Sharing details on the best affordable flatware sets, according to an Instagram poll completed by several thousand readers!
I’m coming at you today with a quick and simple post, at the request of many of my Instagram readers!
Now that we’ve had some time to “live” in our Florida rental, rather than just be there on vacation, we’ve used it as an opportunity to see what’s needed. Much of that relates to the kitchen and actually spending time cooking in the space. We’ve slowly been adding pieces as needed, but one item I knew we needed to replace was flatware. But, neither of us had previously ever purchased everyday flatware. We’ve either used hand-me-downs or, in our current home, we use the set we got for our wedding nearly 17 years ago!
So, I did a poll on my Instagram Stories a few weeks ago to hear what everyone considered the best affordable flatware. I got a lot of feedback, and thought I’d share that with you today! Many readers were also in the market and wanted to see the results, so I’ve gathered them all up. There were some really common themes, so I consolidated the feedback and am sharing the most common responses!
This post was originally published March 31, 2022 but has been updated today with the most current information. This post also contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
The 12 Best Affordable Flatware Sets
Following are the responses I received most frequently and the the 12 best affordable flatware according to my Instagram readers. You can see that the term “affordable” definitely varies, but this is a great variety of options if you’re on the hunt for new flatware! I also threw in some random stores that people mentioned (when they didn’t mention an actual set). Many of the sets are clickable if I was able to find a link for the flatware set online.
- Any 18/10 gauge stainless set
- Costco’s Mikasa Virtuoso sets (also available here if you don’t have a Costco membership)
- Crate & Barrel Cirrus Flatware
- Fortessa Bistro set
- HomeGoods and TJ Maxx (this came up a lot, but I went to the one in Florida and they had zero available).
- IKEA
- Lenox Gorham Biscayne 75-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set
- Mikasa Lilah Collection
- Oneida Outlet/Factory store
- Oneida Flight
- Oneida Pearl
- Pottery Barn Caterer’s Set
- Sam’s Club
- Target Threshold Arkita Set
- Walmart Cambridge Byram (a gorgeous gold option that I share below)
- Williams Sonoma Robert Welch Whitby Flatware
As you can see, the brands that reoccurred most frequently were Mikasa, Oneida and a handful of the Target lines. The set we have from our wedding is Mikasa and we’ve been super happy with it over the years!
The Affordable Flatware We Purchased for Our Rental
We ultimately ended up buying this set from Amazon, because we needed something that could ship quickly and was easy to find replacements down the road. Overall we’re very happy with it, as a budget option in a rental. It honestly isn’t something I’d purchase for our personal home though after using it. We have very hard water in Florida and it does tend to leave some water spots on this set (maybe that would happen on any set)? I think the set is perfect for a rental though. We are also thrilled with the bamboo drawer organizer we ordered to help make this drawer look more custom.
My Favorite Gold Affordable Flatware
If you’re on the hunt for affordable gold flatware, I have a great recommendation for you! We recently added this Cambridge Byram set from Walmart to our collection, and the quality is excellent for the price! We have the gold version, but they also offer a champagne satin and a black mirror option if you’re looking for a little variety! Here you can see the flatware on our Thanksgiving table.
SOURCES: Outdoor Dining Table | Outdoor Dining Chairs | Rope Pendant Light | Buffalo Check Tablecloth | Water Hyacinth Placemats | Amber Glasses | Dinner Plates | Olive Green Napkins | Napkin Rings | Glass Vase | Fluted Tapered Candles | Gold Flatware | Candlesticks: old from Anthropologie (similar here)
Any other brands or styles people should consider when searching for affordable flatware? Feel free to leave a comment with your input!
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Im in the market for a new set so think you for this post! Can you tell me in the picture above where you have all of the sets pictured, where can I shop for the set on the bottom row, left side?
Thank you!
I’m glad you found it helpful! The ones from the images are just a handful in the list in the post. The bottom left is this set: https://amzn.to/3DpFp0i. I hope that helps!
