Knives are as important for a kitchen as fire and pots and pans. Whether meat, seafood, fish, vegetables, fruits, or herbs and spices, nearly every ingredient needs cutting, chopping, or peeling. Due to the different textures and sizes of the various foodstuffs, there is no universal knife size that could handle all. You can buy knives one by one, but why go that way when there are plenty of kitchen knife sets available which offer already the most needed knife types in one handy set. These sets come at a much better price than buying knives individually.
We have tested for you 10 of the most recommended kitchen knife sets for home cooks. Some of them come in a quality suitable for master chefs, while others are perfect as first-time equipment for your first own kitchen. The kitchen knife sets are offered in an extensive price range, from a reasonable price for a solid set up to thousands of dollars. The price often determines also the quality. The sets in medium price ranges do a great job if you are a seasoned home cook and aim to prepare your food at a high standard.
The included number of pieces of our reviewed sets vary; all have in common that they offer 5 – 6 of the most necessary knife types you need in your kitchen. Some sets offer accessories like steak knives, peelers, kitchen shears, knife sharpeners, and a knife block. The materials for the knife storage blocks are mostly good-quality wood or acrylic. Such blocks keep your knives safely stored and at hand all the time.
Top 10 Best Kitchen Knife Sets in 2023
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10. Master Maison 19-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
With 19 pieces, this kitchen knife set from Master Maison offers a great value for money. The premium high carbon German stainless steel features a 52+ grade Rockwell hardness. Triple-riveted for long-lasting durability and rust and stain-resistant, the knives will let you chop salad, vegetables, and fruits and cut meat, cheese, and cold cuts to perfection. Ergonomic handles and a balanced weight distribution let you work precisely.
The knife set is also beautifully designed, with a chic grey storage block matched with the knife’s color. Besides the professional knives for different foods, the set also includes a knife sharpener, cooking scissors, and 8 serrated steak knives. Whether preparing your dinner or decorating a charcuterie board, your food presentation will always look perfect with this kitchen knife set.
- High-quality German stainless steel.
- Razor-sharp, pro-quality blades.
- Includes 8 serrated steak knives.
- Unlimited 1-year warranty.
- The knives should be hand washed only.
9. Cangshan TN1 Series 1021974, 17-Piece Knife Set
If cooking is more than a hobby for you and you are really passionate about your kitchen equipment, then the Cangshan TN1 kitchen knife set might be the right investment. The set comes on the expensive price end but still cheaper than the professional knives top chefs will invest into. However, the quality justifies the price, especially when you want to prepare and cook your meals to perfection.
The knives are made from high alloy Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel, which provides exceptional sharpness and durability. Rated with 59 ±2 on the Rockwell scale, the 8 handcrafted professional knives will stay lifelong with you in your kitchen. The set also includes a kitchen shear, 6 straight edge steak knives, and honing steel, all beautifully displayed in a walnut wood storage block.
- High-alloy Swedish Sandvik 14C28N steel.
- Handcrafted and hand sharpened.
- National Sanitation Foundation(NSF) certified.
- Very well balanced.
- Very high priced product.
8. AmazonBasics 14-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Coming at a meager price, this 14 piece kitchen knife set from AmazonBasics might be right for you if you equip your first own kitchen or you start to get into more professional home cooking. It is also a great gift for a housewarming party for a friend moving out of their parent’s home into a first-time apartment or shared flat. The set provides the best base for preparing your food yourself and building up your kitchen tools.
The beautiful pinewood block holds 5 knives for various cutting tasks. The set includes kitchen shears and a sharpener, plus 6 serrated steak knives. The blades are made from superior high-carbon stainless steel. Ergonomically crafted triple-riveted POM handles ensure a comfortable grip. Please be aware that the knives are not suitable for dishwashers.
- 5 quality knives for different cutting purposes.
- High-carbon stainless-steel blades.
- 6 serrated steak knives.
- Removable star topper.
- I cannot compare quality-wise with higher-priced knife sets.
7. Wanbasion 16 Pieces Kitchen Knife Set
Wanbasion offers its 16 piece kitchen knife set in a bold blue modern design. The knives are stored and displayed in a clear acrylic block, making a great match for a kitchen in modern and contemporary design. But not only the design, but also the quality and functions of the set impress. Besides the knives, a separate sharpener tool and peeler scissors are part of the set, plus a solid kitchen shear.
6 professional knives for various purposes and 6 steak knives with serrated blades are included in this set. The knife blades are coming with a blue titanium coating, making them resistant to corrosion and scratches. The blade cores are made from stainless steel, preventing the knives from rust and stains. The knives are even suitable for the dishwasher.
- Solid and durable stainless steel.
- Good value for money.
- Acrylic storage block.
- After-sales service is available.
- Only available in blue color.
6. Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Offered within a medium price range, this knife set will not disappoint you. When you look for an excellent quality product to cater to your expectations for high-level home cooking, this set is a fit. Calphalon has designed the wooden storage block with built-in ceramic sharpeners, which keep your knife blades sharp-edged every time you use them. The 5 professional knives have labeled handles, so you grab exactly the right knife for every task right away.
The set includes kitchen shears and 8 steak knives furthermore. All utensils can be stored in the beautiful knife block. Your kitchen counter will always be tidy and clean, plus the knives are stored in a space-saving way. The chef knives are made from forged high-carbon, no-stain steel, while the steak knives are made from stamped steel.
- 6 different purpose chef knives.
- Built-in ceramic sharpeners.
- Labeled handles.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Must be dried immediately after washing to avoid stains.
