Reddit mentions: The best flatware sets

> How should I star making my own healthy and delicious bento meals? Utensils? Bento Boxes? Any help is appreciated!

I'm relatively new to packing a bento every day too, but I'm not new in the kitchen, or to packing a lunch in general...here's what I've learned about building boxes for lunch:

• Don't be afraid to cook a little extra of your meal from the night before. Leftovers work wonderfully.
  
• Don't be afraid to cook small portions of things specifically for your lunch. You can cook a lunch's worth of food in bento sized portions in less than 15 minutes. ( I learned this making my first batch of carrot kinpira...literally all I had to do was heat a pan and some oil, toss in a handful of shredded carrots, shake on a few seasonings, stir a bit, drain, and stick it in the box. )
  
• If you don't know how, learn to cook rice. If you can boil water, you can cook rice. Cover and store it while it's still warm, and you won't have dried out rice in your refrigerator the next day.
  
• Keep things varied. It's all about packing a variety of flavors and textures that you enjoy, without overpowering yourself with a single food.
  
• Keep it nutritionally balanced.
  
• Look for items that don't need refrigeration, or that you like to eat cold.
  
  
  As far as utensils...the only cooking utensils / cookware I'd recommend would be a rice paddle and a wooden rice prep bowl, if you're going to be fixing "sticky" rice for onigiri and such. Otherwise, just stick with what you already know and use in the kitchen. Also, don't be afraid of doing things "the easy way." A $1-3 onigiri mold is a godsend if you don't know what you're doing making rice balls to begin with, and it'll save your hands some wear and tear from the salt and hot rice.
  
  For eating utensils, there are tons of great options depending on what you like to use. Light My Fire brand sporks are fantastic. A simple set of chopsticks is easy to clean and carry. Monbento makes a pretty great travel cutlery set.
  
  My secret weapon? Visit a camping / sporting goods store like REI, Academy, etc., and pick up some camping utensils made from lexan. They're nearly unbreakable, wash easily, and only cost 75¢-$1 so you won't feel terrible if you lose them.
  
  By all means, try new cuisines, foods and flavors, but remember...if you don't like it, you aren't going to want to eat any more of it, and you'll just be out time and money. Keep a balance between things you enjoy already and new things you want to try.

A little planning and minimal amount of preparation are essential. I suggest you gather everything the night before and have it stacked and ready to go in the fridge so all you have to do is grab it in the morning.

I usually make a big batch of something in the slowcooker (like curry and brown rice, chili, lentil stew, jambalaya, etc) then eat that throughout the week. If you don't fancy eating the same thing throughout the week, you can freeze individual portions and throw it in the fridge the night before to thaw in the morning.

Also grain salads with lots of veggies are great. I like tabbouleh with chickpeas, southwest quinoa salad, etc. I make a big batch and they usually get better after a couple of days.

The key is to make things that won't leak all over your bag and be able to not be chilled for a few hours (usually anything with meat or cheese). Sandwiches and wraps are another great option.

For breakfast, overnight oats are great. Throw some oatmeal, and non-dairy milk (hazelnut milk is heavenly!) in a mason jar, shake, and put it in the fridge. Ready to throw in your bag in the morning. You can also buy individual packets of peanut butter that you can pair with a banana or apple are great on the go.

Snacks are your best friend! No one wants to get hangry! I suggest you keep certain key items in your bag at all times that won't get squished or go bad. Things like granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit are great. If you're going to snack in the middle of class, just remember to keep it quiet, so no overly crunchy stuff.

On another note, it helps to have nice containers to put things into, as well as nice utensils. Bento is a really fun and has a great subreddit /r/bento. I always have my bamboo utensils with me as well. You would be surprised how often I use these! http://www.amazon.com/To-Go-Ware-Reusable-Utensil-Avocado/dp/B002BFUPUM

Hope this helps and good luck with school!

