Do you know which kitchen knife does what?
There are many different types of knives, each designed to handle food just a little differently. Here are some of the most common kitchen knives and what tasks they are used for.
Chef’s knife. This is the most common, workhorse knife of them all. It can be used for so many different things, from chopping herbs to preparing your meat. These knives can come in a number of sizes and lengths, so choose one that feels comfortable for you. If you are looking for a knife to handle most of your jobs, a chef’s knife is what you are looking for.
Paring knife. Sometimes called a vegetable knife, these shorter knives are perfect for precision tasks like peeling or slicing small fruit and vegetables. This knife is mainly used when you cut something in your hand instead of on a cutting board.
Utility knife. Sized between a chef’s knife and paring knife, the utility knife is another all-purpose knife. It is mainly used for cutting up larger vegetables or meat that do not quite require the size of a chef’s knife.
Bread knife or serrated knife. These knives are typically longer, with a serrated edge. It’s perfect for cutting bread, and leaves you with clean slices and few crumbs. It can also be used to slice vegetables and fruits. This knife does best slicing things – it’s not really meant to be used for peeling or chopping.
Carving knife. A carving knife has a longer blade and is used to cut thin slices of meat such as roasts, ham and poultry. It’s thinner than a chef’s knife, allowing you to cut out thin, even slices.
Santoku knife. This Japanese knife has a straighter edge than a chef’s knife and scalloped depressions along the side of the blade. These carved out pockets prevent the food from sticking to the knife, and in most cases, it can be used in place of a chef’s knife. However, a Santoku knife is usually thinner and lighter, allowing the user to slice food like meat and seafood a little thinner.
Each kitchen knife is designed for a specific job, and the one you pick really does make a difference. Picking the right knife for the job can make your food slicing and dicing so much easier. Are you using the right knife for the job?