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Having a well-facilitated kitchen with everything in the right place is a dream for many. It is essential to have all the basic necessities a kitchen needs. Kitchen knives are a valuable tool that is utilized in every household in the world. Whether you want to chop some vegetables or debone a fish, the right knife will help you safely slice, cut, and chop. One knife can provide basic assistance, but a complete knife set helps you achieve finesse in your cooking. We have keenly reviewed the highest-rated kitchen knife sets that instantly elevate your cooking.
A good-quality kitchen knife set provides you with the desired tools to make specific cuts and achieve a professional cooking level. Other than this, you may find them providing a modern, chic aesthetic as an accent in the kitchen.
Buying Guide: Finding Your Top Kitchen Knife Set
It is mandatory to have relevant information about a product before buying it. We have compiled a well-detailed and comprehensive buying guide that ensures you get your hands on a superior-quality product.
Mindful Considerations Before Purchase
When looking for a knife set, keep the following essential factors in mind:
Essential knives
One of the most important things you must keep in mind is the number of knives you need in the kitchen. From steak knives to butter knives, there are plenty of options available in the market. You need to pick the ones that are frequently used in the kitchen. The reason behind buying the essentials is that you don’t want others to rust. Knives are available in sets of 11, 15, 17, and even 19, but it is mandatory to get your hands on ones that have the potential to be used regularly.
Size
The size of your knives is a prime factor for consideration when it comes to picking a set. Consider the size of your hands along with your skillset because larger knives can be quite hard for kids to manage. Typically, an 8-inch chef knife is perfect to use around the house, but go for a 10 or 12-inch variant if you want something more significant.
Terminologies
Different knives have different purposes. Before you get your hands on them, it is important to see and understand what they are used for. Additionally, there are two main types of knives. The forged ones are pretty high in price with a sleek and sturdy blade. These are professional choices that do not bend over time, unlike their stamped counterparts.
Material
Knives are made of steel – no surprise there. However, not all steel is the same. There is a difference in the qualities of the steels you can choose from. Stainless steel is the most common because of its rust and corrosion-resistant properties. Look for high-carbon stainless steel that has the potential to last for years when used correctly.
Handle
Seeking a knife set with comfortable handles is important. A knife too big or too small can be hard to manage. Handles are either made of rubber or wood; therefore, you need to keep them away from heat. Any knife handle that causes cramps should not be used.
What Are the Essential Knives in a Kitchen Knife Set
While there are a lot of knives, every set needs to have the following three knives:
Chef’s knife
It is the most diverse out of all knives. An all-purpose tool, it can be used for filleting, cutting chicken, chopping vegetables, mincing herbs, sectioning fruits, and much more. This is the same knife that Gordon Ramsay uses every time he shows a tutorial on Masterchef. These knives are available in different lengths ranging between 5 to 10 inches so that you can pick something suitable for your hand size. A longer chef knife gives you more cutting space and precision, while the shorter one helps you gain more control over the knife. The chef knife is an essential component of every kitchen knife set.
Paring knife
Often known as a utility knife, it is a small tool with a length of 2 to 4 inches that can cut small vegetables and fruits. Additionally, you can use it to trim fat without damaging the actual piece of meat. While shorter paring knives allow you to have better control over the knife, longer ones can be used in a diverse range of scenarios.
Serrated knife
Known for its length, a serrated knife is around 9 to 10 inches long. They are usually used for slicing cooked meats, soft fruits, and bread. While a serrated knife is quite useful, they are often neglected by people. However, adding it to the list only adds comfort and convenience to your routine. Most people get affordable variants of serrated knives but buying it with a set is a more affordable option.
Material of Knives
We all know that the primary material of any knife is steel. However, there are different variants of steel that affect their quality.
Carbon steel knife
The most challenging and most durable knife of all, a carbon steel knife is one of the most precise and really sharp tools out there. Mostly, carbon steel knives are preferred by professional chefs, but if you have good cooking skills, you can buy a kitchen set for regular use.
Damascus steel knife
Made from Japanese sword steel, these knives come with really sharp and flexible blades. Known as one of the most expensive knives out there, only a luxury chef can choose to use them. It is highly recommended that you gain experience with regular carbon or stainless steel before moving to Damascus steel knives.
Stainless steel knife
Stainless steel never goes out of trend. This type of steel is known for its intense amount of durability and sharpness. While they are readily available everywhere, you cannot compare the sharpness of a stainless steel knife with carbon ones. Most home cooks use a mix of stainless steel and carbon to increase their strength and resistance against rust and corrosion.
Ceramic knife
New in the market, ceramic knives are a top choice among people who want something durable on a small budget. They are exceptionally sharp and do not give a lot of room for error. Despite being affordable, once they get dull, it is tedious to re-sharpen them. This is one of the main reasons why people do not buy ceramic knives.
Typical Construction of Different Types of Knives in a Set
The construction of different knives in a set can be somewhat confusing when looking for what you need. Enlisted below is all you need to know about full tang, stamped, high-carbon, and forged knives.
Forged knives
Known as an ideal knife, they are made under extreme heat from the best pieces of metal. Forged knives are durable, balanced, and heavy, which ensures precision and balance throughout the cutting experience.
Stamped knives
A stamped knife is made from a flattened sheet of steel with incredibly sharp edges. These knives are affordable but do not last as long as a forged blade would. However, they are quite flexible, which makes them suitable for items like trimming the fat from meat.
