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Food preparation simply can’t be done properly without the appropriate tools. This usually begins with shopping for a high-quality cutlery set. Having the right knives allows you to get off on the right foot when preparing your favorite dishes. Whether you’re a professional chef or just enjoy casual cooking at home, a good set of blades can make all the difference. What’s more, in addition to saving you headaches from trying to cut food with dull knives (which is incredibly unsafe), buying the right set can also save you money in the long run. Lower-quality knife sets tend to be made of lesser-quality materials. That means you’ll probably have to re-purchase blades sooner than if you had bought a high-end knife set from the beginning.
Considerations when choosing a kitchen knife set
The first thing you may want to consider when choosing a new set of knives is whether you want them with or without a knife block. Obviously, the biggest advantage of having a knife block is that you can keep your knives close at hand on the counter for use at any moment. Additionally, many knife blocks have built-in sharpeners, so it’s very easy to keep your cutlery sharp at all times. That said, not everyone likes to have a large knife block taking up space on the counter. Those with smaller kitchens might prefer the versatility of free-floating knives. That allows you to choose what the best storage option is for your needs.
In addition to deciding whether you want a block with your blades, you also need to determine the knife set size and configuration. If you’re an avid cook, then you likely will want to find a large set that can meet all of your different cooking needs. If you’re more of a casual cook with limited space, then a smaller set might serve your needs just fine. Some sets also include table steak knives, while others focus solely on food prep.
Material-wise, there are a number of options from which to choose at different price points. The most popular picks are stainless steel, high-carbon stainless steel, and carbon steel. Stainless steel is rustproof and corrosion resistant, but it blunts somewhat easily and requires regular sharpening. High-carbon stainless steel knives are similar to standard stainless steel knives, but they maintain their sharpness better. They’re also more expensive than traditional stainless steel. Carbon steel is incredibly hard and sharp, but more susceptible to rust and chipping if not well cared for. A less common knife material is ceramic or ceramic coated. These tend to be a more specialized type of knife and one that can be brittle and delicate, so be sure you’re up for that if you purchase ceramic or ceramic-coated knives.
Overall, it’s hard to go wrong when choosing a complete knife set. The right knives can help food prep go quicker, saving you time in the kitchen. They can also be safer to use, because they’re less likely to break and often take ergonomics into consideration during the design process, more so than they used to. There’s really no reason not to get a new set, especially with some of the great prices available from online retailers.
Knife sets with a block
Knife sets that include a knife block are incredibly popular because of their convenience. While most blocks are made of wood, there are other options like stainless steel, plastic, or acrylic. That said, wood will likely work for most people. Consider the size of the block in relation to your counter space. You may also want to look at the specific color and finish of a knife block as it relates to your overall kitchen decor. Obviously, though, the most important thing when choosing any knife set is whether it includes all the specific blades that you use the most.
Cuisinart High-Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Set
Faberware Classic Stainless Steel Knife Set
Cuisinart Classic Stainless Steel Knife Set
Knife sets without a block
If you choose a knife set that does not include a knife block, then you have other considerations to take into account. For starters, you won’t have the benefit of a built-in sharpener. That means you may need to buy a sharpener separately if you don’t already have one. What’s more, you’ll have to consider the size of the set and whether you have space in your drawers or on your wall to store each piece. While a knife block can be convenient for quick storage, deciding your own knife storage scheme is preferable for some users.
Amazon Basics Dishwasher Safe Knife Set
Thyme and Table 20-Piece Knife Set
Cuisinart Advantage Ceramic-Coated Knife Set
Choosing a new knife set isn’t as easy as it may seem at first. Food prep and cooking are very personal activities, and avid culinary hobbyists tend to know exactly what they want. If you’re in the market for a new knife set, give careful consideration to your personal techniques, space, and preferences before making a final decision on which set is right for you. Doing so will save you money in the long run.
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