Oneida Silverware, Dinnerware, and Flatware

Oneida Foodservice: What You Need to Know

Founded in 1848, Oneida Foodservice began by making flatware blanks for traditional silver-plated tableware in upstate New York. Decades later, Oneida Foodservice branched out into more affordable stainless steel flatware and quickly became a leading flatware supplier. An expanded product line in the 1980s introduced Oneida commercial dinnerware and drinkware options, completing the company's catalogue of tabletop solutions. Today, Oneida Foodservice offers hundreds of patterns, providing products to hotels, bars, and restaurants that reinforce brand awareness with unique and unified table settings.

Common Questions About Oneida Foodservice

How is Oneida commercial dinnerware different from residential options?

Oneida commercial dinnerware is designed to withstand the wear and tear of high-volume use. Unlike residential cups, plates, and forks, Oneida commercial dinnerware can be used, washed, and reused hundreds of times each month. Most commercial dinnerware is made with stronger materials to increase its resistance to breakage and is specifically designed to withstand impact.

Durable commercial dinnerware sometimes costs more to manufacture than residential options, and it's often sold in bulk. Splitting dinnerware up into smaller sets with individual packaging and shipping fees can raise overhead costs significantly. Selling Oneida commercial dinnerware in bulk helps suppliers keep costs down and simplify buying, enabling businesses to stock up on a certain item without buying several dozen sets of dinnerware.

How can I identify my Oneida commercial flatware pattern?

There are hundreds of different Oneida commercial flatware patterns. It can be difficult to determine the exact pattern of your flatware, especially if it's old and the markings have been worn down or the pattern discontinued. However, you can start by examining the back and base of the flatware for identifying words and symbols. Many Oneida flatware pieces will have numbers stamped into the back that signify a specific grade of steel or sterling silver, while others are stamped with words or numbers that indicate a specific collection or production date. If you aren't able to find an exact product number or name, check the handle of your flatware and note its shape, length, and any decorations or embellishments. This will help you visually match it while you're browsing our selection.

Some utensils have square ends, rounded or tapered ends, or a slightly pointed teardrop shape. Minimalistic cutlery can be identified primarily through the length and shape of the handle, along with any identifying marks stamped on the utensil's back. More ornate pieces may be decorated with ridges, swirls, floral patterns, diamond patterns, or divots, which can make them easier to recognize.

What does 18/10 mean on Oneida commercial flatware?

Oneida commercial flatware ranges from economic options to upscale patterns and comes in three different grades of stainless steel that each contain different percentages of iron, nickel, and chrome. These grades can be identified by their markings.

18/0: Oneida commercial flatware that's marked 18/0 is comprised mainly of iron, with 18 percent chrome and 0 percent nickel added. This type of stainless steel is usually economically priced because it's not as resistant to rust and bending as higher grades of stainless steel. It's perfectly suitable for making flatware, for example, but isn't often used to make cooking utensils, pots, or pans. It's typically also magnetic, which enables high-volume locations to employ magnetic retrieval to recover utensils that customers have thrown in the trash. This flatware is an economical option that doesn't cost much to replace, making it a good choice for fast-casual dining establishments.

18/8: If flatware is marked 18/8, it's made from iron with 18 percent chrome and 8 percent nickel added, making it more durable and resistant to corrosion than 18/0 steel. It emulates the appearance of silver plating better than lower grades of steel, giving it an upscale look that some diners appreciate. This type of steel is considered mid- to high-grade and can be used to make eating utensils, cooking racks, and pots and pans. Although 18/8 stainless steel has a slightly less lustrous appearance than 18/10 steel, there's only a small difference between the two, and 18/8 steel typically costs a bit less.

18/10: Oneida commercial flatware made for high-end or fine dining is usually made of 18/10 stainless steel, which is made with 18 percent chrome and 10 percent nickel, giving it a luster that most closely resembles genuine silver flatware while resisting corrosion and scratches. Because it contains more nickel than lower grades of steel, it's usually the most expensive option. Upscale establishments may decide to splurge on 18/10 flatware because it maintains a polished, "like-new" appearance longer, has a heavier feel, and resists bending better than other types of steel.

All stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, but some types are more durable than others, meaning they'll last longer in service – usually at a higher upfront cost. No matter which grade of stainless steel you choose, it can still become stained or pitted from recurrent exposure to wine, coffee, tea, vinegar-based sauces, salad dressings, salt, or hard water.

Where are Oneida Foodservice products made?

Until 2005, Oneida Foodservice products were made in several manufacturing plants located in areas such as Ontario, New York, Mexico, China, and Italy. In 2005, the last Oneida Foodservice plant in the US – located in Sherill, N.Y. – was sold, and Oneida Foodservice products are now manufactured overseas.