Which is the best cutlery set UK? Stainless steel and dishwasher safe full knife and fork sets
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An ideal gift for a newly-wed couple, or simply a means of ensuring your dinner table looks pulled together and sharp, it’s worth purchasing a decent complete cutlery set. Options these days are myriad - from traditional style flatware to modern, chic pieces.
Pick a stainless steel, dishwasher safe set of knives and forks or a pair of eco-conscious set to ensure you don’t rely on single use plastics.
Below is our pick of 9 cutlery sets that combine value for money, great design and hard-wearing quality, just right for weekday tea-on-knee or the fanciest of dinner parties.
Best cutlery sets UK 2022
- Best for dinner parties: Radford Hidford Cutlery Set, 24 Piece for 6 People
- Best for a vintage look: Mikasa Satin Symmetry Faux Tortoise Shell Cutlery Set, 16 Piece, Gold
- Best for hardwearing style: ProCook Soho Cutlery Set
- Best for saving on single use plastics: Zero Waste Cutlery Set
- Best for bling nights in: Wilko 16-piece Matt Gold Cutlery Set
- Best for classic design lovers: Viners Studio 18/10 16 Piece Cutlery Set
- Best for bargain hunters: Dragon 24-piece Cutlery Set, IKEA
- Best for adding to the set: Tala Performance 16-piece Stainless Steel Cutlery
Best premium cutlery set: VILLEROY & BOCH MetroChic 24-Piece Cutlery Set
When choosing the cutlery that’s right for you, looks aren’t everything. If you’re a cutlery rule-breaker, or hold your knife and fork as directed in Debrett’s, you’ll find that there’s something to suit you grip.
It’s important to touch and feel the pieces in your hand, so for that reason always check out the returns policy from your online retailer.
In a range of finishes, from vintage to high shine, you’ll find a style destined to look good on your dining table. Our cutlery selection is designed for daily use and at a range of prices. Let’s cut through the crowd to see what you should fork out for.
KEY SPECS:
Pieces: Knives, forks, dessert and teaspoons x 4
Material: stainless steel
Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Guarantee: Lifetime
Robert Welch’s cutlery set arrives in a chunky presentation box complete with cleaning cloth to keep things buffed. It oozes class and quality and feels great to use on a special occasion.
This posh, highly-polished collection looks wonderful on a fully-dressed, candle-lit table and can be put in the dishwasher on a short cycle afterwards. The quality stainless steel comes out looking extra-shiny.
There’s a collection of items available to complement the set – you can add anything from cheese knives to gelato spoons and salad servers too, so this would make a great wedding present or starter set to build on in the future.
KEY SPECS:
Pieces: Knives, forks, dessert and teaspoons x 4
Material: stainless steel with plastic handles
Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Guarantee: n/a
No need to polish these up; this chic set glimmers with gold coloured stainless steel and elegant faux tortoiseshell handles. And though they look luxuriant, they’re comfortable to handle.
We say it’s great for those who like the vintage look but would rather not buy second hand cutlery - these stainless steel numbers can be thrown in the dishwasher with reckless abandon.
Each piece has a pleasing heft, easy to hold, with lengthy prongs on the fork and a long knife to match. Good news for dessert lovers – the spoons were huge!
Great for daily use - you’ll catch admiring glances when guests come to dinner, too.
KEY SPECS:
Pieces: Knives, forks, dessert and teaspoons x 4
Material: 18/10 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe?: Yes
Guarantee: 25 years
The Soho range from ProCook is a finely balanced set that is the perfect weight in the hand. It exudes quality without being overly heavy, and the difference between this and some other bargain sets is noticeable.
Made from high-quality 18/10 steel, these knives, forks and spoons are safe to go in the dishwasher or washing up bowl. Their high shine finish stays gleaming.
We can always rely on ProCook for kitchen essentials that do the job perfectly, and with style. This set was no exception.
KEY SPECS:
Pieces: Knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, straw, straw cleaner, cotton pouch holder
Material: Bamboo/stainless steel
Dishwasher safe?: Handwash best for bamboo pieces (though not essential).
Guarantee: n/a
We’re not suggesting you sit down at the dinner table with bamboo cutlery, but this handy set negates the need for wasteful plastic knives and forks when you’re out and about or packing lunch for the office.
There’s an ongoing consultation into the banning of single-use plastic items in the UK, including cutlery. Buy a set like this and do your bit to cut waste.
With a handy knife, fork and spoon the fabric roll also features chopsticks for your lunchtime sushi and a stainless-steel straw (and cleaning brush) for home-time drinks.
