The kitchen is considered a special place in the house, as culinary masterpieces are born in it. To prepare original dishes, you need to have on hand such professional tools as knives. These kitchen accessories are of various types and purposes, so they are best purchased in a set.
Features
Kitchen knives are an important device, without which cooking is impossible. Each knife is used to perform a specific operation, so to maximize the functional tasks of cutting, you should have a set of knives. They are presented on the market in a huge range and can be sold with special supports or without them. Kitchen Knife Sets are divided into cook (used only for cooking) serving and mixed.
The kit can include kits as well as knives, as well as additional accessories. Kitchen kits also differ in the number of items. Most often, manufacturers produce products of up to 5 pieces in a set, from 5 to 10 and more than 10. Sets, consisting only of cutting working tools, are intended, as a rule, for domestic cooking and come in two forms: hiking and for the kitchen. In this case, the first option is completed with a special box (case), which simplifies transportation and storage of tools.
The most common sets are those that include 3 basic models of knives: for cleaning vegetables, universal and cook. If financial opportunities allow, then you can purchase a combined set consisting of 3 main knives and 2-3 additional ones (for cutting fillets, bread, tomatoes and cheese). Kits, supplemented with accessories such as a magnetic holder, peeler and scissors, are very popular.
They are designed for both domestic and professional use.
Materials manufacturing blades knives.
- Steel. They are characterized by high strength and easily cope with the cutting of any product. Steel products vary in size and shape. Their only drawback is that such knives require thorough cleaning and sharpening.
- Ceramics. They have low weight, which makes cutting comfortable. In addition, these products do not need to be thoroughly cleaned. Minus ceramic knives - they can not cut very hard products and when they fall, they are easily broken.
- Titanium. In terms of their performance, they largely predominate over steel and ceramic knives. Titanium coating has high hygienic properties, it is resistant to acids, does not rust and does not leave a metallic aftertaste on products. The only drawback of such tools is the high cost.
Before you give preference to one or another set of knives, It is important to consider their quality, functionality and price. Experts recommend immediately purchase good kits. Though they are expensive, but such financial investments will justify themselves over time.
What knives are included?
To facilitate the process of cooking, each housewife should have a set of knives in the kitchen, and it is not necessary to purchase sets with a large number of items. The set should include the following knives.
- Chef's knife. This is one of the main assistants in the kitchen, which allows not only to quickly chop vegetables, cheese, but also chop greens. Novice cooks desirable to buy 8-inch knives. For professional chefs, you can purchase 10-inch tools that are designed for cooking at an advanced level.
- Knife for vegetables (for cleaning). Unlike the previous type, this product is smaller and allows you to quickly peel the vegetables and fruits, which significantly reduces the cooking time.
- For slicing bread. Knife with a wide long blade, having a wave-like sharpening. With this tool you can not only cut a hard crust of bread, but also chop the chocolate or carefully cut the cake. When choosing a knife is best to give preference to models made of steel. They are resistant to scratching and their surface does not react chemically with products.
- Cutting knife. In the event that you plan to cook meat frequently, you should buy kitchen sets that include a carving knife. This tool has an elongated bipedal fork. With his help, it is possible to chop and cut the meat, fixing it securely on the cutting board.
- For steak. This tool is usually used for cutting and cutting a whole piece of meat (roasted steak). It belongs to the additional types of knives, since it is usually used not in cooking, but for serving. The shape of the blade in this knife is oblong, the length is from 10 to 13 cm, width - from 2 to 3 cm. The main feature of the tool is the presence of an equal butt.
- For tomatoes. It is a subtype of cutting tools. Its design has a ribbed blade and a split tip designed to separate the peel and seeds of a tomato. This model can also be used for cutting and other vegetables, fruits, which have a soft filling and dense skin (oranges, grapefruits, lemons).
- For cheese. Chefs usually use several types of cheese knives for cutting, each of which is designed for a specific type of product (creamy, soft, hard). The tool has a wide but short blade. It is slightly narrowed in the middle of the blade and sharpened at the top. The length of such a knife does not exceed 13 cm. Some models of products are produced with a perforated structure.
- For butter. This knife is used both for cutting and for spreading butter on bread. It is also used for processed cheese. The tool has an oblong shape, has the appearance of a spatula, its end is not sharp, wide and rounded. The average length of such products does not exceed 13 cm. They can be used both for cooking and for serving.
In addition to the above knives, high-quality sharpening should be included in the kitchen set, which will help to extend the service life of the tools and keep them in working condition.
Rating of the best manufacturers
Sets of kitchen knives today are presented on the market in a chic assortment. They differ not only in quality, design, price, but also by the manufacturer. The most popular models that have worked well and have received many positive reviews include several.
- Samura Alfa saf-0085 / Y It is a compact and versatile set consisting of a chef knife, stand and sharpener. This tool can be cut fish, meat and shred fruit with vegetables. Despite the fact that the country of manufacture of this product is Japan, Russian manufacturers began to produce it successfully using Japanese technology. The blade of the product is made in the European style, so it is convenient to hold it in your hand. The blade has a length of 201 mm, its Rockwell hardness is 60.
