Take Command Over Your Kitchen With The Best Knife Set

A good set of knives can last a while. In fact, you may buy a set when you move into your first apartment and find that you still have it when you’re ready to upgrade to your first home. But every knife has a shelf life, which means you’ll eventually have to trade that old set in for a new one.

There are many factors to consider when you’re shopping for knives. Many knife sets come in wood blocks fitted with slots perfectly shaped to fit each knife. Do you need a block? That depends. Some homeowners prefer to have their knives neatly tucked away in a drawer when not in use. Others prefer those magnetic strips that hang on a wall to hold the knives in place.

The benefit of a knife block is it turns your cutlery into an attractive part of your kitchen décor. You can find a wood type and color that perfectly matches your own kitchen, making it an enhancement. But beyond storing your knives, you’ll also need to consider the type and quality of the set you’re buying.

At the very least, you’ll likely need steak knives and perhaps a utility knife for your kitchen. But if you’re a true chef, there’s a wide range of knives you’ll need, including those that can help with peeling fruits and vegetables or cutting bread without tearing it. One nice upgrade is sharpening steel to keep your knives in peak condition for many years. Many knife sets also come with kitchen shears for the many times you’ll need them.

Of course, the quality of knives is also important. Look for well-known brands like Cuisinart and Wusthof, which have established themselves as leaders in their industry. When a manufacturer develops a reputation as having a commitment to excellence, you’ll know you’re getting a product that’s built to last.

• Chances are one of the top factors in choosing a knife set for your kitchen is appearance. You may wish to go with a light-colored wood block or a dark walnut. Some sets come with a translucent caddy, making them a better pick for matching existing kitchenware.
• You can’t go wrong with a classic, so look for a model that blends with every type of décor.
• Once you’ve gotten past the aesthetics, it’s time to look at the actual cutlery each set offers. The fullest range of knives comes with a parer, utility knife, serrated bread knife, Santoku, chef’s knife, steak knives, shears and a sharpener. But if you only need the basics, a set that includes a parer, utility knife, bread knife, shears and honing steel is just fine.
• Before you invest in a knife set, you likely want to make sure it will last. The Cuisinart Stainless Hollow Handle Knife Set, 15-Piece set offers superb quality, while other sets are also durable, thanks to their tough handle and laser-tested edge.