Top 10 Best Kitchen Knife Sets in 2024
The best chefs in the world know that they are only as good as their knives. In fact, many chefs feel like they are missing an appendage when they are without their knives. Even if the only cooking you do at home, if you want to turn out great meals on a regular basis, you need to invest in a high-quality kitchen knife set to get the job done.
There are plenty of options to choose from, and it can be tricky to know which set is best for your needs. But don’t worry – our goal is to take the guesswork out of buying a knife set. We’ve reviewed many of the available options and chosen the 10 we like best.
Before we reveal our choices, let’s talk about some of the most important features to keep in mind as you make a decision about which knife set to buy.
What to Look for in a Kitchen Knife Set
Knife sets come in a variety of sizes and price points, and it’s important to know what to keep in mind.
The first consideration is what the knives are made of. Many kitchen knives have stainless steel blades, and that’s a good choice for most home chefs. Stainless steel holds an edge and it won’t rust if the knives get wet. However, you may also want to consider other materials such as ceramic, which are razor-sharp and also beautiful.
You should also look for solid construction. The best knives have blades that extend all the way down into the handle – when you look at the edge, you should see the metal running all the way down to the end of the handle, and that will ensure that the knife doesn’t fall apart.
The material of the handle itself is important because it’s what you’ll be holding as you chop with your knives. Many kitchen knives have wooden handles, but others have plastic handles, and some ceramic knives have ceramic handles.
The design of your knives matters if you want them to look good in your kitchen. Some knives are straightforward and utilitarian, while others are almost like works of art. For example, ceramic knives come in a rainbow of colors to suit any décor.
Knife sets often come with a knife block or case. If you intend to display your knives in your kitchen, then a simple block may be sufficient. However, if you need to travel with your knives you may prefer to get a set with a travel case.
Finally, you should keep a budget in mind as you shop. The knives on our list span a wide array of prices and there is something for everybody.
Best Kitchen Knife Sets That Will Slice through Everything in 2024
Now that you know what to look for when you shop for a kitchen knife set, here are our picks for the 10 best.
Table of Contents
10. Utopia Kitchen Premium Class Stainless-Steel 12 Knife Set with Acrylic Stand
The first knife set on our list is the Utopia Kitchen Premium Class Stainless-Steel 12 Knife Set with Acrylic Stand. Here are some of the reasons that we like this set:
- These knives are made of solid stainless steel, so there’s no handle to worry about.
- Comes with an 8” chef’s knife, an 8” bread knife, a utility knife, a paring knife, and six steak knives.
- The acrylic stand gives this set a very cool and modern look.
- These knives are not dishwasher safe – you’ll need to wash them in the sink and dry them immediately.
- These are good starter knives but they need to be sharpened frequently.
- The acrylic case looks cool but could be sturdier.
9. LivingKit Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Set Block
Coming in at the #9 spot is the LivingKit Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Set Block. Here’s why it made our list:
- 14-piece set includes a chef’s knife, a bread knife, a slicing knife, a paring knife, a utility knife, six steak knives, kitchen shears, and a sharpener, as well as an attractive wood block.
- Knife blades are stainless steel and run all the way down to the end of the handle.
- These knives are very sharp and hold their edge well.
- These knives must be hand washed and dried to prevent rusting.
- The wooden base is small and would work better if it were a bit larger.
- The wooden block also has a bit of a tendency to wobble on the countertop.
8. Chicago Cutlery 1119644 Fusion Forged 18-Piece Knife Block Set
Our #8 pick in the Chicago Cutlery 1119644 Fusion Forged 18-Piece Knife Block Set. Here are some of the reasons that we selected it for our list:
- High-carbon stainless steel blades come with a lifetime warranty.
- Includes 18 pieces, including a Santoku knife, a Partoku knife, and sharpening steel.
- The sleek-looking wooden stand fits in well with most kitchen décor.
- The wooden block is large and takes up quite a bit of counter space.
- In some cases, the knives don’t sit flush in the block.
- This set doesn’t include kitchen shears, and that may be disappointing for some.
7. HomeHero 5-Piece Stainless Steel Sharpener and Block Kitchen Knife Set
The #7 pick on our list is the HomeHero 5-Piece Stainless Steel Sharpener and Block Kitchen Knife Set. This is a small set that we like for the following reasons:
- Comes with a stainless steel chef’s knife, bread knife, carving knife, paring knife, and utility knife, as well as a sharpener and a finger guard.