Full tang knives
A full-tang knife is known to have a metal sheet extending all the way to the handle. To make it more understandable, you can see the metal sheet pressed inside the handle. These knives are more sturdy and stable, but applying more pressure can easily break the metal into two pieces. While they are really durable, a full tang knife is often found in homes.
All in a Nutshell
Knives are an essential part of any kitchen. Whether you are someone who has a passion for cooking or a professional chef, having a high-quality knife set is mandatory. Our reviews of the best kitchen knife sets will help you pick a heavy-duty and durable product.
Detailing the Premium Kitchen Knife Sets
Dalstrong Kitchen Knife Set
– Best Overall
The Dalstrong Kitchen Knife Set is the perfect kitchen knife set for any cooking enthusiast. From its stunning design elements and peak performance to its cutting-edge technology and materials, this set is sure to make a statement in any kitchen. The knives feature full-tang construction and imported high-carbon German steel that is sharpened to 16-18 degrees per side edge for ultimate precision. A specially designed taper decreases resistance during slicing for a smooth and effortless cut every time.
Each handle features ABS polymer construction that is triple riveted for comfort and easy maneuverability. The handles are also laminated and polished for an incredibly sanitary build that stands up to the busiest kitchens. NSF-certified, this knife set will provide you with safety and reliability while also offering striking visual appeal. Get ready to slice through ingredients like never before with this best overall premium kitchen knife set!
Pros
- Very sharp, consistent performance
- Made of high-carbon German steel
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Very expensive
YOLEYA Kitchen Knife Set
– Easy to Clean
This 15-piece professional knife set by YOLEYA features 6 pieces of 4.5“ steak knives, an 8“ chef knife, an 8“ slicing knife, an 8“ santoku knife, an 8“ bread knife, a 5“ utility knife, a 3.5“ paring knife, knife sharpener, and kitchen scissors, so you have all the essentials in one place. Made from high-quality carbon stainless steel, each knife has a fade, rust, heat, and impact-resistant body, so you can use it for a long time without any damage caused by frequent use.
Additionally, it also highlights rubberized handles with a no-slip body so you can have a super comfortable chopping experience. This set is super easy to maintain and clean, allowing you to store it with ease.
Pros
- Made from durable and long-lasting material
- Super comfortable to use
- Comes with all types of knives
Cons
- It might be a lot for beginner home cooks
McCook Kitchen Knife Set
– Best for Convenience
Another professional item, this knife set comes in 11, 14, and 17-piece sets, so you can get your hands on the most convenient one out there. It is made from stainless steel with fine blade edges that ensure a precise cut every time you run the knife through something. Measuring 13.7 x 13.7 x 5.5 inches, it is super convenient to store and display in the corner of your kitchen.
Furthermore, each knife highlights a tarnish-resistant and rust-resistant body that ensures longevity and durable use without any damage. The set comes with an Acacia knife block and a built-in sharpener, so your knives remain sharp and shiny all the time.
Pros
- Made of a long-lasting and durable material
- Comes with an excellent-looking storage block
- Available in different numbers of knives
Cons
- The wooden body might not be suitable for wet surfaces
Yatoshi Knives Kitchen Knife Set
– Best for Design
Featuring an 8-inch chef knife, 7-inch santoku, 5-inch santoku, utility knife, paring knife, scissors, and a block, it is one of the most desirable chef knives on the market. It is made from a high-carbon stainless steel blade and pakkawood blade, making it twice as durable as other knife sets. They highlight a stunning waved pattern that strikes the eye of anyone who visits your kitchen.
The knife’s thickness is 2.5mm, which allows you to make precise cuts on anything you want. The blade is exceptionally soft to handle with an ergonomic grip, so you can maintain comfort while using it.
Pros
- Gorgeous pattern on the handles
- Made from high-quality and durable material
- Precise cutting and ergonomic grip
- Available in 2 sets
Cons
- Handles might deteriorate over the years
Master Maison Kitchen Knife Set
– Best for Professional Use
Master Maison has a 5-star professional knife set that features all-purpose household shears so you can add a useful item to your home. Available at an affordable price, it is a rust-resistant and stain-resistant product that can guarantee long-lasting use in your kitchen.
It measures 12.5 x 7.5 x 12.5 inches and weighs only 8 lbs, making it an item that can be conveniently stored. Serrated blades incorporated in the knives ensure you make perfect cuts while the ergonomic design maintains comfort throughout.
Pros
- High-quality professional set
- Extremely sharp and precise cutting
- Comfortable use
Cons
- Some knives might not be helpful at home
HENCKELS Kitchen Knife Set
– Great Value
Made from durable stainless steel, this kitchen knife set by Henckels consists of 15 knives so that you have a well-facilitated gadget set at your convenience. It measures 15.25 x 8.75 x 5.25 inches with a lightweight body that ensures maximum maneuverability during use. Furthermore, this professional fine-edge blade is perfect for making precision cuts and improving your cooking and knife skills.
It highlights a traditional triple-rivet handle that offers maximum balance and comfort, so your hands are safe. Another plus is that it is a dishwasher-safe product that eliminates any issues when cleaning it.
Pros
- Can be cleaned easily
- Sleek blades for precision cuts
- Convenient to store in the kitchen
Cons
- Some knives can be dull
People Also Asked
Q: Is my kitchen knife set dishwasher safe?
A: Not all of them are safe; therefore, you need to check labels before buying.
Q: Can kids use a professional kitchen knife set?
A: Kids should be given smaller knives to help them gain more control over the tool. They should also be supervised when using a knife.
Q: Do all knife sets holders have built-in sharpeners?
A: All knife sets don’t have built-in sharpeners, but they are often a part of the set.
