WMF cutlery buying guide for New Zealand: how to choose the real thing
Buying tips from around the world, how to tell genuine Cromargan® 18/10 cutlery from cheap knock-offs, and what three generations of selling tableware have taught us.
How do you buy WMF cutlery with confidence?
Choose a range made from Cromargan® 18/10 or Cromargan protect® stainless steel, buy from an established seller who can show the WMF item number and guarantee, pick a set size that matches how many place settings you use, and check the finish and care instructions. Be wary of unbranded sets that simply claim ‘18/10’ at a fraction of the normal price.
- Cromargan® is WMF's name for 18/10 stainless steel. Cromargan protect® is its patented, scratch-resistant development.
- 18/10 means about 18% chromium and 10% nickel. 18/0 has no nickel and is cheaper, and may not hold up as well over time.
- A claim is not proof. Marketplace listings advertise 12-piece ‘18/10’ sets for under US$10. Check brand, item number, guarantee and seller.
- Size matters: 24 pieces (6 settings of 4), 30 (6 of 5), 60 (12 of 5) and 66 (60 plus 6 serving pieces).
- New Zealand law is on your side. Goods must be of acceptable quality, durable and as described, and the seller is responsible if not.
- Care keeps it new: do not soak, unload the dishwasher promptly, and wash different cutlery types separately.
WMF cutlery buying tips from around the world
Buyers in different countries ask different questions. Put together, they make a strong checklist.
| Region | What buyers look for | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (WMF's home market) | Named materials and clear care rules. | WMF says all cutlery in its original Cromargan® alloy is dishwasher-safe, and advises not leaving it soaking or damp, unloading soon after the cycle and washing different types of cutlery separately to avoid scratches. |
| United States | Dishwasher-safe 18/10 stainless steel and comfortable handles. | America's Test Kitchen explains that 18/10 contains nickel and is glossier and more resistant to rust, while 18/0 is cheaper with no nickel. It also found that lighter weight did not mean lower quality, so judge by feel as well as by heft. |
| Middle East (WMF regional site) | Construction details, not just the material name. | WMF's Middle East site describes Palermo as having forged monoblock knives and Cromargan® 18/10 as dishwasher-safe, colourfast, neutral in taste and acid-resistant. Ask how the knives are built. |
| Europe (EU) | Food-contact safety and published material information. | Cutlery sold for use with food must meet EU food-contact rules (Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004), so reputable brands publish their material and care details. Prefer sellers who do the same. |
| Online marketplaces worldwide | Low prices and big claims. | Listings we reviewed advertise 12-piece '18/10' sets for under US$10. A claim is not proof: check the brand, the item number and who is selling it. |
| New Zealand | Consumer guarantees and a local seller. | Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods must be of acceptable quality (safe and durable, with a good finish) and match their description, and the seller is responsible if they do not. Buying from a New Zealand seller keeps that simple. |
Genuine WMF vs cheap knock-offs: how to tell the difference
Not every cheaper set is a fake, and good 18/10 cutlery exists at many price points. The point is to verify, not assume. This table shows what to expect from the real thing and what often gives an imitation away.
| What to check | Genuine WMF from an authorised seller | Typical cheap imitation |
|---|---|---|
| Material name | A named WMF alloy, Cromargan® 18/10 or Cromargan protect®, with published specifications | Generic 'stainless steel', or an '18/10' claim you cannot verify |
| Identification | WMF branding and an item number you can match to the brand's product page | No item number, or one that matches no brand listing |
| Knife construction | Higher ranges describe forged monoblock (one-piece) knives | Construction not described at all |
| Finish | Even polish or brushed finish, smooth edges, consistent colour on coloured finishes | Burrs, uneven polish, spotting or early rust marks |
| Weight and balance | Designed balance. Light is not automatically poor, so judge by feel and range | Very light and flimsy, or heavy 'for show' with poor balance |
| Guarantee and support | Manufacturer guarantee against material and manufacturing defects (per WMF listings), plus NZ consumer guarantees | No guarantee detail, overseas seller, little or no support |
| Seller | Established New Zealand seller with returns and phone support | Anonymous marketplace seller |
| Price | Sits in a consistent range. Discounts are traceable promotions | A small fraction of the normal price with no explanation |
Eight red flags
- The price is a fraction of the brand's normal range and nobody can explain why.
- The only proof of quality is a claim, such as '18/10' in the listing title, with no brand, range name or item number.
- Markings are blurry, misspelt or missing, or do not match the brand's own product photos.
- There is no guarantee or the seller cannot tell you where to get support in New Zealand.
- The seller is anonymous and has no phone number, returns policy or physical presence.
- Edges are rough, finishes are patchy, or coloured finishes are uneven when you receive them.
- The listing photos are generic or taken from the brand's website.
- You are told a magnet proves it is genuine. A magnet can tell 18/0 (magnetic) from 18/10 (generally not), but it cannot prove brand or quality.