5. Cuisinart C77WTR-15P 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Cuisinart is a well-known brand for quality and design and does not disappoint you with this 15 piece kitchen knife set. Featuring triple-riveted handles in classic white and blades in a brushed finish, the set looks classy and elegant. The beautiful wooden storage block keeps the knives at hand whenever needed and spares you from searching through your kitchen drawers. The handles are ergonomically designed and feature a wide safety bolster for better control.
The blades are made from superior high-carbon stainless steel, with sharp and fine edges for precise working. The set consists of 6 professional chef knives, a knife sharpener, 6 steak knives, and household shears. The knives need to be hand washed and dried immediately.
- Superior high-carbon stainless steel.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Stainless steel rivets to secure the blades.
- Makes also a perfect gift.
- Prone to rust if not dried properly immediately.
4. EatNeat 12-Piece Knife Set with Cutting Board
EatNeat has designed a modern kitchen set consisting of 12 pieces. This includes 5 stainless steel chef knives with protective covers, a knife sharpener, and a large non-slip cutting board. As this set does not offer a storage block, EatNeat includes a protective sheath for each knife to keep you safe from cuts when going through your storage drawer to grab the knife needed.
The knife set includes a chef’s knife, a bread knife, a paring, slicing, and a utility knife. The blades are odor and stain-resistant. The nonslip cutting board is BPA-free and features a handle. Juice grooves catch the liquids when you cut fruits or vegetables. The set is offered at a reasonable price and also makes a great gift for those who move into their first own apartment or student dorm.
- BPA-free materials.
- Available also as a colored knife set.
- Includes protective sheaths.
- Inexpensive set.
- The knives need regular sharpening.
3. Cangshan Thomas Keller Collection – The French Laundry Blue Color Special Edition
Designed by world-class Michelin starred master chef Thomas Keller, this knife set is truly worth professional chefs and impresses dedicated home cooks passionate about their hobby. The award-winning limited collection is designed referring to the distinctive blue color Thomas Keller uses to decorate his restaurant, “The French Laundry.” The knife blades are crafted from the highest quality Swedish Damasteel RWL34 Powdered Steel.
You will immediately notice the excellent balance of the knives and the material’s edge strength and hardness. The blades are extremely sharp and require careful handling. Expert bladesmiths have carefully handcrafted and hand sharpened each knife. The limited special edition set is containing 6 knives stored in an elegant wooden box.
- A real master chef set of knives.
- Award-winning design.
- Rockwell hardness rating of 61 +/-2.
- Handcrafted and hand sharpened by expert bladesmiths.
- Very high priced.
2. Mueller Deluxe 7-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Modern and trendy is the design of the Mueller Deluxe Knife Set. The storage block is made from acrylic, offering a safe and tidy depot for the 5 professional knives included in this set. A handy sharpener is included already. The knives are versatile and multifunctional, suitable for both home and restaurant kitchens. Chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing your food could not be more convenient, thanks to the high-quality stainless steel.
The ergonomic handles provide you a safe and comfortable grip. The blades are solid and resist rust, corrosion, and discoloration. If necessary, you can re-sharpen them easily. It is recommended to only hand wash the knives to avoid damage by aggressive dishwasher detergents.
- 5 versatile quality knives.
- The set includes a knife sharpener.
- Trendy acrylic stand.
- Made from high-quality stainless steel.
- The handles are not riveted.
1. Home Hero 17-Piece Set Kitchen Knives Set
This kitchen knife set from Home Hero features its knives in trendy black color and comes with an acrylic stand. The 7 professional knives include a special cheese knife plus a pizza knife.
Kitchen shears, a peeler, and a 2-stage knife sharpener are part of the large set. And as the set contains 17 pieces, there are also 6 serrated steak knives included. This set comes at an outstanding value for money and will not disappoint you.
The blades are made of quality stainless steel. On top of that, they are coated with non-stick paint. The ergonomic PP handles provide you a safe grip and good balance. For longer durability and keeping the blades sharp, it is recommended to hand wash the knives only.
- Non-stick coated stainless steel.
- 17 pieces set incl—a peeler and sharpener.
- Reasonably priced.
- Customer service.
- The coating can peel off if the knives are not handled correctly.
Some factors to consider when buying a kitchen knife set
- A knife block is handy.
Another important point is the number of knives. A good set should include a paring knife, a utility knife, a serrated utility knife, Santoku, a chef’s knife, and a bread knife. Other accessories like kitchen shears and a knife sharpener are welcome additions. If you and your family love steaks, then a set, including steak knives, should be preferred. A knife storage block saves you space in the kitchen and keeps your knives safe and clean at hand all the time.
Of course, the materials and fabrication must be paid attention to. Only solid and durable high-quality blades should be used to provide a long lifetime of the knives and your safety. Riveted handles and long tangs add to the quality, so do solid bolster areas. The materials must be food-safe and rust-resistant. Please keep in mind that most knives are not suitable for the dishwasher, as the aggressive detergents hamper the knives and turn the blades blunt quickly.
- Knives for professionals
If cooking is your life and you aspire to be a private master chef, then look at the very high-priced featured sets in our overview. These knives were indeed developed and designed in cooperation with famous master chefs. The high investment will pay for you in the long term if you aim to perfect your cooking skills and quality, even when you are not working in a Michelin star awarded restaurant.
Conclusion
With a huge kitchen knife set available, it is not easy to decide on your needs’ most suitable product. Before making a choice, set your own priorities and weigh up the features’ pros and cons.
While the budget plays an important role, it is not recommended to decide on the cheapest options, as you might need to replace the knives very soon if you use them often. If you are not cooking a lot at home, a more reasonably priced set will do for you. If you use your knives daily, then the medium and higher-priced sets will be more suitable.
