6 Gorgeous Stainless Steel Cutlery Sets — from Affordable to Prestigious
David Kahn |
Unless you're eating every meal at a restaurant, you typically use your cutlery several times a day, every single day. And yet, like so many other everyday items (think your underwear, your wallet, your kitchen chairs), we don’t tend to take purchasing a good cutlery set seriously enough. But choosing a cheap, poor quality set wastes your time and money.So how do you know what to purchase from the literally dozens of options out there? The first step is understanding the ins and outs of quality cutlery sets.
Unlike your pasta maker or stand mixer, you'll use your cutlery at every meal. That means both its style and its functionality are hugely important. It might be more tempting to invest in something like a nice food processor, but in reality, your cutlery gets far more use.Then there’s also the pleasure of design. We’ve all used cutlery that bends easily, cheap student cutlery or pieces that fit awkwardly into your hands. Using a well-made object, even as simple as a knife or fork, every day is a pleasant experience. So it makes sense to invest in making sure the objects you interact with on a daily basis are made with quality and care. Plus, nobody wants to eat with cutlery that's stained or rusted.It’s one of those small things that's easy to overlook until you experience it. But what makes a good cutlery set?
Is a Silver or Stainless Steel Cutlery Set Right for You?
This is the first question anyone looking to invest in a cutlery set should ask themselves. The vast majority of cutlery sold in Australia is made of one of these two materials. Which should you choose?The first and biggest hinge point is price. Obviously, stainless steel will be far cheaper. A 24 piece stainless steel cutlery set is going to run you between $20 and $500, while a full silver set of 56 can easily cost thousands of dollars. For most people, the price range alone is going to decide which material is right for them. Plus, the aesthetics of stainless steel will match any modern kitchen in addition to standing up to the rigors of everyday use.But besides price, what really sets them apart?
The Benefits of Stainless Steel
Since the 1970s, stainless steel cutlery has dominated the market for its affordability, durability and aesthetics. As mentioned, it’s far more affordable than silver, but it’s also designed to last for decades of dishwashing and daily use without rusting, bending or tarnishing.Of course, not all stainless steel cutlery sets are made equal. The steel quality can be either 18/0 or 18/10 (these relate to the nickel and chromium content of the steel), the latter being of much higher quality. But, surprisingly, the price difference likely isn’t as much as you think, so it’s worth seriously considering investing a bit more in 18/10.
How Did Stainless Steel Take Over the Market?
Silver, with its antimicrobial properties and beauty, was used in cutlery sets long before stainless steel, which didn't start to appear in household products until the early 20th century. It’s been long coveted by wealthy homes, since silver cutlery will actually improve with age as it slowly develops its own stunning patina over the years, making it common to pass it down through the generations.While silver cutlery sets are designed to act as heirlooms, that will also depend on their quality – from sterling silver to a more common silver coating on a core of another metal. In general, the average Australian doesn't opt for silver cutlery unless they’re outfitting a family mansion or buying a wedding gift for a fellow CEO. Silver is just far beyond most people’s price range.But the good news is that there are truly stunning examples of classic stainless steel out there which (in the opinion of many who prefer a more modern look) are even more beautiful than many silver sets. So let’s look at some examples of well designed stainless steel cutlery sets available to the average consumer.
If you’re looking for value for money, this Stanley Rogers Cutlery set is a perfect purchase. Coming in at just under $100 for a full 56-piece set (that’s eight each of dinner knives and forks, entrée knives and forks, soup spoons, dessert spoons and teaspoons). In short, it’s got everything you need, unless you’re planning on having more than eight guests over for a serious dinner all at once.The set itself is of the slightly lower quality 18/0 stainless steel, but any worries you might have about quality should be allayed by the 25-year guarantee that comes with the set. Besides that, you’re getting an absolute classic and timeless design: all stainless steel with simple and minimalistic lines. Even if your style changes, these aren't going out of fashion any time soon.
Victorinox is a Swiss company known for outstanding value, extremely fine knives, and very comfortable ergonomic handles. This cutlery set gives you all three. With six each of steak knives and forks, its got all the basics you’ll need. Plus, the same ergonomic handles we adore on their full-sized knives are molded onto each piece in the set.Victorinox is particularly popular for outdoor dining and casual dining, due to its more casual and comfortable design. If you’re willing to invest just over $100 in a quality stainless steel cutlery set from one of the world’s most established brands, you could hardly do better than this one from Victorinox.
