Best Cutlery Sets To Upgrade Your Tableware

Here are the top cutlery sets for renters, homeowners, students and more.

Best cutlery set tableware

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Cutlery is more than a tool we use to eat - they help create the perfect tablescape and is key to impressing guests or setting the scene for yourself. A set of cutlery is one of those essential items you need in every household, and whether you are looking for a timeless, polished flatware set or a trendy cutlery set - we have you covered for every budget and style.

When choosing the best cutlery for your home, you’ll want to consider a few factors, such as lifestyle - do you sit at the table every night? Do you take photos of your meals? How many people eat at the table at the same time? Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down your search.

Also, you will want to find a set to suit your style. What colour scheme do you want to go for, and what will go with your plates and glassware? What would look well with your sparkling wine glasses?

Plus, it would help if you considered the longevity versus price point too. Maybe you are moving to a new home and are looking for a set for life, or perhaps renting and looking for a cheap set to tide you over. Whatever your needs, we have rounded up the best cutlery for every table so you can tuck in and enjoy your meal in style.

What features to consider when buying a cutlery set

Here are a couple of aspects to think about before purchasing cutlery for your home:

Shape: When it comes to the constitution, round, smooth bases are easy for little hands to grip, while flatter, heavier ranges will work best for an all-adult household. Knives should be smooth to cut with, without being sharp to the touch, and forks should skewer food without being dangerously sharp.

Is it dishwasher-safe? Some more delicate or budget sets require hand-washing in warm soapy waters and sometimes immediate drying, depending on the material. Whereas others are the bang-around-and-throw-in-the-dishwasher type of model. If you have a dishwasher, make sure to check whether the collection is dishwasher friendly before buying.

What function will the cutlery have in your home? Are you looking for a four-piece cutlery set with a knife, fork, spoon and teaspoon or a serving set with dessert spoons, a cake server and more? Most standard sets come with four pieces, but other more all-inclusive collections are also available.

Best cutlery sets

Best cutlery set for average households
Viners Grace 16 Piece Cutlery Set
Price: £44

Perfect for daily use or a more formal occasion, this cutlery set includes four table forks, four table knives, four tablespoons and four teaspoons and has a unique striped design on the handles for an elegant touch.

Customer Review: "Nothing to dislike. If you want to spend your money wisely on a classic set of cutlery that will last over styles, trends and years without damage, this is an unbeatable product and price. You could also leave a lasting impression for future generations."

Pros

  • Good value and quality
  • Reliable, dishwasher-safe material

Cons

  • Plain-looking in design
Number of pieces16
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourSilver
Dishwasher-safe?Yes

Best cutlery set for families

What we love about this cutlery set is the minimalist, Scandinavian design, totally without fuss and frills. This range is one of Ikea's bestsellers at an excellent price for the quality.

Customer Review: "This cutlery is of nice quality and just the right weight."

Pros

  • Great for larger families
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Plain-looking design
Number of pieces24
MaterialMetal
ColourStainless Steel
Dishwasher-safe?Yes

Best cutlery set for an alternative to silverware
Gold 16 Piece Cutlery Set
Price: £10 (was £20)

www.dunelm.com

Bring fine dining to any meal with this 16-piece cutlery set crafted from gold-coloured stainless steel; it won't tarnish or lose its shine; just make sure to hand wash them.

Customer Review: "Bought for occasional use (specifically for Chartism’s dinner), looked great on the table against white and dark green linens and fresh green foliage centrepiece, guests commented on how good they looked. Lightweight didn’t feel expensive but didn’t feel cheap either. Not dishwasher safe so wouldn’t withstand daily use, definitely worth saving for special occasions!"

Pros

  • Good value
  • Perfect for a special occasion

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe
Number of pieces16
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourGold
Dishwasher-safe?No

Best budget cutlery set

Made from stainless steel with neutral cream plastic handles, this 16-piece cutlery set comes complete with four knives, four forks, four dessert spoons and four teaspoons and can easily be washed by hand. Plus, they are perfect for those on a budget or moving to university, as they cost only £5.

