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Looking for a high-quality knife set for your kitchen without spending a fortune? A Best Kitchen Knife Sets Under $100 can give you the essential cutting tools you need to cook and prepare meals with ease. The right knives make chopping, dicing, slicing, and mincing so much simpler and more enjoyable. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which knife set is truly the best for under $100.
After researching the top-rated knife sets in this price range, these are the factors I considered most important:
➜ Blade material – High-carbon stainless steel blades will hold an edge the longest and be the most durable for the price.
➜ Knife types – At a minimum, a good set should include an 8-inch chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. Bonus knives like a utility knife or Santoku knife are a nice addition.
➜ Ergonomics – The knife handles should be comfortable, non-slip and well-balanced for fatigue-free chopping.
➜ Included accessories – A knife block or magnetic strip to store the knives is ideal. A knife sharpener is also a useful bonus.
Based on these criteria, the knife sets that rise to the top for value and performance under $100 are the 10 best kitchen knife sets. I’ll review each set in detail, highlighting the pros, cons, and best uses for each to help you determine which is the perfect knife set for your needs and budget.
Read More: Tramontina Proline 8 Pack Steak Knife Set Review
Reviews of Best Kitchen Knife Sets Under $100
1. Emojoy 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Set
This 15-piece knife set from Emojoy offers excellent value for under $100. Included are 15 high-quality knives housed in a wooden block for easy access and storage. The full-tang German stainless steel blades resist rust and are dishwasher-safe for simple cleaning.
Essential knives like an 8-inch chef’s knife for chopping, a 7-inch Santoku knife for versatility, a 6-inch utility knife, and 3- and 4-inch paring knives provide coverage of basic kitchen tasks. The set also comes with a sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and an in-block knife sharpener.
The stainless steel blades are precision forged to be razor sharp right out of the box. Full-tang construction and riveted handles add stability and durability. The contoured, textured blue handles provide a secure, comfortable grip.
At this price point, you get a wide assortment of knives made with quality materials. The German stainless steel and full-tang design indicate these knives should be more durable than cheaper options under $100.
The included sharpener and sharpening steel make maintaining the knives’ sharpness between professional sharpenings straightforward. Overall, this 15-piece set provides everything needed to handle basic food preparation, offering great value for under $100.
2. 19-Piece Kitchen Knife Set With Wooden Knife Block
This expansive 19-piece knife set provides everything you need for basic food preparation tasks in the kitchen. It includes a wide range of high-quality knives housed in a wooden block for easy access and storage.
The knives feature full-tang German stainless steel blades that are rust-resistant and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Also, the set includes essential knives like an 8-inch chef’s knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 6-inch utility knife, and 3- and 4-inch paring knives.
Moreover, the set also includes 8 serrated steak knives, a sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and a built-in knife sharpener in the block. The stainless steel blades are precision forged to be sharp right out of the box. Full-tang construction and riveted handles add stability and durability.
At 19 pieces for under $100, this is an excellent value. You get a wide assortment of essential and bonus knives made with high-quality German stainless steel and full-tang construction, indicating good durability.
The included knife sharpener and sharpening steel make it simple to maintain the knives’ sharpness between professional sharpenings. The large set of steak knives is a nice bonus. Overall, for the price, this 19-piece knife set provides everything the average home cook needs in terms of knife selection and quality.
3. Marco Almond® Knife Set, 14-Piece
This 14-piece knife set from Marco Almond offers premium quality at an affordable price. The knives feature full-tang titanium-reinforced stainless steel blades that are rust-resistant and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Also, the set includes essential knives like an 8-inch chef’s knife for chopping, a 7-inch Santoku knife for versatility, a 6-inch utility knife, and 3- and 4-inch paring knives. The knives also have serrated edges for cutting things like bread and … tomatoes.
Moreover, the knives are housed in an acrylic block for easy access and storage. The titanium-reinforced stainless steel blades are precision forged to be sharp right out of the box. Full-tang construction and ergonomic handles add stability, balance and comfort.
At under $100, you get a selection of essential knives made with premium materials and features. The titanium-reinforced stainless steel blades and full-tang construction indicate these knives should be more durable and long-lasting than cheaper options. Lastly, the acrylic block provides a modern and stylish storage solution.
4. Oster Lindbergh 14 Piece Stainless Steel Knife Set
This cutlery set from Oster Lindbergh offers the essential knives and tools for basic food preparation tasks at an affordable price. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 6-inch utility knife, and 3- and 4-inch paring knives – everything needed for most kitchen tasks.
Moreover, the full-tang stainless steel blades are precision forged for sharpness and durability. The teal-colored polypropylene handles provide a comfortable, non-slip grip for long periods of use.
Also, the knives are housed in a black wooden block for convenient storage. The included knife sharpener and honing steel make it easy to maintain the blades’ sharpness between professional sharpenings. Overall, this cutlery set provides the basics at an affordable price point, with colorful handles to complement any kitchen decor.
5. 17Pcs Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
This 17-piece knife set from YOSFO provides everything needed for basic food preparation tasks at an affordable price. The full-tang stainless steel blades are precision forged for sharpness and durability. Also, the ergonomic black handles provide a comfortable, non-slip grip for long periods of use.
