10 of the Best Designer Cutlery Sets (2024)
For design devotees, cutlery is more than just a tool for dining. It’s an opportunity to create an instagram-worthy place setting at everyday meals and special occasions alike. But with so many options available, how do you choose a good cutlery set that combines thoughtful design and fine craftsmanship?
Get ready to feast your eyes and elevate your tablescapes as we serve up our guide to the 10 best designer cutlery sets for 2024.
Things to consider when buying a cutlery set
First, consider how many place settings you’ll need for the type of gatherings and dinner parties you typically like to host. Within each place setting, you’ll need essential pieces like salad forks, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons plus serving spoons. More formal sets may also include additional pieces such as cake forks, butter knives, and teaspoons.
Secondly, consider what it’s made of. Is it dishwasher safe? Stainless steel cutlery usually will be, but if you’re opting for a set with handles made of wood, acrylic or another material it may require more delicate care.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the design. Will it complement your tableware? Do you want a classic timeless look, or would you prefer something a little more ornate and decorative?
Judging balance, weight and ergonomics
I always recommend trying to get your hands on a cutlery set before buying if possible. There’s nothing like picking up a fork or knife to get a sense of the quality and comfort. How does the weight and balance feel in your hand? Lightweight can be great for manoeuvrability, but some people prefer a little more heft. Test the grip and ergnonmics – do the handles fit comfortably in your palm?
Run your fingers along the cutlery to gauge the smoothness and finish. Finely polished, smooth stainless steel glides effortlessly through your grasp. Tap it gently to hear the clarity of the “ring” which reveals metallic purity and sturdiness. Examining small details like seamless joins between the handle and blade will enable you to assess the quality of construction and durability before making an investment.
10 best designer cutlery sets
1. Arne Jacobsen cutlery set
A matt stainless steel cutlery set designed by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1957.
2. Radford Cutlery Set by Robert Welch
Classic elegance meets modern streamlined design in this mirror polished set by Robert Welch.
3. Notting Hill Cutlery set by Villeroy & Boch
A bold, minimalist design in polished stainless steel. The handles have a wide but low profile, giving the pieces a substantial feel while keeping them light.
4. Sabre Paris Bistro Cutlery
This practical, but stylish set evokes casual, café dining and is perfect for everyday use. A classic, bistro style design made of stainless steel with a black handle.
5. Scandia cutlery set by Kaj Franck for iittala
A retro classic designed by Kaj Franck in 1952. The grooved handles make it easier to hold and give it a simple, yet distinctive look.
6. Bruton Cutlery set by Robert Welch for The White Company
A collaboration between The White Company and Robert Welch, the Bruton cutlery set combines classic design with a relaxed vintage finish.
7. Feast cutlery set by Yottam Ottolenghi for Serax
An expressive design featuring walnut handles and a rounded shape.
8. Bernadotte cutlery set by Georg Jensen
An elegant stainless steel set with round fluted handles. Originally designed by Swedish Prince Sigvard Bernadotte in 1939.
9. London cutlery set by David Mellor
David Mellor’s London cutlery range feels satisfyingly solid and weighty in the hand, is beautifully sculpted and has a silky matt finish.
10. Nuovo Milano cutlery set – Alessi
This classic set was designed by Ettore Sottsass who wanted it to be “smooth as an ocean rock” with a soft, rounded shape.
Mitra stainless steel cutlery set by Georg Jensen
What grade of steel is best for cutlery?
The grading system for stainless steel indicates the composition of metals used, which affects properties like corrosion resistance, strength, and longevity.
The best cutlery uses grades like 18/10 or 18/8 steel, indicating higher percentages of chromium and nickel. This makes the steel more resistant to rust and tarnishing. 18/0 grades have less nickel content, so they are more prone to corrosion over time.
What are some of the best designer cutlery brands?
Alessi
This Italian brand offers bold, innovative cutlery sets from world-renowned designers including Ettore Sottsass, Achille Castiglioni, David Chipperfield and Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Their quirky, artsy style will add drama to any table.
Georg Jensen
A Danish company creating signature Scandinavian style cutlery since 1904, Georg Jensen is synonymous with timeless, quality craftsmanship. They have produced designs by many well known designers over the years, including Arne Jacobsen.
Robert Welch
Established in Chipping Campden in 1955, Robert Welch is a highly respected British cutlery brand based in the Cotswolds. The company is known for its timeless, contemporary cutlery designs and use of high-quality materials.
David Mellor
David Mellor was a renowned British designer known for his minimalist and functional cutlery designs. His company, David Mellor Design, based in Hathersage near Sheffield, has been producing beautiful, durable cutlery for more than 50 years.
Georg Jensen New York cutlery set
Is expensive cutlery worth it?
The price tags can sometimes give pause for thought, but are expensive sets worth the hefty investment? In a word – yes, with proper care they will stand the test of time and deliver returns on enjoyment that justify the initial splurge. They can also be a thoughtful gifting option for weddings and anniversaries.
High-end sets from fine cutlery brands like the ones above offer exceptional quality, construction, and design that make them precious heirlooms to use and enjoy for a lifetime. You’re paying for the finest materials that will maintain their beauty and supporting renowned heritage brands with a history of fine craftsmanship and design.
More cutlery inspiration
New cutlery designs from Robert Welch
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