Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about cutlery
What are the best materials for cutlery?
The best cutlery materials are those that are resistant, long-lasting and easy to clean. The most common materials for cutlery are stainless steel - strong and hygienic - and silver-plated steel - elegant and bright. There are other materials for cutlery such as wood or plastic, but they can be less durable and resistant than stainless steel.
What is 18/10 stainless steel?
18/10 stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel:
- chromium gives the steel its resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Nickel to improve the shine and hardness of the steel.
Sambonet expertly processes its 18/10 stainless steel to offer it in Mirror mirror-effect polished version in the special finishes Silver-plated, Antique, Vintage and Diamond. Discover Sambonet cutlery by finish.
What is considered a full set of flatware?
A traditional cutlery service includes table fork, table knife, table spoon and tea spoon. The guests use the table spoon for soup and broth, the table knife and fork for the main course, and finally the tea spoon, used for any hot drink that may be served at the end of the meal. This set can be multiplied according to one's needs (sets for 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 people) and can also include the cake fork, used for desserts, the espresso spoon, for the end of the meal, serving cutlery such as the salad spoon and fork, and the ladle. Sambonet also offers the dessert set - which includes the cake server - the fish set - with fork and knife specifically for fish dishes - and other sets to satisfy every need at the table. Discover the page dedicated to cutlery sets.
How is cutlery made?
The production of cutlery is a complex process that begins with the drawing stage, which includes the choice of shape and size. Once the design is approved, the production process begins. The rolling phase creates the thickness and defines the balance of the cutlery; the profiling phase produces the profile of the piece; the punching phase puts the trademark on the product; the shearing defines the tines of the forks; with coining, pressure of up to 800 tons is exerted on the pieces to obtain the folds of the shapes and decorations; in the taping phase the profiles are finished; finally there is polishing. Learn more on Sambonet manufacturing page.
How cutlery is placed on the table
Cutlery is placed according to the sequence in which it will be used, starting from the outside towards the inside. Forks are placed to the left of the plate. The knife is placed to the right of the plate, with the blade facing inwards, followed by the spoon. Learn more on the cutlery etiquette page.
How should cutlery be left at the end of a meal?
According to the French style, once the meal is over, the spoon or fork should be placed with the handle on the plate and positioned as if it were a hand of the clock that marks 4.20 p.m. Learn more on the How to place cutlery after meal page.
How to choose the best cutlery
Why choose Sambonet stainless steel cutlery?
If you are looking for a cutlery set, the Sambonet brand offers many advantages:
- Resistance: 18/10 stainless steel is rust and corrosion resistant, so it will not rust or oxidise easily.
- Cleaning: 18/10 stainless steel requires no special maintenance, and can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Safety: 18/10 stainless steel is safe for health as it does not release harmful chemicals into food.
- Functionality: Sambonet combines the latest production technologies with the constant search for the best design, where beauty is combined with functionality.
What are Sambonet's most iconic cutlery items?
Sambonet represents Italian excellence in the production of stainless steel and silver-plated cutlery since 1856. From the most classic style to the most recent design, Sambonet allows customers to choose from a wide range of cutlery sets and patterns, which have won numerous prestigious international awards:
- Gio Ponti Cutlery, created by the Italian master of design Gio Ponti.
- Triennale cutlery, made by the designer Roberto Sambonet.
- Hannah cutlery, by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, winner of the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award.
- Linear cutlery, drawn by Centro Stile Sambonet and renowned in Italy for its partnership with Esselunga brand.
- Contour cutlery, a timeless classic that suits every table.
What is the best cutlery for a restaurant?
The best cutlery for a restaurant is hard-wearing, long-lasting cutlery that is easy to clean and safe for health. They should also be aesthetically appealing and match the style of the place, in order to help create a pleasant mood for the customer. Also, a complete range of items is essential, from table and dessert cutlery to fish and fruit cutlery, as well as serveware or serving tongs. Sambonet has over thirty models of cutlery, available in different ranges, finishes and colours. Discover Sambonet's offer for professionals.
How to preserve cutlery over time
How to care for stainless steel cutlery?
Before first usage and after each use wash stainless steel items in hot water and neutral washing solution (detergent). Don’t use synthetic detergents containing chlorine or strong alkali cleaners. Then, dry thoroughly before storing in a dry room. Any residual of food, particularly of salt (NaCI), lemon, vinegar, tomatoes, etc. should be carefully removed to prevent corrosion. Learn more on the product care page.
How to care for silverplated cutlery?
Handle silverware as indicated for stainless steel items. Never use any type of scraper or steel wool, which would permanently damage the silver deposit. Silver can sulphurate due to exposition to air, becoming dark in a more or less uniform way. This can happen also as a consequence of the contact with some foods. It is a natural process which does not damage the silver deposit but alters its look. The silver coat must be polished in order to restore the original state with good silver polishing products. Please make sure these products have to be diluted in warm water only. Learn more on the product care page.