Sexy motherforkers.

December 19, 2011 12:48 PM

What's a good utensil set to buy (with an emphasis on forks)?

Y'know, nice. But not expensive. But we're kind of not into Ikea. Just, y'know: Utensils! Purchasable online a plus. Seems basic, but who knows. Maybe you fine folks know something I don't. Any suggestions?

posted by chasing to Home & Garden (12 answers total)

Do you mean regular eating utensils, cooking utensils, or both? And when you say "emphasis on forks" do you mean the various specialty forks used in formal dining (for example) or just the usual salad and entree forks?
posted by jedicus at 1:07 PM on December 19, 2011

I've always been partial to Oneida. They offer a range of different styles at different price points and can be had quite inexpensively on Amazon. Look for a set described as being 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel. The nickel content will help the flatware to better hold up to use and washing over time.
posted by popculture at 1:08 PM on December 19, 2011

One of the things I look for in particular is strong spoons, so they don't bend when doing things like scooping fresh-from-the-freezer ice cream.
posted by rmd1023 at 1:14 PM on December 19, 2011

Seconding Oneida. I got an awesome (AWESOME) set of Oneida flatware a couple years ago...the design is sleek and minimal, the pieces all have a good heft, I can scoop ice cream with a tablespoon without worrying about it bending, the knives actually cut things, and the forks actually stab things. Guests frequently comment on how bitchin' my silverware is. And it's got 8 settings with all the funny extra stuff like a sugar spoon and that weird spreader knife.

Best part? I got it super cheap at Marshall's. Ended up being cheaper than Ikea or Target, and much, much nicer.
posted by phunniemee at 1:15 PM on December 19, 2011

...Which is to say, check out places like Marshall's, TJ Maxx, and Ross before turning to the internet.
posted by phunniemee at 1:16 PM on December 19, 2011

Nthing Oneida. I was going to point you to an online restaurant supply place for some good Oneida, but to my chagrin they only do bulk ordering. See if you can find a local restaurant supply place. Oneida's web site gives you an idea of what they look like, but you can find them cheaper at other places.

Oh, and try to get butter/table knives that are all one piece as opposed to two pieces joined together. They are the only annoyance that came with my True Rose Oneida flatware.
posted by infinitewindow at 1:18 PM on December 19, 2011

Look for 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel, avoiding cheaper 18/0.
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:18 PM on December 19, 2011

Not looking for anything too formal. Just for standard meals. Will check out the Oneida options!
posted by chasing at 1:29 PM on December 19, 2011

Nthing oneida. We have "oneida sheraton" and it feels very comfortable in the hand.

It's nice to try it out in person in a store so you know you like it.
posted by mgogol at 2:35 PM on December 19, 2011

Fancy cheese spread knives or butter knives.
posted by Bun Surnt at 3:36 PM on December 19, 2011

We have Crate and Barrel's Mix line of flatware. I continue to like it very much, 9 years after we bought it. Things are balanced well, and there's a good assortment of auxiliary pieces. (at least when I bought it, they had serving spoons, runcible serving spoons, and serving forks, iced tea spoons, demitasse spoons, little cocktail forks, bread and butter knives. I looked recently and they had a lot of the stuff, but I didn't check the serving pieces. )
posted by leahwrenn at 4:43 PM on December 19, 2011

Get a Bed Bath & Beyond 20% off coupon and find something that isn't in their exclusion list.
posted by rhizome at 11:32 PM on December 19, 2011