Henckels, also known as J.A. Henckels or Henckels International, produces kitchen knives, cookware, flatware, and other kitchen tools. But since they are best-known for kitchen knives, that will be the focus of this review. Henckels is one of six brands under the umbrella of Zwilling J.A. Henckels. You may recognize the other brands, including Zwilling, Miyabi, Staub, Demeyere, and Ballarini. Zwilling J.A. Henckels began in the 1700s in Solingen, Germany, firmly entrenching itself as one of the oldest global brands and one of the most renowned knife makers in the world. Solingen has become known as the ¡°City of Blades¡± because it’s home to several prominent knife and blade makers, including Wusthof, Boker, and DOVO, to name a few. Because Henckels and Zwilling both share part of the parent company’s name, people often confuse the brands.
Why Choose Henckels Knife Sets?
Hailing from Solingen, Germany’s “City of Blades,” founder Peter Henckels’ legacy is built on centuries of craftsmanship, offering precisely engineered knives and kitchen tools. These days, Henckels knives are owned by Zwilling and are manufactured in China and Spain (which helps reduce the cost of production.) Still known for their balance, sharp edge, and durability, Henckels products are a top pick for both home cooks and professional chefs worldwide. Henckels’ reputation for premium-styled knives with mid-range prices ensures they are a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to upgrade their kitchen tools without breaking the budget. Different knives serve different purposes – a chef’s knife is great for a variety of tasks, while a paring knife is designed for more precise cuts. Knowing your needs will help you pick the right knife to dice and mince with ease.
Top Henckels Knife Sets Reviewed
Henckels Statement 15-Piece Knife Block Set
The J.A. Henckels 15-Piece Statement Knife Block Set is a solid, versatile set that landed in the middle of the pack during testing. With 15 pieces – an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3-inch paring knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch bread knife and six 4 1/2-inch steak knives, in addition to sharpening steel, kitchen shears and a hardwood block – we gave it high marks for all its useful add-ons and accessories. They’re made with honed stainless steel blades and curved plastic handles with full tang; the chef’s knife was our favorite, though it felt light in the hand.
- Pros: Comprehensive set with a variety of knives, including steak knives and shears; affordable price point; ergonomic handles.
- Cons: Sharpness dulls quickly, requiring frequent resharpening; lighter feel may not suit heavy-duty tasks.
- Testing Scenario: Sliced tomatoes, diced onions, and cut through proteins with ease, though the chef’s knife required more pressure for tougher vegetables like rutabagas.
Shop Henckels Statement 15-Piece Knife Block Set on Amazon
Henckels Modernist 7-Piece Knife Set
Henckels Modernist has the traditional German style of the Classic line, with the full tang and bolster, but with its all-stainless blade and handle, the look is much more modern. It uses the same high carbon German steel seen in all Henckels knives (and also in more expensive German knives). It’s a great-looking knife, and will complement the decor of most kitchens. Made in China. Out-of-box sharpness: 240g (new high end cutlery). Weight: 7.4 oz.
- Pros: Sleek, modern design; sharp out of the box; comfortable, brushed steel handle with good grip.
- Cons: Requires more frequent sharpening than premium knives; made in China, which may affect tempering quality.
- Testing Scenario: Used for prepping veggies, fruits, and deboning chickens; performed well for basic cutting tasks but needed steeling before heavy use.
Shop Henckels Modernist 7-Piece Knife Set on Amazon
Henckels Solution 15-Piece Knife Block Set
A collection like Henckels Solution 15-Pc Knife Block Set can solve any kitchen dilemma you come up against. As esteemed Cozymeal partner Chef Natasha describes it in her own Henckels knife set review, “This is a great all-in-one set. It has all the knives needed for the home cook. The knives are durable and lightweight with a really clean, sharp edge. Additionally, the knife block is sleek and stylish.” All pieces in the Solution collection are also dishwasher-safe for a dash of added convenience.
- Pros: Lightweight and durable; dishwasher-safe; includes all essential knives for home cooks.
- Cons: Stamped blades may not retain edges as long as forged; less premium feel compared to higher-end sets.
- Testing Scenario: Excelled at slicing delicate ingredients like tomatoes and herbs; performed adequately for heavier tasks but required honing for optimal performance.
Shop Henckels Solution 15-Piece Knife Block Set on Amazon
Henckels Classic 15-Piece Self-Sharpening Block Set
This set saves you money in two ways. First, it’s less expensive than similar sets to purchase, and second, you won’t need to buy a knife sharpener to maintain the knives. The knife block has Edgekeeper sharpeners in each slot, so your knives will get a sharpening swipe every time you insert and remove them. The blades are fully forged from high-carbon stainless steel, and the triple-riveted handles are comfortable to hold-impressive features considering the price.