This area of central France has been making its distinctive knives and cutlery for centuries. Today, this surprisingly affordable collection from Laguiole offers that same handcrafted tradition along with colorful options to meet your unique taste.The result is a distinctive cutlery set that comes with plenty of history and personality. Each piece is made of stainless steel with a handle of sturdy coloured resin. This set comes in at around the same price as the Stanley Rogers Cutlery set above, but comes with fewer pieces – six knives and six forks. However, this allows for customization, since Andre Verdier Laguiole offers many other options for you to build a set to meet the needs of your kitchen.
For those intrigued by the illustrious pedigree of the previously mentioned Andre Verdier set but ready to invest a bit more, this French cutlery set is a perfect choice. Instead of the simpler offering of knives and forks, here you have a set of six table knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons in a beautiful wooden container.Besides that, you have the same stainless steel and coloured resin (this time in an alluring French blue). There’s also a two-year manufacturer’s warranty in case you experience any issues. Best of all, at $180, this set comes in far below the suggested retail price, making it an excellent mid-range option.
If you liked the sound of the Stanley Rogers Manchester Set but would rather spend your dollars on one of Australia’s most celebrated brands, this Tablekraft set is tailor-made for you. Made of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel and with an amazing 30-year guarantee, this set is made to last – even at its moderate price point of just under $150. In fact, Tablekraft is the most popular choice for commercial cafes and restaurants in Australia, so you know they’re tough.It contains all the same pieces as the Stanley Rogers set (your basic soup spoons, dessert spoons, table knives and forks) with the welcome addition of two larger serving spoons to round out the set to 58 pieces. If you want to invest in a high quality stainless steel set with classic design, an Australian pedigree, and a guarantee to last, this is it.
While most stainless steel cutlery includes a matte finish, this Rochefort set by Noritake stands out with its sophisticated mirrored finish made out of pure 18/10 grade stainless steel. The company has been making cutlery and other kitchen items in Japan for well over a century, establishing a venerable tradition of excellence in line with Japan’s long history of pioneering the art of crafting steel.That quality steel is forged into a simple contemporary design that is sure to hold up for decades of use and design scrutiny. Simple details like the elegant curved handles of the knives make all the difference. At more than 60% below the suggested retail price, this $250 set is also an incredible bargain.
The Studio William Olive 56 Piece Cutlery Set
How would you like to dine every night using the same cutlery the Prime Minister of the UK uses at 10 Downing Street? Luckily for you, that luxury is surprisingly affordable. The Studio Williams 56 piece set sells at Everten for just $329 and brings with it some of the most beautifully designed cutlery we’ve ever seen.Made from the highest quality 18/10 grade stainless steel, this set contains the kind of shine, comfortable and elegant curves, and overall quality you’d expect from William Welch, the set’s award winning designer. In fact, this set itself won a prestigious Red Dot Award and is featured in the permanent collection of the accompanying design museum in Germany.This set has it all, history, unparalleled design, and the kind of quality that just feels right in your hand.
Don’t Forget There Are Many More Options
Besides these seven standouts, there are many other excellent stainless steel cutlery sets available at Everten, including variations on some of the sets listed here. So if you’re looking for something smaller, bigger, with teaspoons or without, just browse our offerings.Remember, you’ll be using these pieces literally thousands of times, so it’s worth carefully considering which is right for you. Then, you can enjoy the simple beauty of a well-made product for years to come. Happy dining!
Dave Crosby / 
Since the 1970s, stainless steel cutlery has dominated the market for its affordability, durability and aesthetics. As mentioned, it’s far more affordable than silver, but it’s also designed to last for decades of dishwashing and daily use without rusting, bending or tarnishing.
Of course, not all stainless steel cutlery sets are made equal. The steel quality can be either 18/0 or 18/10 (these relate to the nickel and chromium content of the steel), the latter being of much higher quality. But, surprisingly, the price difference likely isn’t as much as you think, so it’s worth seriously considering investing a bit more in 18/10.
