Cutlery is a thing every household needs and Home Depot have the widest range available. With a Home Depot Money Off Coupon from We Are Coupons you can save money on every knife, fork and spoon. But how do you choose the right cutlery for you?
Cutlery Questions
Silver, steel, plate, modern or traditional? It pays to think before you fork out (quite literally). You can, of course, pick up perfectly useable cutlery cheaply and easily at most department stores and supermarkets. But if you feel it's time to upgrade to something a little more luxurious, then consider how much you would like to spend, the type of design that appeals to you and, finally, how many place settings you are likely to need. Sets of cutlery can range from $10 to $10,000, so make sure you fix your budget before you begin shopping. Bear in mind that if you choose a design that's available in single pieces, you can always add to your service bit by bit, which can be a more affordable way to build your collection.
Materials: What to Choose
There are three basic options: stainless steel, silver plate and sterling silver (which is generally made to order). Each has its own benefits, but costs vary greatly.
80 per cent of cutlery is 18/10 stainless steel, an alloy of iron with chrome and nickel added to make it corrosion resistant. This combination makes it suitable for use in dishwashers, so convenient for everyday use. Stainless-steel cutlery generally comes in a wider range of designs than silver-plated cutlery.
Silver
Silver doesn't react with most foods and is resistant to staining and corrosion, so it's particularly suitable for cutlery. However, because it is a soft metal, it's not suitable for knife blades, which will be made out of stainless steel, unless antique. Both sterling silver and plated cutlery will require polishing every so often.
Resin handles have replaced bone (which are now illegal) and these are dishwasher safe, whereas bone handles can only be bought as second-hand pieces and should always be hand washed.
Cutlery Design
The design you choose is, of course, largely based on your own style and taste, but all the experts agree that touching and holding the cutlery is an absolute must. 'Choosing cutlery is a very personal thing,' says Holly Verrill at David Mellor. 'Most people like heavier cutlery, but it's all about personal preference.' If you decide on a contemporary design, remember that modern pieces should still be easy to use. 'Our designers take home models to test them,' says Tony Miles at Richardson Sheffield. 'The feel of the cutlery is all-important - it must be functional as well as stylish.'
Made to Last
Consider how well the design will stand the test of time, as there's no point splashing out if it's going to look dated in a few years. If a design is discontinued then it will be difficult to source extra items as replacements or accessories to build on your collection.
