When numbers such as 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 appear on stainless steel flatware such as knives, spoons, and forks, it indicates that the items are of various levels of quality.
Stainless steel flatware marked as 18/10 means that it contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel in its composition. In contrast, that marked 18/0 will not have any nickel – making it far more prone to discoloration and corrosion over time. The higher the percentage of nickel in the utensils, the better protected they will be against rust and other corrosion or discoloring.
Although 18/10 silverware is less prone to pitting and damage, it’s still essential to care for it correctly. First, it should only be hand washed – never place it in the dishwasher, as the heat and detergent will cause it to look dull over time.
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