We use them every single day. From dinner to the dishwasher and back into the silverware drawer, your silverware gets its fair share of use. It's no wonder they start to show some wear and tear over time. Even the sturdiest, best silverware will eventually need to be replaced.
Is it time you replaced your old flatware? Or maybe it's time to give your kitchen an eco-friendly upgrade. Whether shopping for flatware sets for 8 or flatware sets for 12, you'll want to find food-safe silverware that will last for many years. In this blog post, we look at flatware materials you should avoid and what the healthiest and best silverware materials are.
Does flatware material matter?
We have to say, yes! From the environment to our own health and lifestyle, the materials really do matter.
The Plastic Pollution Coalition cites that Americans use over 100 million plastic utensils every day. Add to that the number of other countries with similar lifestyle habits, and it becomes clear that the use of plastic utensils has a worldwide effect on the environment.
However, there is good news! It's easy for us to do our part in lowering those numbers. Instead of using the plastic cutlery that comes with takeout orders, we can buy silverware online for our workplaces and homes.
When you buy silverware online from INOX Artisans, each 5-piece silverware set comes wrapped in a protective cloth, with a separate pouch for each piece. When buying flatware sets for 8 or more, each handcrafted piece is safely stored in a fabric cutlery storage pouch.
These cutlery wraps are ideal for keeping your sustainable silverware protected from scratches, but also a great way to take cutlery along on a picnic or to your workplace.
What flatware materials to avoid
We've already talked about plastic not being reusable, which leads to it accumulating in landfills. Plastic can take centuries to break down, and when they do, the microplastics pollute our environment.
When exposed to heat, both plastics and resins can also leach chemicals into our food. As for durability, silverware with plastic handles can fade in color, crack, or even warp when exposed to hot water in the dishwasher.
What about flatware with wooden handles?
Wood has that natural, warm aesthetic, but silverware with wooden handles needs to be hand-washed, or it can warp or crack in the dishwasher. Some types of wood can soak up food stains, as well. As for safety, if the wood is untreated, it can soak up liquids from food, such as meat, which can attract bacterial growth. On the flip side, the wood may have been treated, but are the chemicals non-toxic?
Stainless steel silverware
Stainless steel is the safest material for silverware sets. Your best silverware sets are durable, resistant to rust, and completely food-safe for you and your family.
Not only is stainless steel the right material for durability, but most people also notice a difference in how it feels. This is partly due to the weight and balance of each piece; flatware pieces become an extension of whatever you are eating. Having flatware sets for 8 or more that make meals more enjoyable is a big plus to your dining experience.
Not only is stainless steel the right material for durability, but most people also notice a difference in how it feels. This is partly due to the weight and balance of each piece; flatware pieces become an extension of whatever you are eating. Having flatware sets for 8 or more that make meals more enjoyable is a big plus to your dining experience.
A high-quality stainless steel silverware set like the Jason collection can withstand daily use and has a balanced, comfortable feel.
What about PVD stainless steel?
PVD stands for physical vapor deposition, a coating technology that applies unique color finishes to stainless steel flatware.
PVD-coated stainless steel silverware is another safe choice. Available as flatware sets for 8 or more, PVD flatware offers bold finishes and lasting strength.
Add a luxurious boost to your table with the Estique PVD gold flatware set.
The PVD coating process allows for unique color finishes. Shown here is our Sundance PVD flatware in bronze.
At INOX Artisans, our silverware is crafted from 18/8 stainless steel. Handcrafted by our talented artisans, each design has a distinctive aesthetic. What's more, our stainless steel silverware is durable, rust-resistant, and completely food-safe.
You can buy our silverware either as a 5-piece serving set (serving 1) or as a 20-piece set (serving 4). This flexibility allows you to easily create larger flatware settings to meet your needs, whether you're looking for flatware sets for 8 people, 20, or more!
Are you a cafe or restaurant owner in search of unique, handmade flatware? We can help you! Contact us for bulk pricing.