Best Disposable Utensils
Disposable utensils are so convenient. Use them once, then throw them away. No fuss, no muss, no need to wash and dry. However, if we all used disposable utensils everyday instead of regular, washable cutlery, we’d be wading in mountains of plastic garbage. That being said, disposable utensils are super useful in certain situations: kids’ birthday parties, backyard BBQs, bridal showers, as an emergency set in the car – these are just a few examples of how disposable utensils can be really handy.
The good news is this kind of cutlery comes in a wide range of styles, colors and even material. Not all disposable utensils are made of plastic, and many that are made from plastic can be recycled. There are also disposable utensils that are made of wood and plant-based material that are biodegradable and compostable.
Below you will find some of the best disposable utensils you can purchase online. Read on to find the ones that best suit your needs.
1. Editor’s Choice: Party Dimensions 300 Count Cutlery Combo Box
If you have a large family and love to celebrate birthdays, go on picnics, have backyard barbeques or go camping, then disposable utensils are probably your go-to for these occasions. Throw in sending the kids to school with a plastic fork or spoon to eat their lunch and you’re talking a lot of cutlery.
If this sounds like your life, then what you need is a bulk pack of disposable utensils that will last a long time and be affordably priced to fit your budget. This cutlery combo box from Party Dimensions contains 300 pieces of plastic cutlery that comes in a convenient box where the forks, knives and spoons are stored in separate sections. No more digging through a mound of plastic to find the utensils you need.
The clear, lightweight disposable cutlery set includes 100 6.5-inch knives, 100 5.5-inch spoons and 100 6-inch forks. For one-time use, the utensils are an affordable option and are the perfect choice for the next time you host a children’s birthday party or take the crew for a barbeque picnic on the beach.
Pros:
- Good bulk buy
- Affordable price
- Utensils come in separate sections in a box
Cons:
- Not very sturdy
- Fork tines bend when put in some foods
- Not microwavable
2. Runner Up: Mozaik Eco-Friendly Plant-Based Compostable Cutlery Set
Not all disposable utensils are made from the kind of plastic that goes into landfill. Some are made from a plant-based polymer, such as corn, and are compostable, as long as they are sent to a commercial-grade composting facility. If you are trying to reduce the amount of plastic in your life and you send your compost to an industrial facility, then you may want to consider this single-use disposable utensil option from Mozaik.
This set includes 80 pieces of 100 percent compostable, high-heat cutlery made from CPLA, a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable starch resources such as corn or sugarcane. You receive 40 6.58-inch forks, 40 6.7-inch knives and 40 6.33-inch spoons that are durable and strong enough to cut into steak and delicate enough to use on a special birthday cake.
A neutral beige color, they are suitable for all occasions, can withstand temperatures up to 275-degrees Fahrenheit and are BPI-certified and TUV Austria industrial certified.
Pros:
- Compostable in an industrial facility
- Strong and durable
- Heat tolerant to 275-degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
- Cutlery is not compostable in a backyard compost heap
3. Best Wood: BAMBOODLERS Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set
Probably the only disposable utensils on the market that do not contain any plastic at all are made from either bamboo or wood, two natural, biodegradable and compostable materials. If you have been removing the daily use of plastic from your life and still want to take advantage of single-use disposable cutlery, then consider this option from Bamboodlers that is made from birch wood!
This disposable utensil set is eco-friendly and 100 percent biodegradable, compostable and does not contain any plastic or harmful chemicals. With this single-use cutlery, you can leave the guilt at home when you put them into the compost heap after your next party.
And if you are concerned about deforestation, the wood for these utensils is sourced from responsibly managed forests. The package contains 100 forks, 50 spoons and 50 knives, all of which measure 6.5 inches long. Sturdy and durable, the cutlery is a neutral beige color and has a chic and trendy design, perfect for any occasion.
