Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set Review

We purchased the Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set so our reviewer could put it to the test in her kitchen. Keep reading for our full product review.

With a seemingly endless selection of designs and materials to choose from, finding the right set of flatware might seem daunting—especially if you don’t know what to look for. If you prefer a more classic design, the Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set is a popular choice, thanks to its understated yet elegant appearance.

To see if they’re worth the high price, we put these utensils to the test, eating with them and washing them on a daily basis. Read on to see if the Westbury Flatware Set is really a cut above the rest.    

Design: Simple and elegant 

This flatware set is perfect for anyone that prefers a more classic look to their tablescape, and we really appreciated the versatility of the set. The V-shaped bolster design has just the right amount of elegance—the utensils are sophisticated enough for serving guests at a dinner party, yet simple enough to be used every day. This timeless design will match almost any style of table setting, too. 

Material: 18/10 stainless steel 

The knives in this set are forged from a single ingot of stainless steel, which gives them a sharp cutting edge. The spoons and forks, on the other hand, are made of 18/10 stainless steel, which means they contain 18 percent chrome and 10 percent nickel. 

Nickel is what prevents flatware from corroding, and after running these utensils through the dishwasher, we were pleased to see they stayed nice and shiny. We didn’t notice any streaks on them, either! Overall, we thought this flatware set was easy to clean, either by hand or in a dishwasher.

Another thing we really loved about this flatware set is its shine. However, the downside is that the utensils tend to smudge fairly easily, but that seems unavoidable considering the mirror-polished finish. We noticed a lot of fingerprints on them after our first meal, but restoring their shine is simple: All you need to do is wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.

Setting Sizes: Four sizes to choose from 

This set is available in four sizes—five pieces, 20 pieces, 42 pieces, and 50 pieces—so you can order the amount that’s suitable for your household. We ordered ours in a set of 20, which serves four people. 

Each place setting is boxed separately and includes a salad fork, dinner fork, soup spoon, teaspoon, and dinner knife. We didn’t receive steak knives or serving pieces with the 20-piece set, but they are included with larger setting sizes. You can also purchase a four-piece steak knife set or two-piece serving set separately.

Performance: Durable utensils that handle well 

We really liked the way these utensils felt in our hands. Because they’re made of 18/10 stainless steel, they have a nice weight to them, and the tapered handles make them easy to hold and comfortable to grip. The forks and spoons hold food effectively, and the knives are sharp enough for cutting poultry and fish. However, we would definitely recommend using a steak knife for cutting denser meats. 

We’ve only had the Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set for a few weeks, so we can’t fully attest to its durability. However, the utensils have held up well to multiple meals and washings, and they have retained their shine through several cycles in the dishwasher, which is a good sign. Since the pieces have some heft to them, it seems safe to assume that the handles and tines won’t bend over time. 

Price: On the steeper side 

At around $50 per five pieces, the Robert Welch Westbury Mirror Flatware Set is definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum, especially when compared with other sets we’ve tested. However, we don’t mind paying top dollar for a high-quality set of silverware, and we loved the look and feel of this set. 

That said, we tested these in a two-person household, where the 20-piece was more than enough for our needs. A 42- or 50-piece set of these utensils costs around $400 and may not be in everyone’s budget. The good news is that there are more affordable flatware sets available, and you won’t necessarily have to sacrifice quality by skimping on costs. 

Competition: Good options at a lower prices

Lenox Portola Stainless Steel 65-Piece Flatware Set: While its full price is $300, the Lenox Portola Stainless Steel Flatware Set is typically on sale for around $100 for a 65-piece set, giving you a whole lot of bang for your buck. Since this set includes settings for 12 people, plus five serving pieces, it’s perfect if you have a larger family or host a lot of guests. The utensils are made of 18/10 stainless steel and feature a beaded channel design at the base, and thanks to their ergonomic shape, they're comfortable to hold. 

Oneida Mooncrest 45-Piece Flatware Set: At under $100, the Oneida Mooncrest Flatware Set is another affordably priced option. This flatware set includes 45 pieces, providing service for eight people. However, there are some caveats to buying cheaper flatware: Utensils made from 18/0 stainless steel will likely be lighter and less durable than those that contain nickel.