How to choose the right cutlery

• How to choose the right cutlery
• Which design of cutlery should I choose?
• How much cutlery should I buy?

Before You Buy…

Silver, steel, plate, modern or traditional? It pays to think before you fork out (quite literally). You can, of course, pick up perfectly useable cutlery cheaply and easily at most department stores and supermarkets. But if you feel it's time to upgrade to something a little more luxurious, then consider how much you would like to spend, the type of design that appeals to you and, finally, how many place settings you are likely to need.

Materials: What to Choose
There are three basic options: stainless steel, silver plate and sterling silver (which is generally made to order). Each has its own benefits, but costs vary greatly.
•80 per cent of cutlery is 18/10 stainless steel, an alloy of iron with chrome and nickel added to make it corrosion resistant. This combination makes it suitable for use in dishwashers, so convenient for everyday use. Stainless-steel cutlery generally comes in a wider range of designs than silver-plated cutlery.
•Silver doesn't react with most foods and is resistant to staining and corrosion, so it's particularly suitable for cutlery. However, because it is a soft metal, it's not suitable for knife blades, which will be made out of stainless steel, unless antique. Both sterling silver and plated cutlery will require polishing every so often.
•Resin handles have replaced bone (which are now illegal) and these are dishwasher safe, whereas bone handles can only be bought as second-hand pieces and should always be hand washed.

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