How to choose WMF cutlery: seven steps
1. Choose the design
WMF offers clean modern lines (Boston, Alteo, Denver, Corvo), slender classics (Philadelphia, Palermo, Atria) and traditional shapes (Verona, Fächer). Pick the one that suits your plates and your table.
2. Choose the finish
Polished cutlery has a mirror shine and shows fine marks over time. Brushed and matt finishes hide scratches. Cromargan protect® is WMF's patented scratch-resistant surface, partly matt on some ranges. Coloured PVD finishes, such as Boston Champagne Gold and Dark Passion, are statement pieces: follow the care instructions on the product page.
3. Choose the set size
Use the planner above. A 24-piece set covers 6 four-piece settings, a 30-piece set adds cake forks, a 60-piece set serves 12, and a 66-piece set adds 6 serving pieces.
4. Hold it
Weight is not a reliable test of quality, but balance and handle shape are. If you can, hold a fork and a knife and see whether they sit comfortably in your hand.
5. Check the knives
Knives take the most wear. Look for descriptions of forged monoblock construction, and consider separate steak knives if you cook a lot of meat.
6. Plan for the whole family
WMF also makes children's cutlery, and you can top up any range from the single-piece collection if a piece is lost or you grow your table.
WMF cutlery set sizes explained
| Set size | Serves | What is in it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-piece | 1 person | Fork, knife, spoon, teaspoon (one place setting) | Trying a design, gifts, or students |
| 24-piece | 6 people | 6 table forks, 6 table knives, 6 table spoons, 6 teaspoons | Everyday use for small households |
| 30-piece | 6 people | The same, plus 6 cake forks | Households that serve cake and dessert |
| 60-piece | 12 people | 12 each of forks, knives, spoons, cake forks and teaspoons | Families and regular hosting |
| 66-piece | 12 people | The 60-piece set plus 6 serving pieces | Dinner parties and holiday tables |
How to care for WMF cutlery so it lasts
- Rinse off rough leftovers soon after use and do not leave cutlery soaking or damp for long.
- Unload promptly. Take cutlery out of the dishwasher soon after the cycle and dry it if needed, or open the door to let moisture escape.
- Wash different types of cutlery separately to avoid scratches.
- Keep salt in the dishwasher topped up and use good-quality cleaning products, following the packaging.
- Treat coloured and silver-plated finishes with extra care and follow the instructions supplied with them.
These points follow WMF's published care guidance for cutlery. Always check the instructions for your exact range.
Where is WMF cutlery made?
WMF is a German company founded in 1853, and WMF cutlery is designed in Germany. Production sites vary by range. For example, a WMF listing for the Virginia range says it is made at WMF's own plant in Heshan, China, to a design by the WMF Atelier. Country of origin can differ between ranges, so we recommend checking the product page for the set you are considering rather than assuming.
Where WMF sets a quality standard, it applies it to every plant: a named material (Cromargan®), a published specification and a manufacturer guarantee against material and manufacturing defects. That is what you are paying for, and what an unbranded imitation cannot show you.
WMF cutlery at Michael Joyce Ltd
Browse the ranges mentioned in this guide. Stock, prices and finishes change, so check each product page.
- WMF cutlery setsSets from 4 to 66 pieces in ranges such as Boston, Alteo, Denver, Palermo, Atria, Philadelphia, Verona, Corvo and Sitello
- WMF single-piece cutleryTop up or replace individual pieces
- WMF cutlery accessoriesServing pieces and extras
- WMF children's cutleryChild-sized Cromargan® cutlery
- WMF Boston PVD Champagne Gold, 24-pieceA contemporary gold finish on Boston's rounded design
- WMF Boston PVD Dark Passion, 24-pieceA gunmetal-grey finish for a bold table
- All cutleryWMF, children's and steak knives
- WMF brand historyWhy WMF has been trusted since 1853
Why trust Michael Joyce Ltd? Three generations of knowledge
Advice about cutlery is only worth having if it comes from people who have sold the products, handled the problems and watched what lasts. Here is who is behind this guide.
Owners of a china shop, they began importing quality china and tableware into New Zealand at a time when European products were far harder to source, and built a business around well-made goods and personal service.
They took the business over and grew it from its retail beginnings into a nationwide wholesale operation, building long relationships with independent retailers across New Zealand.
The third generation runs Michael Joyce Ltd as a New Zealand family-owned and operated business, combining their grandparents’ retail knowledge with their parents’ wholesale experience, in wholesale and e-commerce.
“Choose good products. Know what you sell. Price them fairly. Look after your customers. And build relationships for the long term.”
That is how the family describes its approach on its about page. In practice it means we answer the phone on 0800 222 021, we tell you when a product is not right for what you want to do, and we only put our name to brands with real history and craftsmanship. See our returns and delivery pages for full terms.
