Whether you’re an amateur cook or a professional chef, having the right knive and accessories can make all the difference in the kitchen.
From ensuring that you get the best cut to making food preparation easier, there are a variety of kitchen knives and accessories available.
Let’s explore some of the basics so you can make sure you have what you need for your next culinary adventure.
The Different Types of Kitchen Knives
Having the right type of knive is key when it comes to kitchen prep. Here are some of the most common types of knives and their uses:
Chef’s Knives:
This is one of the most versatile knives in any kitchen, designed for slicing, dicing, mincing, and more. It has a broad blade with a pointed tip and usually measures 6 to 8 inches long.
Paring Knives:
A paring knive is perfect for smaller tasks such as peeling fruits or vegetables or cutting out core pieces. It usually measures 3 to 4 inches long and has a sharp tip.
Santoku Knives:
This knive is similar to a chef’s knive but slightly shorter (5 to 7 inches). It also features an angled tip which makes it great for slicing vegetables into thin strips quickly and efficiently.
Bread Knives:
As its name implies, this knive is specifically designed for cutting the bread into thick or thin slices, as well as other baked goods like cakes or pastries. Its serrated blade helps cut through even dense material without crushing it.
Carving Knives:
While it’s not used as often as other knives in the kitchen, a carving knive is essential if you want evenly sliced meats or poultry. It’s typically 8 inches long with a very slender blade that can slice through thick cuts easily without tearing them apart.
How to shop for Kitchen Knives and Accessories
Kitchen knives and accessories can often be expensive, so it pays to do your research before making a purchase.
Kitchen knive and accessories sets are often more economical than buying single blades, and the variety available means there is something for every kitchen need.
Consider all the sizes, shapes, and specialty versions available, taking into account how you will use them most: for slicing, deboning, or trimming meats, for instance.
To get the best value, look out for Lifetime Guarantees or Free Sharpening Services that come with some of these purchases.
You should also take into account proper care and maintenance – will you be handwashing or using a dishwasher?
Read up on sharpening techniques that work best with different types of Kitchen Knives and Accessories.
By arming yourself with the right information upfront, you’ll have all the tools needed to make an informed decision!
Accessories for Your Knives
In addition to having different types of knives in your kitchen arsenal, there are also various accessories available that can help keep your knives in top condition while ensuring they stay safe while not in use.
Here are some must-haves when it comes to taking care of your knives:
Knives Block:
A knive block is an essential item if you want your knives stored securely while still being easily accessible when needed.
Most blocks come with slots designed specifically for each type of knive so they don’t move around while stored away.
Sharpening Stone/Steel:
Keeping your blades sharpened regularly will ensure that they stay in optimal condition for years to come—and what better way than investing in either a sharpening stone or steel?
Stones are ideal for those who prefer manual sharpening while steels offer an efficient way to quickly hone blades before use without much effort required from the user.
Honing Rod:
Unlike sharpening stones/steels which remove material from the blade itself, honing rods realign existing material on the blade which helps keep its edge straight over time.
Using honing rods between sharpenings can extend the life span of any given blade significantly.
Whether you’re looking for new kitchen knives and accessories that will keep them well-maintained, there’s something out there that will suit your needs perfectly.
With so many types of knives available, along with various tools designed specifically to take care of them, having everything properly organized and taken care off will make meal prepping faster, easier, and more efficient!
Taking these steps now will ensure that your cooking adventures continue going smoothly regardless of what dishes you’re whipping up next!