I wouldn’t call it “affordable” but it’s a similar price point to the Fortessa Bistro that you listed – I requested the Fortessa Doria set on my wedding registry, based on the recommendation of an interior design Youtuber, and they are great. You really feel the difference compared to the cheap set I picked up out of college from Cost Plus World Market (but those still held up really well over 5 years, so they’re a good, truly affordable option if you have a store nearby!).
Thank you so much for the additional feedback and option!
Would love to see a post like this for pots and pans. My 30 year old set is ready to be replaced.
Perfect. I need new silverware. I appreciate your time
Hi, I just wanted to chime in since I worked for Oneida for 4 years (2002-2006) unfortunately, it was when the company was taking a nose dive (post 9/11 due to a extremely significant downturn in wholesale orders) Ultimately it’s 140-year-old manufacturing plant was sold to a company name Liberty tabletop which currently is the only US manufacturer of flatware.Their designs include a lot of contemporary styles including a pattern with Skulls… check them out!
Some helpful tips when you’re shopping for flatware:
-Each piece of flatware will be stamped on the backside to reveal its chromium /nickel content …18/10 is the highest and the most durable. there’s also 18/8 which is OK, but if you find something marked 18/0 avoid it since it will rust!
-Contrary to popular belief you can wash 100% sterling silver ( not Silver plated!) In the dishwasher the key to doing so is to not have ANY other metals (pots pans and cooking utensils etc. ) in the dishwasher at the same time since metals interact. In general it’s a good idea not to mix metals in the dishwasher.
-the most important thing I consider when selecting flatware is the shape of the fork tines! Many less expensive models are produced using a stamped manufacturing process which creates a squared off edge on the times, which can be noticeable on the tongue while eating. I look for a smooth polished rounded edge as it’s much more enjoyable to eat off 🤣
-while I would purchase flatware via online I would not make my actual selection without actually seeing it/holding it in person first! (Considering a well made flatware set can really last a lifetime .,,although you’ll probably want to replace it due to wanting a new look rather them because it actually wears out!) A few considerations include; the weight of the piece and how it feels in your hand , also if it feels balanced, I prefer handle designs that are 360° (meaning same on the backside as the front /3-D) a lot of flatware is produced with a completely flat backside, which in my opinion isn’t as comfortable to hold.
-Some flatware patterns incorporate a satin finish (matte). I would avoid these styles since they tend to scratch easily and then don’t look so nice😬
-Likewise, I find that a high polished flatware styles (much like polished nickel faucets) retain the look of “looking new” compared to other styles that are less shiny.
-If you invest in a very expensive flatware I would consider handwashing your knives since knives are constructed of two pieces, “the blade” and “the handle”. Over time, cleaning them in the dishwasher can (sometimes) cause water to get in between the blade and the handle which can deteriorate the cement holding them together. It doesn’t happen often but if you spent a considerable amount of money I would think about it😎
Since flatware can last a lifetime I would consider purchasing a vintage Oneida set via Etsy or another online source to get a set that was made 100% in the USA, generally much better quality than what is manufactured abroad. To buy the top of the line Oneida place settings you’ll need to be familiar with pattern names…Which needs its own dictionary! One of the best selling patterns was a pattern called Forte. Oneida also famously made expensive flatware in a pattern (example: “Aquarius”) and then created a less expensive imported version of the same design (example: “Flight”)
Sorry so long-winded!😇
This is so amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us. I found it super helpful, so I know others will as well. Thank you so much, Lori!
Agreed! This was amazing and incredibly informative! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this.
I am absolutely delighted with the Crate & Barrel Cirrus Flatware! The sleek and modern design adds a touch of elegance to every meal. The quality is exceptional, and the weight of each piece feels just right in hand. The Cirrus Flatware has truly elevated my dining experience, and I love how it effortlessly complements both casual and formal settings. Highly recommend this stunning collection
I Like this flatware sets