Top 10 Best Affordable Knife Sets for Every Kitchen in 2023

A quality kitchen knife set is a must for any home cook. Whether you’re looking for a professional-grade knife set or an affordable gift for a new cook, these best-selling knife sets from Cuisinart, J.A. Henckels, Wusthof, and more on Amazon have rave customer reviews describing why they’re so great. We all know how important the right knife can be. It’s the tool we’re constantly reaching for, from the very beginning of a recipe to its finishing garnish. And while we love researching and buying each blade separately, we’re also big fans of the convenience of scooping up a set all at once.

Why Invest in a Knife Set?

Purchasing one of the best knife sets is a quick and easy way to furnish your kitchen with cutlery, but know that you don’t need very many blades, and you’ll do more than fine with a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife. Beyond those, you might consider a Santoku for finely slicing meat, or a boning or utility knife for similarly precise work. A great set of knives is essential for any kitchen, whether you’re regularly mincing up ingredients for a shepherd’s pie or simply carving a grocery store rotisserie chicken. Sharp, easy-to-hold knives make chopping and slicing easier and safer-and can also allow for greater control when dealing with more intricate cuts. Investing in a complete set is the easiest (and more economical) option to prep your kitchen for any task.

Top 10 Affordable Knife Sets for 2023

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 affordable knife sets for 2023, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing scenarios to help you make an informed decision.

1. Cuisinart Advantage Color Collection 12-Piece Knife Set

Best Color-Coded: Cuisinart Advantage Color Collection Kitchen Knife Set at Amazon $30
Allstar Faith appreciates the variety and value of these knives, praising them for their well-made, balanced design. In tests, each blade made precise, clear cuts with fruits, vegetables, and cheese, though there was some tearing when it came to meat. Likewise, she wasn’t sure how long the colorful ceramic coating would last with regular use. The set swaps a bulky storage block for individual sheaths, so they were easy to store safely in a drawer without worrying about the blades dulling or accidentally cutting fingers. “Honestly, I love the color scheme and basic function of these knives,” she says. “Anyone who loves a pop of color in their kitchen would appreciate these. They work great and look great!” The Details: Stainless steel blade with ceramic coating; matching plastic knife guards; includes 8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch slicing knife, 8-inch serrated bread knife; 7-inch Santoku knife, 6.5-inch utility knife; 3.5-inch paring knife.

• Pros: Vibrant color-coding prevents cross-contamination, affordable price, includes sheaths for safe storage.
• Cons: Ceramic coating may wear over time, some tearing when cutting meat.
• Testing Scenario: Sliced tomatoes, cheese, and meat; performed well with fruits and vegetables but struggled slightly with meat.

2. Henckels Statement Knife Block Set

Best Value: Henckels Statement Knife Block Set at Amazon $119
This set includes a variety of knives that are perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The knives are sharp, well-balanced, and come with a sleek wooden block for storage. In testing, the chef’s knife and paring knife stood out for their precision and ease of use, making them ideal for everyday tasks like chopping vegetables and peeling fruit.

• Pros: Excellent value, sharp blades, includes a stylish storage block.
• Cons: Some users report the block takes up significant counter space.
• Testing Scenario: Used for chopping onions, peeling kiwis, and slicing chicken; performed consistently well across tasks.

3. AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set

Best for Beginners: AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set at Amazon $61
We loved the previous version of this set from our first round of testing-now out of stock-that boasted a sharp, smooth-slicing chef’s knife with a 7.75-inch blade, as well as a deftly maneuvering 3.25-inch paring knife. Both knives provided fluid, smooth, and effortless performance, especially while slicing tomatoes. This new version includes a 15-piece set ranging from a small 3-inch peeling knife to an 8-inch scalloped bread knife, kitchen shears, steak knives, and a wooden block. In tests, this set was a favorite of Allstar Faith Nettles, who appreciated their basic, well-made design that would match any kitchen aesthetic. While the pieces had some weight to them, they weren’t awkward to hold, and the blades themselves produced even slices of fruits, vegetables, cheese, and meat with zero tearing.

• Pros: Comprehensive set with steak knives, affordable, reliable performance.
• Cons: Slightly heavier than some competitors, basic design may not appeal to all.
• Testing Scenario: Tested with fruits, vegetables, cheese, and meat; produced even slices with no tearing.

4. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set

Best Budget Knife Set: Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Knife Block Set at Amazon
Whether you’re someone who eats out more than they cook at home or you like to keep it pretty simple in the kitchen, you probably don’t need to spend hundreds on a knife set. For those looking for a more affordable collection, this set from Mercer Culinary is a true kitchen workhorse. As the leading knife supplier to culinary schools in North America, Mercer Culinary makes cutlery that can take a beating-and this set is no exception. Featuring high-carbon stainless steel blades and thermoplastic handles that are ergonomic and nonslip, this collection includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 6-inch boning knife, 5-inch utility knife and 8-inch bread knife, all of which are durable and easy to maneuver. For the storage solution, you can choose between two space-saving options: a wood and tempered glass block or a metal and tempered glass stand, which costs about $45 less.

• Pros: Durable, ergonomic handles, space-saving storage options.
• Cons: Limited to six pieces, may not suit those needing more variety.
• Testing Scenario: Used in culinary school settings; handled heavy-duty tasks like boning and chopping with ease.

5. Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Set (5 Piece)

Best Cheap Set: Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Set (5 Piece) at Amazon
The knives in Victorinox’s five-piece Swiss Classic knife set are lightweight, sharp out of the package, and easy to hold. Knives included: 3-1/2 paring knife, 6-inch utility (or boning) knife, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch chef’s knife, 9-inch honing steel, pair of “come-apart” kitchen shears. Pros: High-quality steel, great edge retention, exceptionally comfortable handles, one of the best knife sets for small kitchens. Cons: A little difficult to sharpen yourself (but that’s what the sharpening service is for).

• Pros: Lightweight, sharp, ideal for small kitchens.
• Cons: Sharpening can be challenging without professional tools.
• Testing Scenario: Tested by dulling and resharpening; maintained sharpness through multiple tasks.

6. Chicago Cutlery Fusion Block Set

Best with Steak Knives: Chicago Cutlery Fusion Block Set at Amazon $59
It’s hard to find fault with the Chicago Cutlery Fusion set, which includes every knife you’ll need along with a sharpening steel, and extensive testing cemented this comprehensive collection as our top pick. This set includes a variety of knives, including steak knives, making it ideal for those who frequently entertain or cook meat-heavy meals.

• Pros: Comprehensive set with steak knives, includes sharpening steel, great value.
• Cons: Some users note the block is bulky.
• Testing Scenario: Used for slicing bread, chopping vegetables, and cutting steak; performed well across all tasks.

7. Farberware Edgekeeper Block Set

Best Classic: Farberware Edgekeeper Block Set at Amazon $59
This set features a self-sharpening block, ensuring your knives remain sharp with every use. The knives are well-balanced and suitable for everyday kitchen tasks, making this a great choice for beginners.

• Pros: Self-sharpening block, affordable, reliable for daily use.
• Cons: Not as durable as higher-end sets.
• Testing Scenario: Tested with daily chopping and slicing; maintained sharpness with the self-sharpening feature.

8. Ginsu Chikara 8-Piece Bamboo Block Knife Set

Best Japanese: Ginsu Chikara 8-Piece Bamboo Block Knife Set at Amazon $100
This set of Japanese-style knives includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 5-inch non-serrated utility knife, a pair of kitchen shears, and a honing rod. The tiered knife block, although it takes up a good amount of space on the counter, makes it easy to see exactly where each knife is stored. It’s also lightweight and made using bamboo, a sustainable and renewable material. We were big fans of the santoku knife in this set. The handle felt extremely balanced, and the heel design features a thick, heavy bolster. All of the knives, however, were super sharp right out of the box. The chef’s knife was able to slice completely through a sheet of paper without catching and cut through a tomato with little to no effort. The paring knife also performed well¨Ceasily hulling strawberries thanks to the sharp point of the blade.

• Pros: Sharp Japanese-style blades, sustainable bamboo block, balanced handles.
• Cons: Bulky block may not suit small kitchens.
• Testing Scenario: Sliced paper, tomatoes, and hulled strawberries; knives performed exceptionally well.

