Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 55% of people said that they’re skipping restaurants in favor of staying in and cooking at home. What’s more surprising, however, is that many consumers believe they’ll continue to cook at home, even after the pandemic is over.
If you’re in the same boat and you’re looking for new ways to improve your cooking skills, one of the best things you can do is get the right tools to help you prepare and cook delicious meals.
For example, no kitchen is complete without a good, high-quality chef’s knife. But with so many different knives on the market, how do you choose the right one?
You’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn about what to consider when shopping for a new chef’s knife.
Understand the Basics of a Good Knife
According to retired chef Andy Wang from Knives-Sensei.com, you need to understand the components of a good knife before buying anything Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to consider:
- The handle should feel comfortable in your hand and allow you to use a natural grip to hold it
- The bolster, where the blade and handle meet, should give you added stability while you cut
- The spine, which is the top part of the blade, should be smooth, so it doesn’t irritate your hand
- The blade should be sharp, with a slight curve at the tip to make chopping easier
Keep all of these features in mind as you start shopping around.
Explore a Variety of Knives
It’s tempting to do a quick online search for “best knives” and order one based on reviews, but you should resist that urge. Instead, take the time to research several different types of knives either online or in-person at a cutlery store.
Start by thinking about what you cook most often. Do you need the perfect knife for chopping vegetables or are you looking for something to help you cut different types of meat?
Then, enlist the help of an expert and ask them about different options like the benefits of a forged knife or the differences between a Serbian chef knife and a German-style knife. As you look at what’s available, explore the handle, bolster, spine, and blade of each one to see what you like.
The more you know about your options, the more likely you are to pick the right one for your needs.
Take It for a Test Drive
Once you’ve found a chef’s knife you like, ask about the store’s return policy. Ideally, you’ll be able to try out the knife at home to make sure it’s comfortable and not dull. Once you’ve made your purchase, the fun part begins! Put your knife to the test, making sure it’s comfortable when you’re mincing, dicing, carving, and cutting.
If the blade is sharp and it feels like a good fit in your hand, then you’ve found the perfect chef’s knife for your kitchen.
Get Cooking With a New Chef’s Knife
Now that you have a better understanding of what to consider when shopping for a chef’s knife, you can follow our advice and then get to cooking. You just may be surprised about all the delicious meals you can make once you have a good knife.
For more ideas on how to elevate your home life, be sure to read through our other articles before you go.