Bistro Flatware Easy Pieces Style Stainless Fortessa Set
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Choosing a flatware or silverware set can be tricky. On top of choosing between the variety of flatware designs and types of steel on the market, you're also tasked with figuring out aesthetics, budget, and the number of place settings you will need. Tested & Approved The Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set is our tester's best overall pick, offering a design so versatile, it can be used for both casual and formal dining, plus it sports enough place settings for 12 people. If you're looking for a budget pick, the LIANYU 20-Piece Silverware Flatware Cutlery Set has a simple design and is durable and easy to clean. To help you pick the best flatware or silverware set for your home, we tested them out side-by-side and evaluated each on its design, durability, grip, weight, and overall value. Many soups, salads, and entrees (such as braised chicken) were spooned, forked, and knifed to make sure these flatware and silverware sets are truly the best. Whether you're in search of a durable collection for everyday use or a high-end set for special occasions, we've researched and tested the best flatware and silverware for you to dine in style. What We Like Sleek and sophisticated design Service for 12, plus hostess set Appropriate for casual and formal dining What We Don't Like Possible issues with corrosion Only one finish option Who else recommends it? The Strategist and Bob Vila both picked the Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set. What do buyers say? 3,300+ Wayfair reviewers rated this product 4.8 stars. This Lenox flatware set is made of 18/10 stainless steel, which means it has an 18 percent chrome content and a 10 percent nickel content. Nickel is what keeps stainless steel shiny meal after meal and dishwasher run after dishwasher run. (Yep, this set is dishwasher safe.) The set comes with enough five-piece settings for 12 people, plus five serving utensils. The pieces are ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold while eating, and the beaded channel design at the base is subtle. Our product reviewer appreciates the flatware's high-quality feel and minimalist but beautiful detailing. She also awarded the set points for being dishwasher safe and tarnish-resistant, but notes the importance of keeping the utensils dry to prevent rust. What's Included: (12) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, tablespoon, and teaspoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) pierced serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon What Our Testers Say "This set is dishwasher safe and tarnish-resistant, but the utensils do require a little manual care." — Elizabeth Rago, Product Tester What We Like Durable Easy to clean Simple design What We Don't Like Lightweight Whether you're just starting out or want extra flatware for an upcoming dinner, you can't go wrong with this affordable set. You'll get enough pieces for four people to each have a salad fork, a dinner fork, a soup spoon, a teaspoon, and a dinner knife. The set comes in five different colors, in case you're looking for something with a little more personality than basic stainless steel. While reviewers do note that the stainless steel utensils are lightweight, many also mention that the pieces are durable and hold up well after multiple rounds in the dishwasher. No dishwasher? The simple design makes these easy and quick to hand wash. Be careful when you do so—this knife is sharper than one might expect from a butter knife. What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon What We Like High-end artisan appearance Ergonomically designed Beveled fork edge makes one-hand cutting easy What We Don't Like Only serves four Expensive Knork flatware's lauded design was the invention of the brand's founder Michael D. Miller who, while struggling to eat a slice of pizza with a fork, was inspired to create a fork that's more like a pizza slicer. He went on to design the Knork's signature fork (part knife-part fork) with beveled outer tines that can be used to eat left- or right-handed and are sharp enough to cut many foods. This set comes with enough utensils to set a full five-piece serving for four people. They are dishwasher safe. Our product tester likes that each utensil is ergonomically designed with noticeably balanced weight. Plus, the utensils feature a wide, flat finger platform for comfort and are designed to fit the contours of your hand. Each piece is hand-forged according to a 26-step process and is made of 18/10 stainless steel. What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, tablespoon, and teaspoon What Our Testers Say "Knork's branding seamlessly blends into the flatware's design. ... You won't find any bold brand etchings on your knife handles." — Elizabeth Rago, Product Tester What We Like Outstanding price point Sleek design Rounded edges on handles Good for small hands Lightweight What We Don't Like Only one finish option Very casual If your style is no-fuss, no-muss, you'll appreciate the sleek and simple lines of this flatware. It's 18/0, which means it has 18 percent chrome to prevent rusting and wear and tear over time. Reviewers note that the flatware feels sturdy, so you won't have to worry about it warping with continued use. The set comes with a few serving pieces and enough forks, knives, and spoons for up to eight dinner settings. What's Included: (8) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon; (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork, (1) slotted serving spoon, (1) butter knife, and (1) sugar spoon What Our Testers Say "If you're simply looking for an affordable starter collection, the Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set has much to