The Best Flatware and Silverware Sets, Tested & Reviewed

Choosing a flatware or silverware set can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to choose among various designs and types of steel, but you also have to consider aesthetics, budgets, and the number of place settings. Whether you seek a robust everyday set or a luxurious collection for special occasions, determining if you prefer a modern or vintage aesthetic is essential. Regardless, the right utensils will adorn your table setting and reflect your personal style. Want to dive deeper into your options? View Details

Best Overall

Lenox Portola 65-Piece Flatware Set

Price: $136 on Amazon, $176 on Wayfair

Ratings:

• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5
• Comfort in Hand: 4/5
• Cleanup: 5/5

Pros:

• Sleek and sophisticated design
• Service for 12, plus hostess set
• Suitable for casual and formal dining

Cons:

• Only one finish option

Why It’s Great:

The Lenox set stands out despite its single finish option due to its excellent quality, contemporary design, and affordable pricing. Made with 18/10 stainless steel, it retains shine through numerous meals and dishwasher cycles. Each set includes enough pieces for twelve five-piece settings plus a hostess set, designed ergonomically for comfort and adorned with subtle detailing. It's a versatile and refined choice, as suitable for a casual breakfast as it is for a formal dinner party.

Care Instructions:

Like all stainless steel flatware, this set should be washed immediately after use to prevent corrosion, dried promptly, and kept away from citrus detergents and prolonged soaking. Lenox provides a 120-day Breakage Replacement Program for added peace of mind.

Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What’s Included: (12) 5-piece settings, (5) serving utensils

Best Budget

LIANYU 20-Piece Silverware Flatware Cutlery Set

Price: $15 on Amazon, $33 on Walmart

Ratings:

• Design: 4/5
• Durability: 4/5
• Comfort in Hand: 4/5
• Cleanup: 5/5

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Simple design
• Easy to store

Cons:

• Mirror finish can show fingerprints

Why It’s Great:

This set is a fantastic choice if you're starting out or need extra flatware for a dinner. It includes enough pieces for four people and comes in five colors. Though lightweight, these utensils are durable and withstand repeated dishwasher use. Their compact design makes them ideal for small storage spaces.

Care Instructions:

Hand washing is easy due to their simple design, but note that the mirror finish can show fingerprints. The knife is sharper than typical butter knives and works well for cutting meat and vegetables.

Materials: Stainless steel | What’s Included: (4) 5-piece settings

Best Gold

Gourmet Settings Birch 20-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set

Price: $90 on Wayfair

Ratings:

• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 4/5
• Comfort in Hand: 5/5
• Cleanup: 5/5

Pros:

• Contemporary black and gold finish options
• Playful style mixture
• Stamped unibody construction

Cons:

• Hand wash strongly recommended

Why It’s Great:

Featuring both matte black and antique gold finishes, this set combines modern and vintage aesthetics. The unibody construction makes each piece durable and comfortable to hold. Note: hand washing is suggested to preserve the finish.

Care Instructions:

Handle with care by hand washing and immediate drying to prevent spotting.

Materials: 18/10 stainless steel, gold finish | What’s Included: (4) 5-piece settings

Best Black

Cambridge Silversmiths Poet Black Satin 20-Piece Flatware Set

Price: $49 on Amazon, $63 on Wayfair

Ratings:

• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5
• Comfort in Hand: 5/5
• Cleanup: 4.5/5

Pros:

• Sleek, modern design
• Dishwasher safe
• Comfortable to hold

Cons:

• Cannot use citrus dish soap on them

Why It’s Great:

This set features a sophisticated black satin finish that adds drama to any table setting. Each piece feels balanced and comfortable, with well-designed tines and edges for cutting and piercing food. Ideal for modern table settings or themed parties.

Care Instructions:

Dishwasher safe but avoid citrus-scented detergents. For hand washing, no scouring pads to protect the finish.

Materials: 18/0 stainless steel, black satin finish | What’s Included: (4) 5-piece settings

Best Modern

Knork Stainless Steel 20-Piece Flatware Set

Price: $80 on Amazon, $90 on Wayfair

Ratings:

• Design: 5/5
• Durability: 5/5
• Comfort in Hand: 4.5/5
• Cleanup: 5/5

Pros:

• High-end artisan appearance
• Ergonomically designed
• Beveled fork edge for one-hand cutting

Cons:

• Only serves four

Why It’s Great:

Knork’s unique design, inspired by its founder's frustration with eating pizza, results in a fork that doubles as a knife. Each utensil in this 20-piece dishwasher-safe set is expertly hand-forged and ergonomically designed, providing comfort and balance. Though it only serves four, the refined design makes every meal feel like a fine dining experience.

Care Instructions:

Handles the dishwasher brilliantly, and the unique design ensures an enjoyable dining experience.

Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What’s Included: (4) 5-piece settings

When to Use Heavy Stainless Steel Flatware

If you're looking for information on choosing the right flatware for different occasions, consider reading When to Use wholesale heavy stainless steel flatware?

Best for Parties

Zwilling J.A. Henckels Opus 45-Piece Flatware Set

Price: $120 on Wayfair

Ratings:

• Design: 3/5
• Durability: 4/5
• Comfort in Hand: 4/5
• Cleanup: 5/5

Pros:

• Balanced weight
• Long-lasting through many washes
• Great value

Cons:

• Handles may feel too narrow for some

Why It’s Great:

Renowned for its premium knives, Zwilling J.A. Henckels offers this versatile and elegant set, ideal for large gatherings. With 45 pieces, including five serving utensils, this collection is both practical and stylish. Though some pieces might have a more compact design, their performance is reliable, and they continue to look new after numerous dishwasher cycles.

Care Instructions:

Handles multiple dishwasher cycles with ease, offering long-term durability at a reasonable price.

Materials: 18/10 stainless steel | What’s Included: (8) 5-piece settings, (5) serving utensils