Gorruck 34L GR2 Coyote Tan - a good bag, heavy, uncomfortable, probably give it to my grandchildren in like 50 years

Flip Flops - generic things

Bigblue 28W solar charger - very good, can charge my battery up during the day if i leave it in the sun which I've never really done honestly

Jakemy hardware tools - seamed useful? i've never needed this

Army glove shells - i thought i used these a lot and were indistructable but now that i think of it, i don't use them that often and are probably pretty cheaply made.

Sharpie, pen, all weather notebook - probably should switch over to a fisher space pen...

Straws - these are probably already broken.

Whistle - really really really loud

Fire-striker, matches, lighter - i'm not sure i have enough ways to start a fire

Fresnel lens - ok, now i have enough

LED flashlight - i used to go running in the middle of the night with this flashlight, its tiny

LED flashlight - this isn't the one i have but looks kinda similar? i don't remember where i got mine

Earbuds - generic cheap earbuds

Leatherman Surge - given to me by my wife for passing the bar. thanks wife!

First Aide kit - i put mine together from stuff i've stolen from friends houses whenever i go over and use the bathroom

playing cards - these look very similar to the ones i have, they are plastic so they won't get rained on

glasses/ sunglasses - i have really bad vision

personal hygiene kit - aahhhh dry shaving

Sawyer Mini / syringe, collapsible canteen (dirty), heavy duty straw - i've never used this

collapsible canteen (clean) - i've never used this either

sewing kit - i've used this a lot

ID tags - i guess if i get blown up they'll know my blood type?

garbage bag - for when my pockets are full

elastic bands - i use these when packing to keep rolled socks and things from falling apart

Salt - i have nooooo idea why i have this

cooking grate - i'm not going to hold meat over a fire with a stick like some sort of caveman

heavy duty ziplock bag - in case my mapcase breaks and other reasons

rip-patch - leftover from when i needed a pack because i bought a crummy cheap inflatable sleeping pad.

Army Fleece Beanie - i always keep this at the top of my pack

4 Bungie Cords - not the one i use but similar. to make a field-expedient shelter

Trowel - for disposal of biological wastes

Lensatic compass - because GPS should only be a backup

Pocketboy 130 folding saw - i have a bigger one for yardwork, this small one is really great

Tent stakes - for tent staking

Ravpower 26800 Battery - use this all the time can fast chage my stuff

Battery Battery holder, cables, wall charger - all fits togehter like glove!

Army Poncho - wear it, make a tent out of it etc

Microfiber towel - not the one i use but similar. i mainly use this for when the kids accidentally fall in a lake like they tend to do for some reason

Down Jacket - cheap chinese knockoff... i feel bad for not buying american

Wet weather top - not sure this is worth the space/weight

Wet Weather bottom - not sure if this is worth the weight/space

Silkweights - PJs! and warmth

Jungle Blanket - this is a lot better than the army's woobie. lighter and warmer

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet - again, gift from wife. she wanted me to chop things and be more manly, generally. now i come home with parts of wildlife for her to cook

Map of New England - or, how i stopped worrying and love dismounted land navigation

PT belt - keeps me safe in all situations

Compression straps - i don't like lashing things to the outside but i guess i can if i wanted to

Fork and Spoon - stole these from the kitchen. i'll probably be replacing this soon with something titanium.

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EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total

I love this post! And you're certainly not alone.

I just moved to St. Louis and one of the things I've noticed is that there are not as many avenues for reducing waste as I've seen in other cities. One cool thing I have seen though is that you can recycle cigarette butts in boxes posted downtown through a company called TerraCycle. TerraCycle's thing is to recycle traditionally hard-to-recycle items, including for a lot of major brands (think Procter & Gamble, Tom's of Maine, Solo Cups, L'Oriel and others) and you might decide to look into that.

If you're interested in composting food waste, I know that they just started a drop off for compost at the Ferguson farmers market, and I'm sure there are other places too. Or you can try composting in your own home with vermicomposting (worm castings!) under your kitchen sink. Don't worry, the worms don't escape and it doesn't smell.

