There are so many types of cutlery available today that it can make your head spin. There are types with pretty colors to match your kitchen, and there are types with ornately designed handles. If appearance isn’t enough of a dilemma, you also have choices of material the cutlery is made from.
Don’t let price fool you, not all inexpensive cutlery is bad and not all expensive cutlery is quality. When shopping for your next set of cutlery, it will help to have a basic idea of what to look for.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is perhaps the most popular type of cutlery because it is affordable and is less likely to rust/corrode. Another quality that makes stainless steel so popular is the fact that it is sanitary and easy to clean. This is one of the reasons many kitchen appliances are made out of stainless steel.
Stainless steel cutlery can be found everywhere from a dollar store to trendy kitchen supply outlets. You simply have to decide how much you want to spend on your cutlery.
Silver
Silver cutlery and flatware is where the term “silverware” came from. Some people erroneously call all flatware silverware. Silver cutlery is made from silver which makes it softer and more prone to scratches. True silver cutlery should be properly handled and cared for to guard against scratches and dulling.
The best thing about real silver cutlery is how shiny and beautiful it is to use and look at. Another nice thing about silver is it does not lend itself to the growth of bacteria.
Japanese
This cutlery is outstanding on all fronts: made from high grade stainless steel, rust proof, incredibly sharp and aesthetically pleasing. Many professional chefs prefer to use Japanese cutlery in their kitchens.
Japanese cutlery is made with such excellent craftsmanship that it has a lifetime guarantee. You may pay a little bit more for Japanese cutlery, but it is worth it in so many ways. There is a good chance that you will not have to buy another set of cutlery ever again. It is worth noting that few things last if not properly cared for.
Plastic
Most people are familiar with plastic cutlery that is used at picnics, cookouts and camping ventures. plastic cutlery is wonderful for eating on the go because it can either be washed or simply thrown away.
One thing that makes plastic so much fun is that it can be purchased in festive colors. This alone makes plastic cutlery and flatware prefect for any outdoor event as it can match the color scheme. The other nice thing about plastic cutlery is that it is cheap enough to replace as often as needed.
Professional
These sets often come in a wooden block and have several types of knives, a knife sharpener, peeler and serrated slicer. Sets vary as to how many pieces are included and what extras (cleaver, meat tenderizer, etc) are present. As to be expected, prices widely vary depending on the brand and material the cutlery are made from.
Beware of cheap knock-off versions of these cutlery sets. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, and this is one of those cases. Cheap sets can sometimes be dangerous. For example: the knives in some sets have blades that do not extend through the length of the handle and can break off, leaving you with possible cuts on your hands!
You do not have to settle for the cutlery offered at your local discount box store. It can pay off to do a little online searching for just the right set of cutlery for your needs and kitchen. There are many great resources like online auction sites, for good deals on vintage, real silver and other types of cutlery sets.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you want to actually use a cutlery set, find out if it rust proof. If you want to buy a vintage set then make sure the handles are not cracked. Now you can go shopping for a quality cutlery set and have a better idea of what you might want.