| | | | Flatware 101: Stainless Steel Specifications at KitchenEssentials.com | | Buying stainless steel flatware can become an altogether confusing process. Stainless steel is an alloy and stainless steel tableware uses significant quantities of chromium and sometimes nickel, the latter being added for corrosion resistance.
When shopping for stainless steel flatware & utensils, it is common to see some odd-looking “fractions”, such as 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0. Many people are not quite sure about what exactly this means and how it affects flatware quality.
18/10 refers to stainless steel is 18% chrome and 10% nickel. This is the highest quality stainless steel flatware on the market. A greater percentage of nickel means less corrosion, especially when compared to flatware or utensils with 8% nickel or 0% nickel. While 18% chromium is constant, you must examine the nickel content of the stainless steel. 18/0 stainless steel means there is no nickel added to the steel composite, so corrosion is likely to occur. However, with time, it is perfectly normal for even 18/10 flatware to experience some corrosion and pitting. This should easily be removed with stainless steel cleaner, which you can then follow with a stainless steel or silver polish.
18/8 flatware can be just as good as 18/10. In fact, many manufacturers will “round up” 8.6% nickel, for example, to 10%. But in reality, the 2% difference in nickel content is relatively small and many flatware experts and tableware collectors believe it is more just another way to market the flatware to the consumer.
Stainless steel flatware has many benefits over sterling silver flatware. It is more durable, can be used with great frequency and rarely needs polishing. Most importantly, stainless steel flatware is a favorite for everyday dining because it is dishwasher safe — although it should be noted that any detergents or dish soaps containing lemon should be avoided. Exposure to the acidity on a regular basis can lead to early corrosion.
Stainless steel tableware can also be used in more formal settings. If you entertain often, consider purchasing a slightly more elegant set for dinner parties and holiday get-togethers. You can find more formal flatware sets in both contemporary and classic designs. |
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