We suggest about 2 place settings per person. That means a 20-piece set (service for 4) for 1 or 2 people, or a 40-piece set (service for 8) for 3 or 4 people. With 2 settings per person, one can be in use while the other is in the dishwasher.
Treat this as a starting point, and adjust it with the sections below.
What does "service for 4" mean?
"Service for 4" means the set has one full place setting for each of 4 people. A place setting is the group of pieces that one person uses at a meal. Many people also call flatware "silverware."
In Kitchuan's 20-piece and 40-piece sets, each place setting has 5 pieces: a dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, dinner spoon and teaspoon. The 24-piece sets also include a steak knife, so each place setting has 6 pieces.
| Set | Place settings | Pieces per setting | Total pieces |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-piece | 4 | 5 | 20 |
| 40-piece | 8 | 5 | 40 |
| 24-piece with steak knives | 4 | 6 | 24 |
How many place settings does each person need?
We suggest 2 place settings per person if you run the dishwasher every day.
Using that guideline:
- 1 or 2 people: 4 place settings, which is one 20-piece set
- 3 or 4 people: 6 to 8 place settings, which is one 40-piece set
- 5 or 6 people: 10 to 12 place settings, which is a 40-piece set plus a 20-piece set in the same color
How do dishwasher loads change the number you need?
The more days between dishwasher loads, the more place settings you need. If you run the dishwasher only every 2 or 3 days, plan for 3 or 4 place settings per person.
For example, a couple who runs the dishwasher every 2 days would use about 6 place settings. A 40-piece set covers that and leaves 2 settings free for guests.
A simple sign: if you often find no clean forks or teaspoons in the drawer, you may need more place settings.
How much flatware do you need for hosting?
For hosting, count the largest group you serve a few times a year, and plan one place setting for each person at the table.
A 40-piece set covers a table of 8. For a table of 10 to 12, add a 20-piece set in the same color to reach service for 12. If you are buying for a holiday meal, order a little early. US orders ship in 1–2 business days.
Do you need 5-piece settings or a set with steak knives?
Choose a 24-piece set if you often serve steak, chops or roasts, or a 20-piece or 40-piece set if you want to add matching sets later.
- 20-piece and 40-piece sets: 5 pieces per place setting. Full-size pieces with gently curved handles and a balanced weight. A mirror-polished silver finish or a matte black PVD finish.
- 24-piece sets: 6 pieces per place setting, service for 4, with square handles. The steak knives have serrated blades that cut cleanly through steak, chops and roasts. The silver set is mirror-polished, and its steak knives have black handles. The black set has a matte black PVD finish.
All of these sets are made of stainless steel about 2 mm thick, with smooth, rounded edges, and all are rust and corrosion resistant. If you want steak knives for 8 people, two 24-piece sets in the same color give you service for 8.
Can you combine a 20-piece set with a 40-piece set?
Yes, if both sets are the same color. Within each color, the 20-piece and 40-piece sets have the same pattern and finish, so they match.
You can start small and add more later:
- 20-piece + 20-piece = service for 8 (40 pieces)
- 40-piece + 20-piece = service for 12 (60 pieces)
- 40-piece + 40-piece = service for 16 (80 pieces)
To match, choose silver with silver or black with black. The 24-piece sets have square handles, a different pattern, so they do not match the 20-piece and 40-piece sets.
Which set should you choose?
In short: 20 pieces for 1 or 2 people, and 40 pieces for 3 or 4 people. For steak knives, choose one 24-piece set for 1 or 2 people, or two for 3 or 4 people. The table below covers more cases.
| If you… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Live alone or with one other person | A 20-piece set, service for 4 (silver or black) |
| Have 3 or 4 people at home | A 40-piece set, service for 8 (silver or black) |
| Run the dishwasher every 2 or 3 days | 3 or 4 place settings per person, for example a 40-piece set for a couple |
| Host 10 to 12 people for holidays | A 40-piece set plus a 20-piece set in the same color (service for 12) |
| Often serve steak, chops or roasts | A 24-piece set with steak knives, service for 4 (silver or black) |
| Want steak knives for 8 people | Two 24-piece sets in the same color |
| Already own a Kitchuan 20-piece set | Another 20-piece or 40-piece set in the same color |
Quick answers
How many pieces are in a service for 4 flatware set?
A service for 4 set has 4 place settings. At Kitchuan, that is 20 pieces in the sets with 5-piece settings, or 24 pieces in the sets with steak knives.
How many place settings does a family of 4 need?
We suggest at least 8, which is one 40-piece set. If you host often or run the dishwasher less than once a day, consider service for 12.
Do Kitchuan's 20-piece and 40-piece sets match?
Yes, when they are the same color. Within each color, the two sets have the same pattern and finish.
Do the 24-piece sets match the 20-piece and 40-piece sets?
No. The 24-piece sets have square handles. The 20-piece and 40-piece sets share a different pattern with gently curved handles.
What if I choose the wrong size?
Kitchuan offers 30-day returns on US orders. You can read the details in our refund policy.
More from the Journal: What Size Is Each Piece of Flatware, and What Is It For? · How Do You Care for Black PVD Flatware?