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5 Types of Chef Knives Every Kitchen Should Have
Are you a passionate home cook looking to elevate your culinary skills? Or are you a professional chef in search of the perfect kitchen companion?
Regardless of your expertise level, having the right tools is a must for cooking delicious dishes. With that in mind, chef knife sets are needed in every kitchen—a collection of absolute must-haves for chopping, slicing, dicing, mincing, and carving.
But not every chef’s knife set is created equal, so which one should you get for your kitchen? Keep reading and we’ll introduce you to the top five types of chef knives you need to elevate your kitchen prep skills!
Why You Need Different Types of Knives
A kitchen knife is to a chef as a brush is to a painter.
Just as different brushes make different strokes, different types of knives make different slices. Some knives are made for eating, while others have different purposes, such as a dinner knife, bread knife, carving knife, cheese knife, steak knife, butter knife or fish knife.
A chef’s knife is specifically designed for preparing ingredients. Like other knives, they are usually made of various types of steel alloy—including stainless steel, carbon steel, high-carbon steel, or Damascus Steel—although some can be made out of ceramic.
With the right chef knife sets you can:
- Cut faster and more efficiently
- Reduce waste and save money
- Enhance the flavour and appearance of your food
- Avoid injuries and accidents
- Enjoy cooking more
Essential Knives Every Chef Needs in Their Kitchen
1. Classic Chef Knife
A chef’s knife is the most versatile and widely used knife in the kitchen. If chef knife sets are a football team, this knife will be your all-star quarterback.
It has a long, curved blade that gradually tapers to a sharp point, allowing you to rock it back and forth on the cutting board for fast and precise chopping. You can use it for almost anything, from cutting vegetables and chopping herbs to prepping meat and fish.
It’s a must-have item for any type of kitchen or restaurant.
🔪 Pro Tip: Want a razor-sharp cook’s knife? Look for one made with a carbon steel blade.
2. Santoku Knife
Next on our list of different types of chef knives is a Santoku knife. This Japanese-style chef knife has a straight edge and a thinner blade than a standard knife.
The flat blade shape allows for precise and uniform slices. However, it also has a hollow edge that creates air pockets between the sharp blade and the food to prevent sticking and reduce drag. Santoku knives are best for cutting fish, sushi, and vegetables.
It’s the ideal type of chef’s knife for sushi chefs or Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
Fun Fact: Santoku knives and Nakiri knives are what you would call forged knives, crafted from a single piece of metal that’s been heated and hammered into shape. Forged knives are extremely durable so they maintain their sharpness for a long time.
3. Paring Knife
A paring knife is a small and nimble kitchen knife for peeling, trimming, coring, slicing, and carving fruits and vegetables with precision and control.
You can use a paring knife for making decorative cuts so it’s the best knife for preparing garnishes, salads, desserts, and other dishes that require delicate and intricate work. They’re an integral part of all chef knife sets!
Paring knives are best for chefs who frequently slice fruits and vegetables or work with pastry and dessert preparation.
4. Boning Knife
Need help deboning meat, trimming fat, and getting up close and personal with succulent cuts? Then the boning knife is your friend.
Boning knives have narrow, flexible blades with a very sharp edge which minimize food waste and help you efficiently execute raw meat prep. There are lots of different types of kitchen knives, but none of them can replace a boning knife!
It’s the best knife for cooks or restaurants serving meat dishes.
5. Utility Knife
If you’re an on-the-go cook or culinary professional in need of a single, multipurpose knife, then you should get a utility knife.
It’s the perfect in-between option for tasks that don't need a full-sized chef's knife or a small paring knife. A utility knife can be good for slicing, dicing, and even small carving tasks. These workhorses belong in every chef’s knife set.
Utility knives are essential for both home cooks and caterers who want something versatile.
Shop Chef Knife Sets at s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply
At s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply, we understand the importance of high-quality kitchen equipment. That’s why we only carry the best quality chef’s knife sets: to meet the diverse needs of both home cooks and professional chefs.
It’s not just the type of knives that counts, it’s the quality, too. Never settle for dull or low-quality knives that can ruin your cuts as well as your cooking enjoyment. Instead, invest in high-quality kitchen knives that will make your life easier.
Explore our catalogue to shop for different types of chef knives and knife sharpeners!
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