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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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.
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.
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.
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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Cut To The Chase: The Very Best In Restaurant Flatware
Flatware is often the unsung hero of a New York City restaurant's success story. While overall ambiance, atmosphere, and, of course, the food are all incredibly important to any dining experience, the flatware is how customers connect with the cuisine. So, you'd better be using the correct assortment of knives, forks, and spoons.
Luckily, you don't have to wander directionless into the flatware purchasing process. Sasha Karpova, principal at Roskush Hospitality for nearly 10 years, works with a number of manufacturers, primarily focused on tabletop products. One of the manufacturers she represents, Sambonet, is an Italian company that's considered one of the leading manufacturers of all sorts of tabletop cutlery, supplying the entire world in retail and foodservice settings.
Joining Sam Tell for a flatware Q&A, Karpova cuts through the noise to answer a cutlery drawer worth of questions.
How did stainless steel become one of the most popular forms of restaurant flatware?
Before stainless steel became available in the early 20th century, cutlery flatware was primarily made of sterling silver, which is the least reactive metal and doesn’t alter the taste of food. However, sterling silver was very expensive and reserved for the wealthy. The advent of stainless steel democratized cutlery for the masses due to its affordability, making it the primary choice for flatware.
What are the different grades of stainless steel flatware and what is the best grade for restaurants?
Stainless steel grades such as 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 refer to the percentage of chromium and nickel in the flatware. The 18 denotes chromium percentage, and the second number indicates the nickel percentage. 18/10, containing 10 percent nickel, is the gold standard due to its balanced weight, heft, and corrosion resistance. It is dishwasher safe and the most durable for restaurant use, unlike 18/0, which lacks nickel and is more prone to corrosion.
What is the Difference between medium and heavy weight flatware?
Choosing between medium and heavy weight flatware depends on your restaurant’s style. Heavy flatware is often associated with high-end dining and steakhouses due to its luxurious feel and substantial weight.
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Heavy flatware signifies luxury and is ideal for upscale dining or restaurants serving hearty meals. For a more modern or dainty aesthetic, medium weight flatware might be more suitable.
What are some of the different flatware finishes and how should restaurants choose between them?
Flatware finishes can enhance the restaurant’s style. Vintage finish, achieved by tumbling stainless steel flatware with rocks, gives an antique look perfect for rustic spaces. Satin finish provides a smooth, matte appearance but may wear off over time. Sambonet’s Antico finish, which involves sandblasting, offers a durable, fingerprint-resistant, satin-like finish.
PVD Coating Finish
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating involves bonding color to the flatware at an atomic level, ensuring durability and dishwasher safety. Unlike mere color coating, PVD binds the color into the flatware’s material, making it resistant to wear and tear.
What are the different types of patterns available for restaurant flatware?
Flatware patterns cater to various tastes and dining concepts. From the contemporary Linea Q pattern ideal for fine dining and Asian cuisine, to the classic Baguette pattern suited for bistro-style and fine dining, there are many options available. For steakhouses, heavier patterns like Gio Ponti are recommended.
What is a standard table setting that all restaurants need?
A standard table setting includes a table knife, dinner fork, dessert fork, salad fork, teaspoon, and dessert spoon. Depending on the restaurant’s menu, smaller settings with dessert or salad knives and forks may be used instead of dinner-sized cutlery.
What types of questions should a restauranteur ask when dealing with a flatware supplier?
Restaurateurs should inquire about the variety of pieces a supplier offers beyond the standard five-piece setting. Suppliers like Sambonet provide numerous specialty pieces, from dessert spoons to carving forks, which are essential for a complete and versatile flatware collection.
How can the right kind of flatware add to a customer's dining experience?
There’s so much flatware on the market. So, how do you distinguish yourself?
Distinguishing flatware design and how it feels in hand can significantly enhance the dining experience. Quality flatware contributes to the overall ambiance, providing guests with a sense of luxury and comfort that complements excellent food and atmosphere.
Are you interested in learning more about restaurant-grade flatware? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Let’s assemble your perfect collection of cutlery! Contact your Sam Tell Sales rep today!
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