Even as a Dietitian, I Don’t Always Feel Like Cooking — These Are the Knives That Make Preparing Dinner Easier

This three-piece set of knives delivers the essentials: a good chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. With these on hand, you can do most any culinary task, and the Made In 3-Piece Knife Set lets you do them particularly well. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.8-inch paring knife, and a 9-inch bread knife, all of which are exceptionally sharp, attractive, and pleasurable to handle.

As a culinary dietitian, it’s safe to say that I care about my knives. My own stash is a curated set of individually selected knives, each rivaled by its counterpart in the Made In set. I tend to prefer smaller, lighter knives for my prep tasks because I find heavy knives, like German options, unnecessarily cumbersome and fatiguing. The Made In set falls somewhere in the middle. The knives have enough weight to actually be helpful for certain tasks like chopping cooked chicken, but they are still light enough that I didn’t feel any strain. The blades feel balanced, they held their edge with the heavy use that I give my knives, and they are honed beautifully. This set is a great option if you’re replacing a set or just starting out building your kitchen, because it encompasses so many tasks. It would be a fabulous gift for a housewarming or a wedding, for example.

Misen might be known for its cookware, but we are so glad it got into the knife game, especially with this five-piece set. This set starts off with predictable options like an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, and an 8-inch serrated knife, but it goes rogue with a smaller 5.5-inch utility knife and a 6-inch bunka knife. The smaller size of the utility knife might make it a more desirable option for entry-level knife users, and the bunka’s unique triangular tip lets you use it for more detailed tasks like fine dices and very thin slices.

Dietitian and health writer Caitlin Beale, RDN, tested these knives and remarked on their sharpness and comfort, saying, “I love how easily these cut through all types of food. They feel good in my hands. I like the weight, and the handle has some sort of matte finish that feels anti-slip.” She adds that they seem worth the investment as well, saying, “If you’re ready to upgrade to better quality knives (and also ready to take good care of them by hand-washing), these are definitely worth it. They will last a long time if well cared for.” She notes that they didn’t feel quite as luxurious as another brand she tried, but she says that these felt “sturdy” and built for performance. Whether you’re an advanced cook looking to replace your knives, or you are just starting out and need a set to kick things off, this Misen 5-Piece Knife Set offers reliable performance in a truly unique set of knives.

Knives are one of the categories of kitchen equipment with the widest price range, and while this knife set from Shun is perhaps at the upper end of that range, we think it’s well worth the price tag. Good knives, when well cared for, can last for ages, and if they’re something you use frequently, then the per-use price tag really works in your favor. We consider this to be a set that’s not only built for longevity but also built for style, thanks to the razor-sharp, Damascus-style Japanese steel, which is known for its sharp edges. The equipment in the set covers a multitude of tasks, with four different multiuse knives, a pair of kitchen shears, a honing steel, and a knife block.

Beale says, “These are now my favorite knives. I love how they look and how they feel. They feel high-end and make it so easy to chop/prep ingredients. Also, the scissors are amazing — sharp and snip through everything (including pizza crust).” While these are an investment, Beale says that “these are well worth it,” and she notes that the knife block and honing rod add even more value. These might be a little too spendy to be giftable, unless you’re feeling exceptionally generous, but we recommend them for households that cook a lot and place a high value on quality kitchen equipment. 

There’s absolutely no reason you can’t find a great set of knives with a more budget-friendly price tag, and the Paudin 4-Piece Chef Knife Set is a fabulous option if you want sharp steel in a stylish build for a lower cost. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch nakiri knife, a 5-inch utility knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife. The nakiri is a standout among what is otherwise a pretty standard set of knives, and it is especially useful if you do a lot of work with produce. Its wide, flat, straight blade is made for push cutting, not the rocking motion you use with a rounded-edged chef’s knife. We love that the set includes both options, and while there is some overlap in use cases across the knives here, they do offer distinct styles.

As a dietitian and health writer, Holly Klamer is no stranger to the kitchen, and after testing these knives for us, she told us they are “super sharp, comfortable, and balanced.” She found herself gravitating toward the 5-inch utility knife the most, saying, “These are already my go-tos to use, especially the 5-inch utility knife. I love the size and feel. It made meal prep easier because the knives work so well.” We love that you can get four super-solid knives here for under $100, and we think they make a fantastic starter set for those who do a lot of veggie work. 

There is absolutely no reason why kitchen equipment shouldn’t be as attractive as it is functional, and for those who want a bit more visual appeal from their kitchen wares, we highly recommend the Hedley & Bennett Chef’s Knife Set. The set includes a pretty standard compilation of three knives: an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8.6-inch bread knife, and a 5.6-inch utility knife — but they’re done in an array of color options that includes Shiso Green, Enoki White, and Tortoiseshell (our favorite), as well as the more standard Caviar Black, all with attractive gold-colored rivets. Unfortunately, the brand does not currently make any other knife sizes or shapes, so if you were hoping to complete a set with a paring knife or matching steak knives, you’re out of luck. Still, we think these have enough wow factor to stand on their own.

Dietitian and health writer SaVanna Shoemaker, RDN, LD, tested this set for us and declared, “I love pretty much everything about these knives. They have a more slim profile than most knives I’ve tried, but the tortoiseshell handles are gorgeous. During my brief testing period, these became some of my favorite knives ever.” The set is made to both look nice and perform, and Shoemaker says that the set “does both in my opinion. I would gladly leave these knives out for display on a magnetic knife bar or block, and I was very impressed with how sharp they are and how well they cut.” She even says that “compared to others I’ve tried, these look the nicest, and I think they are probably the sharpest right out of the box.” The price tag for these three knives is mid-range, making them a generous gift but far from the most expensive option to outfit your kitchen.

