18/10 , 18/8 , OR 18/0 STAINLESS : DIFFERENCES AND BRANDS
While we attempt to give you as much information as possible regarding these products, YOU are the final judge. Our goal here is to assist buyers in making informed decisions.
18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 - These numbers refer to the combination of metals used in the manufacturing process. The first thing consumers should know is that there is NO difference between 18/10 or 18/8. These products are exactly the same. In past years, manufacturers changed their numeral description of 18/8 to 18/10 as a marketing strategy.
18/10 <> 18/8 : FINE QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL FLATWARE is compromised of 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The nickel content adds to the strength of the product. Chromium resists stains, rust, corrosion and is a strong solid metal in it's own right. In addition, 18/10 <> 18/8 fine stainless steel is strong and durable - keeping its "like new" appearance quite possibly for a lifetime. FACT: Many people cook with their flatware. So durable is 18/10 <> 18/8 that this will NOT affect the finish.
IDEAL FOR CASUAL AND FORMAL DINING
Whether 18/10, 18/8, or 18/0 - Fine stainless flatware assures Quality and Durability. Save $$$$. Find a product that is as conservative or elegant as you are... which can be employed for every day use as well as entertaining. Here is the 18/10 Reed & Barton Longwood collection, design is appropriate for all occasions and moderately priced.
ABOUT 18/0
Actually, that depends on the manufacturer and the particular product. There are many 18/0 items on the market made of high gauge, high quality fine stainless steel. Most possess durability for everyday use, but definitely not all.
The brand name, ( reputation of ) customer reviews, and if possible - a "handling" test are good ways to assess the craftsmanship.
One of our favorite 18/0 flatware sets is Reed & Barton's Colby. These are offered in an 18/10 version as well as 18/0 ( also known as Ribbon Crest, exclusive to the QVC home shopping network ). This is top of the line. Features we like: Durability, Continental sizing, and designed with a modern understated elegance.
A good rule of thumb: If you are purchasing a flatware set, only browse products from well known companies.
Have you ever seen the open stock flatware pieces at discount stores which are taped together priced in the neighborhood of $1.00 - $2.00 ? Beware of the "sets" shrink wrapped and bundled in a flatware tray as well - they are the same products. These are definitely meant for temporary use. We hope! Unfortunately, there are manufacturers out there who offer similar low quality, "flimsy" items. Avoid products with which you are not familiar with. 99% of the time if the pricing seems too good to be true, IT IS.
BRANDS OF CHOICE
REED & BARTON
Whether formal, casual, 18/10 or 18/0, REED & BARTON is an award winning company and the number one choice of consumers - internationally known for higher end quality fine and casual flatware products. Reed & Barton offers collections for every taste and budget, from upscale elegance to casual everyday tableware boasting Continental and American designing. With unmatched superior craftsmanship, durability, and style trends - every product is manufactured to last a lifetime.
Did you know ? Reed & Barton also manufactures flatware for finer tableware companies such as Mikasa and Waterford. Shown below: Waterford Powerscourt. Highest of quality and versatile attractive design, however expensive.
GOURMET SETTINGS
This manufacturer receives rave reviews by consumers as well. Offering European inspired designs which include G.S. exclusive handmade patterns, Gourmet Settings has been called the "Ferrari of Flatware" as ALL product lines are of unique high quality and every pattern is versatile - suitable for everyday use as well as formal entertaining. This is Gourmet Settings Non Stop.
Whether formal, casual, 18/10 or 18/0, REED & BARTON is an award winning company and the number one choice of consumers - internationally known for higher end quality fine and casual flatware products. Reed & Barton offers collections for every taste and budget, from upscale elegance to casual everyday tableware boasting Continental and American designing. With unmatched superior craftsmanship, durability, and style trends - every product is manufactured to last a lifetime.
Did you know ? Reed & Barton also manufactures flatware for finer tableware companies such as Mikasa and Waterford. Shown below: Waterford Powerscourt. Highest of quality and versatile attractive design, however expensive.