Another thing I like to do is carry around reusable bamboo utensils. They come with a carrying pouch, fork, spoon, knife, and chopsticks. I just wash them at the end of the day when I get home and then throw them back in my bag for tomorrow. I got mine at STL Earth Day, but I know places like Larder and Cupboard also sell them. Speaking of, they also sell something called "Bee Wrap," which is an alternative to plastic wrap that can be cleaned and reused.

Like everyone else mentioned, it's not a big deal at all to bring your own bag, coffee mug, or water bottle. Though I did have someone call me a "responsible urbanite" for bringing my own bag, and while that was upsetting to me, it was said in a friendly way, haha.

Awesome handy dandy bamboo utensil set

Comes with fork, spoon, knife, chopsticks, straw and straw cleaner, all in a cute carrier. There’s lots of different prints on Amazon for the carriers.

It’s a great thing to keep on hand so you always have them and never have to use the disposable kind if you get food out, or bring food from home.

Edited: fixed link.

Here it is! I love it for pretty much all the reasons I love the bowl.

Since we're on the topic, here's my drinking glass.

And here's my silverware.. Yes, I'm extra and they are expensive. But it was also a Christmas present and I only that many. Would not have bought those for myself.

You may want to consider buying adult training chopsticks. I know you said downthread that squeezing is the action that hurts — but if you're using chopsticks correctly, you shouldn't be "squeezing" to begin with. The motion is instead a lifting and lowering of the top chopstick.

The training chopsticks I linked have a finger hole/rest that helps you perfect the lifting motion. This should be entirely useable for you.

If you can't or won't use the training chopsticks, then bring in your own fork and spoon set like this one.

I have several kitchen items on my list <3 thanks so much for doing this!

This cutting board comes to mind! Has lots of nifty compartments and is generally well made! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K5343TM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_k3LyCbXA09G9Q

Also! This is a little bit more than $20 but I wanted to show you for the inspiration- Gorgeous flatware! And matching steak knives if you want to complete the look!

My wife and I have this set by lenox and are beyond impressed with the quality for the price. I would highly recommend them. They are solid SS and feel great (i.e., not cheap) when using them

I will not ignore a Tom Waits poster!

I see you have some good quality pots and pans... that is invaluable! I have thrown away more crappy pots and pans than I care to admit.

But... you will need a baking tray for odd foods here and there.

And perhaps a rotary whisk/egg beater. I prefer the hand tools because I like to have more control over the mixing. (And I can take them camping and use them in a power outage!! In case I need to bake a cake in the dark!)

Wooden spoons!! I love wooden spoons for just about everything.

Also check out Kiwi knives... excellent quality. Last a lifetime.

Everyone needs a good cast iron griddle or skillet.

Lets see... what else...

How about serving dishes? A mustard pot (that's a British thing right?)

You will need some dishes and some silverware.

Whew!! Well I stuck with just the kitchen stuff, but there ya go!

Morthy demands:

Item which would most make you seem like an old posh Englishman:

Most "oh god, I would never be seen with this in public" looking item:

Most phallic looking item:

Akeleie demands:

Most geeky item: Read by Alex Kingston ;_;

Item which would most help you achieve a goal: This is actually for a class next semester

Best item to bring to a deserted island: So I can see? I have no idea

like /u/hedonisticfrog said, most anything stainless is good.

Specifically, I really like heavier utensils with some texture on the handles; these have been great. That may not be the exact set I have, but it's the same brand and finish. Mine are 5 years old, endure constant heavy use, and literally look like they are new.

Yes and yes. A travel set of cutlery isn’t hard to find.

Edit: For reference, this is approximately the set I have but with a knife as well: Amazon Link. I wouldn't really recommend a plastic case like that but someone else ordered a pack of two and gave me one so I didn't really have a say.