We’re always skeptical of all-in-one sets because you may find yourself sacrificing quality in one area in order to get a bit of everything, but the Caraway Knife & Utensil Set feels pretty even across the board in terms of quality and functionality. The assortment of knives here is one of our favorites that we came across, including a larger chef’s knife, a smaller but wider-bladed prep knife, a bread knife, a paring knife, and kitchen shears. On top of that, there is a set of kitchen utensils all made of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)–certified birchwood, which includes tongs, several spoons and spatulas, and separate but connected storage compartments for both knives and utensils.

When testing these, I really liked the assortment of knives, especially the size and shape of the prep knife, and found myself reaching for it often. While overall these knives aren’t necessarily as sharp or luxurious-feeling as some other knives, they are still functional, and this set has me thinking I need a smaller prep knife in my own collection. I also love that the utensils are safe for nonstick pans, made of quality wood, and come in several fun color options. The knife handles and storage components are color-matched, and you can choose from Cream, Navy, Gray, Mist (a teal-like green), Perracotta (a pinky terracotta), and Charcoal. While these might be a bit on the pricey side for a beginner set, they definitely work as a one-stop shopping set of knives and utensils for those who want cute but functional pieces in their kitchen.

While it may be a lavish gift option, the Schmidt Brothers 12-Piece Giotto Knife Block Set will certainly be something the recipient holds on to and cherishes for years to come. The set includes a combination of knives we love, including an 8.5-inch bread knife, an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch nakiri knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 4-inch paring knife, and a set of six steak knives. While some of these seem standard, you don’t often see them together, and we love the inclusion of the nakiri knife, which has a dimpled blade to reduce sticking when slicing through certain textures.

Health writer Raki Swanson says that she loved the “beautiful [round] rotating storage block,” which we think is a unique and functional countertop storage option, especially for a set this large. Swanson also says that “the quality of the block, along with the knives, is worth every penny. If taken care of properly, this could last someone years,” and we’re inclined to agree. Not only is the set timeless — it also features solid German stainless steel and construction that will last for decades, if cared for. Gift giving is tough, but picking this set is easy — add it to your wedding registry or split the cost with a friend; gifting it will always be a win.

While this bread knife from Steelport Knife Co. is definitely a splurge, anyone who owns a good bread knife will tell you that it’s an essential tool, and anyone who has seen this bread knife in person will tell you that it’s stunning. Bread knives differ from standard chef’s knives in that they have a longer, narrower, serrated blade. This makes it easier to cut through tough but delicate baked goods and easily-squished produce like tomatoes. If you’re a BLT lover, you know exactly what we mean. Not only is this bread knife from Steelport very effective at its job — it’s also one of the most beautiful pieces of cutlery we’ve come across.

Our own editorial director (and seasoned health and science journalist) Simone Scully fell in love with this knife from Steelport Knife Co. when she tried it, saying, “These are, quite simply, the most gorgeous knives I have ever seen. First, there is the handle, which is made of burlwood that has been processed and treated to create a shiny, natural-looking handle, while the knife itself is forged from carbon steel, using traditional forging techniques. Each knife is made by hand, which I really appreciated.” She notes that it is very costly, but says, “If you’re okay getting knives one by one as gifts for a loved one — or you don’t mind the investment — then these are very nice.” This knife is a functional work of art, and if you’re a collector, we think it’s worth the price.

While chef’s knives may be regarded as the do-it-all option for kitchens, not everyone is as comfortable with their larger size and heavier weight, opting instead for a smaller utility knife like this one from the Cutluxe Artisan Series. These knives are a bit smaller than chef’s knives — this one is 5.5 inches — but they have much of the same functionality as their larger sibling. That might make them easier to maneuver for people with smaller hands, those with limited grip strength, or anyone who just doesn’t feel comfortable wielding a huge knife. Utility knives work for fruit and vegetable prep as well as meat and fish work, and this option is both cost-effective and sharp.

Science and health writer Olivia Campbell tested this knife out in her own kitchen and found that it opened up a whole new world. She says, “I’ve never had a knife go through a tomato so easily — like butter. It has a very satisfying weight to the handle, which I’ve also never experienced.” The price makes it one of the most budget-friendly picks on our list. Just keep in mind that the narrow width of the blade can make certain chopping motions harder, such as rocking, as your fingers can come in contact with the board, but you’ll still be able to slice your way through. Perfect for gifting, ideal for starter kitchens (or starter cooks), and even for dorms and apartments with limited storage, this utility knife from Cutluxe is definitely worth considering on your knife search. 

If you’re not used to working with larger kitchen knives, it can be intimidating to start using them, and you may not want to invest a lot up front, so we love this set from Quince for its very reasonable price tag and multiple, standard-size knife options — perfect for those who are just getting started with cooking. This set is made from forged German stainless steel and has the quintessential heft that comes with it. The ergonomic grip is also great for entry-level knife users, who may not always find a straight-style handle as comfortable.

After testing these, Shoemaker told us that while she wishes the set came with a bread knife, she really appreciates “that this set includes a midsize knife. I could see this 5-inch knife being really helpful for lots of things — specifically prepping smaller fruits and vegetables. Sometimes a paring knife is too small and a chef’s knife feels too big, and the 5-inch knife is a good middle ground.” She notes that this set does feel like it’s geared more toward beginner cooks, saying “this is meant to be a basic knife set that is well-made, affordable, and works well — I think it delivers on all three counts.” While it may not have every single knife that a kitchen could ask for, it does offer a great starting point for those beginning their knife journey and a great foundation to build on.