Types Of Cutlery

Stainless Steel Cutlery 101: Types Of Cutlery You Need, Their Benefits, and How to Store Them!

A well-equipped kitchen is every home chef's dream. One essential aspect of a functional kitchen is having the right set of cutlery. When we say cutlery, we refer to the utensils used for cutting and eating food. The three primary utensils included in cutlery are spoons, forks, and knives. Different types of cutlery are used for different dishes, whether during preparation or while dining. In this blog, we will explore the various types of cutlery with pictures, their specific uses, and how to keep them looking new for years. 

Different Types of Cutlery Used For Dining

Having the right types of cutlery makes it easier to have certain foods like soup, fish or pasta and enhances the dining experience for all at the dining table. 

• Spoon

A spoon is a utensil with a long handle and an elongated rounded bowl used to hold the food. The depth and size of the spoon can vary based on the type of spoon it is. Some of the most common types of spoons cutlery you will encounter at a fine dining restaurant are the ones mentioned below.

• Teaspoon

A teaspoon is used to scoop sugar and stir beverages such as tea or coffee. It is slightly larger than a dessert spoon to reach into the cups and stir them properly.
 

• Dinner Spoon

A dinner spoon is one of the most common types of cutlery found in homes. It has a deep bowl that is slightly elongated. It is also known as the tablespoon and is used to eat the main course. 

• Dessert Spoon

A dessert spoon is slightly bigger than a teaspoon and smaller than a dinner spoon. It is used to eat desserts, cut into cakes, puddings, etc. 

• Fork

The different types of forks are distinguished based on the number of prongs and the fork's size. A standard fork has three or four prongs and is mostly used to eat noodles, rice and more. A dessert fork may have two or more prongs. You can even find forks with more than 5 prongs.
One of the most commonly used types of cutlery used on an Indian dining table is a dinner fork. It is the same size as a dinner spoon and comes with 4 prongs to easily pick up main course food items like rice, meat, noodles, and more.

• Knife

A knife is one of the most common types of cutlery with various uses based on its shape, sharpness, build, and size. Each knife is designed to perform a particular task; choosing the right knife makes it easier to carry out that task. Each knife has a different name, much like all cutlery names. For example, a butter knife. 
Out of all types of cutlery, a butter knife is the easiest to identify. It has a dull edge with a rounded tip to avoid scraping the bread. Sometimes a butter knife may even be flat with a slightly sharp tip to easily cut into cold butter.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Cutlery

Different types of cutlery materials are suitable for different occasions. However, when we consider cutlery for daily use, stainless steel is the most durable and long-lasting option. Here are some advantages of having stainless steel cutlery. 

• Rust-Proof

All types of cutlery made with stainless steel are extremely rust-resistant. Stainless steel cutlery contains a certain amount of chromium and nickel. These two materials prevent staining and rusting of the metal. 

• Retains Sharpness

Unlike other materials, stainless steel is much easier to sharpen. The various types of cutlery knives are also known to retain their sharpness for years, even after daily use. Any basic knife sharpener can sharpen the knife to return its razor-sharpness if it becomes dull. 

• Elegant Finish

Silver cutlery is also popular among households because it is elegant, sleek and luxurious. However, it cannot be used every day; only meant to be brought out on special occasions. That is when stainless steel cutlery comes to the rescue. Stainless steel cutlery can be found in a range of designs and finishes. They are elegant, modern, glossy and durable. Perfect for impressing guests and family alike. 

• Affordable

Stainless steel is a popular choice because of its highly affordable price. It delivers an impressive performance, lasts long and looks good at a price that fits all budgets. 

• Eco-Friendly

Customers actively seek eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives that are good for their health and the planet. It is also the reason why people have made a shift from using disposable cutlery to stainless steel. 

How to Store Stainless Steel Cutlery?

If you want your cutlery to last even longer, there are some storage practices you should abide by to help them stay new for decades.
→ When storing different types of cutlery, always store them separately in different compartments. They should be kept in a separate drawer from other utensils since knocking into them can damage the cutlery. 
→ Knives should be kept aside from other types of cutlery, like spoons or forks, since their edges can dull due to continuous friction. The sharp edges should be kept face down. 
→ Wrap each cutlery in a soft cloth and store them if you do not plan to use them for a while. The cloth will help protect the stainless steel from any corrosion or damage. 
→ Do not store stainless steel cutlery in constant sunlight since it might damage the material. Store away in a cool and dark place like a drawer. 

Conclusion

The types of cutlery mentioned in the blog are just a few common utensils used at a dinner table. There are various other types of spoon and fork used at fine-dining restaurants that demand a dining etiquette to be followed when setting the table. Correct knowledge of the different types of cutlery is the first step toward accurate table etiquette. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the different types of cutlery metal?

Stainless steel is the most common cutlery material used in Indian homes. Some other common cutlery materials are silver, disposable and polycarbonate. 

2. What is the most common cutlery?

In India, spoons and knives are more commonly used. In Western countries, forks and knives are the norm. In Asian countries, chopsticks and spoons are more in use. 

3. What is a standard cutlery set?

A basic cutlery set consists of dinner spoons, forks and knives, dessert spoons and forks, soup spoons and teaspoons.