The knives are housed in an attractive acrylic stand for convenient storage and easy access. Moreover, the set includes essential knives like an 8-inch chef’s knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 6-inch utility knife, and 3- and 4-inch paring knives.
Lastly, the set also includes 8 serrated steak knives, kitchen shears, and a built-in knife sharpener. Overall, this knife set provides great value for the price, with everything needed to handle basic cutting and chopping in the kitchen.
Factors to Consider When Buying Best Kitchen Knife Sets Under $100
⇨ Types of Knives Included in the Set
At a minimum, look for a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. These will cover the basics for chopping, slicing, dicing, and cutting. A utility knife or Santoku knife is also useful for multi-purpose use. Bonus specialty knives like a cleaver, boning knife, or fillet knife can be nice additions. For a set under $100, focus on getting the essential chef’s, paring, and bread knives.
⇨ Quality of Materials Used
The blade material and construction will determine how sharp and durable the knives are. For under $100, you’ll mostly find stainless steel blades. Look for high-carbon stainless steel for better edge retention. Avoid softer stainless steel that dulls quickly. Full tang construction, where the blade extends into the handle, provides more stability than partial tang knives.
⇨ Ergonomic Design and Comfort
The handles should be contoured, textured and weighted for comfort, control and balance. Rubberized or polypropylene handles provide a secure, non-slip grip. The knife should feel balanced when held properly. Anatomic handles conform to the natural shape of your hand.
⇨ Durability and Rust-Proof Features
Heavier, thicker blades will be more durable. Rivets that securely hold the handle and blade together add strength. The knives should be dishwasher safe and have a rust-resistant coating to extend their lifespan.
⇨ Frequency of Sharpening Needed
Knives with higher carbon content blades will hold an edge longer between sharpenings. However, all knives will need to be sharpened periodically to maintain optimal sharpness. A included knife sharpener will allow you to refresh the blades between professional sharpenings.
Tips for Maintaining and Caring for a Kitchen Knife Set
✔ Hand wash your knives
Do not put your knives in the dishwasher as the high heat and abrasion can damage the blades over time. Hand wash them with warm, soapy water and a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse and dry them thoroughly.
✔ Dry Your Knives Immediately
Moisture left on the blades can cause rust and corrosion. Use a towel to wipe the blades dry, especially the crevices. Consider storing your knives in a knife block or hanging magnetic strip to allow for airflow and keep blades dry.
✔ Use a Honing Steel
A honing steel will help realign the blade edge and remove any minor deformations. Use it on both sides of the blade in long, even strokes before and after each use. Honing should be done frequently, even for brand new knives.
✔ Professionally Sharpen Your Knives Once or Twice a Year
When your knives begin to lose their edge or have visible damage, they will need to be sharpened using a whetstone or professional sharpening service. Sharpening removes material from the blade to form a new edge.
✔ Store Knives Properly
Keep knives separated in a knife block or magnetic strip. Storing knives loosely or stacked can damage the blades and handles. Avoid keeping knives in drawers.
✔ Avoid Cutting on Hard Surfaces
Only cut on wood or plastic cutting boards. Avoid cutting on granite, marble, and glass as this can damage your knife edges. Hand wash your cutting boards regularly to avoid bacteria buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Kitchen Knife Set Under $100
What is the best knife set under $100?
For under $100, knife sets from Victorinox and Henckels are typically the best options. They offer high-carbon stainless steel blades and full-tang construction for durability. The Victorinox Fibrox and Henckels International sets are good choices under $100.
What knives do I need in a set under $100?
At a minimum, you’ll want an 8-inch chef’s knife, 3-4 inch paring knife and a serrated bread knife. A 6-8 inch Santoku or utility knife is also useful. Aim for at least 8-12 pieces in a set under $100 for good value.
Are forged knives better than stamped knives under $100?
In general, yes. Forged knives tend to be more durable and have a fuller tang. However, some stamped knife sets under $100 still offer good performance if they have high-carbon stainless steel blades.
Do I need a knife block set or individual knives under $100?
Either option can work well under $100. A knife block set provides convenience and good value, but individual knives allow you to choose higher quality options. Consider your needs and budget.
How long do knife sets under $100 last?
With proper care, knife sets under $100 can typically last 3-5 years. Cheaper materials and construction tend to show wear sooner. Hand washing, drying and regular honing will help extend their lifespan.
Conclusion
There are a number of quality knife sets available for under $100 that offer everything the average home cook needs. Look for sets that include essential knives like a chef’s knife, paring knife, and bread knife made with durable materials like high-carbon stainless steel. Full-tang construction and ergonomic handles will provide balance and comfort during use.
While knife sets in this price range tend to be on the lower end of performance, they can still offer great value if they include the knives you need most. Consider the number of pieces, types of knives, and included accessories like knife blocks, sharpeners and shears. The aesthetics and style of the set should complement your kitchen decor.
With the right knife set under $100, you can still get knives that are sharp, durable and comfortable enough for most home cooking tasks. With proper care like hand-washing and regular sharpening, these knives can last for many years.
The key is finding a set that includes the knives you need most while balancing quality, value and style. Hopefully this article has provided some helpful considerations and insights to guide your search for the best kitchen knife set under $100.
