The ultimate cutlery set buying guide
No restaurant or kitchen is complete without a good quality set of cutlery. However, purchasing the right set can be difficult. From knowing what to look for to the plethora of options on the market today, choosing the perfect set for your kitchen can be challenging.
This guide covers the top factors to consider and what you should look for when purchasing your cutlery set.
Factors to consider (click on the image for products)
Whether you’re catering for formal or casual dining, a full set of quality cutlery is a huge investment. That’s why you should take your time when buying the ideal set for your kitchen to ensure your investment is worthwhile.
You don’t want to spend more money buying cutlery down the road because you made a wrong choice initially.
Cutlery options cover the gamut, from luxurious silverware sets that create a good first impression to your customers to budget-friendly, practical pieces for daily use. Ultimately, the set you select largely depends on numerous factors, including:
1. Quantity
How much cutlery do you need? Generally, it’s advisable to buy a little more cutlery than you would normally require as a backup for any emergencies. Cutlery can easily get lost, and if your restaurant is always busy, you want to have enough cutlery to serve everyone, preventing delays and reducing wait times. The advantage of buying your cutlery from Cooksmill is that you can buy the set that you need as we sell each piece (forks, knives, spoons) in separate packs of 12. If you sell more desserts you may need more dessert spoons, if you sell a lot of hot drinks you may need more teaspoons, if you specialise in steaks you might need more steak knives and fewer table knives.
2. Budget
Before shopping for any cutlery sets, set your budget and stick to it. Don’t focus too much on buying the most expensive cutlery since it can stretch out your budget. Fortunately, with such an enormous range of cutlery sets to choose from, it’s easy to find quality cutlery at a competitive price. Cooksmill has different ranges for different budgets. We have Premium Cutlery at the select end of the market, standard cutlery choices, and plain economy cutlery for those on a budget.
3. Style
When it comes to cutlery style, a good rule of thumb to follow is to choose one that’s naturally comfortable to hold and eat with. Whether you want cutlery with intricate shapes or one that’s patterned, ensure it’s well-balanced as it sits on your hand and its weight is not too light or too heavy.
Remember, different cutlery styles offer different dining experiences. For example, formal dining cutlery sets tend to have simple designs with little to no details, while Parish Pattern cutlery with its traditional patterns is more suited to traditional and retro settings. Try selecting a style that matches the experience you want to provide.
4. Types of cutlery
Cutlery comes in either 18/0 or 18/10 stainless steel. There is a big difference between the two which is important to consider when choosing your cutlery. 18/0 cutlery is 18% chromium and 0% nickel. Chromium is what gives cutlery it’s weight and balance in the hand making it pleasant to hold. 18/10 cutlery is 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Nickel is a silvery white metal that provides a super high shine.
What this means is that 18/10 cutlery has higher shine and more durability, but it is more expensive. If you can afford the budget for 18/10 cutlery it will be sure to impress your diners. However, 18/0 cutlery is great for casual dining or for those starting out with a new business.
What to look for in a cutlery set
Now that you understand the factors to consider when buying your cutlery set, it’s time to go shopping. To ensure you get the perfect set, here’s what to look for when shopping.
First, always go for a durable, stainless steel set as it will last you the long haul. Even if it means spending a little more, you’re better off investing in a stainless steel set since it will keep its shine intact so you won’t have to replace it often.
It’s vital to note that there are different grades of stainless steel, and the higher the grade, the higher the quality and price.
Second, buy a low-maintenance set to make cleaning and storing your cutlery easy and simple. Most modern cutlery is dishwasher safe and doesn’t stain or scratch easily, but it’s still wise to wash and dry your cutlery as soon as possible to prevent any damage.
How to buy quality cutlery set with Cooksmill
We understand that buying cutlery online can be tricky as you can’t touch the set or take a closer look before purchasing. Luckily for you, you can visit our store and get to see and compare the different types of cutlery sets for your restaurant or kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for specialist cutlery for seafood boils or premium grade cutlery, you’re bound to find a set that suits your needs and is within your budget range.
You can also shop for our cutlery online with free courier delivery on orders over £60. What are you waiting for? Visit our store or browse our collection online and buy the perfect set for your business.
If you wish to enquire about any of our products or services, or if you are just after some friendly, professional advice, contact us today using the form on our website, by calling 0161 886 4989, or by emailing info@cooksmill.co.uk.
