Types of Flatware: 18/10 vs. 18/0 Stainless Steel & More

Restaurant flatware comes in four different weights: forged, extra-heavy, heavy, and medium weight. Read on to learn about each flatware weight so you can decide which is best for your business.

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1. Forged Flatware:

Forged flatware is the thickest and strongest type of flatware. It is made from a single piece of thick stainless steel which creates the pattern on all sides of the handle rather than just stamped on the top. It is extremely durable and built to withstand any commercial environment, while also fitting in well with upscale dining.

2. Extra Heavy Weight Flatware:

As our premium grade of flatware, extra heavy weight flatware exudes a level of quality that you will see at most finer restaurants and hotels. It feels very sturdy in your hand and is very difficult to bend, compared to medium or even heavy weight flatware.

3. Heavy Weight Flatware:

Heavy weight flatware is more durable than medium weight flatware, not easily bent, and makes for a nice presentation. As a definitive step-up in quality from medium weight, it is commonly used in fast-casual dining establishments and many other mid-level eateries.

4. Medium Weight Flatware:

Medium weight flatware is the lightest flatware that we carry. This is primarily called medium weight flatware in the industry, but it can also be called economy weight and is commonly sought by the value-minded buyer. Medium weight flatware is often bendable in your hand and commonly found in cafeterias, schools, and other institutional settings.

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When it comes to choosing professional flatware for your foodservice establishment, one of the most important factors to figure out is which grade of stainless steel will work best for your restaurant.

Are you interested in learning more about Ergonomic Stainless Steel Cutlery? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Stainless steel is a popular material used in flatware due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. There are various grades of stainless steel used for flatware, each with different properties and characteristics. In this article, we help you decide the right grade stainless steel for your establishment by comparing durability, price, aesthetic appeal, and more.

Decoding Stainless Steel Grades for Your Restaurant Flatware

A selection of 18/10 forks from World Tableware&#;s Master Gauge collection.

When considering which grade of stainless steel would work best for your business and budget, it&#;s important to first note the similarities and differences between the common grades&#;18/10, 18/8, and 18/0&#;of commercial flatware used in the restaurant industry. The first number, 18, indicates the level of chromium, which adds toughness and resilience to steel. The second number indicates the levels of nickel.

All three grades of stainless steel are durable, making them suitable for years of continued use within a busy professional environment. Similarly, all three grades are corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and safe for use in commercial dishwashers (however it is always wise to defer to manufacturer recommendations).

The main difference between the three types of stainless steel is the amount of nickel each grade holds. 18/10 stainless steel has the most nickel, followed by 18/8 stainless steel, and 18/0 stainless steel. The amount of nickel contained within the stainless steel affects many qualities of flatware, bringing about both benefits and drawbacks to each grade, which we will now examine in detail.

18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware

This grade of stainless steel contains 10% nickel.

• Corrosion resistance: 18/10 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and staining, making it suitable for use everywhere, including very humid environments or with acidic foods.
• Durability: This grade of stainless steel is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for everyday professional use in high-volume establishments.
• Aesthetic appeal: The high nickel content gives the steel a bright, shiny finish that looks great on flatware. It is the most common grade of stainless steel used in fine-dining restaurants, in part for its high luster.
• Price: 18/10 stainless steel is the most expensive grade, which may make it less accessible for some buyers. However, it is an investment in quality and longevity.
• Weight: The high nickel content makes this steel heavier than other grades, which may be a drawback for some users. Some diners have noted that the heavier steel gives their utensils a bulky feeling. If weight is a potential factor for your guests, they may prefer a sleek and slender 18/10 flatware design.

18/8 Stainless Steel Flatware

This stainless steel contains 8% nickel. It is also known as 304 stainless steel.

• Corrosion resistance: 18/8 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and staining, making it suitable for use in humid environments or with acidic foods.
• Durability: This grade of stainless steel is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for everyday commercial use. It is also slightly less durable and less rust-resistant than 18/10, however the difference is small enough that most people simply would not notice. 18/8 grade is still very durable and can withstand years of use.
• Aesthetic appeal: This grade has shine and luster to its appearance. However, the lower nickel content means that 18/8 stainless steel is not as shiny as 18/10 flatware pieces.
• Price: 18/8 stainless steel is more affordable than 18/10 stainless steel, which may make it a better option for some buyers who are looking for quality without breaking the bank.
• Weight: The high nickel content makes this steel heavier than 18/0, which may be a drawback for some users. It is slightly lighter than 18/10 flatware.

18/0 Stainless Steel Flatware

This grade of stainless steel contains no nickel. It is also known as 430 stainless steel.

• Corrosion resistance: The chromium content of 18/10 stainless steel affords it some corrosion resistance, however, to a noticeable lesser degree than 18/10 and 18/8. Out of the three grades, it is most likely to react to acidic foods and will have a shorter lifespan in humid environments.
• Durability: 18/0 stainless steel is less durable than 18/10 and 18/8 and may show signs of wear and tear after repeated use in a commercial dishwasher. However, these flatware pieces still last for years and are suitable for commercial use.
• Aesthetic appeal: Due to its lack of nickel, this grade of stainless steel isn&#;t especially shiny. This aesthetic works best for casual dining, rustic, farm-to-table, and industrial design motifs.
• Price: 18/10 stainless steel is the most economical option of the three grades, making it accessible to most buyers.
• Weight: The absence of nickel makes 18/10 stainless steel utensils a light-weight option.

Which Grade of Stainless Steel Is Best for Your Restaurant?

The best grade of stainless steel flatware for a restaurant will depend on the specific needs of the establishment. For example, a fine dining restaurant that wants to provide its guests with the highest quality flatware will likely choose 18/10 stainless steel. A mid-range or casual restaurant that is looking for a more affordable option may choose 18/8 stainless steel. And a restaurant with a high turnover of flatware may opt for 18/0 stainless steel because it is less expensive to replace. What grade of stainless steel does your restaurant prefer and why? Let us know in the comment section!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Wedding Stainless Steel Flatware.