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The Best Plastic Utensils / Cutlery

Last updated on August 16, 2024
Categories Kitchen Tags

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Plastic Utensils

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

N9R Polished Gold Plastic Utensils / Cutlery, 300-Piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

N9R

Polished Gold Plastic Utensils / Cutlery, 300-Piece

Wow your guests with this set of gold-colored plastic utensils. The set serves 100 guests and includes a total of 300 pieces. The forks, spoons and knives are made from a BPA-free plastic that is extremely durable, as well as washable and reusable.

Overall Take

Best for Fancier OccasionsThese plastic utensils work well for anniversary parties, wedding showers and retirement celebrations.

 Runner Up

Exquisite Easy Clean Party Plastic Utensils / Cutlery, 150-Piece

Exquisite

Easy Clean Party Plastic Utensils / Cutlery, 150-Piece

Keep your party's cleanup to a minimum with this affordable plastic utensils set. Each box includes 50 spoons, 50 forks and 50 knives. Since the utensils are constructed from a high-quality eco-friendly plastic, you can count on them holding up to everything from pasta to grilled chicken.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find these plastic utensils are available in 19 different colors, including dark blue, gold, lavender and yellow.

 We Also Like

Party Bargains Premium Heavyweight Plastic Utensils, 360-Piece

Party Bargains

Premium Heavyweight Plastic Utensils, 360-Piece

If you're searching for a high-quality set of plastic utensils to use at your next party, this set is the way to go. The utensils are stylish and so durable that you can actually wash them and use them again. The set comes with a total of 180 forks, 120 spoons and 60 knives.

Overall Take

Variety PackAlthough these plastic utensils have an elegant design, their price tag is economical.

 Strong Contender

Glad Dishwasher Safe Plastic Utensils / Cutlery, 240-Piece

Glad

Dishwasher Safe Plastic Utensils / Cutlery, 240-Piece

Whether you're having family over for a barbecue or planning a child's birthday party, these plastic utensils are a must. They are extremely durable and can either be tossed afterward, or washed on the top rack of your dishwasher. Each set includes 80 forks, 80 spoons and 80 knives for a total of 240 pieces.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly OptionYou'll get more bang for your buck when you opt for this affordable plastic utensils set.

Buying Guide

If you’re hosting a big party, the last thing you want to do at the end of the day is spend time washing 100 or more pieces of silverware. That’s when plastic utensils that can quickly be tossed in your recycling bin after use come in to play. While the first disposable silverware models came solely in white or clear colors, shoppers now have a whole host of styles and patterns to choose from.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

When browsing plastic utensils, it is important to keep in mind what occasion or event you need them for. For example, you may not need a fancy set if you’re just going camping with a few friends and family members. But you may want to search for blue silverware for your son’s Thomas the Tank Engine themed birthday party.

Should you require plastic utensils for a more formal celebration, such as a bridal shower or wedding, you’ll want to look for sets that resemble metal cutlery. Gold and silver sets are available in large quantities and work well for this.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

In addition to purchasing sets that include forks, knives and spoons, you also have the option of buying a set that contains just one of the utensils. You may need a box of forks if you plan on serving cake for dessert. Cake doesn’t require the use of a spoon or knife, so buying a complete set would leave you with leftover spoons and knives.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

If you have several parties or events throughout the year, you may wish to stock up on the plastic cutlery. Look for sets that individually wrap smaller units within the set. That way if you only use 100 forks for the first event, the remaining 100 are still sealed in plastic for use another time.

Consider any other plastic utensil features that may add a unique touch to your party. For example, they do sell units made from different textures, as well as models that have specially designed handles.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

What to Look For

  • Instead of tossing the disposable silverware in your recycling bin, why not reuse them? Plastic spoons, knives and forks can be used in a host of fun craft projects. You can turn them into a beautiful wreath or melt down the spoons to create a set of delightful flowers.
  • Since most plastic utensils are durable enough to be used more than once, you can wash them and use them again. For hygiene reasons, however, it is best to only do this among your immediate family members. Use a new set of disposable silverware for parties and special events.
  • Plastic cutlery is not safe for use in a microwave and not safe to place in a dishwasher. Additionally, forks and knives are sharp, even though they are made out of plastic and not metal.
  • When comparing prices, you’ll need to consider a few different factors. First, take a look at the number of utensils in the set. A 200 ct. silver plastic forks set will cost slightly more than a package that contains 75 additional forks. Next, you’ll need to compare the quality. Some sets have a higher price tag due to the size and thickness of each of the utensils in the set.

More to Explore

Metal cutlery has been around a long time, but plastic utensils didn’t come into play until after World War II. Once the convenience of plastic kitchen tools took off, it wasn’t long before disposable forks, knives and spoons were invented. Today, plastic utensils are commonly used just about everywhere, including in the home, fast food restaurants and convenience stores.

As long as plastics are recycled correctly, they do a great job making daily living much easier. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, humans can actually conserve 3.8 barrels of crude oil for each ton of plastic they recycle. China actually encourages its citizens to recycle plastic by placing vending machines in subway stations that accept plastic bottles. For every bottle recycled, commuters are given a credit toward their travel.

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