Best Silverware Sets for Fine Dining (2023 Reviews & Guide)

Looking for the best silverware sets to equip or restock your kitchen? You’ve come to the right place — we’ve tested and reviewed the hottest sets of the year to help you choose a set that will ideally complement your dinner table. Be our guest and dig into the reviews!

Overview of the Top Products

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Cambridge Silversmiths Julie Satin Flatware Collection

Top flatware set for the money

  • Convenient weight and size
  • Works well with both casual and fine tableware
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Fit for all occasions
star
9.9

$238.97

Read Review

Zwilling Opus (Polished) 45-pc Flatware Set

One of the highest-quality flatware sets of 2022

  • Forged blades for precise cutting
  • Long-lasting silvery luster
  • Additional serving pieces
  • Mono-block design
star
9.7

$200.00

Read Review

West Elm Sidney 5-Piece Flatware Set

Top-quality modern silverware

  • Exclusive and innovative design
  • Finely balanced
  • Durable for everyday use
  • Optimal size
star
9.5

$49.50

Read Review

Amefa Austin 20-pc Flatware Set

One of the leading flatware brands

  • Four polished finishes
  • Stylish retro design
  • Mixes well with other tableware
  • Perfectly balanced
star
9.8

$69.95

Read Review

Devico Portable Utensils

One of the premium silverware brands for traveling

  • Portable case included
  • Variety of eating utensils
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Easy to clean
star
9.1

$13.99

Read Review

Fortessa 5-Piece Arezzo Brushed Silver Flatware Sets

One of the top-rated silverware sets that won’t rust

  • 360-degree pattern design
  • Solid knife handles and serrated blade
  • Hefty and balanced feel
  • Polished and brushed finishes
star
9.2

$51.98

Read Review

CB2 20-Piece Abe Brushed Black Flatware Set

Top everyday silverware set

  • Complements more elaborate tableware
  • Sturdy, well-balanced utensils
  • Ideal gift
  • Aesthetically pleasing
star
9.3

$109.00

Read Review

Cutipol Moon Cutlery Polished Steel 5-pc Set

Premium 18/10 flatware set

  • Durable materials
  • Ergonomic design
  • Lightweight and stylish
  • Moon-shape inspired design
star
9.6

$67.00

Read Review

Citterio 98 Cutlery Set, 16 parts

Top cutlery set of 2022

  • Ideal cutlery proportions
  • A blend of traditional and modern design
  • Fit for all occasions
star
10

$223.00

Read Review

Alessi Dry 24-Piece Cutlery Set 4180S24

One of the all-time top-rated silverware sets

  • A brand with a long tradition
  • Simple and elegant style
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Traditional craftsmanship
star
9.4

$460.00

Read Review

Top Flatware Set Reviews

Cambridge Silversmiths Julie Satin Flatware Collection

star
9.9

Top flatware set for the money

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: 18/10
  • Finish: Black
  • Number of pieces: 20
  • Shipping: Free shipping available
  • Return policy: 30-day returns

The Julie Satin Flatware Collection is currently considered to be among the most popular Cambridge Silversmiths flatware products with a classic design and smooth satin finish. The collection is made of high-grade stainless steel for lasting quality.

We really liked the dimensions of the cutlery, with special emphasis on the round spoon bowl shape and good depth. In addition, the pieces are well-balanced — not too heavy, but not too light either.

A frequent comment in the Cambridge silverware review section is that the pieces, particularly the knives, can easily get smudged. Nevertheless, if you choose to buy this neat set, you can resolve the issue by hand-drying the cutlery after washing it.


Pros

  • + Convenient weight and size
  • + Works well with both casual and fine tableware
  • + Dishwasher safe
  • + Fit for all occasions

Cons

  • Knives smudge easily

Zwilling Opus (Polished) 45-pc Flatware Set

star
9.7

One of the highest-quality flatware sets of 2022

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: 18/10
  • Finish: Mirror
  • Number of pieces: 45
  • Shipping: Free on orders above $59

This is another high-quality flatware set whose elegant charm lies in the subtly curved handles and bright polished mirror finish. It’s a premium modern flatware set, which comfortably fits your hand and can be used both for formal and informal occasions.

The set includes eight 5-piece place settings plus five serving pieces: a butter knife, a serving spoon and fork, a slotted spoon, and a sugar spoon. The polished stainless steel pieces are easy to maintain and have a long-lasting silver-like shine.

