Lenox Portola 65-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set Review

We purchased the Lenox Portola 65-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set so our reviewer could put it to the test at family dinners. Keep reading for our full product review.

Investing in nice flatware doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a set that can handle family dinners or something you’ll break out for special holiday meals, the Lenox Portola 65-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set is sure to please. The set offers service for 12 and is made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel that, with proper care, will last for decades to come. I set my table with the silverware to see just how it performed. Read on for the verdict. 

Design: Sleek, shiny, and serviceable 

An impressive display of flatware, the Portola set will definitely steal glances. A rather versatile, contemporary design for the 130-year-old Lenox company, the set adds an upscale touch to your table—no matter if used during a casual pancake breakfast or formal dinner party. Crafted with an 18/10 stainless steel grade, the collection is durable and dishwasher safe. The end of each utensil features a band with subtle dots; I found this to be a tasteful touch that didn’t distract from the overall sophistication of the set. If properly cared for, the set could certainly be passed down as an heirloom. 

The Portola set generously serves 12 people with traditional settings that include a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, spoon, and teaspoon. Additionally, the collection includes a hostess set with a serving spoon, serving fork, pierced serving spoon, butter knife, and sugar spoon. The expanded set is ideal for large families and individuals who frequently host holiday get-togethers. Not to mention, it makes for a terrific wedding registry item.  

I found no glaring design flaws with the Portola set, though I could think of a few minor areas for improvement. The utensils have a medium weight and, for the most part, are pleasantly balanced. The large dinner fork was the exception to this finding, as it was a bit long and frustrating for smaller hands. Additionally, the soup spoon was a bit small and shallow. 

Upkeep: Important reading ahead 

This set is dishwasher safe and tarnish-resistant, but the utensils do require a little manual care. It’s imperative the utensils be kept dry in order to avoid rust. After more than 10 washes—both on a high-temperature dishwasher setting and rinsed by hand—I found no signs of rust, but I was also sure to dry them right after. 

If you’ve never owned stainless steel tableware, it’s important to manage expectations and care for the metal appropriately. Lenox has a few pointers for keeping your Portola set in tip-top shape. Wash the flatware immediately after use; pay special attention to utensils that have been used with acidic or oily foods; don’t soak the utensils for too long (this can cause corrosion); use a mild, non-citrus detergent when washing and be sure to dry them immediately.

If you do notice any signs of corrosion or other flaws, Lenox offers a Breakage Replacement Program. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your flatware, you can return the product within 120 days of purchase for a full refund or a replacement.

Price: You get what you pay for

The Lenox Portola set retails for $300, but can often be found for just half that. While the MSRP is steep, the expanded set serves 12 guests and includes not only basic cutlery but a hostess set for special occasions. 

In terms of quality and cost, this setting has a lot to offer. The price point is definitely more than others I’ve seen, but the size of the set combined with an 18/10 stainless steel grade calls for an increase in price. If you’re in need of a more cost-effective set, but you still need the larger collection, there are more options and a variety of styles in the marketplace.

Competition: Options on both ends of the flatware spectrum

Knork 210 Original 20-Piece Cutlery Collection: Knork’s hand-forged, ergonomic flatware pays special attention to the comfort of the diner with a heavy, 18/10 stainless steel design. While it’s a high-quality set that can certainly be passed on to future generations, it is rather expensive—$100 for 20 pieces—and only offers service for four. If you need or want a hostess set, you’ll have to shell out more to buy the pieces separately. 

Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set: The Oneida set is a budget-friendly dream come true at just under $45 for a 45-piece collection. Unlike the Lenox and Knork sets, the Oneida doesn’t tout an 18/10 steel grade, rather the Mooncrest design is only made from an 18/0 grade. This means it contains no nickel and is more subject to corrosion and staining—hence the considerable difference in price points.

A more casual design, the Oneida set has service for eight and includes salad and dinner forks, tea and soup spoons, knives, and a hostess set with a pierced serving spoon, sugar spoon, closed serving spoon, butter knife, and serving fork.