- This is an extremely affordable knife set and great for beginners.
- The knives are well-made and sharp enough for daily use.
- This is a small set and not ideal if you want steak knives or kitchen shears.
- The stand that comes with this set is acrylic and not very sturdy.
- These knives rust easily and must be dried thoroughly to prevent it.
6. Den Haven Professional Chef Knives, Multi Use 8 Piece Gift Set
Our #6 pick is the Den Haven Professional Chef Knives, Multi-Use 8-Piece Gift Set. We like this set for these reasons:
- Comes with a chef’s knife, carving knife, bread knife, paring knife, utility knife, cheese knife, and pizza knife, as well as a vegetable peeler.
- Bright and colorful set adds a bit of fun to your dinner preparation.
- These knives have a non-stick finish for easy cleaning.
- The holder that comes with these knives is a magnetic strip that hangs on the wall, and that may not appeal to some people.
- These knives are reasonably sharp but don’t hold an edge, as well as some more expensive knives, do.
- The included vegetable peeler is pretty flimsy, although it does a decent job peeling veggies.
5. AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Knife Block Set
Our #5 pick is the AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Knife Block Set. Here are some of the reasons that we love it:
- This set comes with all the knives you need – chef’s, carving, bread, paring, boning, utility, steak knives, Santoku knife, kitchen shears, and a sharpener.
- These knives are weighted for excellent balance and control.
- The handles are ergonomic and designed for comfort.
- These knives are well made but need to be sharpened frequently.
- The included block is tall and maybe a bit bulky if you have limited counter space.
- These knives may be too heavy for some people.
4. J.A. Henckels International Statement 15 piece Knife Set with Block
Coming in at #4 on our list is the J.A. Henckels International Statement 15-piece Knife Set with Block. Here are some of the things we like about it:
- This set includes a chef’s knife, a bread knife, two Santoku knives, a full set of steak knives, a paring knife, and a utility knife.
- The handles are triple-riveted and have a sleek, ergonomic design for easy handling.
- These knives are well-made, sharp, and durable.
- This set is made in China, not in Germany like the more expensive J.A. Henckels knives.
- The handles may be too large for people who have small hands.
- These knives are not dishwasher safe.
3. Equinox 7-Piece German Steel Knife Block Set with Detachable Sharpener
The #3 pick on our list is the Equinox 7-Piece German Steel Knife Block Set with Detachable Sharpener. Here are a few of the reasons that we chose it:
- This set includes a chef’s knife, a bread knife, a carving knife, a paring knife, a boning knife, and kitchen shears.
- The attractive wooden block includes a detachable knife sharpener.
- Made in Germany, these knives are well-constructed and very sharp.
- We’d love to see a similar set but with steak knives and a Santoku knife.
- The included knife block is not particularly attractive.
- The sharpener is not as effective as real sharpening steel would be.
2. Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 18-Piece Knife Block Set with In-Block Knife Sharpener
Our #2 pick is the Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 18-Piece Knife Block Set with In-Block Knife Sharpener. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to buy this set:
- Includes a chef’s knife, carving knife, bread knife, Santoku knife, paring knife, utility knife, eight steak knives, and kitchen shears.
- The included knife block has a built-in knife sharpener.
- Triple stainless steel rivets ensure that these knives will last.
- The tops of the handles are square and the knives tend to roll over on their “backs” with the blades up – so use caution.
- The in-block sharpener is not nearly as effective as real steel.
- As a result, these knives must be sharpened frequently.
1. Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-pc. Cutlery Knife Block Set
Calphalon is a respected name in kitchenware, so it should come as no surprise that the Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-pc. Cutlery Knife Block Set is our #1 pick. Here’s what we like about it:
- This set includes a chef’s knife, a Santoku knife, two utility knives, a pair of kitchen shears, a paring knife, and a full set of steak knives.
- The included wooden stand has ceramic sharpeners built into each slot so that the knives sharpen themselves on their way in and out of the block.
- This set comes with a full lifetime warranty.
- This is one of the pricier sets on our list, although it’s still inexpensive compared to most professional knives.
- This set does not include a bread knife.
Conclusion
Having the right set of knives can make cooking a pleasure. The ten sets on this list provide excellent quality and utility at any price point.
