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The Best Vegetable Cleaver

Last updated on March 8, 2024

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Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or you’re working your way up to be a professional chef, knife skills are of the utmost importance. Not only do they ensure you are safe in the kitchen, they help you to make expert and efficient cuts. When honing your knife skills, be sure to find a knife that’s easy to use and comfortable to hold. Keep in mind that not all knives are good for cutting all ingredients.

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When you’re working specifically with vegetables, many chefs and home cooks alike opt for the vegetable cleaver. Keep in mind that this is not the same tool you’d use to cut through meat or bone. While it may look similar, it’s actually designed differently. The difference is all in the height of the blade. Most meat cleavers have a blade that is between four and five inches. A vegetable cleaver, on the other hand, has a blade that is between two and three inches. This height makes it perfect for expert knife maneuvers while ensuring that the vegetables don’t get bruised or smashed.

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One of the bonuses of having a large, flat blade is that it helps transport the vegetables you’ve chopped. After you’re done slicing and dicing, you can use the blade to carry vegetables over to your pots and pans. It’s also great for cleaning off your cutting board. You can use the sharp, wide blade to scrape off any bits and pieces you don’t need.

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In addition to chopping vegetables, did you know that the vegetable cleaver has a few other purposes? It is the perfect shape and size to cut through small chicken bones. The dull side of the blade can also cut through a coconut shell. You can also use a vegetable cleaver to split a lobster shell and get to the juicy insides.

Our Picks For The Top Vegetable Cleavers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

XYJ Full Tang Handmade Vegetable Cleaver, 6.7-Inch

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XYJ

Full Tang Handmade Vegetable Cleaver, 6.7-Inch

Constructed from manganese steel, this butcher knife is extremely durable. It features an ergonomic, full tang handle that is not only comfortable, but also prevents hand fatigue. As an added bonus, this model comes with a leather knife sheath that can be attached to a belt.

Overall Take

Leather Sheath IncludedWith this butcher knife comes an attractive leather knife sheath that will protect the blade when not in use.

 Runner Up

Aroma House Straight Edged Anti-Rust Vegetable Cleaver, 7-Inch

Aroma House

Straight Edged Anti-Rust Vegetable Cleaver, 7-Inch

This 7-inch vegetable cleaver is extremely versatile and can also be used to quickly slice through tough meats. It's designed with a full tang ergonomic handle that won't slip during use and a high-carbon stainless steel blade that won't rust. The cleaver is sold in an attractive gift box that can also be used to store the knife when not in use.

Overall Take

Affordable Price TagWhen shopping on a budget, this high-quality vegetable cleaver is the way to go.

 We Also Like

Imarku Professional Vegetable Kitchen Cleaver, 7-Inch

Imarku

Professional Vegetable Kitchen Cleaver, 7-Inch

This vegetable cleaver is made from high-quality material that is rust- and stain-resistant. The cleaver has an ergonomic pakkawood handle that is comfortable to hold. Keep in mind that it should not be used for cutting tough meat.

Overall Take

Sharp Stainless Steel OptionThis vegetable cleaver is made from German imported stainless steel.

 Strong Contender

SHI BA ZI ZUO Nonstick High Carbon Vegetable Cleaver, 7-Inch

SHI BA ZI ZUO

Nonstick High Carbon Vegetable Cleaver, 7-Inch

Grab this top-notch vegetable cleaver and get busy chopping carrots, dicing onions and mincing garlic. The ergonomic handle is made from an attractive rosewood that is easy to grip and hold. When it comes to the blade, not only is it made from a sharp high-carbon stainless steel, but it's also coated to provide a nonstick surface.

Overall Take

Slice and Dice With EaseBoth home and professional chefs will find this vegetable cleaver is quite versatile, making it a must-have kitchen tool.

What to Look For

  • When searching for the right vegetable cleaver for your kitchen, be sure to pay attention to the kind of material it’s made out of.  Many chefs prefer stainless steel or a mixture of carbon and stainless steel as these will not rust. The Imarku 7-Inch Chinese Vegetable Kitchen Knife is made out of a German imported stainless steel that is resistant to rust and ensures cutting performance and durability. Other models are made out of a special formula high carbon no-stain steel. They may have a one-piece blade that offers extreme precision and stays sharper longer. The Kyocera Ceramic 6-inch Nakiri Vegetable Cleaver is made from Kyocera’s proprietary zirconia material and produced in Japan. A ceramic blade will stay sharp ten times longer than a steel blade.
  • While the blade is of the utmost importance when searching for a high-quality vegetable cleaver, you also want to pay attention to the material and shape of the handle. The handle of a knife is what provides maneuverability, control and comfort. If the handle is not shaped well or is flimsy, you risk injuring yourself or making imperfect cuts. The Imarku 7-Inch Chinese Vegetable Kitchen Knife has an ergonomic handle made out of pakkawood, which makes it comfortable to hold and maneuver.
  • Keeping your vegetable cleavers clean after use is an important element to review. Are you looking for a knife that can go in the dishwasher, or do you enjoy handwashing your knives? The Imarku 7-Inch Chinese Vegetable Kitchen Knife should be cleaned using warm water and soap in the sink. On the other hand, the Kyocera Ceramic 6-inch Nakiri Vegetable Cleaver is dishwasher-safe and can be placed in the top rack.

More to Explore

When you invest in a vegetable cleaver, it’s important to take care of it properly to prolong the life of the knife. Always ensure that your vegetable cleaver is dry when you store it. This way, you can prevent any rust from occurring.

To sharpen your vegetable cleaver, use a sharpening rod and slide the blade of the knife along the stick. Repeat a few times to get a sharp blade. Be sure to sharpen your vegetable cleaver on a regular basis.

Keep in mind that the vegetable cleaver is not designed for cutting through large animal bones or tough pieces of meat. If you use a vegetable cleaver for this purpose, you risk injuring yourself or damaging your knife.

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