If you’re looking for value for money, this Stanley Rogers Cutlery set is a perfect purchase. Coming in at just under $100 for a full 56-piece set (that’s eight each of dinner knives and forks, entrée knives and forks, soup spoons, dessert spoons and teaspoons). In short, it’s got everything you need, unless you’re planning on having more than eight guests over for a serious dinner all at once.
The set itself is of the slightly lower quality 18/0 stainless steel, but any worries you might have about quality should be allayed by the 25-year guarantee that comes with the set. Besides that, you’re getting an absolute classic and timeless design: all stainless steel with simple and minimalistic lines. Even if your style changes, these aren't going out of fashion any time soon.
Victorinox is a Swiss company known for outstanding value, extremely fine knives, and very comfortable ergonomic handles. This cutlery set gives you all three. With six each of steak knives and forks, its got all the basics you’ll need. Plus, the same ergonomic handles we adore on their full-sized knives are molded onto each piece in the set.
Victorinox is particularly popular for outdoor dining and casual dining, due to its more casual and comfortable design. If you’re willing to invest just over $100 in a quality stainless steel cutlery set from one of the world’s most established brands, you could hardly do better than this one from Victorinox.
This area of central France has been making its distinctive knives and cutlery for centuries. Today, this surprisingly affordable collection from Laguiole offers that same handcrafted tradition along with colorful options to meet your unique taste.
The result is a distinctive cutlery set that comes with plenty of history and personality. Each piece is made of stainless steel with a handle of sturdy coloured resin. This set comes in at around the same price as the Stanley Rogers Cutlery set above, but comes with fewer pieces – six knives and six forks. However, this allows for customization, since Andre Verdier Laguiole offers many other options for you to build a set to meet the needs of your kitchen.
For those intrigued by the illustrious pedigree of the previously mentioned Andre Verdier set but ready to invest a bit more, this French cutlery set is a perfect choice. Instead of the simpler offering of knives and forks, here you have a set of six table knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons in a beautiful wooden container.
Besides that, you have the same stainless steel and coloured resin (this time in an alluring French blue). There’s also a two-year manufacturer’s warranty in case you experience any issues. Best of all, at $180, this set comes in far below the suggested retail price, making it an excellent mid-range option.
If you liked the sound of the Stanley Rogers Manchester Set but would rather spend your dollars on one of Australia’s most celebrated brands, this Tablekraft set is tailor-made for you. Made of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel and with an amazing 30-year guarantee, this set is made to last – even at its moderate price point of just under $150. In fact, Tablekraft is the most popular choice for commercial cafes and restaurants in Australia, so you know they’re tough.
It contains all the same pieces as the Stanley Rogers set (your basic soup spoons, dessert spoons, table knives and forks) with the welcome addition of two larger serving spoons to round out the set to 58 pieces. If you want to invest in a high quality stainless steel set with classic design, an Australian pedigree, and a guarantee to last, this is it.
While most stainless steel cutlery includes a matte finish, this Rochefort set by Noritake stands out with its sophisticated mirrored finish made out of pure 18/10 grade stainless steel. The company has been making cutlery and other kitchen items in Japan for well over a century, establishing a venerable tradition of excellence in line with Japan’s long history of pioneering the art of crafting steel.
That quality steel is forged into a simple contemporary design that is sure to hold up for decades of use and design scrutiny. Simple details like the elegant curved handles of the knives make all the difference. At more than 60% below the suggested retail price, this $250 set is also an incredible bargain.
How would you like to dine every night using the same cutlery the Prime Minister of the UK uses at 10 Downing Street? Luckily for you, that luxury is surprisingly affordable. The Studio Williams 56 piece set sells at Everten for just $329 and brings with it some of the most beautifully designed cutlery we’ve ever seen.
Made from the highest quality 18/10 grade stainless steel, this set contains the kind of shine, comfortable and elegant curves, and overall quality you’d expect from William Welch, the set’s award winning designer. In fact, this set itself won a prestigious Red Dot Award and is featured in the permanent collection of the accompanying design museum in Germany.
This set has it all, history, unparalleled design, and the kind of quality that just feels right in your hand.