INTERNATIONAL SILVER
Having a high reputation for quality AND design, this company also manufactures fine flatware and offers an array of products to suit any occasion. In addition, International Silver is the parent company of other well known brand names such as Pfaltzgraff, Rogers, Towle, and Wallace. All are now marketed through Lifetime Brands, Inc. with continued customer satisfaction. A quite popular product is the Wallace American Tradition line. This classic pattern has been in production for many years due to popular demand.
9Tp6JBOHJ)WWt(g~~_2.JPG)
Having a high reputation for quality AND design, this company also manufactures fine flatware and offers an array of products to suit any occasion. In addition, International Silver is the parent company of other well known brand names such as Pfaltzgraff, Rogers, Towle, and Wallace. All are now marketed through Lifetime Brands, Inc. with continued customer satisfaction. A quite popular product is the Wallace American Tradition line. This classic pattern has been in production for many years due to popular demand.
This manufacturer receives rave reviews by consumers as well. Offering European inspired designs which include G.S. exclusive handmade patterns, Gourmet Settings has been called the "Ferrari of Flatware" as ALL product lines are of unique high quality and every pattern is versatile - suitable for everyday use as well as formal entertaining. This is Gourmet Settings Non Stop.
lkBOHKFwCoew~~_2.JPG)
PRODUCTS AT QUESTION
ONEIDA: NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE !
While this popular brand has been on almost every tabletop in America as well as other places around the world, quality is the number one issue of recent customer ratings.
Consumer reviews from various sources state the following complaints:
"Cheaply made and lightweight"
"Lower in quality than other Oneida sets we've owned"
"Spots/Rust on pieces when put in dishwasher"
"This is supposed to be 18/10 but is flimsy and resembles low budget flatware"
"Michelangelo is a true disappointment for the expense"
"Older Oneida products were much better"
In addition, Oneida offers a patterns forever program for consumers with a limited list of items that are available as open stock. For instance, if you have owned a "Michelangelo" set for years and wish to replace pieces... You may order directly from the manufacturer. However, the quality and workmanship leave much to be desired as compared to "original" products per reviews.
Customers have become less than satisfied, especially with the expense in contrast to the quality of newer Oneida collections. We have also seen Oneida designs that we recognize in select stores as boxed sets, renamed - and well below expectations considering it is Oneida.
Shown: Oneida "Camber aka Scroll" pattern.
This was discontinued in 1996 - Now being offered as Oneida "Cresta" (18/0) which is very low quality in comparison. What has happened to the outstanding reputation of Oneida ? We do not know.
RfC5Q~~_2.JPG)
While this popular brand has been on almost every tabletop in America as well as other places around the world, quality is the number one issue of recent customer ratings.
Consumer reviews from various sources state the following complaints:
"Cheaply made and lightweight"
"Lower in quality than other Oneida sets we've owned"
"Spots/Rust on pieces when put in dishwasher"
"This is supposed to be 18/10 but is flimsy and resembles low budget flatware"
"Michelangelo is a true disappointment for the expense"
"Older Oneida products were much better"
In addition, Oneida offers a patterns forever program for consumers with a limited list of items that are available as open stock. For instance, if you have owned a "Michelangelo" set for years and wish to replace pieces... You may order directly from the manufacturer. However, the quality and workmanship leave much to be desired as compared to "original" products per reviews.
Customers have become less than satisfied, especially with the expense in contrast to the quality of newer Oneida collections. We have also seen Oneida designs that we recognize in select stores as boxed sets, renamed - and well below expectations considering it is Oneida.
Shown: Oneida "Camber aka Scroll" pattern.
This was discontinued in 1996 - Now being offered as Oneida "Cresta" (18/0) which is very low quality in comparison. What has happened to the outstanding reputation of Oneida ? We do not know.
__________________________________________________________
Thank you for reading our guide.
Thank you for reading our guide.
Please click the helpful YES button if we have been able to assist you today.
)
