Question: Is 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0 Stainless Steel Flatware All the Same?
Are flatware specs all the same quality? No, they are not the same quality and vary considerably in price and composition. At first glance on the flatware packaging, it may look like 18/10, but a closer inspection may reveal, that it is actually only 18/0 flatware. This type of flatware information can be very deceiving, no wonder the price seems so good. It's actual a marketing ploy, and if these flatware specs are missing altogether, this product may not really be stainless steel at all. So let’s take a look at these flatware differences and what they mean.
Answer: Stainless steel used in flatware is a composite of different steels and varies in terms of grades for different uses. The main ingredient in flatware is chromium and nickel has been added to provide a resistance to corrosion.
Therefore flatware that is 18/10 means that 18% is chromium and 10% is nickel. The higher the nickel content, the more protection the flatware has from corrosion. Prices of stainless steel flatware vary considerably depending on these specs, so don’t be fooled into thinking you are buying the best quality, if the nickel content is 0%.
However, some flatware manufacturers will label cutlery with a slighter higher than 8% nickel content, such as 8.3% as 18/10, since it doesn’t quite fit in the 18/8 category, and this is allowable. A little deceiving, none the less.
It should be noted that even the best stainless steel flatware is subject to occasional pitting and corrosion. These can usually be removed with a stainless steel cleanser.
When shopping, take time to open the flatware package and handle a utensil. An 18/10 spoon has a great ‘feel’ in your hand, the polish is gleaming and it should look very elegant. Such quality flatware is definitely worth paying the higher price.
And last, check the flatware packaging for other product information, especially international or national standards, to ensure this flatware product meets acceptable standards for your area. After all, you want to be sporting these new quality table tools for years to come.
Compare Prices of Flatware
Therefore flatware that is 18/10 means that 18% is chromium and 10% is nickel. The higher the nickel content, the more protection the flatware has from corrosion. Prices of stainless steel flatware vary considerably depending on these specs, so don’t be fooled into thinking you are buying the best quality, if the nickel content is 0%.
However, some flatware manufacturers will label cutlery with a slighter higher than 8% nickel content, such as 8.3% as 18/10, since it doesn’t quite fit in the 18/8 category, and this is allowable. A little deceiving, none the less.
It should be noted that even the best stainless steel flatware is subject to occasional pitting and corrosion. These can usually be removed with a stainless steel cleanser.
When shopping, take time to open the flatware package and handle a utensil. An 18/10 spoon has a great ‘feel’ in your hand, the polish is gleaming and it should look very elegant. Such quality flatware is definitely worth paying the higher price.
And last, check the flatware packaging for other product information, especially international or national standards, to ensure this flatware product meets acceptable standards for your area. After all, you want to be sporting these new quality table tools for years to come.
Compare Prices of Flatware