offer. The set checks many boxes, from affordability to design." — Elizabeth Rago, Product Tester What We Like Classic design Comfortable to hold Nice weight Easy to clean What We Don't Like Smudges easily Expensive This timeless and elegant flatware is for anyone who prefers a minimalist approach to their tablescape. As some reviewers note, this pattern is sure to feel as contemporary and classic 10 years from now as it will when you buy it—and the quality means you'll still be able to use it every day. Its longevity is thanks to its 18/10 stainless steel and quality forging process. This flatware is available in sets of five pieces, 20 pieces, 42 pieces, and 50 pieces, so you can get the exact number of settings you need for your home. The larger setting sizes also include steak knives and serving pieces so that everything on your table matches. What's Included: (1, 4, or 8) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon; with (1) serving spoon, (1) serving fork What Our Testers Say "This flatware set is perfect for anyone that prefers a more classic look to their tablescape, and we really appreciated the versatility of the set." — Sage McHugh, Product Tester What We Like Modern, minimalist design Inexpensive Gold color is eye-catching What We Don't Like Extremely lightweight Soup spoon slightly uncomfortable to sip from If you're looking for a set of gold-colored flatware, this set by Ornative offers a bright, contemporary look that minimalists will love. Streamlined and sleek, the simple design is versatile enough to use alongside a wide assortment of tableware. This set is extremely affordable, too, so you can easily pick up more than one set if you want service for more than four people without breaking the bank. Our tester noted that the forks and spoons in this set are very lightweight—an ideal choice for anyone who doesn't enjoy hefty flatware. The fork tines are delicate, yet sturdy enough to hold meat while cutting. The knife cuts fairly well thanks to some slight serration on the blade, and it also has a slightly thicker handle, making it easier to hold on to. The spoon holds a generous amount and has a deep bowl, which some might find a little uncomfortable to sip from. Everything in this set is dishwasher safe—and our tester said they looked great after putting them through a cycle—but the manufacturer recommends hand washing to preserve the finish. If water spots form on the surface of the flatware, they can easily be wiped away with a dish towel or polishing cloth. What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon What Our Testers Say "This set is very lightweight, particularly the fork and spoon, but the knife has a more substantial handle that makes it a bit heavier." — Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Product Tester What We Like Sturdy Comes in fun colors Washable, waterproof carrying case What We Don't Like Case has no loops or straps to hold silverware in place Those who care about the environment likely cringe when they have to eat their takeout salad with a disposable plastic fork, but who wants to carry around their regular flatware with them everywhere they go? Enter this portable, reusable stainless steel set. It comes with everything you could need to enjoy lunch at your desk—even a set of chopsticks for those days when you order sushi—plus two metal straws. Best of all, the utensils come packaged in a waterproof and washable bag that's as easy to clean as the utensils. Several reviewers give this set high marks because it's available in a few different, fun colors, including rainbow, adding personality to their desk lunches. What's Included: (1) 8-piece setting with a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, cleaning brush, bent metal straw, straight metal straw, and carrying case What We Like Sleek, modern design Dishwasher safe What We Don't Like Cannot use citrus dish soap on them The sleek satin finish on this flatware set by Cambridge will add a dramatic accent to your table setting. This set includes four five-piece settings featuring a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon, each made of 18/0 stainless steel and specially treated to achieve the flat black finish. Our tester noted that the pieces are lightweight, but not flimsy, and feel comfortable in the hand. The knife is serrated to aid in cutting through pieces of meat, and the soup spoon has an easy shape that holds a generous amount of liquid. The fork tines come to a gentle point that pierces food easily, giving you great control over whatever you're eating, from salad to fish and everything between. While you can toss these utensils in the dishwasher, you'll want to avoid citrus-scented detergents, and when hand washing, don't use a scouring pad or metal polish as it may damage the finish. After running the set through the dishwasher, some spots were left behind but they are easily removed with a polishing cloth. Stubborn hard water spots can be removed with a bit of white vinegar and a warm water rinse, according to the manufacturer's instructions. What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon What Our Testers Say "These would be great for a themed table." — Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Product Tester What We Like Minimalist modern design Lightweight, but still feels like quality Dishwasher safe What We Don't Like Expensive Mepra is known for its stylish Italian-made flatware featuring sleek, simple lines. The Stiria series is a minimalist, modern collection that has wonderful balance in the hand and a high-luster finish. Available in both 20- and 24-piece sets, it will add a touch of contemporary luxury to any tablescape. