Shopping for cutlery sets can be a game changer. You know when a dinner party feels a bit more special, and you’re not sure why? It could be down to the flatware. Sure, dinner sets matter — because let’s face it, you can’t eat cacio e pepe without a plate — but they’re incomplete without one of the best cutlery sets. If you’re still using that mismatched set of knives and forks collected over the years, it’s time to treat yourself to an upgrade.
Whether you’re after something chic for special occasions or a durable, dishwasher-safe set for everyday use, there’s a world of high-quality stainless steel cutlery that’s as practical as it is stylish. Choosing the best cutlery set isn’t just about finding dinner forks and soup spoons that go together; it’s about investing in pieces that feel good in hand, look stunning on your dining table, and are built to withstand more than a few dinner parties.
From the sleek and understated designs of British favourites like Robert Welch to the exquisite craftsmanship of French-inspired Laguiole sets, today’s flatware doesn’t just serve its purpose; it elevates your table setting. Think about how satisfying it is to set out a well-coordinated cutlery set, one that includes everything from elegant dessert spoons to robust steak knives. These sets are meticulously crafted, rust-resistant, and often feature polished or matte finishes that stand up to both hand-washing and the dishwasher.
After conducting quite the deep dive into all things tableware, we’ve found 15 spoon, fork and knife sets that are most definitely deserving of a spot at your dining table. Suitable for both daily use and formal dinners, they each make a unique and stylish statement, while still delivering on a range of different key functionality features — like ergonomic design, resistance to rust, and ease of cleaning. So, whatever your price point or design preference, consider this guide your one-stop-shop for all things cutlery, and say goodbye to that old drawer of odds and ends.
SKIP TO: What should I look out for when buying a cutlery set? | What is the best cutlery material? | What do the different stainless steel number gradings mean? | What is the best cutlery to avoid rusting? | Our full reviews.
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What should I look out for when buying a cutlery set?
Finding a cutlery set in a style that you really love is obviously important — but there are a few other practical features that should also be taken into consideration. After all, nobody wants flatware that isn’t fit for purpose!
- Dishwasher safe cutlery isn’t too hard to come by, and is definitely worth choosing if (like us) you loathe hand-washing. Most stainless steel cutlery can generally go in the dishwasher — but anything with wooden or plastic handles will likely not be suitable.
- The number of place settings in a cutlery set is especially important if you live in a bigger household, like having friends round for dinner, or even just if you often let the dirty dishes pile up on the side. That said, we do love the versatility of a simple four piece place setting, which allows you to buy in multiples depending on your needs, and to build up your set over time.
- The number of pieces per place setting will be four in most cases — a dinner knife, a dinner fork, a dessert spoon, and a tablespoon. But if you’re looking for a set that’ll work for dinner parties, you may want to consider opting for a more formal set that includes extra pieces of cutlery per place setting — such as soup spoons, serving spoons, bread knives, cheese knives and dessert forks.
What is the best cutlery material?
When it comes to choosing the best cutlery material, it’s all about striking the perfect balance between style, durability, and ease of care. And while there are a few options out there — each with its unique charm — stainless steel is the one that consistently wins hearts (and tables) for everyday and special occasions alike. Why? It’s tough, rust-resistant, and has a polished sheen that never goes out of style. Plus, whether you’re setting the table for a casual dinner or a fancy soirée, a well-crafted stainless steel cutlery set will look just as sharp as it did when you first unboxed it.