- Pros: Self-sharpening block; forged blades for durability; comfortable handles.
- Cons: Block is larger than some competitors; some users report minor wear on blades over time.
- Testing Scenario: Produced thin tomato slices and finely diced onions with ease; self-sharpening feature maintained edge during extended use.
Shop Henckels Classic 15-Piece Self-Sharpening Block Set on Amazon
Comparison of Henckels Knife Sets
| Knife Set | Number of Pieces | Blade Type | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henckels Statement 15-Piece | 15 | Stamped | Includes steak knives, shears, ergonomic handles | $100-$150 |
| Henckels Modernist 7-Piece | 7 | Forged | Modern stainless design, sharp out of box | $150-$200 |
| Henckels Solution 15-Piece | 15 | Stamped | Dishwasher-safe, lightweight, sleek block | $80-$120 |
| Henckels Classic 15-Piece | 15 | Forged | Self-sharpening block, durable blades | $250-$300 |
Buying Guide for Henckels Knife Sets
Buying pre-packaged multiples of cookware and kitchen tools can be tricky: The discounted pricing makes them appealing, but you’ll often end up with unused pieces. When it comes to knife sets specifically, my advice is to assess what you really need before you take the plunge, whether you’re starting completely from scratch, redoing the basics of your collection, or simply want to add a handful of new blades to what you already own – then take your pick from there. To curate this list, I first took into consideration the backbone of most great groupings: a sharp, durable chef’s knife. With the exception of a couple of speciality packs (like steak knives), every set on this list includes one. It’s the knife you’re likely to turn to most often, and a quality one is a good indication that the others will be well made, too.
- Determine Your Cooking Needs: Consider how often you cook and the types of tasks you perform. A basic set with a chef’s knife, paring knife, and serrated utility knife may suffice for casual cooks, while frequent cooks may benefit from sets with additional specialized knives like santoku or boning knives.
- Choose Between Forged and Stamped Blades: You can grab a stamped knife and cut up vegetables for a stir fry or slice tender cuts of meat. The forged knife is your workhorse to debone a chicken and cut through firm ingredients like squash and watermelon. To be clear: you can still have quality on both sides. But keep these differences in mind when shopping since Henckels offers both.
- Consider Maintenance: Henckels knives are sharp out of the box, sharpened to a 15-degree angle on both sides. While not as sharp as some Japanese knives, you won’t have any issues slicing through even the most delicate ingredients (including sushi). The stamped knives don’t retain their edges as long as forged blades and will need to be sharpened more frequently. Keep that in mind when deciding which collection to buy.
- Evaluate Storage Options: Most Henckels sets come with a knife block, but some offer expandable blocks for future additions. Ensure the block fits your kitchen counter space and aesthetic preferences.
- Budget Considerations: Henckels offers sets at various price points. Budget-friendly options like the Solution or Statement series are ideal for beginners, while the Classic or Modernist lines offer premium features for those willing to invest more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Henckels knives dishwasher-safe?
Many Henckels knives, particularly those in the Solution and Statement series, are dishwasher-safe. However, hand washing is recommended for forged blades like those in the Classic or Modernist lines to maintain their edge and appearance.
What is the difference between Henckels and Zwilling knives?
Henckels and Zwilling J.A. Henckels are brands under the same parent company. Henckels typically offers more budget-friendly, stamped knives for home cooks, while Zwilling focuses on premium, forged knives for serious chefs. Both brands maintain high quality standards.
How often should I sharpen my Henckels knives?
Stamped Henckels knives may need sharpening every few months with regular use, while forged blades can last longer, up to six months to a year. Using a honing steel regularly and investing in a quality sharpener, like those from Work Sharp, can extend edge retention.
Which Henckels knife set is best for beginners?
The Henckels Solution 15-Piece Knife Block Set is ideal for beginners due to its affordability, comprehensive selection, and dishwasher-safe design, making maintenance easy for new cooks.
Do Henckels knife sets come with a warranty?
Yes, Henckels offers a lifetime warranty on most of its knives, covering manufacturing defects. Contact their customer service or check the warranty details on Zwilling’s official website for specifics.
Conclusion
Henckels knife sets offer a balance of quality, durability, and affordability, making them a top choice for home cooks and professionals alike. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly Solution series or the premium Classic self-sharpening set, there’s a Henckels set to meet your kitchen needs. By considering your cooking habits, blade preferences, and maintenance willingness, you can select the perfect set to elevate your culinary experience. Explore these options on Amazon to find the best deal for your kitchen.