Cutlery baskets

For the dishwasher or tabletop: the cutlery basket

A cutlery basket can be a holder inside a dishwasher. The term also describes decorative containers used in cafés and restaurants to place cutlery directly on guests' tables.

Whether you want to fit knives, forks and spoons neatly into the dishwasher or present them attractively on a café or restaurant table, a cutlery basket can help. It can simplify kitchen routines or contribute to the atmosphere of a dining space. Cutlery baskets come in many forms and are offered by kitchen and household brands such as Bauknecht. The range extends from simple, inexpensive models to carefully designed versions intended for stylish restaurants.

Dishwasher cutlery baskets

Most dishwashers come with a cutlery basket, so there is usually no need to buy one separately with the machine. After years of intensive use, however, connecting parts may break, sharp utensils may pierce the mesh base, or openings in the upper grid may stretch. A dishwasher will often outlast its basket, and a universal replacement can then be purchased. Basic versions are usually inexpensive. The main differences concern their features, which also affect the price. A universal basket may consist of simple plastic mesh walls; some models also have folding grids that allow individual utensils to be slotted in separately when needed. A good handle that makes the basket easy to lift out is another useful feature. Further information is available on cutlery trays.

Cutlery baskets in cafés and restaurants

The informal practice of placing cutlery baskets on tables has spread from bistros to other restaurants. These containers give guests a supply of knives, forks and spoons directly at the table, allowing everyone to choose the utensils they need for their order. This also reduces work for serving staff and can cut down on washing, because only the cutlery actually needed is used; unused coffee spoons need not be cleared away and washed for hygiene reasons. Designs suit a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, from retro wooden buckets and woven baskets to modern stainless steel versions with separate compartments and clean geometric shapes.