What does 18/10 stainless steel mean?

18/10 stainless steel contains approximately 18% chromium and 10% nickel. In restaurant cutlery, this type of steel is usually chosen for a more premium table setting because it offers a refined shine, elegant appearance and strong resistance in everyday use.

For restaurants, hotels and fine dining venues, 18/10 cutlery is often the preferred choice when the table setting should communicate a higher standard from the first impression.

The main advantages of 18/10 cutlery are:

• brighter, more refined shine,
• premium look on the table,
• good resistance to daily use,
• elegant appearance with white porcelain and formal table settings,
• strong fit for hotels, restaurants and fine dining service.

In the Ove range, examples of 18/10 collections include Veneto, Lugano, Torino, Navarino, Amarone, Amarone Vintage, Amarone Black, Amarone Gold and Amarone Bronze.

When is 18/10 cutlery the best choice?

18/10 cutlery is a good choice for venues where the cutlery is part of the overall dining experience, not only a functional tool.

It is especially suitable for:

• hotel restaurants,
• fine dining restaurants,
• à la carte service,
• banquet halls with premium table settings,
• restaurants using high-quality porcelain,
• venues where shine and elegance are part of the brand image.

For example, Ove Veneto is an 18/10 stainless steel collection with high mirror polishing and a distinctive hammered handle. It works well in restaurants and hotels that want cutlery with a more decorative yet still elegant character.

Ove Lugano is another 18/10 option, designed for modern table settings with a minimalist, square form and mirror finish. It is a strong choice for contemporary restaurants, hotels and fine dining concepts.

Ove Torino is also made from 18/10 stainless steel and is designed for intensive HoReCa use, combining shine, durability and suitability for professional service.

What does 18/0 stainless steel mean?

18/0 stainless steel contains approximately 18% chromium and no nickel. This makes it a practical option for many hospitality venues, especially where budget, high rotation and volume are important.

18/0 cutlery is often selected by restaurants, pizzerias, bistros, catering companies and banquet halls that need reliable stainless steel cutlery in larger quantities.

The main advantages of 18/0 cutlery are:

• strong quality-to-price ratio,
• practical use in high-rotation venues,
• nickel-free composition,
• good option for casual dining, pizzerias and bistros,
• wide choice of classic and modern designs.

In the Ove range, examples of 18/0 collections include Fjord, Fjord Black, Fjord Gold, Bologna and Bergen.

When is 18/0 cutlery the best choice?

18/0 cutlery is a practical solution for venues where cutlery is used intensively, washed frequently and purchased in larger volumes.

It is especially suitable for:

• pizzerias,
• bistros,
• casual restaurants,
• catering operations,
• banquet service,
• hotel breakfast rooms,
• venues looking for a strong quality-to-price ratio.

For example, Ove Fjord is an 18/0 stainless steel collection with a minimalist, slightly square shape. It is suitable for restaurants, pizzerias and bistros that need practical cutlery for everyday service.

Ove Bologna is another 18/0 collection with a classic shape, suitable for venues looking for simple, functional and nickel-free stainless steel cutlery.

Ove Bergen offers a softer, rounded form and works well in restaurants, hotels and bistros that want a subtle, comfortable 18/0 cutlery line for daily table service.

18/10 or 18/0: which is better for a restaurant?

There is no single answer for every restaurant. The better choice depends on the venue, service style, budget and table concept.

Choose 18/10 cutlery if you want:

• a more premium table presentation,
• higher shine,
• a refined look for hotel or fine dining service,
• cutlery that visually supports elegant porcelain and formal settings,
• a stronger premium impression for guests.

Choose 18/0 cutlery if you want:

• a practical solution for daily service,
• a better quality-to-price ratio,
• cutlery for high-rotation venues,
• nickel-free stainless steel,
• a smart option for pizzerias, bistros, catering or banquet service.