Plates: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Talking-Tables-Utterly-Scrumptious-Plate/dp/B004Y6GA9Q/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1377776683&sr=8-5&keywords=plates

Bowls: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Craft-Colourworks-Melamine-Bowls/dp/B003WOJ6FQ/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1377776683&sr=8-11&keywords=plates

Cutlery: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mix-And-Match-Cutlery-Assorted/dp/B002OB49DW/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1377776736&sr=8-10&keywords=cutlery

Storage boxes: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jumbo-Storage-Quality-Folding-50x30x40/dp/B009T4HHT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377776776&sr=8-1&keywords=storage+box

Non-Stick and colourful frying pan: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Colourworks-Ceramic-Non-Stick-Frying-Blue/dp/B007H8EHWU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1377776874&sr=8-4&keywords=frying+pan

Pot: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steady-Bistro-Stainless-Casserole-Silver/dp/B00083HPP2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1377776907&sr=8-5&keywords=pot

Amusing looking plunger: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-MS138-Wastepipe-Blast-Un-Blocker/dp/B000LFRSHW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1377776979&sr=8-6&keywords=plunger

Cheap but nice looking towels: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linens-Limited-Supreme-500gsm-Egyptian/dp/B0065XAALK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1377777044&sr=8-5&keywords=towels

Those are basically the things I end up buying when moving.

thanks for the try =)
/u/Ernie_Birdie did find them for me!
link

I love Gorham Studio. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006J01C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VEqzybY15W4VS

Everyone in my family has it now. It might look kind of plain, but it's so heavy that it feels nice and durable.

I completely agree. ProfNudgy, a Vitamix might be a little large. You are only going to grind up what you are about to use, so a $5 mortar & pestle would do fine, as would a $20 coffee grinder. You want something small and easily cleaned.

I ordered steel straws and a bamboo travel cutlery set https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BFPKFM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and luckily it came in a mylar envelope instead of a huge box with packaging.

I also bought a bidet https://www.amazon.com/Squatty-Potty-Refresh-Toilet-Attachment/dp/B00SLLK6RM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497282018&sr=8-2&keywords=refresh+it+bidet at a discount store for $20. I haven't used toliet paper at my house since I got it! My husband won't use it though...

Most of the stuff I don't use (the travel mug really is great though), but I had an idea that I emailed to our marketing person. So far it hasn't been realized but maybe you'll like it! I think we should get these, with our logo on the cover: https://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Travel-Utensils-Go-Carrying/dp/B002BFPKFM/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_79_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KRSHDPAMXD8571DZ4C44.

awesome! I want me some. https://www.amazon.com/Utensils-Wrench-Flatware-Silverware-Cutlery/dp/B001GEDKCO

I have been looking for this today for my own issues. This is the best option I have found so far.

There is reference on the Preserve website to this product Everyday Tableware and the link says it is good for 1000s of uses.

I haven't gotten them yet so I can't really speak to how they hold up in the dishwasher, etc. This can be a big problem for me sometimes so I'm hoping this helps!

A Knork set is a good choice.

Anything that's 18/10 chromium/nickel should work fine.

พี่แนะนำชุดช้อนซ่อมนี้ I have a set I keep in my travel backpack, comes in handy. Also: environmentally friendly.

Nope, like this

http://www.amazon.com/CHEFS-Stainless-Steel-Bistro-Flatware-20-Piece/dp/B009P8ECP2

Coffee grinder.

Coffee Grinder and Mean Girls

coffee grinder

This coffee grinder to go with her new aeropress!!!!

I cannot recommend Knork enough. It would literally take an act of god to destroy these guys. I discovered them a couple years ago at an eatery in Denver. They made such an impression on me that (two years later) I picked up this set a couple months ago when it was time for me to get my own flatware. On the more expensive side, but the quality is completely "buy for life."

Edit: I know OP is looking for 8 to 12 settings (and this particular set is 4 settings), but I'm leaving for people in the future who may be looking for something for their small family.

Edit 2: I was also able to purchase this set for $70, so keep an eye out on the price dropping.

That would have helped! It's one of those days for me :p
Just to correct my mistake, here is the link