A cutlery set is comprised of spoons, forks and knives, along with trays and dishes. It is made from different materials like gold, steel, silver, plastic and pewter. Different types of cutlery sets include the following:
o Plastic
o Stainless steel
o Silver
o Vintage
o Japanese
o and professional
You can also consider the following characteristics in order to match the type you want:
o Plastic
Plastic cutlery is disposable. It is perfect for picnics, parties, buffets and other outdoor celebrations. This set includes a knife, forks and spoons which can feed 8 or more people. It can be washable but it is more often thrown away. It is also good for packed lunches on long journeys. In fact, some plastic cutleries are also part of children's toy sets.
Expendable cutlery having a posh twist is somewhat more stylish with bright colors. This would include green, black, red, purple and clear sets. Pandora's Deluxe Plastic Flatware is also one of the manufacturers which offer this kind of plastic cutlery.
o Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a composite of different steel alloys made with 11.5% chromium or even nickel. The higher the nickel content, the more it will not stain nor corrode. Different grades and surface finishes are introduced so as to suit the material. Stainless steel prices vary with the specifications or the steel alloy percentage.
o Silver
Silver is a precious metal used in making cutlery. Most manufacturers use silver in order to showcase a bright lunar shine, making it more valuable. The metal alloy needs to pass a state-of-the-art technology set that has the highest standards. Silver cutlery adapts to warm dishes, possessing a bacteria killing effect.
Silver cutlery can be hard-silver plated or made with real silver. Hard silver plating has high grade glossiness. It is also rust-proof, hard-wearing, dishwasher safe and possesses a high practical value. It is made from 65% copper, 12% nickel and 23% zinc. The layer of this silver is applied to this material in a galvanic bath.
WMF, one of the best silver cutlery manufacturers, had developed a technique in silver hardening. The 90 g silver provides protection from scratches.
Hence, real silver cutlery is made of pure silver which is soft and not stable. Sterling silver showcases 92.5 % hard types of pure silver.
Vintage
Vintage cutlery is classic or old-fashioned but first-class types. It is made from silver or with plastic design handles. Hardwood handles with different textures are also appealing. Vintage cutlery can last a lifetime when properly maintained.
Japanese
Japanese cutlery is made from high quality Japanese steel. These are forged instruments for the kitchen. It is proven to be hard and incredibly sharp. Most professionals prefer this type of cutlery, along with its exclusive designs.
Forged VG-10 super steel blades can be used in making Japanese cutlery. On each side is a clad having 16 layers of SUS410 high carbon stainless steel. This kind of steel produces a no-rust blade, as well as it can reduce the sticking of food and provide less damage onto the blade.
Most Japanese chefs use a Santoku knife. It is useful for straight cutting, slicing and for the mincing of vegetables and meat. The Deba and Nakiri knife is also an all-time favorite. It is used with a traditional Chef's knife. These Japanese cutleries are really superior and very functional. In fact, Japan made its knives with the assurance of a lifetime warranty.
Professional
Professional cutlery sets are mostly used by food industry professionals. It often comes with a wooden block or case, having 3 or more pieces of knives along with a spoon and fork. Aside from this, it can be satin finish, gold or silver plated and hard silver within wooden handles.
Professional cutlery set include one or more of the following:
o Fish knife
o Utility knife
o Boning knife
o Chef knife
o Cleaver
o Sharpener
o Bread knife
o Santoku knife
o Carving knife
o Peeling knife
o Serrated slicer
Popular brands of professional cutlery sets include the following:
o Viking 6-Piece Cutlery Block Set
o KitchenAid KA1SS14TB 14-pc Professional Cutlery Set – Stainless Steel
o V lo Professional Cutlery Set
o Henckels Cutlery Set with Santoku and Wood Block 11-Pc, etc.
