Having the right set of kitchen tools is essential for anyone interested in improving their cooking skills. From coffee spoons to a vintage cake serving set, it helps to carefully consider your use for the various tools available for purchase.
However, finding the right kitchen set for your home can get confusing in the dizzying array of knife sets and flatware patterns out there. It is an important decision, particularly because of their important role in shaping your cooking skills.
That’s why we are going to help you make a world of difference in your cooking. This ‘cutlery buying guide’ explains the purpose of different knives so you’ll be able to pick the right ones to make your cooking more convenient and enjoyable.
What to Know Before Adding Knives to Your Kitchen Set
Contrary to what those shiny knife block sets will have you believe, you won’t require more than a few multi-purpose knives in your kitchen set. It is better to know what knives you’ll need the most, buy them first, and decide whether you require other types of knives later.
There are three most commonly used knives in a typical home kitchen:
Serrated Knife: It contains small serrations on one side to help cut through soft fruits, vegetables, and food items easily, such as tomatoes and bread. It doesn’t work as well after it’s resharpened, meaning you will save more with an inexpensive one of this kind. If you want an additional knife to go with your vintage cake serving set, try looking for some fancy designs.
“Chef’s” Knife: It’s one of the biggest and most versatile knives in a set with several uses, making it a must-have in any kitchen. You can spot many professional cooks who use this type of knife to handle a wide range of cutting, slicing, and mincing of vegetables, meats, and herbs. Although these come in varying blade lengths, you can select the size that suits you. Make sure you check how the knife feels in your hand before you make a decision.
Utility Knife: Useful for cutting smaller fruits, vegetables, etc. This knife is smaller in size, around two to four inches, enough to mince herbs or slice cheese wedges. Try a longer knife for more versatility.
Main Materials and Metals Used in a Kitchen Set
Good flatware, from knives to coffee spoons, last incredibly long when cared for properly. Therefore, try to make the best choice based on your budget and requirements.
Several remarkable cutlery manufacturers have their own proprietary formulae when it comes to the materials they use for their knives. These materials help enhance the properties of the finished tools for an excellent edge, resistance to staining, and other benefits.
Depending on these, people have different preferences, such as Carbon steel, ceramic, stainless steel, and high-carbon stainless steel. Each of these has its own pros and cons: for instance, carbon steel has extreme strength but it isn’t resistant to rust or acidic items. Stainless Steel and high-carbon stainless steel are quite popular due to their resistance to stains, rust and have other elements including chromium and iron to increase durability.
No matter which material you select, keep the following aspects in mind while making your decision:
HOW YOU COOK: What is your unique cooking style? Think of the tasks you need knives the most for and then consider what type of knives are needed for the types of food you make. For example, you may feel interested in a vintage cake serving set and knife if you bake and host often.
WHAT BUDGET YOU HAVE: Choose fewer, more versatile knives if you don’t have a big budget, but aim for versatility and the best quality.
WHETHER IT’S COMFORTABLE TO USE: When you actually buy a knife, flatware such as coffee spoons, or a kitchen set, try to find out how they might feel in your hands. These tools should be comfortable to hold and their weight should feel properly balanced.
