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Did you know that the correct length of a chef's knife has a major impact not only on the efficiency of your work in the kitchen, but also on safety when cutting? But how do you find your way around knife lengths? Maybe it's not as complicated as it might seem. We'll show you a simple way to choose the ideal knife just for you, and we'll add some useful tips to make your choice easier.
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What is the best length for a chef's knife?
At first glance, the range of chef's knives can seem endless and difficult to navigate. However, there are actually three groups of chef's knives, each with its own specific advantages and therefore suitable for a different type of user or task:
Short cooking knives
- around 16 cm -
Short chef's knives are the perfect choice for those with small hands or who prefer more control when working. Their size makes them ideal for delicate tasks such as slicing herbs, fruits, vegetables or peeling. They are suitable for those who prefer an easy to use knife.
Medium chef's knives
- around 20 cm -
If you're hesitant about which knife to get, you'll never go wrong with a length of around 20 cm. It is a universal chef's knife, which is an essential part of all knife sets. It's long enough to cut larger pieces of meat or vegetables and is easy to handle. This length is the ideal choice for cooks looking for a versatile helper for everyday cooking.
Long chef's knives
- around 26 cm -
Long chef's knives are a great choice for those who need to work with larger pieces of food such as melon, pumpkin, or when carving meat. They require a little more dexterity and strength, and are therefore more suitable for those with larger hands who prefer more reach and power when slicing.
The most popular chef's knives according to our customers' reviews
Our tip
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How to care for kitchen knives
Sharp knives not only make food preparation easier, but also ensure safety in the kitchen. We therefore give you useful tips on how to care for your knives properly, including washing, storing, using and, of course, sharpening.
4 steps for
Choosing the ideal chef's knife
- Ergonomic handle: Simply put, the knife has to fit your hand. So it can easily happen that if there are more than one of you cooking in the household, everyone will need their own chef's knife. In fact, people with smaller hands will welcome a more subtle knife, while a chunky knife will fit better in a large hand.
- Purpose of use: Consider what dishes you prepare most often. If you cook in a variety of ways but don't want to have an arsenal of knives in your kitchen, a universal length of around 20 cm is ideal. If you specialise in a particular type of food, choose a length to suit your specific ingredients.
- Material and quality: Investing in a knife of quality steel is definitely worth it. A well-sharpened blade will stay sharp for a long time and will be comfortable to work with.
- Balance: You can tell if the knife is properly balanced by placing your finger under the point where the blade meets the handle and the knife does not overhang to either side. This is the only knife you will be comfortable working with.
Reliable chef's knives
A knife for him and her?
That one size fits all doesn't really apply in the kitchen. A chef's knife simply has to fit well in your hand. The standard chef's knife sets include a 20 cm long chef's knife. But if you're 160 cm tall and have small hands, you're probably not going to be comfortable with one. So you may find you need two knives at home - one for her and one for him. And it won't be money wasted, because with a well-chosen knife, every cooking session is a joy!
What is a chef's knife used for?
First and foremost, the chef's knife is a versatile tool that should not be missing from any kitchens. You can do almost anything with it. Most often, however, it is used to:
- Cutting meat: Whether it's poultry, beef or fish, the chef's knife is robust and sharp enough to handle it all.
- Slicing vegetables and fruit: With its wide blade and sharp edge, it can quickly and accurately slice all kinds of vegetables, from onions to hard root crops.
- Chopping herbs: The wide blade allows easy and efficient chopping.
Alternative to chef's knife: santoku
If you are looking for another tool that offers similar features but a slightly different design, the knife would be an excellent choice.santoku. It has an almost straight blade, which almost eliminates incomplete cuts.
- Strengths: It's great for slicing vegetables, fish or chopping herbs, thanks to its wider and super-sharp blade. The blade also has tiny cut-outs on it (called grantons) that prevent ingredients from sticking to it.
- Restrictions: The blade is usually shorter and is also made of very hard steel, which, while allowing for extreme sharpness, is more brittle and therefore not suitable for cutting tough foods such as pumpkin, melon or bones.
The best santoku knives according to our customer reviews
The best brands of chef's knives
If you're looking for a quality chef's knife that will meet all your expectations, look to these proven brands:- Wüsthof: German brand with a tradition since 1814, specializing in knives with perfect balance and sharpness.
- ZwillingDescription : Another German manufacturer offering a wide range of chef's knives suitable for both professionals and home cooks.
- Güde Solingen: Family-owned company from the famous cutlery town of Solingen. The knives of this brand are characterized by handmade and traditional workmanship.
FAQ
The most frequently asked question
How to sharpen a chef's knife properly?
For manual grinding, use a grinding stone or a whetstone. Hold the knife at an angle of 15-20° and draw the blade across the stone in even strokes. Electric grinders can be faster, but care must be taken to set the angle correctly.
What is the difference between a chef's knife and a Santoku knife?
The chef's knife has a curved blade suitable for swinging when slicing, while the Santoku knife has a straighter blade ideal for precise cuts and chopping. Both are versatile but differ in shape and technique of use.
How to care for a chef's knife to keep it sharp?
Hand wash and dry the knife after each use. Store it on a magnetic rail or in a protective sheath. Shake it regularly and avoid cutting on hard surfaces such as glass or stone.
What is the ideal length of a chef's knife for home use?
For most home cooks, a blade length between 15-20 cm is ideal. This length provides a balance between maneuverability and the ability to handle a variety of kitchen tasks.
What are the best brands of chef's knives?
Renowned brands include Wüsthof, Zwilling and Güde Solingen. These brands are known for their quality, durability and precision craftsmanship.