What's the difference between 18/0, 18/8, and 18/10 flatware?

The short answer:

18 refers to 18% chromium content, and the other number refers to the percentage of nickel content. There is no difference between 18/8 and 18/10; it's purely marketing. However, 18/0 has no nickel content, which means it won't retain its silver-like shine over the years.

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The long answer:

The designations 18/0, 18/8, and 18/10 indicate the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel alloy used for the flatware. The "18" denotes chromium content which gives rust-resistance, while the "8" or "10" indicates nickel content, contributing to the silver-like luster and additional rust-resistance. There is lower-quality flatware termed 13/0 or 13 Chrome, which possesses only 13% chromium content.

These designations are somewhat oversimplified terms popularized for marketing purposes by flatware manufacturers. Manufacturers typically procure stainless steel Grade 304, which contains 18-20% chromium and 8-10% nickel. However, Grade 304 used in flatware often tends towards the lower end of that spectrum, with some manufacturers opting for 8.2% nickel to meet the legal definition of 18/10.

So, what does this imply? Essentially, there is no real distinction between 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel in flatware; the variation is purely marketing-driven.

On the other hand, 18/0 flatware originates from the "Grade 400 series," which lacks any nickel at all.

For more information, please visit Picnic Stainless Steel Cutlery.

It's important to understand that these numbers are not indicative of the weight of the stainless steel. Should weight be a consideration for you, please inquire with your sales representative regarding the weight and feel of patterns that interest you. Generally, suppliers do not offer flimsy stainless steel flatware that is prone to bending.

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Top 10 "18/10" Patterns

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