For any cooking enthusiast, having the right knife set is as essential as having the skills to prepare delicious food. With proper care and maintenance, your knives should help you craft your favorite dishes for several years, so investing in a set is a good idea.
Knife sets can be expensive, but there are plenty of excellent mid-priced choices that can help you meet your needs. However, before buying one, there are a handful of key considerations you should take into account.
In this article: Mercer Culinary Millennia Magnetic Board Set, Master Maison Premium Kitchen Knife Set and Astercook Chef Knife Set.
The material used for the blades determines their quality and durability. Cheaply-made knives have edges that dull or even chip quickly. Dull or damaged knives can make it difficult for you to prep food in a timely fashion, and your cuts won’t be precise. For maximum durability, it’s best to look for knives made with carbon or stainless steel.
Knife handles are typically made of plastic or wood.
If you want your knives to last, you’ll need to care for them in a way that doesn’t compromise their build or the blade. Some knives are dishwasher-safe, but it’s best to hand-wash them whenever possible.
You also want to keep your knives as sharp as possible since blunt knives require more pressure to cut with and can lead to injury. You can use many sharpening tools, such as electric or manual sharpeners, or traditional sharpening stones. However, the best knife sets have storage blocks with built-in sharpeners.
The more knives a set has, the more expensive it is, and although you might want the most comprehensive set you can find, it’s not always necessary. It’s best to determine what kind of meals you’ll be preparing most often before buying a knife set, but here’s a breakdown of the most common knives you’ll find in one.
Using an unbalanced knife for an extended period can cause discomfort or pain in your hands and wrist. A balanced weight gives you better control and precision while cutting and minimizes fatigue.
A storage block lets you keep your knives on your countertop and ready for action. Whenever you’re prepared to use one, all you need to do is pull it out of the block. Once you’re done using it and it’s clean, it just slides right back in.
Mercer Culinary Millennia Magnetic Board Set
This magnetic board set is excellent for those who want a simple collection of knives for everyday cooking. They are crafted with one-piece, high-carbon Japanese steel and have ergonomic handles with textured finger points for a nonslip grip.
Sold by Amazon
Master Maison Premium Kitchen Knife Set
Comprehensive knife sets can be expensive, but this one is both affordable and high quality. It features 15 knives forged with high-carbon German stainless steel and a balanced weight that reduces fatigue. Plus, the hardwood block has a built-in sharpener.
Sold by Amazon
Farberware 15-Piece Cutlery Set
Any prep work you do in the kitchen will be a breeze with this set, and it includes six steak knives, so you’re always ready for guests. The blades are made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the set comes with a wood block with a sleek build.
Sold by Macy’s
The knives in this 15-piece set are all black and will complement your kitchen with a modern, stylish look. The blades are made with premium stainless steel, and the handles have an ergonomic design with several anti-slip air holes.
Sold by Amazon
Cuisinart Classic Forged Triple Rivet
These knives offer superior cutting performance and have tapered ground blades that narrow for a sharp edge. The stainless steel rivets firmly secure the blades to the handles, and the broad safety bolster provides increased precision and control.
Sold by Amazon
Syvio 14-piece Kitchen Knife Set
Forged with high-carbon stainless steel, these nonstick knives offer excellent durability and have a black coating that prevents them from rusting. The acute 15-degree angle provides a more precise cut and helps slice food very thin, and the block has an integrated sharpener.
Sold by Amazon
Cuisinart Classic 15-Piece Stainless Steel Rotating Knife Block Set
This is an excellent set for the busiest chefs, thanks to a rotating block and a ledged back for holding a tablet or cookbook. The blades narrow gradually for a sharp edge, and the safety bolster offers improved control.
Sold by Kohl’s
This set comes with 15 lightweight German-engineered knives with ultrasharp blades that stay sharp for a long time with minimal care. They’re stain-free, rustproof and dishwasher-safe, and they have a single-piece, precision-stamped edge built to last.
Sold by Amazon
Teyfutang 14-piece Knife Block Set
This block set is excellent if you want knives with a sleek design to give your kitchen a distinctive look. Each blade is forged continuously from one piece, and the tapered handles provide more control. Plus, it includes six serrated steak knives.
Sold by Wayfair
Chicago Cutlery Ellsworth 13-piece Knife Block Set
These knives have hollow ground blades with sharp edges that are easy to care for and maintain. They have a single-body construction for a balanced weight that makes cutting effortless, and the contoured handles provide superior grip.
Sold by Kohl’s
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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