The knives are the star attraction of this premium silverware set — we enjoyed making sharp and precise cuts with the heavy forged blades. Partially thanks to the mono-block construction, these knives allow for easy cutting for hassle-free enjoyment in your steak. While some users found the handles on the knives too thin, the curvature of the handles ensures a steady and comfortable grip.


Pros

  • + Forged blades for precise cutting
  • + Long-lasting silvery luster
  • + Additional serving pieces
  • + Mono-block design

Cons

  • Knife handles may be too thin

West Elm Sidney 5-Piece Flatware Set

star
9.5

Top-quality modern silverware

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: 18/10
  • Finish: Satin/matte, colored
  • Number of pieces: 5
  • Shipping: Free shipping is available
  • Return policy: 30-day money-back guarantee

An exclusive creation by designer Aaron Probyn from London, this is a very elegant basic silverware set, available in three colors — gold, silver, and black. The cutlery has a very modern, minimalist look and feels well-balanced in the hand.

This set includes only the five essential pieces, but you can also buy larger sets with 20 or 60 pieces. The 18/10 stainless steel core is coated in colored finishes, providing just the right blend of high-quality materials and innovative style.

This is the top flatware set for you if you’re looking for a stronger matte effect that seems to change color over time, instead of the typical silvery lustrous look. The cutlery is relatively dishwasher safe, but the manufacturer recommends handwashing not to damage the finish.


Pros

  • + Exclusive and innovative design
  • + Finely balanced
  • + Durable for everyday use
  • + Optimal size

Cons

  • The color finish might wear off after a while

Amefa Austin 20-pc Flatware Set

star
9.8

One of the leading flatware brands

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: 18/0
  • Finish: Polished
  • Number of pieces: 20
  • Shipping: Free shipping available
  • Return policy: 30-day returns

Another colorful surprise on the list is the new stainless steel flatware set by Amefa, one of the top flatware brands in the world. We loved how the bright polished finishes throw in a pinch of the vintage atmosphere at the table.

The set includes 20 pieces made of lower-grade steel, which means that they’re very light and might not last as long as the cutlery of higher-grade steel. You can buy it in all black, champagne, copper, or gold finishes.

This effective and simple silverware set cutlery is PVD-coated, so you’re recommended to hand wash it for longer preservation of the surface, or to choose a dishwasher mode suitable for delicate flatware.


Pros

  • + Four polished finishes
  • + Stylish retro design
  • + Mixes well with other tableware
  • + Perfectly balanced

Cons

  • Lower stainless steel grade

Devico Portable Utensils

star
9.1

One of the premium silverware brands for traveling

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: N/A
  • Finish: Mirror
  • Number of pieces: 8
  • Shipping: Free shipping available
  • Return policy: 30-day returns

Here’s an eco-friendly and modern cutlery set for practical travelers. Devico’s Portable Utensils grant your every food-related wish — you can eat Chinese food, a salad, or a burger, no matter where you are.

The set includes one 4-piece setting, two chopsticks, and two straws, as well as a straw-cleaning brush, all neatly packed in a compact portable case that fits in your handbag. Another reason Devico is among the most popular silverware brands is the stylish mirror finish available in black, silver, blue, rainbow, and our personal favorite, rose gold.

The reusable utensils are made of stainless steel, but there’s no information on the steel grade, which could be covering up the use of lower-quality steel. However, since users are perfectly happy with the durability of the set, the material seems to be up to the task. So if you’re anything like 40% of shoppers who have a hard time planning what to cook every day, and you enjoy eating out, this set might be perfect for you.


Pros

  • + Portable case included
  • + Variety of eating utensils
  • + Available in multiple colors
  • + Easy to clean

Cons

  • No info on the stainless steel grade

Fortessa 5-Piece Arezzo Brushed Silver Flatware Sets

star
9.2

One of the top-rated silverware sets that won’t rust

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: 18/10
  • Finish: Polished or brushed
  • Number of pieces: 5
  • Shipping: Free shipping available
  • Return policy: 30-day returns

Let’s take a look at another premium stainless steel flatware set, one widely used in restaurants and cafes due to its lavish style.

Fortessa’s cutlery uses the Arezzo pattern, with square-cornered handles and a stylish profile, and it even has the brand logo stamped on the fork and spoon heads. Some reviews find the place of the stamping a bit unusual as you can sometimes even feel it on your lips while eating, but you get used to it after a while.