WMF cutlery frequently asked questions
What is Cromargan®?
Cromargan is WMF's registered name for its 18/10 stainless steel. The name comes from chrome and argan, referring to the steel's high chromium content and silvery appearance. WMF has used it for cutlery and cookware for roughly 80 years and describes it as rust-free, dishwasher-safe, acid-resistant and neutral in taste.
Is WMF cutlery 18/10 stainless steel?
WMF says its Cromargan alloy is 18/10 stainless steel, with about 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel. Some ranges use Cromargan protect, WMF's patented development with a scratch-resistant surface. Check the product page for the exact material of the range you want.
How can I tell genuine WMF cutlery from a fake?
Buy from an established seller, look for WMF branding and an item number that matches the brand's product page, check the material name (Cromargan or Cromargan protect), and ask about the guarantee. Be wary of unbranded sets that only claim 18/10, very low prices, blurry markings and anonymous sellers. A magnet can separate 18/0 from 18/10 but cannot prove a brand is genuine.
Is 18/10 better than 18/0 stainless steel?
America's Test Kitchen notes that 18/10 contains nickel, which makes steel glossier, stronger and more resistant to rust, while 18/0 is cheaper and contains no nickel. Their tests did not show durability differences in the short term, but 18/10 may hold up better over time.
Is WMF cutlery dishwasher-safe?
WMF states that all of its cutlery in the original Cromargan alloy is dishwasher-safe. For best results, do not leave it soaking or damp, unload soon after the cycle, and wash different types of cutlery separately. Coloured and silver-plated finishes need extra care, so follow the instructions for your range.
How many pieces of cutlery do I need?
A good rule is one place setting per person you serve regularly, plus two spare settings for dishwasher cycles and extra guests. A 30-piece set covers six people with cake forks, and a 60-piece set covers twelve. Use the place-setting planner on this page to work it out.
What is the difference between a 24, 30, 60 and 66-piece cutlery set?
A 24-piece set holds six four-piece settings (fork, knife, spoon, teaspoon). A 30-piece set adds six cake forks. A 60-piece set serves twelve with five pieces each, and a 66-piece set adds six serving pieces such as a ladle and servers.
What is Cromargan protect?
Cromargan protect is WMF's internationally patented development of Cromargan stainless steel with a harder, scratch-resistant surface. WMF says polished surfaces stay shiny and matt finishes stay matt, even after long testing. It is used on selected ranges.
Will WMF cutlery rust?
Cromargan is designed to be rust-free, but no stainless steel is immune to damage from prolonged contact with salt, acids or moisture. Rinse off food promptly, do not leave cutlery wet, and unload the dishwasher soon after the cycle to keep it looking new.
Is cheap 18/10 cutlery the same as WMF?
Not necessarily. A listing can claim 18/10 without showing proof, and marketplace sets of 12 pieces are advertised for under US$10. WMF gives you a named material, a published specification, tested finishes, a manufacturer guarantee and local support. If a price looks too good to be true, ask why.
Where is WMF cutlery made?
WMF is a German company founded in 1853 and designs its cutlery in Germany. Production sites vary by range, and a WMF listing notes that its Virginia range is made at WMF's own plant in Heshan, China. Check the product page for the origin of the range you are buying.
What are my rights if my cutlery is faulty in New Zealand?
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods sold by a business must be of acceptable quality, which means safe, durable, free from defects and acceptable in finish, and they must match their description. If they do not, you can ask the seller for a repair, replacement or refund. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does Michael Joyce Ltd offer free delivery and returns?
Yes. Michael Joyce Ltd offers free delivery throughout New Zealand, and eligible items can be returned within 14 days of delivery if they are unused and in their original packaging. See the returns page for the full terms or call 0800 222 021.
Why buy WMF cutlery from Michael Joyce Ltd?
Michael Joyce Ltd is a New Zealand family business in its third generation, with more than 60 years of knowledge of tableware, cookware and cutlery and more than 70 stockists. We only choose brands with real history, we answer the phone, and we will tell you if a product is not right for you.
Sources and further reading
- America's Test Kitchen: flatware buying advice (18/10 vs 18/0)
- WMF Professional: cutlery care tips
- WMF cutlery maintenance guide (PDF)
- WMF Middle East: Palermo cutlery set (forged monoblock knives, Cromargan 18/10)
- WMF Middle East: what Cromargan means
- WMF Kent cutlery listing (Cromargan protect)
- WMF Virginia cutlery listing (production at WMF's Heshan plant)
- WMF Signum cutlery listing (manufacturer guarantee)
- Example marketplace listing: 12-piece '18/10' set (Walmart)
- Consumer Protection NZ: Consumer Guarantees Act
- Michael Joyce Ltd: WMF cutlery sets
- Michael Joyce Ltd: 3 generations, one family's commitment to quality