Finding the right cutlery set for your table setting
Nothing completes a table more than the exquisite shine of your cutlery. From traditional silvers to modern matte finishing and copper hues, a timeless cutlery set will last you for many years to come. It is important that you choose a set you love, as you may not purchase another set for the next five to ten years later. There are various cutlery sets for you to decide on that will make your dining experience an exquisite affair.
So, what is a good cutlery set?
A good cutlery set is a set where it should be properly weighted, feel smooth to the touch and also be comfortable to hold when cutting or picking up food. Choosing a set can be tricky—between the types of steel, the style, budgets and the number of place settings. To help you get started, here are a few key factors to look out for before purchasing your cutlery set:
Material
It's no surprise that the main option for cutlery is typically made from stainless steel material. There are two grades of stainless steel, 18/10 and 18/0.
18/10 cutlery is the best stainless steel cutlery grade and feels more weighted in hand, making it the more common choice for most household owners. 18/0 is far cheaper than the latter but with a duller sheen and is more prone to rusting. If no grade is listed, it may be that the steel is of a lower grade.
There are a variety of beautifully crafted cutlery sets in 18/10 stainless steel, but that doesn't mean that lower grades should be overlooked—they are good options if you're on a tight budget.
Ease of use
Your cutlery is used almost every single day, so you might want to think about investing in a set that is not only comfortable to hold but also easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Quantity
Most cutlery sets include a dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, tablespoon and teaspoon, which should be sufficient for daily use. Larger sets may include additional cutlery like steak knives or other serving utensils. Cutlery sets are typically sold in a single pack (one of each) and sets of four, eight, twelve, etc. For example, a set with five settings will have 20 pieces. You can also find 30-, 42-, 56- and 60-piece sets depending on the number of place settings you often accommodate.
What is a full cutlery set?
A 56-piece cutlery set is typically called a full cutlery set. It can normally set up to eight place settings and includes:
- 8 x table knives
- 8 x table forks
- 8 x dessert spoon
- 8 x dessert forks
- 8 x dessert knives
- 8 x soup spoons
- 8 x teaspoons
- Noritake Avignon Cutlery 56-Piece Set
- Tablekraft Panama Cutlery 56-Piece Set
Favourite cutlery set brands
When thinking about setting your table, remember that you want cutlery that complements your space. Consider everything on the table and what you will be serving, whether it's your usual weekly plates of pasta and salads or a hearty Sunday roast. Think plates, water or wine glasses, as well as decorative pieces like placemats, coasters, napkins and vases. From timeless elegance to bright and modern style cutlery sets, we have an array of quality cutlery brands made for entertaining and daily use:
For daily use:
Stanley Rogers Cutlery has been one of Australia's favourite cutlery brands for decades. This cutlery specialist brand provides premium 18/10 stainless steel and high-quality 18/0 stainless steel cutlery. With perfectly balanced weighted handles and stunning mirror-polished finishing on each piece, Stanley Rogers cutlery will add a fine touch to your table setting.
Maxwell & Williams Cutlery is another quality brand not to be missed. They offer affordable and high-quality cutlery while showcasing an array of stunning designs to suit every home. Perfect for families looking to refresh their table setting or couples looking to add a new set to their first home.
Product recommendation:- Stanley Rogers Oxford 56 Piece Cutlery Set
- Maxwell & Williams Wayland Hammered Cutlery 42-Piece Set
For entertaining:
If you're looking for a cutlery set for entertaining, consider investing in a full cutlery set. This will ensure that you have all the essentials and a few extra cutlery that you may need depending on your menu. The general rule is to have the same amount of cutlery sets as your dinner sets, so everyone on the table has a full set. Of course, it is also good to have a few additional sets for unexpected guests.
The Robert Welch Cutlery features timeless contemporary British cutlery design to suit any occasion. If you prefer a luxury set that's sleek enough for entertaining and durable for daily use, any Noritake Cutlery set is worth having on the table. On the higher end of the scale is the Laguiole by Andre Verdier Cutlery. Beautifully crafted and hand-made by French artisan cutlers in France, Laguiole cutlery will add a charming elegance to your table. Its signature coloured resin handles, and the iconic tell-tale bee feature also adds a step up to your tablescape.
Product recommendations:- Robert Welch Radford Bright Cutlery 42-Piece Set
- Noritake Chambery Cutlery 56-Piece Set
- Laguiole Andre Verdier Debutant Cutlery 24 Piece Set Cornflower
For commercial use:
Whether it's throwing big dinner parties or casual catering, Tablekraft Cutlery is a brand you can count on for commercial-grade cutlery. Offering high-quality 18/10 stainless steel in mirror and satin finishes with a focus on embracing classic shapes and modern trends. Tablekraft can be seen in restaurants and cafes across Australia but is also suitable for all dining experiences.
Product recommendations:- Tablekraft Luxor Cutlery Set 32 Piece
- Tablekraft Bogart 40 Piece Cutlery Set
For outdoor entertaining:
When it comes to outdoor entertaining with only a few short or standing tables, eating can be a little tricky. That's where the Splayd Cutlery comes in. Splayd cutlery is a luxury knife, fork and spoon all in one made in Australia. Made specifically for outdoor dinner parties and events, so you don't have to have a hard time cutting through a steak with disposable cutlery. These beautifully crafted pieces come in polished and satin stainless steel, standard size or mini—perfect for gift giving and entertainment.
Next Read: Stylish and Affordable Stainless Steel Cutlery Sets