This top-rated silverware comes in polished and brushed finishes, and you can choose between black, silver gold, and rose gold. Most reviewers report that the pieces are easy to clean and that they retained their good looks even after a longer period of use.


Pros

  • + 360-degree pattern design
  • + Solid knife handles and serrated blade
  • + Hefty and balanced feel
  • + Polished and brushed finishes

Cons

  • The brand stamp might be too prominent

CB2 20-Piece Abe Brushed Black Flatware Set

star
9.3

Top everyday silverware set

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: 18/0
  • Finish: Brushed
  • Number of pieces: 20
  • Shipping: Free US shipping
  • Return policy: 90-day returns

If you’re looking for eye-pleasing yet simplistic flatware for an everyday table setting, CB2’s Abe flatware set in black might be perfect for you. Don’t be fooled by the slender look — the pieces are sturdy and have a comfortable feel to them.

The brushed black finish gives the set a sleek look, and what’s more, the utensil heads are more lustrous than the handles, contributing to the overall aesthetics of this set. The simplicity of the cutlery allows it to perfectly complement your favorite dinnerware set, regardless of its design and color combinations.

This nice silverware set can last you for quite a while with proper care — wash and dry the cutlery by hand so as to preserve the color. Users have complained about the black surface layer chipping off after a short period of use, but if you avoid citrus-based detergents, you might be able to avoid this issue.


Pros

  • + Complements more elaborate tableware
  • + Sturdy, well-balanced utensils
  • + Ideal gift
  • + Aesthetically pleasing

Cons

  • The black finish sometimes chips off

Cutipol Moon Cutlery Polished Steel 5-pc Set

star
9.6

Premium 18/10 flatware set

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: Portuguese Cutipol’s Moon Cutlery is the ultimate blend of creatively designed and high-quality silverware. You’ll absolutely adore this luxurious and lightweight 5-piece set made of 18/10 hand-polished stainless steel.18/10
  • Finish: Polished
  • Number of pieces: 5
  • Shipping: Free within the US on orders over $75
  • Return policy: 15-day returns

Portuguese Cutipol’s Moon Cutlery is the ultimate blend of creatively designed and highquality silverware. You’ll absolutely adore this luxurious and lightweight 5-piece set made of 18/10 hand-polished stainless steel.

The design immediately stands out due to the oversized rounded heads and long, thin handles. We love the extra effort invested in the quality of the knives — the 420 stainless steel strengthens the blade for extra power and toughness.

The materials used to create the pieces are just part of the reason this is widely considered one of the highest-quality stainless steel cutlery sets produced this year. However, as strong as it is, the 420 steel is not as resistant to oxidation, so make sure you wash the knives immediately after use and dry them thoroughly before putting them away.


Pros

  • + Durable materials
  • + Ergonomic design
  • + Lightweight and stylish
  • + Moon-shape inspired design

Cons

  • Knives are vulnerable to oxidation

Citterio 98 Cutlery Set, 16 parts

star
10

Top cutlery set of 2022

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: 18/10
  • Finish: Matte-brushed
  • Number of pieces: 16
  • Shipping: Available in the US from $21.30
  • Return policy: 30-day return policy

No list of the top-quality silverware sets of 2022 would be complete without the Citterio 98 set, designed by the Italian designer Antonio Citterio for the Finnish brand Iittala. This cooperation yielded a utensil set widely regarded to have the perfect proportions and quality.

The pieces are curvy, hourglass-shaped, with a longer neck and wide, flatter handles that give the right heft and balance while holding. Their matte-brushed surface and design might remind you of traditional restaurant flatware, but you can use this set for every occasion.

The set received some of the most positive flatware reviews overall, and it’s highly praised for its bold and outstanding design. The best part about the set is that it’s also not high-maintenance — you can easily put it in the dishwasher without worrying about damaging it.

Finally, it has to be said that some of the buyers would have preferred it if the set included the serving pieces. However, considering the quality and the durability of the used materials, this is still a great deal for the money, and its timeless design makes the set easy to combine with your other tableware.


Pros

  • + Ideal cutlery proportions
  • + A blend of traditional and modern design
  • + Fit for all occasions

Cons

  • No hostess serving pieces included in the set

Alessi Dry 24-Piece Cutlery Set 4180S24

star
9.4

One of the all-time top-rated silverware sets

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Grade: 18/10
  • Finish: Mirror
  • Number of pieces: 24
  • Shipping: Free shipping is available
  • Return policy: Non-returnable item

The design of the Dry 24-piece cutlery set dates back to 1982, so the fact that it’s still one of the most popular flatware sets in the marker almost four decades later speaks louder than words.

