How to Choose the Best Cutlery: A Complete Guide by What a Host Home

Surely, at some point in your life you’ve thought: “I want to buy cutlery, but how do I know if a cutlery set is good and worth the price?” At What a Host Home, we believe buying the right cutlery set is about more than just style; it’s about quality, durability, and value.

With this guide, you’ll easily discover how to differentiate high-quality cutlery from cheap alternatives, especially when buying cutlery online.

In the picture: Milan Gold Cutlery Set / Monaco Silver Colour Cutlery Set / Seville Rustic Cutlery Set

Why Choosing the Right Cutlery Matters

Cutlery is more than just forks, knives, and spoons: it’s a daily-use essential that reflects your home’s personality. Whether you’re looking for luxury cutlery for special occasions or affordable cutlery sets for everyday meals, understanding the differences in materials and finishes helps you make the best choice.

Before buying, ask yourself:

1. What function will the cutlery serve in your home?
   Do you need a basic 4-piece cutlery set for everyday use, or a complete cutlery set for hosting guests?

2. What is your budget for cutlery?
   Are you investing in a long-lasting stainless steel cutlery set, or do you just need cheap cutlery for a student flat or first apartment?

3. Do you know how to evaluate cutlery quality?
   The materials and finish make all the difference. Let’s break it down.

Types of Cutlery and Their Qualities

The quality of any cutlery set depends on two things: the raw material and the finish.

1. Stainless Steel Cutlery

The most popular option for both households and hospitality cutlery. Look for these grades:

• 18/10 stainless steel cutlery: Top quality. Contains 18% chrome and 10% nickel. Highly resistant to rust, durable, dishwasher safe, and non-magnetic. Often used in restaurant cutlery and hotel cutlery sets.

• 18/8 stainless steel cutlery: Very similar to 18/10, still excellent for long-lasting use.

• 18/0 stainless steel cutlery: More affordable, with no nickel content. Less resistant to corrosion but still suitable for everyday cutlery sets.

• 13/0 chrome steel cutlery (knives): Ideal for blades that stay sharp longer.

Tip: If you’re looking for the best stainless steel cutlery set, check the nickel percentage; more nickel means better corrosion resistance.

In the picture: London Rose Copper Cutlery Set / London Black Cutlery Set / London Gold Cutlery Set

Why 18/10 Stainless Steel Cutlery is the Best Choice

When it comes to premium cutlery sets, nothing beats 18/10 stainless steel. At What a Host Home, this is the material we recommend and sell most because of its proven durability, shine, and comfort.

What Does 18/10 Mean in Cutlery?

The term 18/10 refers to the metal composition:

• 18% Chromium → Provides rust resistance and strength.

• 10% Nickel → Adds corrosion resistance and gives the cutlery its long-lasting shine.

This combination makes 18/10 the highest quality stainless steel cutlery available.

Benefits of 18/10 Cutlery Sets

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Unlike 18/0 cutlery, 18/10 can withstand years of daily use without losing shine or developing rust spots.

• Elegant Appearance: The nickel content ensures a mirror-like finish that keeps its brightness over time, making it look new even after heavy use.

• Durability: Thick, well-balanced, and resistant to bending. Perfect for both domestic and professional hospitality use.

• Dishwasher Safe: Easy to clean without fading or dulling, unlike gold or black plated cutlery.

• Non-Magnetic: A sign of quality—if a magnet sticks, it’s not 18/10.

Why 18/10 is Worth the Investment

While 18/10 stainless steel cutlery sets are often more expensive upfront than 18/0 cutlery, they are a true investment. A well-made set can last decades, often passed down as family cutlery. Compared to cheaper alternatives that tarnish, bend, or need replacing, 18/10 offers long-term value and timeless beauty.

Who Should Choose 18/10 Stainless Steel Cutlery?

• Families → Everyday durability with elegance.

• Hosts & Entertainers → Professional-quality presentation at the dinner table.

• Restaurants & Hotels → Industry-standard hospitality cutlery that holds up under heavy use.

• First-Time Buyers → If you want a “buy once, keep forever” set, this is it.

Shop the Best 18/10 Stainless Steel Cutlery Sets at What a Host Home

2. Silver Cutlery

Silver cutlery has always been a symbol of elegance. If you’re looking for luxury cutlery sets, here’s what to know:

• 999 silver cutlery (99% pure) is the highest quality, followed by 950 and 925.

• Genuine silver cutlery is heavier and won’t stick to magnets.

• Look for hallmarks like S.S (Sterling Silver). Avoid cheap “silver-plated cutlery,” often marked S.P., which doesn’t last.

3. Nickel Silver Cutlery (Alpaca)

Made from copper, zinc, and nickel, nickel silver cutlery looks elegant and is affordable. However, it requires maintenance to prevent tarnishing. The higher the nickel content, the better the quality.

Buying Cutlery Online: What to Look For

Buying cutlery online can feel tricky. At What a Host Home, we recommend checking:

• Product descriptions: Verify the material (18/10 stainless steel, silver, nickel silver, etc.).

• Photos: Look for real product images, not stock photos.

• Weight and thickness: Heavier cutlery usually means higher quality and longer durability.

• Dishwasher safety: Great for convenience, but remember that gold cutlery sets or black cutlery sets may fade faster if machine-washed.

Pro Tip: For coloured cutlery sets, hand-washing extends their lifespan.