Pros:
- Made from birch wood
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Sourced from responsibly managed forests
Cons:
- Comes wrapped in plastic
- Not an equal number of forks, spoons and knives
4. Best FSC Certified Wood: WoodAble Disposable Wooden Forks, Spoons, Knives Set
Disposable utensils that are made of wood are an earth-friendly alternative to those made of plastic. That being said, like most things, there are different qualities of wood, and not all make the grade for a top performing utensil.
This disposable cutlery set from WoodAble has been FSC certified, which means the wood is guaranteed to be ethically sourced – in fact, the company plants four trees for every three they use. The utensils are made from 100 percent Chilean poplar and pine. Each spoon, fork, and knife is stamped, thermo-formed, and turbo-polished for four to six hours by skilled wood workers. The result is a set of durable, incredibly smooth, completely splinter-free single-use cutlery.
This 480-count package contains 240 forks, each of which is strong enough to lift a full chicken; 160 knives that can cut through a steak; and 80 spoons hardy enough to scoop ice cream. The cutlery comes in a cardboard box with separate sections for the different utensils and is also available in a 200 and 300-count mix.
Pros:
- Made from Chilean poplar and pine wood
- FSC certified
- Splinter-free
Cons:
- Uneven number of forks, knives and spoons
- A bit pricey
5. Best Elegant Look: Stock Your Home Gold Disposable Silverware
Special celebrations call for elegant place settings and decorations, even if you’re using disposable utensils. We’re talking baby and bridal showers, milestone birthdays and wedding anniversaries where the guest list is long and you want to spend more time having fun than cleaning up.
This super chic-looking and stylish disposable cutlery set is finished in a luxurious gold shine that will add just the right amount of dazzle to your table or glam up your next romantic picnic for two. Even the size of the cutlery is closer to real flatware, with the forks measuring 7.35 inches, knives 7.9 inches and the spoons 7 inches long. Made from sturdy BPA-free and recyclable plastic, you get 80 forks, 40 knives and 40 spoons in the set.
And the best part? If you hand wash them, these disposable utensils can be used more than once, making it a great value buy. However, do not put them in the dishwasher as the heat can deform or melt the plastic.
Pros:
- Elegant gold color
- Larger size
- Can be reused
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Do not put in the dishwasher or microwave
6. Best Assembled: OAWUTUS STORE Pre-rolled Napkin and Cutlery Set
We lead busy lives, even when we are planning a party or entertaining guests for a back yard BBQ. Essential equipment includes disposable utensils and paper napkins to make clean up easy but purchasing everything separately and assembling individual place settings can be so time consuming, especially for an informal gathering or for a buffet.
We love this pre-rolled and assembled disposable, single-use silver cutlery and napkin set because all the work is done for you. The kit has 30 individual packages, each of which includes a knife, fork and spoon wrapped in a crisp linen-look white napkin. Whether you pile them at the beginning of a buffet table or place them neatly across the plate of each guest, the cutlery and napkin bundle will add a formal look and a touch of glam to your party.
The disposable utensils are crafted from food-grade plastic that is BPA-free and is designed to be washed and reused if desired, and when you are ready to get rid of it, it is all recyclable. And if you don’t like the set in silver, it is also available in gold and rose gold. All colors come in a choice of 30, 60, 100, 160 and 300 counts.
Pros:
- Cutlery comes wrapped in a napkin
- Different colors to choose from
- Utensils can be re-used
Cons:
- Pricey
7. Best Portable: GreenWorks 7″ Heavy duty Compostable CPLA Cutlery Kits
When you’re on the go, it’s not a bad idea to stash disposable utensils in the glove compartment of the car, your backpack or your purse. As well, since it’s easy to lose flatware you may take from home and put into your work or school lunch, taking a disposable set instead makes sense. Even still, unwrapped disposable utensils are not particularly hygienic and that’s where this individually packed utensil set is a great option.
