The Ultimate Guide to Choosing food-grade stainless steel flatware sets

Picking flatware is a surprisingly weighty decision, especially since the average American buys only three sets in a lifetime. We learned this from Matthew A. Roberts, president of Sherrill Manufacturing &#;the last flatware factory based in the United States&#;just one of the many experts we consulted for this guide to helping you pick the right settings for your table.

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With thousands of patterns to choose from, purchasing a set of flatware is a daunting task if you don&#;t know what to look for. That&#;s why we spent over a hundred hours researching what makes great flatware, including taking a tour of Sherrill Manufacturing, interviewing a professor of material science and engineering, and handling hundreds of different utensil designs, to help you make a more informed decision in your quest for the perfect cutlery. It includes a basic overview of construction techniques, design, and materials, so you&#;ll have a better understanding of what&#;s worth paying for.

We suggest starting your search by looking at flatware in person, if you can. Many stores have sample sets available to handle, which will tell you a lot about the weight of individual utensils and how comfortable they are to hold. If you need some recommendations to get the ball rolling, see our guide to the best flatware.

All-purpose flatware sets we love

• The Best Flatware

  After over 200 hours of research and testing over 300 utensils, we recommend 11 sets in a wide range of designs and prices.

Restaurant flatware comes in four different weights: forged, extra-heavy, heavy, and medium weight. Read on to learn about each flatware weight so you can decide which is best for your business.

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1. Forged Flatware:

Forged flatware is the thickest and strongest type of flatware. It is made from a single piece of thick stainless steel which creates the pattern on all sides of the handle rather than just stamped on the top. It is extremely durable and built to withstand any commercial environment, while also fitting in well with upscale dining.

2. Extra Heavy Weight Flatware:

As our premium grade of flatware, extra heavy weight flatware exudes a level of quality that you will see at most finer restaurants and hotels. It feels very sturdy in your hand and is very difficult to bend, compared to medium or even heavy weight flatware.

3. Heavy Weight Flatware:

Heavy weight flatware is more durable than medium weight flatware, not easily bent, and makes for a nice presentation. As a definitive step-up in quality from medium weight, it is commonly used in fast-casual dining establishments and many other mid-level eateries.

4. Medium Weight Flatware:

Medium weight flatware is the lightest flatware that we carry. This is primarily called medium weight flatware in the industry, but it can also be called economy weight and is commonly sought by the value-minded buyer. Medium weight flatware is often bendable in your hand and commonly found in cafeterias, schools, and other institutional settings.

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