If you’re willing to buy a full set of cutlery more than a few times in your life, it’s critical to select one that you’ll enjoy.
Cutlery options range from inexpensive, utilitarian pieces that will see daily use in your cutlery drawer to comfort and luxury, handcrafted silverware that will be treasured by future generations.
The design you choose will be influenced by your budget, taste, and dining style, but it should also feel beautiful, as with anything used on a daily basis.
A good cutlery set should be well-weighted, feel smooth and comfortable in the hand, and be delighted to use on a daily basis.
What Are The Types Of Cutlery Sets?
There are two types of disposable cutlery sets used in the foodservice industry:
Cutlery packs: A mixed set of cutlery that may or may not include a napkin and is typically wrapped in plastic or paper.
Retail packs: are boxed sets of cutlery that include a variety of eating utensils.
How Many Pieces Are Included In The Cutlery Set?
Each cutlery pack will contain two to five pieces, depending on the vendor. Some sets include only a fork and a napkin, whereas others may include a fork, knife, spoon, and napkin. Retail flatware packs typically contain ten or more assorted pieces.
Type Of Cutlery Material
Most disposable cutlery is made of plastic or wood, whether wrapped or unwrapped. While most plastic cutlery is considered harmful to the environment, some are made from compostable bioplastics, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Natural wood cutlery is strong, sturdy, and environmentally friendly, with some even made from sustainable bamboo. Despite the fact that only two materials are used, these sets come in a variety of styles.
The most common materials are stainless steel, silver plate, and sterling silver. When it comes to affordability and ease of care, stainless steel is the clear winner, with prices ranging from about $25 to $500 for a 24-piece set, making it perfect for both formal and casual dining. Keep in mind that stainless steel comes in two grades: 18/0 and 18/10, with the latter being far superior in terms of appearance and strength.
Wooden Cutlery Sets
Wooden cutlery sets can be made from a variety of woods, including birch, bamboo, pine, poplar, and others. Compostable wood is natural, unvarnished, and built without chemicals. Because of their high heat tolerance, wooden cutlery can also be used to eat a variety of foods. They are also very strong to prevent cracking during use.
Wooden cutlery kits feature a unique wood grain pattern to provide your place settings with a rustic touch, in addition to a strong and eco-friendly construction. Wrapped cutlery kits, tied cutlery kits, retail packs, travel sets, and even handmade sets are examples of wooden cutlery sets. One of the best aspects of wooden cutlery sets is their adaptability. Use them for takeout and delivery orders, or incorporate them into tablescapes.
Plastic Cutlery Sets
Plastic utensils made of polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) plastic are the most common type of disposable cutlery. Plastic flatware comes in a variety of sizes and colours, making it simple to find a set that matches the theme of your restaurant or event. Both plastic products are recyclable and easy to dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner. While these plastic eating utensils have many similarities, they do differ slightly.
Polypropylene – PP plastic is very flexible; it can twist and turn to a certain extent without breaking. It can even handle food that is as hot as 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Polystyrene – PS plastic can withstand temperatures as high as 180°F, but it is not very flexible and will break if excessive pressure is applied. Despite being less strong than PP, they are a less expensive option.
CPLA & PLA Cutlery Sets
Forks, knives, and spoons are commonly included in polylactic acid plastic (PLA) cutlery pairs and crystalized polylactic acid plastic (CPLA) flatware sets. Each of these plastics, dubbed bioplastics, are made from plant-based substances such as cornstarch. They are biodegradable and compostable, as well as have a lightweight construction. The main distinction between the two is that CPLA can withstand temperatures of up to 185°F while PLA can withstand temperatures of up to 105°F.
Summing Up
Cutlery sets include a variety of pieces that can be used to match multiple meals or to eat multiple courses. Customers will have everything they need at their fingertips if each dish comes with a prepackaged cutlery set. They also save you time when it comes to arranging place settings or packaging meals so that you can quickly serve guests’ orders.