Owning a quality set of kitchen knives isn't just reserved for professional chefs. Anyone who enjoys cooking, prepares their own meals or is simply interested in the culinary world can benefit from a good knife collection. A well-made knife set should be thought of as an investment, making chopping and slicing safer, and meal prep quick and efficient. This top pick, the Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Block Set, offers a variety of blades meant for precision, perfect for both beginners and experienced chefs.
Knife sets can include a variety of knives designed to tackle different tasks. These include:
When choosing a knife set, consider whether the knives are forged or stamped, as it can play a role in their overall quality.
Forged knives are crafted by an expert and use either heated or melted metal to form the distinct blade shape. This method produces a heavier, well-balanced, durable and oftentimes sharper knife.
Stamped knives are usually machine-cut from large sheets of metal, making them lighter and less expensive, but also less durable.
While it ultimately comes down to preference, the blade and handle materials can be an important factor in your decision, depending on your style of cooking. Common blade materials include:
Carbon steel: Carbon steel is tough, durable and easy to sharpen, but rust issues can occur.
Stainless steel: These blades are another long-lasting option that is resistant to rust and corrosion; however, their overall quality and sharpness can vary.
High-carbon stainless steel: Lightweight and easy to sharpen, blades made with high-carbon stainless steel are a solid option, though they can sometimes be expensive.
Ceramic: Ceramic knives won't rust or stain, and their blades tend to remain sharper longer than steel models. One downside is their higher likelihood of chipping or cracking.
When choosing a handle, those made out of wood, metal, hard plastics, fiberglass and resins last longer than more decorative options like bone.
There are several ways you can properly store your kitchen knives at home. Many sets come with a knife block, which is essentially a block of wood with cut-out slits designed to store and protect your blades.
Other popular storage options include magnetic knife strips, which can be conveniently installed in your kitchen and suspend your knives in place by the blade. These don't work with ceramic sets.
Knife docks are similar to wooden storage blocks but are designed to fit in your kitchen drawer. They separate the blades and prevent them from dulling or being damaged.
A chef knife roll bag is a great storage option for those who might want to travel with their knives. It features convenient handles and keeps knives secure while on the go.
If the weight of your knife is too heavy or too light, you may run into issues when preparing your meals. Ideally, you should have a knife that feels balanced in your hand without feeling overly top-heavy or flimsy. Having a sturdy grip and feel means less effort is required when chopping and slicing multiple ingredients.
A Japanese knife set may benefit those who prefer slightly lighter knives, while a German-style set will satisfy those looking for heavier options.
The area where the blade and handle join is called the hilt. Quality knife sets should have a hilt that feels thick and comfortable in your hand, as this is often where your grip will land.
Sharp blades mean fewer accidents and injuries and more efficient preparation. High-quality knives should be sharp from the start. By choosing a material that doesn't dull quickly, you can reduce the time spent sharpening your blades.
You can find less expensive knife sets for under $100, though high-end models can cost upwards of $300.
A. While it depends on how often you cook, a knife set is absolutely worth it for most people. By choosing an inclusive set, you won't have to worry about lacking the necessary tools to make more advanced dishes or try new recipes.
A. It's fine to store your knives in a drawer if you're using a knife dock. Otherwise, the loose blades can dull over time and are more likely to cause cuts and injuries when reaching your hand in to remove them.
What you need to know: This appealing seven-piece collection from a respected brand is perfect for all skill levels.
What you'll love: Precision-forged with high-carbon stainless steel, these knives can easily cut through the toughest ingredients.
What you should consider: It is somewhat expensive for a seven-piece set but features premium construction.
Cuisinart Graphix Collection Multi-Piece Cutlery Knife Block Set
What you need to know: The unique industrial appearance will appeal to many home chefs.
What you'll love: This set features multiple knife styles with sharp blades at an affordable price. You can buy sets of different numbers of knives, each containing from three to 15 knives.
What you should consider: Blades can sometimes tarnish after extended use.
What you need to know: With a wide variety of quality knife options, you can cook up any meal.
What you'll love: The high-carbon stainless steel perfectly complements the Pakkawood handles, offering stylish, professional quality. They're also dishwasher-safe.
What you should consider: Some users said the blades developed rust after being washed in the dishwasher.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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