The kitchen is often the center of your home. It’s where you prepare your families meals, entertain, and build the foundation of a healthy life. Having the right tools can not only make you a better cook, but it can make WANT to cook more as well. The joy of working in a nice kitchen has a serious impact on learning to love cooking and creating a good relationship with food.
Most people think of knives as simple tools, and to some degree they certainly are. But they are also the centerpiece of any cookware setup. They are the core of your repertoire. Picking a set that looks good and feels good is critical.
There are plenty of options, and it can be difficult for new chefs to figure out exactly what they’re looking for, so we broke down the best options on the market.
Misen Essentials Knife Set:
The Misen Essentials Knife Set is a perfect starter set if you’re building from scratch. They offer 3, 5, and 7 knife sets with the full 7 including a Chef’s Knife, Serrated Knife, Paring Knife, Santoku Knife, Utility Knife, Kitchen Shears, and Knife Storage Block in Walnut.
The blades are pristine and extremely sharp, and the handles have a very premium feel. They also come in a variety of colors to match whatever look you’re trying to complete in your kitchen.
The 7-piece set is $300, while the 3 knife set is $150. They offer free returns, a 60-day trial period, and a lifetime warranty. Made from premium Japanese steel, the knives feature a unique slope that allows for precision “pinch-grip” cutting as well as extremely durable blades.
They have nearly 2,500 reviews and average 4.9 stars. We were very impressed with the set, and if you’re looking for a premium option to complete your setup, Misen is an excellent place to start.
The Yatoshi 13 Knife Block Set:
The Yatoshi 13 Knife Block Set is an excellent option for a set that includes steak knives. The beautifully designed handles and blades have a strong feel and look incredible. they include 13 knives in the full set, retailing at $250, including free two-day shipping from Amazon.
The full set includes the full knife block, complete with kitchen sheers. They offer a lifetime warranty and free returns should you ever need a replacement. They are designed with ergonomically shaped handles for better control, and the blades maneuver extremely well. You’ll experience the true feel of a premium knife. You can also opt for the 5 or 7 knife options which start at just $130 for a more economical kitchen.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one set to complete your new build out. the Yatoshi set is an excellent value for premium knives.
Laguiole 5-Piece Professional Chef’s Knife Set:
The Laguiole 5-Piece Professional Chef’s Knife Set is unique for it’s magnetic wood board for easy storage. The board looks really sleek and is a great addition for a kitchen with less counter space. Some people don’t like the look and feel of a bigger knife block, and the Laguiole set solves that problem.
The block also has the added benefit of keeping the blades sharper for longer since they won’t face the dulling force of a traditional knife block every time you take it out. The knives themselves are outstanding quality, and while they don’t include steak knives, they should have everything a budding chef needs to cook their favorite dish.
It retails for just $130 including the board and includes free shipping for Amazon Prime members. For a slightly different look and feel, The Laguiole set is a fantastic value.