From storage block to bevel, we closely examined each set, then tested them out on a variety of ingredients to see if they had the chops to withstand our testing kitchen. A serrated knife features a tooth-like blade that bites into thick-skinned produce and crusty bread. So it was only natural that we sliced artisanal sourdough bread and delicate, soft tomatoes to evaluate performance. The smaller 5-inch santoku in the Chicago Cutlery meant less precision and more effort when chopping large onions. On the other hand, the full-sized santoku proved to be a good tool for the job. Thanks to the sharp blade, it took little pressure to chop up onions and slice through tomatoes.
Sign up for the Prudent Reviews newsletter to get those alerts and save on brands like Cuisinart, All-Clad, Calphalon, and more. Cuisinart knives are affordable compared to other premium knife brands. Their price is lower because of the materials, construction, and fact that they’re manufactured Cookware Sets in China. However, after a few weeks, I noticed them starting to dull. I wasn’t surprised by this because the 3CR13 stainless steel Cuisinart uses for the blades is soft, and soft steel dulls quickly. Forty-four degrees is not that sharp when it comes to quality kitchen knives.
Few companies have a handle on what both established and novice cooks want as much as Cuisinart. The company’s best-selling 15-piece knife block setis currently available for $79.21, for a 50% savings on the original list price. The stainless steel construction of these knives gives them a sleek, stylish, and contemporary aesthetic. We weren’t sure if they’d feel slippery in our hands, but we were pleasantly surprised that the ergonomic design makes them easy to grip.
After all our testing, we bring you the most comprehensive review to help you make a smart purchasing decision tailored to your unique needs and budget. All three brands make affordable knives in China, but they’re best known for other products. Cuisinart’s main product line is small kitchen appliances, while Farberware and Calphalon focus on cookware.
Families who like to cook up a storm will find everything they need and then some with this set. Henckels International Statement 12 Piece checks all the boxes. The knives in this set slice through produce effortlessly, provide excellent precision and offer exceptional balance at a reasonable price. We happily found the chef’s knife worked for us rather than against us.
Aesthetics also set these knife collections apart, with the Cuisinart set feeling more contemporary and the Chicago Cutlery set feeling more traditional. Both are made from high-carbon stainless steel, but the gotham steel cookware sets Chicago Cutlery knives have black poly handles compared to Cuisinart’s brushed stainless steel handles. Which set you choose comes down to budget, preference, and which blades you have the greatest need for.
Brands like Misen, Henckels, and Victorinox produce high-performing knives that are still affordable. Cuisinart manufactures its knives in China to keep costs low. Higher-quality knives are typically made in Germany, Japan, or the United States. If you use your knives in short bursts, this isn’t a major issue. But an unbalanced knife will lead to unnecessary wrist fatigue and strain if you’re chopping for extended periods.
A higher-quality product costs more because there is a greater chance that it will function for longer without breaking down. Customers are also likely to pay a premium for a long life expectancy since they will benefit from its longevity. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support our work. Learn how we create the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews on our About page. A rectangular-shaped handle adds stability by preventing it from turning in your hand during use. The curved hook on the butt of most handles also keeps the knife from sliding out of your hand.
High-quality manufacturers create items with care and enthusiasm; they spend a lot of effort on research and development. Consequently, their goods are more complex and longer-lasting, making them worth the higher costs . Consumers should ensure that manufacturers’ quality standards are acceptable when buying items such as this. Another element to consider when determining which product is best for you is consumer safety. Consumers are interested in purchasing safe and dependable items because it gives them peace of mind while using such goods or services. When choosing a kitchen knife, consider how much space you have in the kitchen.
This low angle also makes it easier to remove the knives if the block is stored on a counter underneath upper cabinets. Insert any knife into the horizontal slots, and the blade will rest on the side, offering extra protection. All other sets have vertical slots where some or all of the knives rest on the blade. You can circumvent this issue by resting the knife on the spine, although this isn’t ideal.