Review: "Lightweight, slightly small but still adult size. Lovely cutlery. Good bargain."

Pros

  • Simple, affordable option
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe
  • SLightly small
Number of pieces14
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourSilver and cream handles
Dishwasher-safe?No

Best cutlery set for children
Exzact Childrens Cutlery Set
Price: £24.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$22.99View offer

These children's cutlery sets are made from high-quality stainless steel and are made to suit children of age groups from 24 months to 12 years old. Crafted with an ergonomic design, this fork, knife, and spoon set will help kids learn how to eat quickly and help them integrate into using adult cutlery when they are older.

Customer Review: "Amazing quality. I've replaced all the plastic ones with these. Looking at the scratches and bite marks on plastic cutlery, I can see how kids are continually ingesting plastic by using them. Made the best decision to swap them to some high-quality stainless steel cutlery."

Pros

  • Different colours available
  • Very cute designs
  • Perfect for young families

Cons

  • None
Number of pieces18
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourBlue, silver, yellow, rainbow, pink
Dishwasher-safe?Yes

Best cutlery set for 25 year warranty

These knives, forks and spoons are safe to go in the dishwasher or washing up bowl, are the ideal weight for comfortable use, and their high shine finish stays gleaming wash after wash. Not to mention it has a 25-year warranty, so you know you have a set that will last you years to come.

Customer Review: "Easy site to use. Already bought from this shop before, so knew the product. The cutlery has a simple pattern but is classic and has a lovely weight to it. Good price."

Pros

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Curved, slimline design
  • Made from the highest quality stainless steel

Cons

  • Pricey
Number of pieces28
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourSilver
Dishwasher-safe?Yes

Best luxury cutlery set

This gorgeous cutlery set from Villeroy and Bach features gold-plated handle ends for a luxe finish and includes six dinner knives, six dinner forks, six spoons and six teaspoons.

Pros

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Made from high-quality stainless steel

Cons

  • Very pricey
Number of pieces24
MaterialStainless Steel, Gold-Plated Ends
ColourSilver and Gold
Dishwasher-safe?Yes

Best premium cutlery set
Robert Welch Malvern Cutlery
Price: £375.00

You get what you pay for when it comes to cutlery, and although Robert Welch products are on the slightly pricier end of the spectrum, they will stand the test of time and are luxurious to use. Each set even has a 25-year guarantee, so you know they are made to last. The knives, forks and spoons have smooth, ergonomic curves, which are incredibly comfortable to use.  

Customer Review: "Very pleased with my new cutlery. The knives actually cut, not like some others that I previously bought. It may seem a little pricey, but it is well worth the money."

Pros

  • Great guarantee
  • Made from high-quality stainless steel
  • Timeless style

Cons

  • Plain-looking
Number of pieces24
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourSilver
Dishwasher-safe?Yes

Best cutlery set for different colours
Berglander 24 Piece Titanium Black

Rrp: £28.99

Price: £25.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=f634922b34574b43c6da92cd4c57ebb5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DkJHREoIHU1EQ0IZQwNYXgJEEE9aXQ5LXRMafQADCQNEHn9QRlEKVloYYkAHWkAKWhdMalcXSQdbGGcMBwEDRR56VlwfMUddVlwZMV1fClULD1wfIAtbCFxZAk83ElNdR1BeQU9gUUEaYBdGXQZESTVWXAQXGTBFVhEXDgcbYERWXVxPYFFBGkMLQFtOZRAAUFwPAUcQGGQRBwcKG2ZAXFxBC18ZfVhYBlFBTANTUwwFUFQAUAw%3D&x=v1&prdId=11048310668&barcode=VgAKAw0EAFILAgUHDFA%3D

If you’re looking for something fun and quirky, this cutlery set comes in various colours, including an iridescent rainbow finish set. The 24-piece collection comes with knives, forks, tablespoons and dessert spoons.

Customer Review: "Very pleased with this set. Lovely quality, lovely colour, goes in my dishwasher. Looks really fab when table all set."