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, these pieces are lightweight, but also very sturdy and balanced. The tines on the forks are narrow, yet functional—nice for spearing salad greens or holding meat in place while cutting with the included serrated knives. Our tester loved the gentle curves of the soup and teaspoon that make them super comfortable for eating and the long, slender handles that feel very elegant to hold. These high-quality pieces are very easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. Any spots could be wiped away with a dish towel. Mepra backs this set with a limited lifetime warranty, so expect that you'll be able to use it for a very long time. What's Included: Either (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and a teaspoon or (6) 4-piece settings with a dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon What Our Testers Say "Overall, these pieces feel very elegant in the hand." — Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Product Tester What We Like Contemporary black and gold finish options Playful mashup of styles Stamped unibody construction What We Don't Like Individual pieces aren't available Hand wash strongly recommended This place setting combines contemporary finishes with a classic silhouette—a versatile mix of new and old. Available in both a matte black or antique gold finish, these attractive pieces will look at home alongside sleek modern dinnerware as well as more traditional table settings. Each set comes with 20 pieces for a four-person service, including dinner and salad forks, tablespoons, teaspoons, and a dinner knife. According to our tester, these are quite substantial in weight and feel balanced and comfortable to hold, though the knife edge is smooth and therefore not quite sharp enough to cut through less tender meats. As for the fork, the tines are fairly thick, but still spear well without feeling awkward. The spoons feel nice in the hand and are nice for soup and sauces. Made of 18/10 stainless steel, this set carries a 25-year limited warranty provided by the manufacturer. Our tester noted that the gold finish showed some signs of wear after a run through the dishwasher, so hand washing (and drying right away or else they will spot) will be the best way to preserve the finish on these pieces. The manufacturer does not recommend putting these in the dishwasher, anyway. What's Included: (4) 5-piece settings with a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, tablespoon, and teaspoon What Our Testers Say "The only potential downside is that the knife doesn't have any serration, so it feels a bit dull for cutting proteins like steak or chicken unless they're very tender." —Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Product Tester Final Verdict We chose the Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set for the top spot because of its sleek design that can work for both casual and fine dining. Plus, considering how many utensils are included, it's reasonably priced. For an affordable pick, we recommend the LIANYU 20-Piece Silverware Flatware Cutlery Set. We sent 10 flatware and silverware sets to our experienced home chefs and product testers, who used each knife, spoon, and fork to eat various soups, salads, and entrees, such as braised chicken. Each flatware and silverware set was rated on design, durability, grip, weight, and overall value. Our testers then offered additional insights on each flatware and silverware set's strengths and weaknesses. By Marshall Bright Silver: Flatware is often called "silverware" for good reason: Traditionally, it was silver. The rich showed off their wealth with elaborate table settings (hence the oyster fork) while the poorer classes made do with pewter or even wood cutlery. The invention of stainless steel—which is resistant to rust and corrosion—in the early 1900s changed all that. These days, you can find stainless steel in the finest restaurants and homes, but sterling silver flatware is still very much around. A single flatware setting can run from around $50 to hundreds of dollars. That means a full table setting of sterling silver flatware can easily be thousands of dollars. They also require a lot of upkeep and polishing. Silver-plated: Silver-plated flatware is another option, but it can feel like a "worst of both worlds" scenario. Sterling silver flatware remains valuable because the material is valuable; silver-plated flatware has no such intrinsic value. You'll have to care for it like it was sterling silver but without any opportunity for resale. If you like the antique look of sterling silver flatware but don't have the thousands to spend, partial sets or individual pieces can often be purchased at antique stores for a fraction of the price. Even secondhand sterling silver, if all the pieces are included, can be incredibly expensive. Other plated silverware includes titanium, gold, and copper. Again, this is about looks rather than quality, so most will have a stainless steel core. Plated flatware can chip and wear over time and requires greater care than stainless steel. Stainless steel: Stainless steel flatware is able to have the shine of silverware at a fraction of the price. Today, our flatware still owes something to those more formal silver settings of yore; you can find designs on even the most humble flatware handles that are meant to hearken back to actual silverware. While stainless steel makes bright, shiny cutlery more affordable, it is also far easier to care for than silver. This type of flatware can just be thrown in the dishwasher, dried off, and put away, over and over again. You can't just grab any flatware that boasts the stainless steel logo, though. Good stainless steel will show a grade on the packaging or product page that looks like a fraction: usually 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0. 