A good set of kitchen knives is an essential tool for any home chef. Alongside making it easier to prepare food, they can make the entire cooking process much more enjoyable.
Like many of your other appliances and gadgets, they require maintenance to keep them in top condition. The better you look after them, the longer they will last.
Not sure how to get started? Below we are going to discuss five tips and tricks that will help you care for your kitchen knives.
Let’s begin!
Sharpen regularly.
Keeping your knives sharp is essential for the quality of your food preparation. A dull blade makes it more challenging to cut through ingredients, and you’ll need to apply extra pressure – something that can lead to accidents.
You’ll need to invest in a quality knife sharpener and learn the right way to use it. How often this needs to be done depends on how frequently you use your knives.
Store them correctly.
Like your other kitchen utensils, knives need to be stored properly. The necessary equipment will keep them safe, organized, and easily accessible so that your kitchen remains clutter-free.
Ideally, you should obtain a knife block or a magnetic strip to keep them secure. If you must store them in a drawer, use a guard or sheath to protect the blade and yourself.
Always handwash.
While dishwashers are incredibly convenient, you don’t want to use them when cleaning your knives. The detergent and hot water can cause issues over time, not to mention it’s challenging to remove them after.
Instead, wash them by hand with gentle soap and water. They should then be dried thoroughly as soaking for extended periods can weaken the handles.
Protect the blades.
The blade of our knives needs extra protection in order to prevent things like chips, cracks, and rust. Using a cutting board is crucial and is one of the best ways to avoid extensive damage.
Wooden blocks are the best option as they are the gentlest on the edge of the blades. Glass cutting boards may look great, but they can quickly dull everything to the point of no repair.
Use them properly.
Every knife is designed to handle specific tasks. For instance, chef knives are great for chopping, slicing, and cutting large pieces of meat. Paring knives on the other hand are designed for peeling fruits and vegetables.
Know the task your knives are designed for, and always use them accordingly. Failure to do this can lead to irreversible damage and even injury.
You can read more about how to treat accidental knife cuts here.
Final Words
And that’s it! As you can see, caring for your kitchen knives can improve both their functionality and their longevity. By following the tips and tricks above, you can ensure they remain sharp, safe, and effective for many years to come. In fact, you will be amazed at the difference next time you go to cook a delicious meal.