape to a soup spoon (often larger than a teaspoon, too). It has a wide, deep, oval-shaped bowl.
Tablespoon	A tablespoon resembles a traditional teaspoon in shape, but is much larger. Tablespoons are mainly used as serving utensils for bowls placed in the middle of the table.
Soup Spoon	A soup spoon has a wider and deeper oval-shaped bowl than a tablespoon, so it can hold more liquid. It has a similar overall shape.
Demitasse Spoon	A demitasse spoon is similar in shape to a standard teaspoon, but generally has a longer handle and a slightly smaller bowl. It's designed to stir coffee drinks served in small quantities such as espresso or cappuccino.
Bouillon Spoon	A bouillon spoon is another type of soup spoon. Bouillon spoons are generally smaller than a regular soup spoon and have a round bowl.
Iced Tea Spoon / Soda Spoon	This spoon generally has a long, thin handle and a small, oval-shaped bowl. It's great for stirring tall drinks, milk shakes, and root beer floats.
Dinner Fork	The all-purpose dinner fork is part of almost all traditional place settings. It is usually used for the main course. In many casual or quick-serve restaurants, this may be the only fork used. Most dinner forks have four tines, but some only have three, depending on the pattern.
Cocktail / Oyster Fork	This small fork is suitable for small appetizers such as cheese cubes, olives, and oysters.
Dessert Fork	A dessert fork and a salad fork are sometimes used interchangeably, even though true dessert forks are slightly smaller and thinner than a salad fork. It is mainly used for eating desserts such as cake or pie.
Salad Fork	A salad fork is smaller than a traditional dinner fork, and is most often used for eating salads or smaller items such as sliced fruit. It may also be used as a dessert fork, even though a true dessert fork is even smaller and more thinly-built.
European Dinner Fork	A European dinner fork is generally larger and heavier than a traditional dinner fork. It is usually used during formal occasions and can be found in many higher-end restaurants.
European Dinner Knife	A European dinner knife is nearly a third larger and heavier than a traditional dinner knife. It is most often used in formal occasions and is found in many higher-end restaurants.
Butter Knife	A butter knife typically has a dull edge with a rounded point. This design makes it suitable for spreading jam or butter onto soft foods like rolls, muffins, or toast.