18/10 means the flatware is 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel, and so on. 18/10 flatware is the highest-quality: It will feel a bit more weighted in the hand, and the 10 percent nickel gives it more shine and more protection from corrosion. If no grade is listed, it's best to assume it is of a lower grade, or may not even be stainless steel at all. In general, it's easy to find a wide variety of styles and designs in 18/10 stainless steel, but lower grades are still a good option if you need to save money. Typically, higher-quality stainless steel with an 18/10 grade is going to be shinier because of the higher quantity of nickel. The bright shine of 18/10 stainless steel is usually called a "mirror finish." Lower nickel amounts typically mean a satin finish, sometimes called a "butler finish" because it has the look of hand-polished silver. But there are exceptions to keep your eye out for. You can get 18/10 flatware with a "tumbled finish," which reduces shine and sometimes even gives it a textured look. Tumbled finishes can give your flatware an heirloom, hand-me-down quality, or a more hand-forged look. Today, most flatware you'll find is stamped, meaning it's been stamped from a larger piece of steel. Forged flatware, which is forged by hand, tends to be more expensive. Traditionally, forged flatware has been seen as the longer-lasting option, but technology in stamped flatware has continued to improve. The main difference between a high-quality forged flatware set and a high-quality stamped set is going to be weight: Forged flatware is heavier. Whether that's a positive or a negative may come down to taste, but odds are you are used to using stamped silverware for your everyday use. Most flatware sets come with five pieces for table settings: dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, tablespoon, and teaspoon, which should be more than enough for day-to-day use. Some larger sets will also include steak knives and serving utensils for those who like everything to match. But unless you anticipate regularly needing an oyster fork or dessert spoon, you don't need to worry about investing in a giant collection of flatware. Box sets: Settings are typically sold in a single pack (one of each) and sets of four, eight, 12, and so on. A flatware set with five settings will, for example, have 20 pieces. Also known as box sets, these packs are also commonly available in 45- and 65-piece sets (both come with the addition of serving utensils, with the former containing enough place settings for eight and the latter serving 12). How big a set you buy is totally personal and can be informed by your kitchen size, number of housemates or family members, and how often you run the dishwasher. Flatware stores flat (of course), so it's better to err on the side of a slightly larger number of settings than a slightly smaller one—there's nothing worse than reaching for a cereal spoon and finding only forks. Open stock: If you're worried about getting too few, you can also check to see if the flatware set is sold in individual settings or individual cutlery. This is also referred to as open stock because retailers keep them in stock so that you can always buy more forks or settings later as the need arises. If the flatware only comes in a 20-piece set, you may just have to buy an entire second set one day as your needs grow. Traditionally embellished flatware tends to have a more classic feel to it to mimic silverware. More modern sets typically pare down details with a more streamlined appearance: a straight, thin handle with no major elements. Because we are so used to design elements in our flatware, these more modern sets are often, paradoxically, more unique and interesting than a more ornate set. Many contemporary options also straddle these two worlds: Subtle shaping at the end of the handle, for example, will give it a traditional feel without other elements. Your choice comes down purely to taste: Both traditional and modern styles are made from stainless steel. The only major consideration is if you want stainless steel flatware in a different color. Black and gold flatware have become increasingly popular in recent years, largely because they're such a striking contrast to the bright silver cutlery we use almost everywhere, every day. These sets are typically made from stainless steel with another color added on top. While some are nearly as easy to care for as regular stainless steel, others may require more careful treatment to keep the coating from peeling off. Sometimes you'll see handles made from another material, like wood or plastic. This is reminiscent of a tradition even older than silverware: handles for knives made from materials like bone. The look can be impressive but has some drawbacks: A separate handle can loosen over time, especially if you're tossing it in the dishwasher. Less expensive flatware is going to show wear and tear along the handle the quickest, and grime and food can settle into cracks. More expensive flatware with resin or wood handles will age better but tend to be expensive and require more care than a simpler, all-stainless steel piece. You probably don't think much about the forks and knives you use every day, but shopping for a new set brings new considerations: Do you want a heavier, high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, or something lighter? Is the handle comfortable? While most basic sets are ergonomically designed to be comfortably held and used, fancier and more design-forward sets may offer more to think about: Is a giant soup spoon, as striking as it is on your setting, something you (or your kids) will want to reach for? Do you prefer utensils with skinny stems, or perhaps longer fork tines for more European-style dining? Even though most flatware sets are stainless steel, there's still a considerable price range. Design and stainless steel grades have the biggest effects