If you’re sourcing flatware for the first time, the “18/10” and “18/0” labels stamped on the back of a fork can be confusing. Here’s what they actually mean, and how to choose between them.
What the numbers mean
The first number (18) is the percentage of chromium in the steel — this is what makes stainless steel “stainless” by forming a protective oxide layer. The second number is the percentage of nickel.
- 18/10 contains 10% nickel, giving it a brighter shine, better corrosion resistance, and a slightly warmer tone. It’s the standard for hotels and fine dining.
- 18/0 (or 18/8, in between) contains little to no nickel, making it more magnetic, slightly more prone to water spotting over time, and noticeably more budget-friendly.
Which one should you order?
For guest-facing, premium environments — hotels, fine dining, cruise lines — 18/10 is worth the price difference because it holds its shine through thousands of dishwasher cycles.
For high-turnover environments like cafeterias, catering, or budget-conscious food service programs, 18/0 or 18/8 offers durable performance at a lower per-unit cost, especially at large order volumes.
A note on thickness
Grade isn’t the only factor — thickness (measured in mm) affects how flatware feels in hand and how well it resists bending. We recommend at least 2.5mm for knives and 2.0mm for forks and spoons in commercial settings.
If you’re unsure which spec fits your project, send us your target price point and use case — we’re happy to recommend a grade and thickness combination based on similar projects we’ve shipped before.