You’ve come to that point in your life that your college dorm mishmash flatware drawer doesn’t fit your adult lifestyle. Perhaps you’ve got a busy lifestyle and you want to buy silverware online that will be visually appealing, functional, and comfortable for everyday use.
One thing we always recommend to people when they are looking for a new set of copper silverware for their home is to first talk to friends and family. Whether you know what the best silverware brands in the world are or you are in the dark about all things silverware, if you avoid these common mistakes when you buy new silverware online, you will find a flatware set that you and your family will be able to enjoy for years to come.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the quality or types of material used. Today, silverware can be made of almost anything, like wood, resin, or plastic. But, if you want flatware that is going to last, you’ll want to stick to stainless steel. The best silverware brands use quality stainless steel to make their silverware.
Stainless steel is an anti-corrosive alloy. Made from chromium and nickel, it comes in different grades.
Here is a quick look at what you need to know about stainless steel:
🍴18/10 is a premier stainless steel grade. Made from 18% chromium and 10% nickel, it is more expensive to produce, so it is often the most expensive flatware you can buy.
🍴18/8 stainless steel comes in second. It has less nickel and is not as durable as 18/10 but can still last for years. It will keep most rust at bay, but you’ll need to ensure that you keep it dry.
🍴18/0 grade doesn’t have nickel in it. It is the least expensive stainless steel. It is still durable because of the chromium but it isn’t as strong as the other grades and corrodes (rusts) quite easily. If you’re on a budget, this grade of stainless steel is affordable, but keep in mind it won’t last as long as the grades with nickel in them.
Mistake #2: Not planning for enough place settings. When you buy silverware online you’ll usually find that you can get a single 5-piece set, a flatware set for 4 people, or flatware sets for 8 or more. If you often have guests for dinner, flatware sets for 12 people or even 20 might be more to your liking. When deciding on how many place settings to buy, don’t forget that sometimes flatware pieces can go missing or become damaged. When it comes to place settings, you’ll never regret planning to have extra pieces!
Camellia copper silverware combines a classic artisan aesthetic with a medium weight and ergonomic balance.
Mistake #3: Choosing silverware solely by aesthetics. Don’t get us wrong, we love eye-pleasing copper silverware as much as anyone. However, if a piece of silverware has poor balance or lacks the proper heft, it can make eating unpleasant. When you buy silverware online, it’s important to check for an item's weight, length, and any other specifics the brand provides. The best silverware brands offer more than just photos; they also provide essential information.
Mistake #4: Failing to check the return policy or warranty information. The top silverware brands will provide clear information regarding their return policies and warranty specifications.
Mistake #5: Ignoring customer reviews. Reviews are a good way to learn about the quality of a product. According to B2B reviews, 99.5% of shoppers read reviews to research online purchases. As many as 94% say they avoided a business that didn’t have any reviews.
Photo by Francisco De Legarreta C. on Unsplash
Mistake #6: Not doing any research. Before you set out to buy silverware online, we suggest you learn more about flatware and how it is produced.
Here are two main stainless steel flatware types:
Stamped: This type of flatware is crafted from a ribbon of metal. A metal stamp comes down on the stainless steel to stamp out the shape of the flatware. This silverware is very lightweight and less durable than forged flatware, but if you are on a budget, it is an option.
Forged: To create this type of flatware, a metal rod is heated and then hammered into shape. Some forged flatware is handmade (like our collection) but many on the market are manufactured using machines. Forged flatware is heavier, more durable than stamped, and feels better in the hand. While it is more expensive since you’ll probably be using your flatware for many years, most would say it’s worth the extra money. Add a photo here of an artisan using rods.
Photo by Fabian Blank on Unsplash
Mistake #7: Shopping Without a Budget
When purchasing silverware online, you’ll quickly realize that prices can vary significantly. You might find a set for as low as $10 (which is not recommended), or you could spend thousands of dollars on sterling silver flatware. While most prices won't fluctuate that drastically, it's important to establish a budget before you start shopping for your new copper silverware set.
What are the best silverware brands charging for a 20-piece set of silverware?
You can expect to spend $100-$160 on a 20-piece set of silverware. That works out to be about $40 for a 5-piece set. Although that may seem like a lot, remember that you will use this flatware for years. Therefore, it's crucial to invest in something that is not only beautifully designed but also durable. If you are buying flatware sets for 12 or more, you’ll likely double the price.
At INOX Artisans, the average price for a 20-piece copper silverware set is $129.99 with an average 5-piece flatware set averaging out to about $34.99. Each piece is hand-forged from 18/8 stainless steel and polished by hand. Since each piece of silverware is a handcrafted original, you’ll find our silverware prices comparable to the best silverware brands.