Alessi prides itself on the ability to join traditional crafting techniques and contemporary style so that it can suit the table setting of a modern celebration, such as a wedding. We especially like how the mirror-polished radiance of the cutlery heads and blades stands in contrast to the matte finish of the handles.

The 18/10 steel makes this nice silverware set dishwasher safe and low maintenance. The pieces are also hefty enough for balanced handling. Although not the most affordable set on the list, reviewers mostly report that the set met their expectations and is worth every penny.


Pros

  • + A brand with a long tradition
  • + Simple and elegant style
  • + Dishwasher safe
  • + Traditional craftsmanship

Cons

  • Somewhat pricey

How to Pick the Best Silverware Sets

— Buyer’s Guide —

Choosing a silverware set is a multifaceted experience with many factors to consider. If this is your first time buying a set on your own, read our detailed guide and learn everything you need to know before making a purchase.

Material

Sterling Silver

Traditionally, highquality silverware was made of, well, silver. Silver flatware used to be a matter of prestige reserved for higher social classes, but not everyone can afford it, even today.

Sterling silver is actually an alloy containing a minimum of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, making it a sturdy flatware material resistant to deformation. Top flatware sets made of sterling silver are highly valuable, so the price can reach several thousands of dollars.

These heirloom quality sets are perfect for special occasions such as a fancy dinner, but they’re rather high-maintenance — they need regular polishing and careful storage. Additionally, don’t put them in the dishwasher as this will likely damage their finish.

Plated Silver

Silver-plated sets are usually the highest-quality affordable flatware since plated silver is not as expensive as sterling silver. They do require the same upkeep as sterling silver sets, but you get the glamour of having a silver flatware set without spending a fortune. Another advantage of these sets is that they’re less prone to corrosion as they’re essentially made of stainless steel and covered with a thin layer of silver.

Stainless Steel

You’ve probably noticed that all of our toprated flatware sets are made of stainless steel. This alloy of chromium and nickel is probably the best option for an everyday flatware set as it is highly durable and low maintenance.

A good chromium and nickel ratio is how you make sure you’ve chosen the highest-quality stainless steel cutlery. The usual stainless steel grades for flatware are 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0, where the first number signifies chromium percentage, and the second is the percentage of nickel. Ideally, you should aim for 18/10 because the higher nickel content is what keeps your flatware shiny and corrosion-resistant, and avoid the lowest-grade sets without nickel.

Finally, you should know that the premium stainless steel flatware should have an indication of the grade — if there’s no such indication, you might be buying low-quality flatware that may not be stainless steel at all.

Other Materials

Although the highestrated flatware typically uses other materials, you can also buy sets with wooden, plastic, or resin handles. These aren’t the best choices if you’re aiming for durability, as most of them get damaged in the dishwasher and are prone to quick wear and tear. On the other hand, they’re quite affordable and good for everyday use, especially if you have small children.

You can also buy a modern cutlery set that is electroplated, meaning that the metal plating takes place by means of electric current, and the usual finishes apart from silver are copper, gold, or rose gold.

Sets with PVD coating are another option — a thin layer of vaporized coating that is generally used when making colored flatware. These sets are longer lasting than electroplated ones but don’t be surprised to see the finish wearing off in both cases.

Finish

Toprated stainless steel flatware can have a mirror finish or a satin finish. The former is polished and shiny, while the latter is a matte finish which many find more convenient for everyday use.

Mirror finishes are shinier and typical for 18/10 stainless steel grade, while the satin or “butler” finishes are matte, usually found in lower steel grades, and resemble hand-polished silver. A third possibility is the tumbled finish. You can buy very good silverware sets with this finish as the pieces have a less shiny, sometimes textured look, making them appear hand-forged.

Stamped or Forged

Stamped flatware is stamped from larger pieces of steel. In turn, forged cutlery is made by heating a single piece of steel and shaping it with a high-pressure hammer. You will recognize the difference by looking at the knife — if it’s stamped, the blade won’t be much thinner than the handle, and the knife will likely be lightweight. Chances are that the highest-quality everyday silverware will be stamped.

When it comes to forged pieces, the handle of the knife will be thicker, while the blade will be stronger and remain sharp longer, unlike stamped blades which are more prone to dulling and deformation. These pieces are also heavier than stamped ones.

