Get the Right Knives & Flatware for All Your Meal Prep & Dining Needs

Every home needs a good set of kitchen knives for preparing meals, and a nice set of flatware for serving them. If you’re starting from scratch look for a knife set that has at minimum a chef knife, bread knife, paring knife, and carving knife. If the set includes a Santoku knife even better, as it allows for mincing, dicing and slicing. Most sets include a knife block for safe storage and easy access on your countertop. Knife material and construction are also important. Stainless steel knives are less likely to rust or stain, and full tang knives are more durable because the metal extends from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle. You’ll also want a knife sharpener to keep a fine edge on your blades. Self-sharpening knife blocks are also available.

Flatware is available in various numbers of place settings to suit the size of your family. At minimum your set should include dinner knives, dinner forks, salad forks, soup spoons, and teaspoons. In addition to aesthetic appeal, weight and balance are primary considerations when choosing flatware. The cutlery should feel comfortable in your hand and allow for easy manipulation. If meat frequents your menu, a good set of steak knives is essential. You’ll also want to have various serving utensils such as salad tongs, a soup ladle, butter knife, and cake knife.