OT: What to look for when buying silverware???

[kelly ann]

I want to buy a set for the ILs as a Christmas present. Not the type where each place setting is a separate purchase - way too expensive for them. But I don't want so cheap that the spoons bend in half when scooping out ice cream :) What do I look for? Any good brands?

I see a lot of Oneida out there and 18/10...is that really good or should I be looking for some other brand?

[nd93]

Oneida is a good brand that has been around a long time. They have great customer service too. My mom bought a new set through Betty Crocker. The style was funny though, the forks were weighted in such a way that they always slipped off your plate (like if you set it on your plate while eating, or to carry to the sink). After a few months she decided it was too annoying. She contacted Oneida and they offered to exchange her set - no charge or anything! I think she just paid the shipping. She didn't order from them directly in the first place but they were very accomodating. Just wanted to pass that along that Oneida is a good brand you can feel safe buying.

[bunnisa]

The best thing you can do is check it out in real life. I have some Towle and some Reed & Barton -- both are nice and heavy-duty.

Here's a great site for stainless:

http://silversuperstore.com/stainless_flatware.html

They'll tell you in the description if the set is heavier-weight, and if the knives are hollow or solid.

Bethany
mom to one and one on the way!
http://lilypie.com/days/060226/0/8/1/-6/.png
"And children are always a good thing, devoutly to be wished for and fiercely to be fought for."
-J. Torres

[bostonsmama]

I have had a set from Gorham (Monet pattern) for the past five years and am very happy with it. I bought an 70-piece set (w/ iced tea spoons, extra teaspoons, cocktail forks, 8 five-pc place settings and a hostess set of slotted spoon, serving spoon, cake server, meat fork & sugar spoon). After eating on silverware at my DH's appartment-back when we were just dating, I knew I had to get something that didn't hurt to use. The edges of the handles were so sharp they cut into my hand when I held the fork and knife, so when I went shopping, I took tens of sets out of the boxes to hold and feel the handles. I was very happy with my purchase, and it was a little less than $100 for everything at Hecths/Macy's type dept stores. Two years later my mom bought a similar (65-pc) set from Oneida at Bed, Bath & Beyond w/ a 20% off coupon. It also looks *great* still.

This is her set, doesn't look "wow" but is so nice, weighty and shiny in person...and goes w/ everything:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=12327510&RN=505

This is mine:
http://www.giftcollector.com/product_isapi_p_17379-l_1122-m_20-m_Gorham-l_Stainless%20Flatware%20Sets-store.htm

Larissa
who's gettin in the holiday mood

"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." -
James Baldwin

[nitaghei]

Oneida is a good, reliable brand for everyday use. If you like slightly more modern, cleaner designs, Dansk might be an option. I recently bought a Dansk set - a service for 8, and I really like the weight and style. This is for everyday use, and I actually found it at TJ Maxx. Dansk is part of Lenox, I think, and decent quality for the price.

Sometimes Crate and Barrel can also have good deals. Might be worth checking out.

Nita (fleece is my friend)
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker (at the Rainbow Bridge)

[kellyotn]

We got some JA Henkles (like the knives) at Bed Bath and Beyond. They have a nice weight and shine. They are VERY simple in style. The big spoons are pretty big, and took some getting used to, but now I love them.

BB&B had a pretty huge selection of several brands, FWIW. Worth a look!

[deenass]

check out either qvc.com or hsn.com, they sell reed & barton, set of 120 (or more pieces) for around $100. They even show the ice cream test with the spoon and show that it doeesn't bend. It may even come with a box. My sister got a set and has been happy.

Beleive it or not, my MIL got me a set of silver plate, service for 12, including serving pieces and a box from Neiman Marcus. It was under $200 and it is very similar to my sterling pattern. I was shocked at both the price and the quality.

[DebbieJ]

Oneida is great. We've had our set since we were married in 98 and it has held up very well. We did have one knife come apart, but that is it.

Oneida has a star rating system. The more stars, the higher the quality, so pay attention to that when you're looking. The pattern name and stars are right on the box.

Here's our set on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004WA7L/103-3213370-0202248?v=glance&n=284507

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/31031.jpg

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
BFARed for 20 months and 6 days
(Breastfeeding After Reduction is possible! www.bfar.org)

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/style_avatars/Ribbons/18months-bfar.jpg

[ethansmom]

Yep, follow the stars and you'll be fine. I think Oneida reserves 4 or 5 stars for the 18/10, which is stronger. FWIW, we've had our Oneida set for over 10 yrs and haven't had any complaints. It was either a 4 or 5 star.

[kelly ann]

Good info...thanks for the heads up on the stars system.

[Sandy]

If you have a COSTCO membership check out costco online. They have some decent prices.

http://tinyurl.com/cq5mc

HTH
Sandy mom to Alexander Thor 3/16/02
& Marisa Mia 4/23/05

[kozachka]

Another vote for Oneida. I am not sure how many stars ours got but it have served us for 9 years without any complaints. We've got ours from Marshall Field's but I've seen both Oneida and Dansk sets in Marshall's and TJ Maxx after that.