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Ted Mooney

, P.E. RET

- Pine Beach, NJ

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Requesting help on determining best quality Stainless Steel Silverware

I am trying to determine how to tell what is the best quality stainless steel? Is it 18/8, 18/10, or some other number that I should be looking for? Does one type wash and wear better than another?

Thanks for help.

Carol W

- Prescott Valley, Arizona, USA

18/8 and 18/10 refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel alloy. The "18" refers to the chromium content, which gives flatware its strength, and the "8" or "10" refers to the nickel content, which gives it its shine and rust-resistance. Both 18/8 and 18/10 are premium quality when it comes to stainless flatware. There is almost no difference between the two in terms of long-term quality and long-lasting shine.

Victoria S

[last name deleted for privacy by Editor]

- Brandon, Florida

I just purchased Cambridge flatware. The content is 18/0. Can you tell me if this is a good quality. I have always seen 18/10, but never 18/0.

Jan P

[last name deleted for privacy by Editor]

- Livonia, Michigan

18/0 means 18 percent chrome, zero percent nickel, and the balance iron (steel). The knife blades of most silverware are 18/0; it probably holds an edge better. 18/8 or 18/10 would be more expensive because nickel is more expensive than iron. 18/0 is magnetic whereas 18/8 and 18/10 aren't.

Some people report that their blades get rust spots and the rest of their silverware doesn't. I have a hodgepodge of both in my silverware drawer and fortunately none of it ever rusts and I personally don't see any difference in quality.

Ted Mooney

, P.E.

Striving to live Aloha

Qingzhan contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

I bought a settings for 21 of Cambridge flatware in Dec.
I like the pattern and got a great deal on them. I have been noticing rust spots all over them. I try to dry them and it doesn't seem to help.

I wanted to contact the Cambridge company to complain but don't know how to get in touch with them. Also, if anyone has any idea how to get rid of the spots, I will try it.

Rene L. Harrison

- Carmel, IN, USA

I too am having some rusting on the handles of some Cambridge silverware that I purchased. How can this be removed or it is possible to return to store/manufacture?

Mary Hawley

- San Antonio, Texas

There are probably a number of metal polishes that will remove the rust well. But never clean stainless steel with either bleach or steel wool as both will cause additional rusting. Good luck.

Ted Mooney

, P.E.

Striving to live Aloha

finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

When it comes to choosing professional flatware for your foodservice establishment, one of the most important factors to figure out is which grade of stainless steel will work best for your restaurant.

Stainless steel is a popular material used in flatware due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. There are various grades of stainless steel used for flatware, each with different properties and characteristics. In this article, we help you decide the right grade stainless steel for your establishment by comparing durability, price, aesthetic appeal, and more.

Decoding Stainless Steel Grades for Your Restaurant Flatware

When considering which grade of stainless steel would work best for your business and budget, it&#;s important to first note the similarities and differences between the common grades&#;18/10, 18/8, and 18/0&#;of commercial flatware used in the restaurant industry. The first number, 18, indicates the level of chromium, which adds toughness and resilience to steel. The second number indicates the levels of nickel.

All three grades of stainless steel are durable, making them suitable for years of continued use within a busy professional environment. Similarly, all three grades are corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and safe for use in commercial dishwashers (however it is always wise to defer to manufacturer recommendations).

The main difference between the three types of stainless steel is the amount of nickel each grade holds. 18/10 stainless steel has the most nickel, followed by 18/8 stainless steel, and 18/0 stainless steel. The amount of nickel contained within the stainless steel affects many qualities of flatware, bringing about both benefits and drawbacks to each grade, which we will now examine in detail.

18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware

This grade of stainless steel contains 10% nickel.

• Corrosion resistance: 18/10 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and staining, making it suitable for use everywhere, including very humid environments or with acidic foods.
• Durability: This grade of stainless steel is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for everyday professional use in high-volume establishments.
• Aesthetic appeal: The high nickel content gives the steel a bright, shiny finish that looks great on flatware. It is the most common grade of stainless steel used in fine-dining restaurants, in part for its high luster.
• Price: 18/10 stainless steel is the most expensive grade, which may make it less accessible for some buyers. However, it is an investment in quality and longevity.
• Weight: The high nickel content makes this steel heavier than other grades, which may be a drawback for some users. Some diners have noted that the heavier steel gives their utensils a bulky feeling. If weight is a potential factor for your guests, they may prefer a sleek and slender 18/10 flatware design.

18/8 Stainless Steel Flatware

This stainless steel contains 8% nickel. It is also known as 304 stainless steel.

• Corrosion resistance: 18/8 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and staining, making it suitable for use in humid environments or with acidic foods.
• Durability: This grade of stainless steel is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for everyday commercial use. It is also slightly less durable and less rust-resistant than 18/10, however the difference is small enough that most people simply would not notice. 18/8 grade is still very durable and can withstand years of use.
• Aesthetic appeal: This grade has shine and luster to its appearance. However, the lower nickel content means that 18/8 stainless steel is not as shiny as 18/10 flatware pieces.
• Price: 18/8 stainless steel is more affordable than 18/10 stainless steel, which may make it a better option for some buyers who are looking for quality without breaking the bank.
• Weight: The high nickel content makes this steel heavier than 18/0, which may be a drawback for some users. It is slightly lighter than 18/10 flatware.

18/0 Stainless Steel Flatware

This grade of stainless steel contains no nickel. It is also known as 430 stainless steel.

• Corrosion resistance: The chromium content of 18/10 stainless steel affords it some corrosion resistance, however, to a noticeable lesser degree than 18/10 and 18/8. Out of the three grades, it is most likely to react to acidic foods and will have a shorter lifespan in humid environments.
• Durability: 18/0 stainless steel is less durable than 18/10 and 18/8 and may show signs of wear and tear after repeated use in a commercial dishwasher. However, these flatware pieces still last for years and are suitable for commercial use.
• Aesthetic appeal: Due to its lack of nickel, this grade of stainless steel isn&#;t especially shiny. This aesthetic works best for casual dining, rustic, farm-to-table, and industrial design motifs.
• Price: 18/10 stainless steel is the most economical option of the three grades, making it accessible to most buyers.
• Weight: The absence of nickel makes 18/10 stainless steel utensils a light-weight option.

Which Grade of Stainless Steel Is Best for Your Restaurant?

The best grade of stainless steel flatware for a restaurant will depend on the specific needs of the establishment. For example, a fine dining restaurant that wants to provide its guests with the highest quality flatware will likely choose 18/10 stainless steel. A mid-range or casual restaurant that is looking for a more affordable option may choose 18/8 stainless steel. And a restaurant with a high turnover of flatware may opt for 18/0 stainless steel because it is less expensive to replace. What grade of stainless steel does your restaurant prefer and why? Let us know in the comment section!

The company is the world’s best Stainless Steel Flatware With Elegant Style supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.