The advantages of such a kit include a durable knife blade material (anti-corrosion steel) and an exquisite design. In addition, the knife is very sharp and holds a long sharpening. As for the shortcomings, they are not, except for the high price of the product.
- "Cook Three" (manufacturer Wusthof). This set is characterized by the absence of unnecessary parts and perfect quality. Professional tools that come with the kit have rounded handles and straight lines. Their design perfectly combines shiny steel with black plastic. Blades are forged from corrosion-resistant steel, their sharpening angle is 20 degrees, the type of edge is double-sided.
This set is a great gift for any hostess.
- "Yaxell gou yaz7010". This set includes professional knives made of Damascus steel. They have an original design and unrivaled sharpness. The length of the chef's knife blades does not exceed 25.5 cm, its hardness is 63 units. The advantages of the products include ergonomics, efficiency and the ability to use in professional cooking. Minus - a very high price.
- Tramontina Centery. It is considered an excellent choice for both experienced and novice cooks. This is a budget version of the set, which allows you to cope in the kitchen with cutting and cutting by 90%. Knives are sold with a sharpener and stand. They remain sharp for a long time, easy to use, but not suitable for cutting small products.
- Lion sabatier Forged products included in this kitchen set are produced by a French manufacturer. They are designed to work with hard and soft products. The blade length is 20 cm. The products are characterized by a good feed to sharpening, multifunctionality, suitable for both professional and novice cooks. The only drawback is that the case is not included in this kit.
- Hatamoto color. Suitable for those housewives who love to design the kitchen in a special style, complementing it with expensive accessories and tools. The main knife in this set is made of carbon steel, which makes it durable. The product also does not need frequent sharpening. Knife handles are made of durable plastic, they have bright colors - ranging from blue, yellow, red and ending with purple and green. Plus set - the original design, ergonomics, minus - it can not be washed in the dishwasher.
If you do not wipe the product dry, it will quickly rust.
- Fissman Vortex. Knives from this brand are produced by a famous manufacturer from Denmark. Products are characterized by average price and high quality. They are intended both for cutting meat, and for cutting vegetables and fruits that have a round shape. The special cover protecting the tool from damages when falling on a floor enters a set. The blades of knives are ceramic, sharp, do not require frequent sharpening. The lack of products - they can only be used on a wooden cutting board.
- Chinisera. Anyone can afford to purchase a set from this brand, as its price category is low. The knives included in the kit are made of zirconium ceramic. They never rust and do not leave a metallic aftertaste on products. The blade is sharpened very sharply, so it does not need to re-sharpen. These knives are ideal for those who lead a healthy lifestyle and try to keep nutrients in the products during their preparation.
- "The Power of Granite". This set consists of vegetable, universal, cutting, cooking and bread knives. Additionally, the manufacturer supplies the kit with a convenient ceramic peeler. Thanks to this set you can quickly cook both simple and complex dishes. Due to the fact that particles of granite are applied to the surface of the blade, the product has increased strength. The handle of the knives does not slip into the palm of your hand, as it is made of bekelite. The lack of a set - it can often be found on the market in the form of low-quality fakes.
- "Frank Moller FM-364". For those who want to purchase a high-quality set of ceramic accessories, this option will be ideal. Products are manufactured by a German manufacturer and have a rather ergonomic and bright design.The knives, included in the kit, quickly cope with the cutting of any products and they do not need to sharpen often. The standard set consists of a cook (blade length 15 cm), universal (12.5 cm) and a knife for cleaning (10 cm). In addition, the set is supplemented with a convenient stand and a peeler.
- "Blaumann Crocodile Line". This is a Hungarian set of kitchen knives, which consists of 5 items. It is completed with a knife for cleaning vegetables, fruits, a cook, a versatile knife, as well as cheese, a knife for cutting bread and a vegetable peeler. All tools are made of stainless steel, the peeler has a ceramic coating. Beautiful design of the arms and versatility make such knives indispensable in the economy.
But despite the elegant description and good technical characteristics, these products can not be washed in the dishwasher.
How to choose a set?
Before you get a good set of kitchen knives and the next operation is not to be disappointed in it, you need to take into account many important indicators. Experts recommend to pay attention to the following characteristics.
- Material manufacturing products. Most knives are made of ceramics and steel, with each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is best to give preference to steel knives, they are quality and serve a long time.
- Blade hardness. The best indicators for it is the indicator on the Rockwell scale from 60 to 63. In the case when this figure is lower, you need to think about the quality of the tool.
- Convenience in operation. Hold the cutting tool in your hand before purchasing cutting tools. The handle should be comfortable and light.
- Price. The financial factor is one of the main factors when choosing a set of kitchen knives. Cheap products may be unsafe and are unlikely to last for long.
- In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to optional kits. Good options usually include not only high-quality knives, but also special coasters, covers. Do not immediately buy large sets, the knives of which will be rarely used.
How to choose knives for the kitchen, see the next video.