Stainless steel flatware is an essential part of every dining table, whether in homes, restaurants, hotels, or catering services. Buyers often focus on design and shape, but the true quality of cutlery lies in the stainless steel grade behind it. Understanding stainless steel rating, stainless steel code, and stainless steel composition is necessary for choosing durable, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting flatware.
In this guide, we explain the difference between 18/10, 18/8, 18/0, 304, 316, 410, and 420 stainless steel, answer common questions like what flatware and what metal is cutlery made of, and help you find the best stainless steel for utensils and high-quality dining sets.
What Are Flatwares and What Metal Are They Made Of?
Flatware refers to the set of dining utensils, including forks, spoons, knives, and serving pieces. When buyers ask what metal is cutlery made of, the answer in modern households and restaurants is almost always stainless steel.
Reasons stainless steel is ideal for flatware:
- It is food safe and hygienic
- Resistant to rust and stains
- Durable enough for daily use
- Keeps its shine for many years
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Affordable for both retail and wholesale markets
The stainless steel type used determines how well the flatware performs over time.
Understanding 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 Stainless Steel
The terms 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel.
Chromium provides corrosion resistance.
Nickel adds shine, strength, and durability.
| Grade | Chromium | Nickel | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18/10 | 18% | 10% | Excellent shine, top corrosion resistance |
| 18/8 | 18% | 8% | Strong, widely used for premium flatware |
| 18/0 | 18% | 0% | Magnetic, cost-effective, often used for knives |
Many consumers ask what 18/10 means. It indicates a higher nickel content, making it ideal for high-end cutlery.
Is 18/10 stainless steel the best?
For premium flatware, yes—its brightness and corrosion resistance outperform other grades.
Is 18-8 Stainless Steel the Same as 304?
Yes, this is one of the most frequently searched questions: is 18-8 stainless steel the same as 304?
18/8 is the same as 304 stainless steel. Both contain approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. They offer strong corrosion resistance, good hardness, and excellent overall stability.
Key uses:
- Spoons
- Forks
- High-quality serving utensils
- Mid-to-high tier flatware sets
When comparing 18-8 vs 304 strength, the performance is essentially identical. The terms are often interchangeable in the industry.
The Difference Between 18-8 and 316 Stainless Steel
Another common comparison is difference between 18-8 and 316 stainless steel.
18/8 (304) is the global standard for flatware. It is durable, resistant to stains, and provides long-lasting shine.
316 stainless steel includes molybdenum, which gives it stronger resistance to acidic environments. This is why many people compare 18-8 versus 316 stainless steel.
| Feature | 18/8 (304) | 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Shine | High | High |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Superior |
| Durability | Very good | Excellent |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
While 316 is sometimes used for luxury utensils, 18/8 remains the most cost-effective stainless steel for utensils and flatware.
Which Stainless Steel Is Best for Cutlery?
Based on global consumer and commercial use, here are the best stainless steel grades for cutlery:
- Best overall for premium flatware: 18/10
- Best balance of cost and quality: 18/8 (304)
- Best for household and restaurant sets: 18/8
- Best for knives requiring hardness: 18/0 (430), 410, or 420
This is why many buyers search which stainless steel for cutlery. The answer depends on whether you want premium brilliance or cost-effective durability.
Knife-Grade Stainless Steel: 410, 420, and 430
Knives require harder steel than forks and spoons, so knife manufacturers often use stainless steel code 410, 420, and 430.
410 stainless steel:
Good hardness, commonly used for budget or mid-range knives.
420 stainless steel:
Higher hardness, excellent for cutting edges, is often used in quality knife production.
430 stainless steel (also known as 18/0):
Magnetic, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for commercial dining knives.
Knife-grade steel needs toughness and the ability to maintain sharpness, which is why these grades are preferred.
What Cutlery Finish Lasts the Longest?
Finishing affects durability as much as stainless steel composition.
Common and long-lasting finishes include:
Mirror polish
Timeless, shiny, and elegant—often used in high-end 18/10 flatware.
Satin finish
Modern look, scratch-resistant, and ideal for restaurants.
PVD finish (gold, black, rainbow)
More durable than traditional plating when properly applied.
Understanding which cutlery finish lasts the longest helps businesses choose the best style for long-term use.
Comparing Stainless Steel Flatware to Silver-Plated Options
Many buyers also search for how stainless steel flatware sets compare to silver-plated options.
Stainless steel flatware:
- Rust-resistant
- Cost-effective
- Dishwasher safe
- No polishing required
- Suitable for daily use
Silver-plated flatware:
- Luxurious appearance
- Requires constant polishing
- More expensive
- More prone to scratches
For most modern households and commercial users, stainless steel flatware offers significantly better performance and value.
Understanding Stainless Steel Rating and Composition
A quick reference to popular stainless steel composition and codes for flatware:
| Grade | Common Use |
|---|---|
| 18/10 | Luxury flatware |
| 18/8 (304) | High-quality flatware and utensils |
| 18/0 (430) | Knives and cost-efficient sets |
| 410 | Knife blades |
| 420 | High-hardness knives |
Understanding stainless steel ratings helps buyers select the best stainless steel for utensils depending on their budget and target market.
Which Stainless Steel Grade Should You Choose for Flatware?
Here is a simple recommendation guide:
- For luxury dining sets: choose 18/10
- For retail and mass-market flatware: choose 18/8
- For commercial restaurants: choose 18/8 or 18/0
- For knife blades: choose 420 or 410
- For long-lasting sets with premium shine: choose 18/10
This ensures durability, customer satisfaction, and strong market appeal.
About Huashun — Trusted Stainless Steel Flatware Manufacturer in Jieyang, China
Huashun is a trusted flatware manufacturer based in Jieyang, China, with over 20 years of experience in producing stainless steel cutlery and dining utensils. Our facility covers 1,000 square meters and supports large-scale wholesale orders.
Why global buyers choose Huashun:
- 200+ flatware designs
- Exporting to 30+ countries
- Stable quality control
- Professional OEM and ODM service
- Long-term supply capability
- Commitment to durable materials such as 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 stainless steel
Huashun focuses on timeless quality and long-lasting business partnerships, not one-time deals. Our goal is to help your brand grow with reliable, durable, and well-crafted stainless steel flatware.