9. Beautiful by Drew Kitchen Collection Knife Block Set

Priced at under $50, the 12-piece set comes loaded with a chef’s knife, a serrated utility knife, a serrated Santoku knife, a paring knife, six steak knives, shears and a stylish white and gold knife block that holds it all. A gorgeous gold and white theme is the real star here-it offers a luxe look that feels like it should cost twice the price. The knives themselves come from durable stainless steel. In addition, each includes a stick-resistant gold resin coating that helps them glide through fruits, veggies and meats seamlessly. White ergonomic handles feature a soft-touch material for extra comfy cutting, especially when you’re faced with party prep or impending holiday meals.

• Pros: Stylish gold and white design, includes steak knives, non-stick coating.
• Cons: Quality may not match higher-end sets.
• Testing Scenario: Used for party prep; glided through fruits, vegetables, and meats with ease.

10. Misen Essentials 7-Piece Knife Set

The Misen Essentials 7-piece Knife Set topped our recent testing and impressed us with how pleasant it was to use each piece of the set. In addition to the basics-the chef’s knife, paring knife and bread knife-this 7-piece set includes a santoku knife that’s perfect for chopping vegetables and a utility knife that’s perfect for cheese, apples, and smaller vegetables like shallots, plus kitchen shears and a ceramic honing rod. Each knife has a sloped bolster, which means it’s easier to learn how to properly grip the knife on the blade instead of by the handle. We love that Misen provides instructions with every knife for how to properly hold, use, and care for it.

• Pros: Comprehensive set with useful extras, comfortable grip, includes care instructions.
• Cons: Handles may feel heavy for some users.
• Testing Scenario: Tested with vegetables, cheese, and pizza slicing; performed well across tasks.

Comparison Table of Top Knife Sets

Buying Guide for Affordable Knife Sets

To help you choose the right knife set, consider the following factors based on expert insights and testing:

• Blade Material: Decent steel starts most commonly with X50CrMoV15, and is standard for the entry-level to mid-level market. Beyond that, there tend to be a lot of proprietary alloys, but you can also look for 440B or C. Japanese-style knives often use VG8 or VG10 for superior sharpness.
• Handle Comfort: Functionality is key in any kitchen tool, and a knife set is no exception. A good knife set should include a variety of useful knives: at minimum, a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a serrated or bread knife, and a pair of kitchen shears. Avoid knife sets with extras you’re unlikely to use, and remember that above all, knives should have sharp blades and ergonomic handles. Dull blades or flimsy handles can be dangerous.
• Storage: This cheap but sharp knife set is a good, durable option for both beginner and seasoned cooks. The space-saving knife holder fits flat in a standard drawer, a nice feature for smaller kitchens.
• Maintenance: Regardless of which knife set you choose, taking good care of your knives will help them stay sharper and last longer. Read our guide to how to care for your kitchen knives to ensure a long life for your set.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most important knife in a set?

The chef’s knife is the most essential, as it can handle chopping, slicing, and mincing for most kitchen tasks. A paring knife and serrated knife are also key for smaller tasks and cutting bread or tomatoes.

How do I maintain my knife set?

Hand-wash knives with mild soap and dry immediately to prevent rust. Use a honing steel regularly to maintain edge alignment, and sharpen blades every 6¨C12 months, depending on use.

Are Japanese or German knives better for affordable sets?

Japanese knives, like the Ginsu Chikara, offer precision and sharpness but may be delicate. German knives, like Henckels, are durable and versatile, making them ideal for beginners on a budget.

Can I store knives without a block?

Yes, sets like the Cuisinart Advantage come with sheaths for drawer storage, or you can use magnetic strips or in-drawer trays to save counter space.

Are affordable knife sets safe for beginners?

Yes, sets like the AmazonBasics and Farberware are designed with ergonomic handles and sharp blades that are safe and easy to use for beginners, provided proper care is taken.

Conclusion

Choosing an affordable knife set for your kitchen in 2023 doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. From the vibrant Cuisinart Advantage to the comprehensive Chicago Cutlery Fusion, these top 10 sets offer something for every cook. Use our comparison table and buying guide to find the perfect set for your needs, and enjoy the confidence that comes with sharp, reliable knives. For more kitchen tool recommendations, check out Serious Eats or Food & Wine.