Not too long ago, I wrote a guide to silverware, also known as flatware, for a major website. Before writing the guide, I knew next to nothing about these tools for shoveling macaroni and cheese into my face. However, like any good journalist, I educated myself, and after a lot of tedious reading, I became an expert. My research led me to do a Villeroy & Boch Flatware Set Review. For the last seven years, this set has been my primary means of transporting food from my plate to my mouth.
Buy the Villeroy & Boch New Wave 64 Piece Flatware Set here
Villeroy & Boch Flatware Set Review: First Impressions
Two main factors 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, a meat fork (which worked well for mashing potatoes and shredding pulled pork), a slotted serving spoon (great for removing hard-boiled eggs from hot water), and a serving spoon (ideal for mixing paint).
What We Liked about the New Wave Flatware Set
The main features we liked about the Villeroy & Boch Flatware Set are
- We got lots of compliments
- It was able to handle rock-hard ice cream and household work
- The pieces are dishwasher safe
Some of our guests found the flatware too elaborate for their taste. 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 complimented us on our choice.
Previously, we had a collection of mangled spoons and knives due to our tendency to scoop rock-hard ice cream and perform household repairs with the wrong tools. Rather than trying to change, we hoped this durable silverware set would withstand 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. I love my wife.) 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 requires hand-washing. I’m just too busy for that. Fortunately, the New Wave pieces go through the dishwasher and end up like a Depeche Mode song.
What We Didn’t Like
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 often fail to take good 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 that I discovered it’s pronounced Villeroy & Boch. Oh yeah, you can’t hear me right now. Just pronounce it like you would imagine a German might.
Who Should Buy the Villeroy & Boch Flatware 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 $350 on Amazon. I would not drop a grand on this set. There are too many other great options available that cost less. However, at $350, 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 will impress visitors to your home with your class. Just ask my friends: They all say I’m a fancy mofo!
Buy the Villeroy & Boch New Wave 64 Piece Flatware Set here
