Kitchen knives are a staple in every kitchen. It allows you to prepare all ingredients to provide your loved ones, the best and scrumptious meal. However, not all knives will provide you with the same cutting and chopping quality. Thus, finding the best kitchen knife for cooking is a crucial skill every cook should learn.
If you’re wondering how to choose the best kitchen knife for cooking, don’t worry! We got you covered! In this article, you’ll learn the basics of how to find the best knife to cater to all your cooking needs.
Learning the Basics
How to choose the best knife for cooking starts with determining which type you need. Various kitchen knives are intended for different cooking preparation. However, for regular kitchen use, you actually won’t need all kinds. Here are some of the basic knives you can purchase for your kitchen:
Utility knife
This all-purpose knife can be used for many cutting purposes. If you need a knife that can basically cut almost all types of food, a utility knife is your best choice.
Chef’s knife
A chef knife is the best option for chopping, cutting, dicing, and mincing various ingredients.
Vegetable or paring knife
A paring knife allows you to peel fruits and vegetables easily while holding them in your hand.
Bread knife
This serrated knife is used to cut bread conveniently. It can also slice a cake and other soft fruits.
Cleaver
If you find yourself frequently cutting various types of meat, then get a cleaver. This knife can also chop herbs effectively.
Most knife sets come with the knives stated above. Buying a set is more affordable than buying them individually. However, many knife sets come with cheap quality and feel. If you’re not confident with the brand, better purchase each type of knife you need.
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Finding the Best Kitchen Knife
Here are some of the features you need to look into when choosing the best kitchen knife for cooking:
Grip
Both professional cooks and home cooks understand how important the grip is when using the knife. Especially when preparing large portions of a meal for small gatherings, you might need to use your knife for prolonged periods. Thus, having the right grip allows you to feel comfortable and gives you the proper control to cut and chop all your ingredients.
Weight
Weight is also essential on how to choose the best kitchen knife for cooking. Imagine holding a solid and heavy knife for hours. Your wrist and hands will definitely feel sore after cooking. Always remember that not all lightweight knives are cheap and not durable. There are brands that use lightweight materials, without sacrificing cutting quality.
Balance
A well-balanced knife distributes the weight in both the handle and the blade. Good balance gives you precision, and more controlled cutting action without much effort exerted. A well-balanced knife also makes cutting comfortable, preventing you from straining your arm, especially when cutting large quantities of food.
Handle
Most knives come with wood, plastic, or resin materials. Traditional bone handled knives easily becomes brittle over time, so most cooks nowadays refrain from using them anymore. Softwood handles also crumble easily, so if you want a long-lasting knife, choose a handle that’s made from strong and durable materials.
Blade
The cutting power of the knife mostly depends on its blade. Thus, find a good-quality one for better cutting and chopping action. The best blades are usually made with ceramic or non-stainless steel. These materials are easy to sharpen and rust-resistant. However, ceramic is a bit fragile and can break if misused. If you need to choose between forged and stamped blades, opt for forged knives. They are more durable and come with more substantial cutting power.
Conclusion
How to choose the best kitchen knife for cooking is not as hard if you pay attention to essential features. The best kitchen knife allows you to make your ideal meal into a tasty reality. If you have a spare budget to spend, invest in good quality ones with the best materials and grip. This way, you can ensure that your knife will provide you with manageable cooking preparation and will serve you for a long time.
