Types of Flatware

There’s a lot more than price that goes into choosing the right flatware for your restaurant. You will also want to keep things in mind like metal quality and durability, style, weight, and theft and loss. In this video I will go over each aspect of restaurant flatware as well as discuss care of your flatware so you can make your investment last. Most restaurant flatware is stainless steel, and for good reason. It’s durable, cleanable, and corrosion-resistant. Did you know that there are different types of stainless steel, though? The types of stainless steel and flatware is designated using two numbers separated by a back slash. The first number is chromium content percentage. Chromium is what gives stainless its strength and rust-resistance. Most flatware will either have a number 13 or a number 18. The 18% chromium is better quality and will be more rust-resistant. The second number is nickel content. Generally you’ll see numbers like 0 if it has no nickel up to 10 if it has 10% nickel. Nickel not only increases the rust-resistance of the metal, but also gives the metal a warmer, more silver look. However, if you have a problem with guests or employees throwing out flatware, please note that the nickel makes the flatware non-magnetic, so it will not work in flatware retrievers. Restaurant flatware comes in different weights: medium, heavy, and extra-heavy. Medium weight is sometimes called economy weight, like this Windsor flatware, it is so lightweight that you could fairly easily bend it. It’s often found in hospitals, schools, snack shops, and institutions. It’s a great choice if theft or other loss is an issue. Expect to replace it more often, as it is not generally as corrosion-resistant. Heavy weight flatware is more durable than medium weight and will not bend as easily. It feels better in your hand, and it often has a better finish than the economy and medium weight. It’s perfect for causal and fast casual dining and other mid-level eateries. Extra-heavy weight is our premium grade. It feels very sturdy in your hand, and it is very difficult to bend. This is what you will find in fine dining establishments. To keep your flatware looking good, be sure to follow the proper procedures in cleaning. Just because flatware is stainless steel doesn’t mean it can’t rust. Here’s how to clean your flatware. Stainless steel flatware will last longer and look better if you keep the following tips in mind. Remove all food remnants from your flatware as soon as possible. Sort and handle properly. It’s a good idea to sort the tines, blades, and bowls down if you transport flatware in the same cylinders. When washing in flatware cylinders, it’s a good idea to mix up the flatware so the forks and the spoons don’t nest. And wash with the business end up. Pre-soak for approximately 20 minutes. Noble Chemical Silva Soak pre-soak powder is a great choice for pre-soaking your stainless steel flatware. This concentrated powder, a little goes a long way, penetrates and saturates soils for more effective removal in your wash cycle. And don’t forget to change your soaking solution after a few cycles, otherwise chemicals and food particles will accumulate and reduce its effectiveness. Like all stainless steel, hard water and detergents high in chlorides will eventually break down the protective film. As long as you follow proper pre-soaking and drying procedures, and your dish machine is rinsing correctly, any high-quality detergent or sanitizer should not harm your flatware. To ensure your flatware always looks its best, be sure to polish immediately with a microfiber cloth or mitt, eliminating any water spots or smudges. Thank you for watching and if you have any questions about flatware, please use our Live Chat button.