You get 200 individually wrapped disposable cutlery sets in this pack. Each one contains a fork, a knife, a spoon, all of which are made from plant-based CPLA, which is renewable, and BPI certified for a commercial composting facility. A napkin is also included, with everything sealed in a compostable bag.
The cutlery is heavy weight, measures 7 inches and is heat tolerant to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. These disposable utensils are really a great idea to use at a picnic, pack in a lunch bag and keep stashed in the car.
Pros:
- Individually wrapped utensils with a napkin
- Great portable option
- Hygienic
Cons:
- A bit pricey
8. Also Consider: Kingsford Full Size Assorted Plastic Cutlery
Most disposable utensils for everyday use are either white, beige or natural (if made from wood). For more formal occasions like a bridal shower or milestone anniversary, you can find elegant silver, gold and rose gold colors that mimic regular flatware. But for your next barbecue, kids’ party or Fourth of July celebration, you may want to consider this cheerfully colored set of single-use disposable cutlery from the charcoal grill master, Kingsford.
The full-size set of cutlery come in three bold colors – red, white and blue – which are also the same colors as the brand’s packaging. Perfect for a kid’s party, too, these will brighten up any table and décor with a festive vibe. The pack contains 30 forks, 20 knives and 25 spoons and are so sturdy, they can be hand-washed or cleaned on the top rack of the dishwasher and reused a few times before disposal.
The 75-piece set is also super affordable and the lowest priced choice on our list.
Pros:
- Bright colors
- Can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher
- Full-size
Cons:
- Uneven number of forks, knives and spoons
What to look for when choosing disposable utensils:
Disposable utensils can be so convenient, especially if you are having a large party where you want to spend more time having fun with your guests than cleaning up. And while you’re probably familiar with this ubiquitous one-time-use cutlery, what you may not realize is that not all disposable utensils are made the same. Some are small in size and are better suited for children while others aim to mimic the kind of flatware you have at home and are suitable for adults hands. Strength is another factor to consider. There’s no use saving money on an inexpensive set of disposable utensils if the tines of the fork will break the minute you try to eat a piece of pie, or the knife won’t even cut into cream cheese and let you spread it on a bagel. Read on to consider some other factors before purchasing a set of disposable utensils.
Material: Disposable utensils are made from a variety of materials such as plastic, CPLA, which is a biodegradable plastic derived from corn or sugar cane, or wood. Do some research to decide which material suits your needs best. Below are some brief descriptions to get you started.
Plastic: This is the most popular material from which disposable utensils are made but that doesn’t mean all the cutlery are the same. Some products are thin and flimsy and will snap or break easily while other products are noticeably thicker and more durable. Choose a brand that is sturdy. In the long run you will save money because the utensils will be more functional and in some cases, can be hand washed and re-used a number of times before being thrown away. Try to buy BPA-free plastic utensils as a healthier alternative. Finally, consider plastic utensils that can be recycled.
CPLA: This is a type of plastic that is derived from a natural, renewable resource such as corn or sugarcane. This means it is biodegradable and compostable, making it a more eco-friendly choice than plastic. However, this kind of disposable utensil should not be put into your backyard compost heap. The plastic component will not decompose in a totally natural environment and needs to go to a commercial composting facility where the high-heat method is able to fully compost the utensils.
Wood: This material is the most eco-friendly option since it is completely biodegradable. It is sturdy to handle and in some case, can be washed and reused a few times before throwing it out. However, if you are an environmentally conscious person, make sure the wood is being ethically sourced and in a sustainable way, since some companies are not concerned with deforestation.
Quantity: You can find disposable utensils in packs of as little as 10 up to the hundreds and of course, purchase the quantity that best suits your needs. You might want to note, however, how many of each individual utensil comes in the package. Some have equal numbers of forks, knives and spoons while others will have significantly more forks than knives or spoons. All of this depends on your needs and how you will be using them. In fact, if you don’t need knives or forks, look for a package that contains only spoons. That way you won’t be wasting your money.
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