Quick answer: 18/10 stainless steel has 18% chromium and 10% nickel. 18/0 has 18% chromium and no nickel. Both are stainless steel and both resist rust in normal use. 18/10 usually keeps a brighter finish for longer and handles acidic food and salt a little better. Either grade will mark if it is left wet, left in salt water, or washed with harsh cleaners.
If you have ever compared two cutlery sets that look almost identical and cost very different amounts, the difference is often the steel. The numbers on the label are a shorthand for what the steel is made of, and they explain most of the differences in how cutlery looks and behaves over time.
What the numbers mean
Stainless steel is iron with a minimum of about 10.5% chromium. The chromium forms a thin, invisible layer on the surface that protects the metal. The two numbers in a grade such as 18/10 describe the chromium and nickel content:
- The first number is the chromium percentage. Most cutlery is 18%.
- The second number is the nickel percentage. Nickel adds shine, toughness and resistance to corrosion. It also raises the price, which is why nickel-free grades are cheaper.
18/10 vs 18/8 vs 18/0 at a glance
| Grade | Chromium | Nickel | What you usually get | Resistance to stains and rust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/10 | 18% | 10% | Heavier feel, bright mirror finish, premium sets | Highest of the common cutlery grades |
| 18/8 | 18% | 8% | Very similar to 18/10, common in mid-range sets | Very good |
| 18/0 | 18% | 0% | Lighter feel, slightly softer shine, often budget sets | Good, but needs more care with salt and acidic food |
Does the grade change how it cleans?
Yes, but less than most people expect. Every type of cutlery responds to the same things: how long it sits wet, how much salt and acid it meets, and what it is washed with. A higher grade gives you more margin for error. It does not make cutlery immune to marks.
Dishwashers are harsh on all cutlery. Hot water, strong detergent and drying cycles can dull a finish over years, and a rinse aid helps prevent spots. If you want the shine to last, wash by hand and dry straight away, whatever the grade.
The finish matters as much as the grade
- Mirror (polished) finish looks formal and bright. It also shows fingerprints and water marks more clearly.
- Satin (brushed) finish hides marks and looks softer. Many everyday sets use it.
- Matte black is a coating or finish that hides marks well, but it can wear over time, so treat it gently.
Do not forget the handles
The handle is often the part that fails first. ABS plastic, wood-effect handles and ceramic handles each need different care. Wood-effect and ABS handles are best hand washed and dried, and should not be soaked. Ceramic handles should be wiped and dried rather than left to sit in water. Always check the care label that comes with the set.
How to check a listing before you buy
- Look for the grade (18/10, 18/8 or 18/0) in the product description or specifications.
- If the grade is not stated, ask the seller before you buy. A good seller will answer clearly.
- Check the finish (mirror or satin) and the handle material, because these affect how the set looks and how you clean it.
- Look for the number of pieces and whether the set is a service for four or six.
The short version
Choose 18/10 if you want the brightest finish and the most margin for error, and you are happy to hand wash the handles. Choose 18/0 if you want a lighter, lower-cost set for everyday use and you are careful to rinse and dry it. In both cases, the way you care for the cutlery matters more than the number on the label.
Ready to choose? Read our guide to choosing a 16-piece cutlery set, or see the cutlery sets in the shop. For looking after your set, see how to care for stainless steel cutlery.
