Are you about to chop or slice food?
Before you prepare and cook, make sure you’re using the right knife! There are different types of kitchen knives, and each one has a role to fulfill. Using the right knife ensures you’ll have an easier time with food preparation, and the blades will last longer too.
Not sure which knife is which? We’ve got you covered! Continue reading to learn about each of the essential kitchen knives.
Chef’s Knife
When discussing different types of kitchen knives and their functions, you need to start with the chef’s knife. This is the most versatile tool in your lineup of blades. You’ll need it to chop and dice everything from fruits to vegetables and meat.
Bread Knife
Are you looking to cut soft bread or a baguette without losing the food’s integrity? You’ll need a bread knife for that job. This long, thin blade features a serrated edge which makes it easier to cut.
Bread knives are also great for slicing through soft tomatoes or tough shells, like melons.
Paring Knives
Though small, a paring knife is a necessary tool for peeling. It’s one of the most basic types of kitchen knives, but its small size makes it quite versatile.
All types of kitchen knives are acceptable, but you might struggle when peeling something small. It’s the ideal knife for potatoes or when you need to remove seeds.
Santoku Knife
You can’t have a complete set without a Santoku knife, which is the Japanese alternative to a traditional Chef’s knife. The word “santoku” refers to the three methods of using the tool: slicing, chopping, and dicing.
It’s a lighter, smaller knife with a straighter edge. This makes it an excellent choice for slicing cheese.
Cleaver
The best kitchen knife sets always come with a reliable cleaver. This is a large knife meant to chop tough slabs of bone and meat. It’s also a broad knife, so you can use the sides to crush ingredients, such as garlic cloves.
Kitchen Shears
Unlike traditional scissors, kitchen shears are great for snipping herbs, shrimps, octopus arms, squid tentacles, and chicken bits. Some chefs also use them in place of a pizza cutter.
Steak Knife
Here’s a knife you’ll use more for eating than cooking. A good steak knife can cut through cooked meat like butter. You’ll find both serrated and straight edge varieties.
Different Types of Kitchen Knives Explained
Now you know the different types of kitchen knives, from the Chef’s knife to the versatile paring knife. You’ll need a different knife for each cutting job. For example, a cleaver is better for chopping bones, but you’ll want a Santoku knife for dicing.
Of course, knowing the different kinds of knives is only the start. If you want to pick up even more food and culinary tips and tricks, feel free to keep reading our guides and lists on our website.
