How to buy the best flatware?

[Laurajean1014]

What is the best? I have Reed & Barton, but it's 16 years old. Time for new flatware.

What is better? 18/8, 18/10 or 18/20 (alloy content). Is the second number suppose to be lower or higher for higher quality?

Thanks in advance.

 

[RUDisney]

Sterling would be the "best", but I sure don't want to clean it. 18/8 is the best of the ones that you mentioned. I also have some 18/10 serving spoons that are nice and well weighted.

 

[DVCLiz]

Laurajean - I assume you're talking about stainless flatware and not sterling. I have a really nice pattern called Boston Antique by Towle. If you like, look it up at the Replacements website (www.replacements.com) along with thousands of other patterns. They have a great matching service if what you want is discontinued.

 

[Laurajean1014]

So the lower the second number, the better the quality of the flatware?

I have sterling and have used it once or twice in 15 years. I like good quality everyday flatware.

Now, where would be the best place to buy?

 

[RUDisney]

We bought a service for 12 from QVC that was either 18/8 or 18/10 for my parents for Christmas 2 years ago. It was very reasonably priced Reed and Barton.

You can also check ebay for good prices on nice (new) flatware.

 

[Southern4sure]

I use Oneida Heirloom in the Julliard pattern. I love it! Elegant but durable for everyday use. They have a Golden Julliard but Im not crazy about it.

 

[RUDisney]

Ooh, that Oneida pattern is lovely!

 

[sweet angel]

I also have an Oneida set that was my grandmother's. Some of the pieces are starting to get crummy and they had the same pattern at Kohl's last year so I bought it.

 

[bsnyder]

The lower the number, the higher the quality.

From the Oneida website:

The 18/8 combination is the finest steel alloy available in the world. 18/8 stainless has 18% chrome for maximum corrosion resistance and 8% nickel for a soft, silver-like luster. This quality feature is found in all Oneida stainless sold by the individual place setting.

Oneida has factory stores that offer great bargains on stainless flatwear.

 

[Southern4sure]

Ooh, that Oneida pattern is lovely!

Thanks, it really is some good stuff. It is 18/10 stainless steel.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I use Oneida Heirloom in the Julliard pattern. I love it! Elegant but durable for everyday use. They have a Golden Julliard but Im not crazy about it.

That is beautiful.

Okay - checked on Macy's website and all the designers have patterns.... . I've been happy with R&B and would try Oneida or Wallace. Linens & Things and BB&Beyond have some patterns. Target did not look like good quality.

Checked on Replacements.com and found the R&B pattern of mine Sarajevo. I need forks (from 16 I'm down to 2). If I buy 10 the cost is $109.90.

$110 sounds like a lot for 10 forks, whereas, I have seen 55-66 piece sets for $200 or under.

What would you do and where would you buy it?

Does TJMaxx or HomeGoods have sets?

 

[Laurajean1014]

The Juliard Pattern is on the Oneida Website, on sale:

Heirloom
Juilliard (Pattern# 2273)

46pc set: 8 Place Settings + Hostess Set, Serve Set and FREE wooden chest
set includes 8-5pc place settings, Serving Spoon, Gravy Ladle, Sugar Spoon, Pierced Serving Spoon, Butter Knife, and Serving Fork.
Imported (Made Outside U.S.)

Online Price: $569.90
SALE PRICE: $299.99
MSRP: $820.00

 

[Charade]

Sterling would be the "best", but I sure don't want to clean it. 18/8 is the best of the ones that you mentioned. I also have some 18/10 serving spoons that are nice and well weighted.

I disagree. 18/10 (never heard of 18/20) is the better one. The second number is the amount of nickle which give the flatware it's shine (and helps keep it).

I wouldn't own sterling unless someone gave it to me. Too much work!

 

[Southern4sure]

That is beautiful.

Okay - checked on Macy's website and all the designers have patterns.... . I've been happy with R&B and would try Oneida or Wallace. Linens & Things and BB&Beyond have some patterns. Target did not look like good quality.

Checked on Replacements.com and found the R&B pattern of mine Sarajevo. I need forks (from 16 I'm down to 2). If I buy 10 the cost is $109.90.

$110 sounds like a lot for 10 forks, whereas, I have seen 55-66 piece sets for $200 or under.

What would you do and where would you buy it?

Does TJMaxx or HomeGoods have sets?

Back home we had an Oneida outlet. I have bought replacement pieces from Ebay...brand new for great prices. Amazon.com is having a great sale on this pattern also.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I disagree. 18/10 (never heard of 18/20) is the better one. The second number is the amount of nickle which give the flatware it's shine (and helps keep it).

I wouldn't own sterling unless someone gave it to me. Too much work!

Agree. I have Sterling and never use it. Although, I am sure it is worth lots.

QVC has 18/20, but most stores sell 18/10 and some are 18/8.

 

[Charade]

I use Oneida Heirloom in the Julliard pattern. I love it! Elegant but durable for everyday use. They have a Golden Julliard but Im not crazy about it.

That's very similar to the set I have. I got mine at Walmart for about $25 per set (service for 4 (two sets)). I believe it's Oneida.

 

[skuttle]

Here's my everyday.

It's Act I by Oneida. I just checked online and it is 18/10. Never paid attention when I registered for it five years ago...I just really liked it. LOL! Guess that explains the price tag. We use it every day for everything and still looks great.

 

[Charade]

http://www.silversuperstore.com/stainless_quality.html

18/8 and 18/10 stainless flatware explained

18/8 and 18/10 refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel alloy. The "18" refers to the chromium content, which gives flatware its strength, and the "8" or "10" refers to the nickel content, which gives it its shine and rust-resistance.

These numbers are merely "nicknames" for the lay person to use, and are only used for marketing efforts by flatware manufacturers. When a manufacturer purchases stainless steel from a steel mill, they all purchase stainless steel Grade 304, which has a range of 18-20% chromium, and 8-10% nickel content. Grade 304 in flatware is usually at the lower end of that range. To keep the cost down, steel manufacturers will make grade 304 with 8.2% nickel, which clears the legal hurdle of calling it 18/10.

What does all this mean? It means that there is no difference between 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel in flatware. The difference between the two is purely a marketing effort.

Keep in mind that these numbers do not refer to the weight of the stainless. If the weight is a concern to you, please ask your sales representative about the weight and feel of patterns you are interested in. As a general rule, the Silver Superstore does not sell stainless steel flatware that is flimsy, or bends easily

 

[KathyTX]

My everyday stuff is also Oneida, "Michelangelo".

It is nicely weighted and balanced, and kind of heavy. I've had a number of lower-priced sets, but they usually feel flimsy.

 

[Southern4sure]

My everyday stuff is also the Oneida 18/10 stuff, "Michelangelo".

It is nicely weighted and balanced. I've had a number of lower-priced sets, but they usually feel flimsy.

My sis in law has this pattern. It is pretty but yet Im not crazy about the filigree on it. I like it but I wouldnt want it. That doesnt make sense does it?