Not too long ago, I wrote a guide to silverware – also known as flatware – for a major website. Prior to writing the guide, I knew next to nothing about these tools for shoveling macaroni and cheese into my face. But, like any good journalist, I educated myself, and after lots of boring reading, I became an expert. My research told me that the Villeroy & Boch New Wave Flatware was where it’s at. Here’s my firsthand experience with these utensils.

Villeroy & Boch Hooked Us Up

As we were moving cross country, I knew we would want implements for conveying food from containers to our mouths. Since my research pointed to the excellence of Villeroy & Boch’s New Wave collection, I contacted them to see if I could have their flatware for free to test. They were more than willing to oblige me. So, I got the silverware for free, but I am under no obligation to post a positive review or any review at all. Those are just the expectations I set with companies to maintain my objectivity.

What Makes Villeroy & Boch So Special?

There are two main factors that make the Villeroy & Boch New Wave set special. First, it is made out of 18/10 stainless steel. The 18 is the percentage of chromium, and the 10 is the percentage of nickel in the steel composition. This ratio provides the best balance of durability, heft, and resistance to rust and corrosion.

This silverware collection is also special because it just looks cool. You can set the knife on its side so that the blade is facing up or down. The bowls of the spoons are large enough to scoop soup, cereal, yogurt, and mud.

The set I received features 64 pieces. There are two half dozens of five-piece place settings: teaspoon, soup spoon, dinner knife, dinner fork, and salad fork. Also included are four serving pieces: a gravy ladle, meat fork (which worked well for mashing potatoes), slotted serving spoon (great for removing hard-boiled eggs from hot water), and a serving spoon (ideal for mixing paint.)

Performance

Check out our video review of the Villeroy & Boch New Wave Silverware:

And, while you’re in a YouTube wormhole, here’s what the flatware looks like out of the box:

What We Liked about the Silverware

There are three main PROS we found with the Villeroy & Boch New Wave Flatware 64-Piece Service:

  1. We got lots of compliments
  2. It was able to handle rock-hard ice cream and household work
  3. The pieces are dishwasher safe

Some of our guests found the flatware was too fancy for them. They would let the utensils sit there untouched while they tried to eat lasagna with their hands. Other visitors who felt they were worthy of nice silverware simply complimented us on our choice.

Previously, we had a collection of mangled spoons and knives due to our proclivity for scooping rock-hard ice cream and performing household repairs with the wrong tools. Rather than trying to change, we hoped this durable silverware set would stand up to our terrible habits. We weren’t disappointed. The soup spoon handled the Chubby Hubby without getting bent out of shape, which is more than I can say for my wife! (I’m sorry, Erin.) And, Erin was able to fix a variety of malfunctioning items without damaging the fancy knives.

I don’t think I could live with silverware that had to be hand washed. I’m just too busy for that. Fortunately, the New Wave pieces go through the dishwasher and end up like that one Depeche Mode song: Clean.

What We Didn’t Like about the Silverware

There are three main CONS we found with the Villeroy & Boch New Wave Flatware 64-Piece Service:

  1. The pieces would get spots
  2. A couple tines bent on one of the forks
  3. No clue how to pronounce the company’s name

Yes, the silverware was easy to clean, but if you are obsessive-compulsive, you might be put off by the spotting on the pieces. However, when a problem comes along, you must whip it. With the New Wave set, you can take care of the spots by using Bar Keeper’s Friend, stainless steel polish, or silver polish.

For the most part, the silverware was solidly constructed, and I didn’t notice any damaged pieces, except for one fork. The two middle tines were slightly bent. I’m not sure how it happened, but this isn’t an uncommon occurrence in a family with a teenager, a preschooler, and two parents who tend not to do a good job of taking care of their possessions.

I had no clue how to pronounce the company’s name, which has led to many embarrassing moments. It wasn’t until I watched an incredibly boring video about their 260-year history that I found out that it’s pronounced Villeroy & Boch. Oh yeah, you can’t hear me right now. Just pronounce it like you would imagine a German might.

Should You Buy the Villeroy & Boch New Wave Silverware Set?

I’ve seen the New Wave 64-Piece Set listed for up to $1,000 on some sites. But, right now, it’s in the neighborhood of $250 on Amazon. I would not drop a grand on this set. There are just too many other great options out there that cost less. But, at $250, the New Wave collection is worth it if you are looking for top-quality 18/10 stainless steel silverware that is versatile enough for everyday use as well as special occasions, will last you for decades to come, and that shows visitors to your home that you are one classy mofo.

See the Lowest Price for Villeroy and Boch New Wave Flatware 64 Pc. Service on Amazon