Flatware comes in a variety of materials including stainless steel, sterling silver, and
metals combined with other materials like resin, wood, and plastic.
There are over 150 varieties of stainless steel, and each of them have different properties,
which is why it's important to understand their variations.
In the restaurant industry, it’s also especially important to distinguish between the
various types because one type of food grade stainless steel may be better suited for
a particular task. For example, if you’re shopping for cookware that’s going to come
in contact with very salty foods, a pot made with 316 stainless steel is probably better
than 304 because of its superior corrosion resistance.
18/8 Stainless Steel
18/8 is one of the most common types of flatware. This stainless steel has a hefty,
professional feeling, and it's very corrosion resistant. Pieces made from this stainless steel
usually have some sort of decoration or design.
Best Applications: Casual restaurants, upscale establishments, hotels, catering companies,
banquet halls, bistros, cafes
18/10 Stainless Steel
This is the highest-quality flatware you can get. 18/10 offers superior corrosion resistance.
Additionally, this flatware usually has unique and interesting designs or engravings
on the handles.
Best Applications: Upscale restaurants, bistros, hotels, banquet halls, catering companies,
country clubs
Stainless steel is an incredibly useful material in the foodservice industry due to its strength,
durability, and corrosion resistance. Among food grade stainless steel there are a variety
of types, and knowing their different properties and uses can help you make an informed purchase.
How to care?
The best way to care for flatware is to hand-wash and dry it. If a flatware set cannot be
washed in the dishwasher, it is because the temperature of the water mixed with the
dishwasher detergent is very high. There is an electric heating element at the bottom
of the dishwasher, which can be heated to almost boiling. This is used together with
dishwasher detergent, which is a high-temperature corrosive detergent (stronger than
dishwashing detergent) and can remove food without scrubbing. And debris.
High temperature and detergent will remove the natural patina and discolor the tableware.
Hand washing isn't realistic for many people, though. You can do a few things to make
sure your flatware stays in the best shape possible even if you're using the dishwasher.
Oneida, a flatware brand, offers a few tips on loading your flatware in a dishwasher:
①Load forks and spoons with the handles down and tines and bowls up.
②Put the sharp side of the knife down in a separate basket to avoid potential scratches
③Remove flatware after the last rinse cycle and dry them by hand, as the hot air will cause
corrosion over time.
④If your flatware is discolored due to hard water, please use a high-quality stainless steel
polish and follow the instructions.
We suggest : You shouldn't soak flatware in water for a long time, and avoid prolonged
contact with tea, coffee, eggs, mayonnaise, vinegar and salt, because the acid and protein
in these foods will corrode the tableware. Avoid using strong detergents, especially those
containing citrus flavor additives, and do not pour the detergent directly on the dishes.
Following these steps will help you extend the life of the flatware.
If your flatware is purchased from a reliable tableware supplier, then you don't have to worry
so much about it. Because a good manufacturer will use high quality raw materials and go
through a multi-layer polishing process that is durable for a long time, as Infull Cutlery,
who has 15 years of experience in the production and sale of cutlery, can guarantee that
you receive the perfect cutlery for daily use.