Pros

  • Different variants available
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Timeless elegant design

Cons

  • Too lightweight for some
Number of pieces24
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourVarious
Dishwasher safe?Yes

Best cutlery set by a celebrity chef

Culinary extraordinaire Yotam Ottolenghi is known for his colourful, vibrant vegetarian cookbooks and delicious restaurants in London and has released this stunning cutlery set that will elevate any meal. One thing to note is that you need to handwash this walnut and steel set of cutlery to ensure it remains in good condition.

Pros

  • Quirky and unique
  • High-quality steel

Cons

  • Handwash only
Number of pieces24
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourSilver with Walnut Handle
Dishwasher-safe?No

Best cutlery set for Christmas
Salter BW09496
Price: £75.95

Salter is one of the big names in the kitchenware and appliance business, and for a good reason. Their products are reliable, affordable and good quality. This marble gold cutlery set is an excellent choice for petite-handed diners and is a trendy twist on regular silverware, and will look great brought out for special occasions like Christmas.

Customer Review: "I've been looking for new cutlery and really liked and this set is just what I wanted. Love the design and the weight is just right. Superb cutlery. Excellent quality. Nice and shiny. Looks elegant and I like the minimalist look."

Pros

  • Different sets available
  • Great value and design

Cons

  • Handwash only
Number of pieces16, 32 or 48
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourSilver and black handle
Dishwasher safe?No

Best cutlery set for the full collection
Windsor Boxed Cutlery Set, Mirror, 44-Piece
Price: £115.50

If you are looking for the ultimate serving set, this premium product from Windsor Collection contains eight table knives, eight table forks, eight dessert knives, eight dessert forks, eight dessert spoons, eight soup spoons, eight teaspoons, three serving spoons and one cake server all crafted to full UK sizes. This collection is perfect for at-home use or makes a great gift for friends or family.

Customer Review: "Bought these after moving house and wanting to buy all new cutlery. I'm usually hesitant to buy cutlery online as I like to feel the knives and forks to ensure they have the right feel and weight. These certainly feel nice to hold and have a good weight to them. I liked these so much I ordered a second set a month later!"

Pros

  • Made from high-quality stainless steel
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Lightweight, simple and practical

Cons

  • Plain-looking
Number of pieces24, 44 or 60
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourSilver
Dishwasher-safe?Yes

Best premium five-piece cutlery set

Engraved with the Soho Home logo, this Elgin set is made from stainless steel with a ridged handle and antique patina. This premium product comes in a bundle of five individual utensils, not an entire collection, so bear this in mind before purchasing.

Pros

  • Durable and stain resistant
  • Hardened stainless steel
  • Dishwasher-friendly

Cons

  • Has care instructions
  • For one person only
Number of pieces5
MaterialStainless Steel
ColourSilver
Dishwasher-safe?Yes

Best sustainable cutlery set

These high-quality reclaimed reusable wooden cutlery sets are 100 per cent organic. They are made from a single piece of upcycled ebony wood without the need for any harmful fertilisers, pesticides or glues. If you are looking for a sustainable gift or kitchenware, this set is fully biodegradable and includes a natural bag to store the cutlery set.

Customer Review: "Happy to have made this purchase from here! The utensil set is terrific—I have no gripes or complaints to make about it. The brown shade is nice, deep and rich. The wood itself seems and feels of high quality, so only time will tell. It definitely feels durable and sturdy, that’s for sure."

Pros

  • Zero-waste alternative
  • Comes with a straw and pouch
  • Ideal for travel

Cons

  • Handwash only
Number of pieces4
MaterialEbony Wood
ColourBrown
Dishwasher-safe?No

Best Cutlery FAQs

What is the best metal for cutlery?

Stainless steel is the best material for flatware and is the most common too. It is best for everyday use as it's affordable, durable, and easy to take care of. Cutlery can also be made of sterling silver, which is where the term silverware comes from.

How do you set a basic table?

In order to set up a basic table, you will need a plate, a knife and fork, a water glass and a napkin. Often with a basic table setting, there is no dessert cutlery, as serving a dessert isn't always a prerequisite. There also does not need to be a wine glass if you are not drinking wine.

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