Types

There are three main types of flatware sets:

  • Place settings — usually found in settings of three to five pieces per person. A basic silverware set will typically have five-piece settings, which include a dinner and salad fork, a tablespoon and a teaspoon, and one dinner knife. You can find individual place settings or buy them in sets of four, six, or eight.
  • Disposable sets — disposable flatware is a must when ordering delivery, but it typically includes single-use plastic pieces, which are not exactly eco-friendly. Luckily, many restaurants offer utensils made of biodegradable materials.
  • Reusable sets — these are the best silverware sets for use on the go or to take with you on a trip. They can be made of bamboo, lightweight stainless steel, or reusable plastic, and they can even come in neat carrying cases for easy packing.

Quantity

You can buy your flatware in the form of box sets or open stock purchases.

Box sets are actually packs of 4, 8, 12, or more settings. For instance, if you’re buying a simple silverware set with 5 place settings, it will have 20 pieces. Larger box sets of 45 or 65 pieces can also include serving utensils.

Open stock purchases mean that you can buy individual pieces or settings if, for example, you’re afraid that your 20-piece set isn’t enough. Retailers keep additional cutlery in stock, so you can always expand your set if you need it.

Maintenance

Stainless steel sets make the most popular flatware because they’re low-maintenance. You can either hand-wash them or put them in the dishwasher. Don’t use steel wool or brushes because they can scratch your cutlery and cause corrosion and rust. If you have food leftovers stuck on your flatware, try soaking it or removing the food stain with the abrasive side of a sponge. Also, be careful how you wash colored sets, as rough cleaners can chip or peel off the finish.

Even the prime-quality stainless flatware sets are not fully stain-free — you might see spots caused by hard water, so you’ll want to dry the cutlery right after washing by buffing it with a soft cloth. Avoid using bleach, as it can also leave stains. Finally, you might want to avoid citrus-based detergents with some materials, and don’t wash cutlery made of different metals together in the dishwasher as the interaction of the metals might cause discoloration and pitting.

FAQ

What is the best grade of stainless steel for flatware?

The best grade in quality stainless steel flatware is 18/10. This grade depicts the chromium and nickel ratio. High chromium value keeps your utensils tough and sturdy, while nickel makes them resistant to corrosion and determines their shine level.

What is the most durable stainless steel flatware?

The most durable sets are made of high-quality steel grade, are easy to take care of, and retain their surface qualities for a long time. While most of the sets on our list are durable, the Citterio 98 cutlery set and the Zwilling Opus (Polished) 45-pc flatware set probably stand out in this regard.

What is the difference between 18/0 and 18/10 flatware?

The main difference is in the nickel content, denominated by the second number in 18/0 and 18/10. The usual recommendation is to stay away from flatware with no nickel, as it will likely corrode and deteriorate very soon. On the other hand, high nickel content guarantees the durability of the flatware surface.

What is the best brand of silverware to buy?

Zwilling easily tops the chart by producing cutlery of unsurpassed quality. It offers durable sets made of premium materials, which is why Zwilling knives are widely used by reputable culinary masters and found in top-quality knife sets.

Other top silverware brands on our list are the Dutch Amefa, which is a long-time supplier of restaurants and hotels, as well as the Italian Alessi, a family-owned manufacturer with a rich tradition in cutlery craftsmanship.

What is the best kind of silverware to buy?

When buying the right silverware set, you should aim for high quality, functionality, and durability. You should also be able to easily take care of it without going through the trouble of polishing or washing it by hand after every use.

Just about every flatware set review will tell you that you’re looking for an 18/10 stainless steel set, with utensils that are hefty enough to fit comfortably in your hand and that have a quality finish resistant to corrosion and scratching. Of course, you should also find the appropriate design for the intended purpose.

Finishing Thoughts

We sincerely hope our reviews of the best silverware sets out there have given you some guidance on what to look for when buying a set. Silverware is not only supposed to be functional, it also needs to be pleasing to the eye, so try to find a sophisticated set that will delight your dinner guests.

As a translator with a degree in English language and literature, Tamara’s work requires a lot of research, problem-solving, and creativity. Her lifelong objective is to master as many languages as she possibly can — she is fluent in four and is currently learning a fifth language. As a person with a restless and curious mind, she finds the written word is the best way of clearing and expressing one’s thoughts, so she invests a lot of effort and love in her writing. She recharges her batteries by spending time with her dog, reading a good book, finding new music, or traveling.

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