Customer Reviews

Pfaltzgraff Satin Montclaire 65-Piece Stainless-Steel Flatware Set with Wood Storage Caddy, Service for 12

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This posting provides some core information about stainless steel flatware. I hope it may help potential buyers make a more informed purchase decision, and possibly avoid some disappointment. If you're already familiar with the various grades of stainless steel, you may want to stop here or just skim this before going on to other postings; otherwise, read on.

The most common specification for stainless steel flatware is 18/10. The 18 refers to the chromium content and the 10 to the nickel content. Here, however, Pfaltzgraff has chosen to use 18/0 stainless steel to keep costs down. However, 18/0 stainless steel has 0% nickel content, and consequently is much less resistant to pitting and corrosion.

18/0 stainless steel is known as ferritic steel as it, like pure iron, is magnetically attracted (a quick test for less expensive stainless). This is opposed to 18/10, which is called austenitic stainless steel and is not, or only weakly, magnetically attracted. For practical purposes chromium/nickel, 18/10 and 18/8, steels are essentially identical. Because of its superior properties, over 2/3rds of all stainless steel produced is austenitic.

The greater the nickel composition the better the protection against pitting and corrosion, but the higher the cost. This is one of the reasons prices for flatware vary so significantly. Also note that 18/0 flatware is often finished to a lower standard than higher nickel content stainless steel to further reduce manufacturing costs. Even on a quite cursory examination, my 18/0 flatware does not look quite as good as my higher quality stainless steel flatware. However, unless you need that extra increment of appearance obtained with higher quality 18/10 stainless, you may want to consider this set.

Bottom-line: There is a trade-off here between appearance and corrosion-resistance, and the lower cost per piece for 18/0.

I purchased this set at the Overstock site awhile ago for $25 and it was worth about that. While the utensils are sturdy they certainly did not live up to their prestigious name (Pfaltzgraff, for goodness sake). As several reviewers there state, I found most of the handles pitted, scratched, even sharp in some places. So sharp a spoon nicked the corner of my mouth while eating soup! This "Satin" finish they have looks very cheap in person, and the backs of each piece were rough and bumpy in places. It's a good thing the whole mess came with a storage box, because that's where it is...the bottom of my closet.

The lowest sale price at Amazon is over twice what I paid. I got these for my daughter moving into an apt. I thought they would be AOK and they were 23.00 on clearence. My wife said they were a good brand and "you can't beat the price!" Well, as usual, I learn too slowly. These are crappy utensils. I think the cheap target brand would have been better than these. The back sides are actually bumpy. And Don't put them in a dishwasher unless you want them to pit and then rust/corrode... whatever they are doing. Save your money. Amazon should be ashamed, the company who makes this should be ashamed.

This is supposed to be a bargain? I searched high and low to find a HIGHER price and couldn't. Save your money. You will find better quality and value elsewhere. These goldbox deals are all hype!

Cons~ Thin, flimsy, easy to bend, and very plain looking.

Pros~ Good deal for the number of servings it comes with and the tray is solid wood.

I took a shot at it even after some of these bad reviews. I paid $50 on Amazon (but had a $25 coupon). Some people appear to have paid $25 from somewhere else. Maybe those were defects that were being blown out. Mine are fine. Finish is fine. Had it for 2 months and no issues. If you have a problem with these, why not utilize their warranty? I think it offers a 20 year replacement guarantee.

and I am very happy with them. Great quality, although the holding box's quality is bad.

The Pfaltzgraff set is very nice for everyday use, and the wooden container is a classy touch! Amazon.com offered a wonderful "deal of the day" on this.

I thought it would be nice to have a large service for those times when you need more than a service for 4 or 6. Design appeared classic and attractive.

What arrived was quite different than expected. If you melted the 65 pieces down, you might have enough to make a decent service for 4.

Pieces are real lightweight, and a disappointment to hold. Maybe good for a picnic where you won't care if one or two pieces disappear.

Not a good value at any price. But it appears they are no longer available.

I ordered this product for the price that was listed was far below retail. It has proven to be one of the greatest purchases I have ever made. Wife absolutely loved them as a complete set of flatware. It added a nice flare to our dishware when we have friends or family over for dinner parties...

Thanks