Kitchen Knife Buying Guide - The Quick Edition
There is something magical about a fully-stocked kitchen. It's not only functional but also aesthetic and as unique as you are. And what kitchen would be complete without knives, right?
Ah, kitchen knives - the cutters, the butchers, the choppers, and the slicers. With so many sizes, shapes, finishes, and blade-types, buying the right set of kitchen knives can be a daunting experience. But don't worry; here is a quick buying guide to help you garner the best kitchen knives.
A few basics..
Selecting the right kitchen knife isn't as complicated as you think. But the price tag or fear of getting the wrong type could overwhelm you. So you can get a good glimpse of what you need, here are basic types of knives.
Utility Knives
These are general-purpose knives with long blades spanning 13cm on average in length. With serrated edges, they are typically used to trim, cut or chop meat and bigger vegetables. Some people used them to prepare sandwiches.
Cleavers
These knives with slightly curved edges have a sturdy, thick heavy blades. They are ideal for chopping sever and meat. Some people use them to prepare joints.
Tips: You shouldn't use a cleaver to slice through large bones. Instead, use a hack saw.
Tips: You shouldn't use a cleaver to slice through large bones. Instead, use a hack saw.
Paring Knives
These are small knives used to prepare fruits and small veggies. Usually, the blade (about 8cm long) is firm with a pointed tip. Some people trade these knives for ceramic knives.
Bread Knives
They have scalloped or serrated edges, or both. As the name suggests, they are ideal for cutting through loafs and tomatoes.
Carving Knives
With about 25 cm long blade and sharply pointed end, carving knives are used to carve meat from the bone. It can either be serrated or plain.
Boning Knives
They have narrow, rigid blades which typically curve upward. With such a shape, carving around the bones is effortlessly easy. These knives are meant for removing bones from meat and raw poultry.
These are just but a few basic knives that should be stocked in any kitchen. Other specialty knives that you might require include palette knives, filleting knives, butter knives, and so forth.
How to Select the Perfect Kitchen Knife for your Needs?
Match Your Style
Kitchen knives come in a variety of styles. From paring to carving knives and everything in between, there is something for everyone. Most people don't have to de-bone meat at home. That's why home cooks prefer a new set of Wilson ceramic knives that are ideal for cutting, slicing, and chopping soft food. If veggies, fruits, and herbs are your main dishes, then ceramic knives are for you.
Color and Look
Colors are trendy in kitchen knives. They add a little sass, flair, and personal touch to the look and feel of your kitchen. If you want to make a statement, go for bold colors. Many fruity-colored knives are available in the market. Want peach, raspberry, orange citrus or other bright colors? That is not a problem - kitchen mate.
Sharpness
No kitchen needs a dull knife. If you are looking for knives that are honed to be thin and sharp, then you have to go for ceramic ones. Companies like WilsonCutlery.com sharpen their ceramic knives using a diamond tool to achieve utmost precision. Their edge retention is absolutely amazing too. Other sharp knives include carving, cleaver, and paring knives.
Ease of Use and Care
A good knife should be easy to use and care for. Here's the thing: no cutlery knife should ever go into a dishwasher. They should be wiped with a little detergent, and should be good to go. It should be that simple. Many steel knives do stain or rust with time. If you want a knife that will give you no headaches, a ceramic knife will do just fine.
Weight
Weight is another aspect where a ceramic knife comes handy. The last thing you need is a heavy knife that can cause fatigue. Lightweight knives are not only agile but also enjoyable. It works well for a home chef, but if you are a pro, weight shouldn't really matter.
Blade Size
Blade length and size is a debatable subject among top chefs, but shouldn't be a big issue to you. However, when it comes to blade size, it all boils down to personal preference. If you are a novice cook, though, a good 6-8cm long blade would be okay.
Tang
A knife tang is important to most chefs. Half tang implies that the blade only plunges half way into the handle. That means they are lightweight, with less strength as the downside. For cleavers and other knives that work on hard food, go for full tang.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying a new set of knives for your kitchen, many factors come into play. If you are a newbie in the kitchen, it's imperative to select all-rounder knives like ceramic ones. Consider the cost, style, look, purpose, and so forth to garner the best knife for your kitchen needs.
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