For many hospitality businesses, the best solution is not choosing only one type. A hotel may use 18/10 cutlery in the restaurant and 18/0 cutlery in breakfast or banquet service. A restaurant group may choose premium 18/10 for one concept and practical 18/0 for another. A pizzeria may prefer 18/0 cutlery for daily use but choose a distinctive PVD line to strengthen the table identity.

What about PVD cutlery?

PVD cutlery is chosen mainly for visual impact. It helps restaurants create a stronger table concept and match cutlery with porcelain, interior design and lighting.

Ove PVD collections include black, gold and matte bronze finishes.

Black PVD cutlery works well in modern restaurants, pizzerias, bistros and industrial interiors. It creates strong contrast with white porcelain and looks distinctive on dark table settings.

Gold PVD cutlery is often selected for premium restaurants, hotels, event venues and fine dining concepts. It adds warmth, elegance and a more decorative character to the table.

Matte bronze PVD cutlery is suitable for natural, rustic, warm and contemporary interiors where the table setting should feel distinctive but not overly formal.

In the Ove range, Fjord Black and Fjord Gold are examples of 18/0 stainless steel PVD collections. They combine a practical stainless steel base with a modern black or gold finish, making them suitable for restaurants, hotels, pizzerias and banquet halls that want a stronger visual effect at the table.

How to choose cutlery for your restaurant

When choosing restaurant cutlery, consider more than the steel grade. The most important factors are:

• type of restaurant or hospitality venue,
• number of seats and service rotation,
• table concept and porcelain style,
• weight and balance of the cutlery,
• comfort for the guest,
• resistance to daily use,
• dishwasher and maintenance routines,
• budget and replacement strategy.

A fine dining restaurant may need elegant 18/10 cutlery with high mirror polishing. A pizzeria may need durable 18/0 cutlery that is practical and easy to replace. A modern bistro may choose black PVD cutlery to match an industrial interior. A hotel may need different collections for breakfast, à la carte service and banquets.

The best restaurant cutlery should look good, feel comfortable in the hand and support the rhythm of daily service.

Ove collection examples by use

For premium restaurants and hotels

• Ove Veneto — 18/10 stainless steel, hammered handle, high mirror polishing.
• Ove Lugano — premium 18/10 cutlery with a minimalist square form.
• Ove Torino — 18/10 cutlery for intensive HoReCa service.
• Ove Navarino — 18/10 cutlery with a refined shine and durable character.

For modern restaurants, pizzerias and bistros

• Ove Fjord — practical 18/0 stainless steel cutlery for everyday service.
• Ove Fjord Black — black PVD 18/0 cutlery for contemporary and industrial table settings.
• Ove Fjord Gold — gold PVD 18/0 cutlery for a more distinctive table presentation.
• Ove Bergen — 18/0 cutlery with soft, rounded shapes for comfortable daily use.
• Ove Bologna — classic 18/0 nickel-free cutlery for everyday restaurant service.

For premium PVD table settings

• Ove Amarone Black — black PVD 18/10 cutlery for bold modern interiors.
• Ove Amarone Gold — gold PVD 18/10 cutlery for elegant and premium service.
• Ove Amarone Bronze — bronze PVD 18/10 cutlery for warm, natural and distinctive table settings.

Summary: 18/10 or 18/0?

18/10 stainless steel cutlery is usually the better choice for restaurants and hotels that want a premium look, higher shine and refined table presentation.

18/0 stainless steel cutlery is a practical choice for venues that need reliable cutlery for daily service, high rotation and a strong quality-to-price ratio.

Both materials can be the right choice in professional hospitality. The key is to match the cutlery with the type of venue, table setting, service intensity and budget.

Ove offers both 18/10 and 18/0 stainless steel cutlery, including classic silver collections and selected PVD lines in black, gold and matte bronze. This allows restaurants, hotels, pizzerias, bistros, catering operations and banquet halls to choose cutlery that supports both everyday service and the visual identity of the table.