How to Identify Flatware Types

Eating utensils are also called flatware.

silverware" even though it isn't made of silver. It is made of stainless steel and may shine like silver. Miscellaneous flatware is made from plastic, ceramic, wood and other materials, alone or in combination.

Recognize Kinds of Silver Flatware

1. Sterling silver flatware is easily recognizable. On the back of the spoon and fork handles you will see the word "sterling" imprinted. A silver pattern name may also be imiprinted there. Sterling silver is very soft and therefore is strengthened with another metal such as copper to prevent the utensil from bending in use. It requires careful washing with soap and water, not in a dishwasher. Then it is dried, polished, and stored in a soft cloth in a closed container. Exposure to air makes it tarnish. It is generally the "company" flatware in a household, not the flatware for everyday use.



2. Silver plate flatware also has distinguishable marks on the backs of fork and spoon handles. Most commonly, it will be the manufacturer's name, for example "1847 ROGERS BROS", and perhaps a pattern name as well. It will not bear the words "sterling" or "sterling silver." The knife blade may be stamped with the word "stainless." Because it has only a very thin coat of silver, it is generally less expensive than sterling silver flatware. It also should be treated like the sterling silverware. It will scratch easily, tarnish, and if washed in a dishwasher, may lose some of its silver "coat."



3. Stainless steel flatware shines like silver, but it is generally less expensive. It is more rugged than silver and attuned to everyday use. Egg won't stain it as eggs do to silver. It is dishwasher safe. The backs of spoon and fork handles will be imprinted with the word "stainless" and perhaps with a manufacturer's name such as Farberware, and a pattern notation. Stainless steel is an metal alloy, made with iron ore, limestone, coke, chromium, and sometimes nickel, for example.



4. Other casual kinds of flatware may be made with a stainless and plastic combination, wood, bone, ceramic, plastic or many other materials.

Tip

Many kinds of special utensils such as soup spoons, tablespoons, cake knives, jelly spoons, cocktail forks, pickle forks and much more are also considered to be flatware. Chopsticks made of bamboo and other materials are considered to be flatware. All of these may be made of sterling silver, silver plate, stainless steel or miscellaneous materials.