on price, with 18/10 being the highest quality and most expensive. But even an inexpensive set, with proper care, can last a long time. A basic set of stainless steel flatware can run as low as $20 for a set of six table settings and go up from there; unique finishes and designs can cause the price to jump to several hundred dollars for a table setting for six. But you can still pick up an investment-worthy setting for six for around $60 to $100. Pricier silverware is rarely sold in open stock: You'll have to purchase additional full settings if you realize you need more spoons or forks. But because of that, open stock tends to be affordable—usually around $2 apiece. Flatware is typically sold in settings with between three to five pieces per person. A typical table setting will usually have at least one fork, one spoon, and one knife. Five-piece settings, which are the most common, have a dinner and salad fork, a table spoon and teaspoon, and a dinner knife. Place settings can be sold individually or in sets of four, six, or eight. Disposable flatware is ubiquitous these days and offers one advantage: convenience. The typical takeout set isn't great at piercing, cutting, or ladling food. Then, once it's done, the plastic goes into the trash and into a landfill. There are eco-friendly alternatives, however, like biodegradable birchwood utensils. These days, the eco-conscious can find alternatives to disposable utensils that can still travel with you. Portable sets can be made of lightweight stainless steel, bamboo, or reusable plastic. If you want to get a travel set, look for one that comes with a carrying case; you're more likely to actually take it with you if it's easy and convenient to do so. Lenox is perhaps best known for its china, and for good reason: the brand has made dinnerware for the White House and the Met Gala. Lenox flatware is just as high-quality, and a set is definitely an investment. But don't be fooled by its storied past; these days, Lenox also sells unfussy, modern flatware and dinnerware. Like Lenox, American flatware company Oneida has well over a century of experience, but its backstory is fairly unique. It was originally founded as a way to fund a utopian community in Oneida, New York. Started in the 1840s, stories you'll read from the commune sound like they're out of the 1960s. The commune eventually dissolved, but the silverware production remained and eventually switched to stainless steel. You'll never look at an Oneida fork the same way again. There are a few simple rules for taking care of stainless steel, and most are pretty intuitive. Most stainless steel flatware can be hand-washed or placed in a dishwasher. Avoid steel wool or steel brushes, since those can nick the surface and cause corrosion or even rusting. If food dries on your silverware and can't be gently scrubbed away, let it soak for a bit or try the more abrasive side of a soft sponge. If you have a color-plated flatware set, like matte black or gold, you'll want to be extra careful about abrasive cleaners or sponges, as it could strip the finish. "Stainless steel" can also feel like a misnomer because it can show some stains: namely, water stains from hard (mineral-rich) water. If your stainless steel starts to lose its luster, and to reduce mineral spotting, try drying it as soon as it's out of the sink or dishwasher. Finally, don't use bleach, which can stain stainless steel. Typically a 45-piece flatware set includes service for eight people, made up of a salad fork, dinner fork, soup spoon, teaspoon, and knife. Additionally, it includes five serving utensils including a serving spoon, slotted serving spoon, meat fork, butter knife, and sugar spoon. A five-piece flatware set is typically a single service of flatware that includes a salad fork, dinner fork, soup spoon, teaspoon, and knife. Generally speaking, you want to have double the amount of flatware settings as there are people in your household for everyday use. For example, a two-person household should have a five-piece setting for four. That way you've always got a set to use while another set is in the dishwasher. If you plan to entertain regularly, consider buying a larger set that includes serving utensils, as well as enough settings for guests. Buying a set that offers additional settings individually is convenient if you need to grow or replace parts of your set down the road. You may have noticed in costume dramas on tv, your cousin's fancy wedding, or at a high-end restaurant that flatware is laid out in a certain arrangement. You don't need a full course in formal dining etiquette to set a nice table. A few points to remember include: Jenny Kellerhals is a food and beverage writer who lives and cooks in a tiny NYC kitchen, where only the highest-quality tools make the cut. She's into the flatware sets with more contemporary finishes, like the Gourmet Settings Birch Black Silverware Set (view at Wayfair) that can transition from a casual breakfast to a more formal-style dinner party. This roundup was updated by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an L.A.-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. After a two-year stint at Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight. She personally tested four flatware and silverware sets on this list.
How We Tested
What to Look for When Buying Flatware
Material
Stainless Steel Grades
Finish
Stamped vs. Forged
Quantity
Design
Ease of Use
Price
Types of Flatware Sets
Place Settings
Disposable
Reusable/Portable
Brands
Lenox
Oneida
Maintenance
FAQs
What is in a 45-piece flatware set?
What does a five-piece flatware set include?
How many flatware sets do you need?
How do you set flatware on a table?
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-flatware-sets-4099020
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