Whether you’re equipping your first kitchen or seeking to enhance your knife collection without straining your budget, locating a high-quality knife set priced under $200 can be a challenging task.
In our broader selection of knife sets, some options reach well over $500, with a single set commanding $400 for just three knives. Such high-end sets, while crafted from premium steel and designed for long-lasting use, may not align with everyone’s financial means or preferences.
This is precisely why we have curated a collection of the finest knife sets under $200. While pricier sets often boast top-tier materials and a potential lifespan exceeding a decade, it’s essential to recognize that affordability doesn’t equate to subpar quality.
In past knife roundups, Food and Meal have demonstrated that budget-friendly knives frequently rival their more expensive counterparts in terms of performance. Our commitment was to uncover the best knives under $200, capable of matching the quality and value of pricier sets.
What Should You Expect In a Knife Set For Under $200?
In the realm of affordable kitchen knife sets, the market is rife with subpar, low-quality options. Some manufacturers employ deceptive tactics, using aesthetics or an abundance of knives to create the illusion of a good deal. Rather than being swayed by appearances or quantity alone, our team of knife experts has outlined essential criteria to ensure that you receive genuine value. If you prefer a shortcut, our list above has been meticulously curated based on these key details.
Knife Selection
When investing in a knife set, start by considering which knives you frequently use or desire to use in your culinary endeavors. Most sets include essential knives such as a chef’s knife, utility knife, paring knife, and a serrated knife. These are foundational tools in any kitchen. Some sets also incorporate matching steak knives, offering a consistent aesthetic.
Additionally, look for a set that includes indispensable accessories like kitchen shears and a honing steel. While less common, you might encounter block sets with specialty knives such as bread knives, santoku knives, boning knives, or slicing knives.
Knife Quality
When seeking an affordable knife set, especially those priced under $200, exercise caution to avoid purchasing poorly crafted knives. But how can you distinguish between quality and subpar knives? We’ve got you covered:
| Forged vs. Stamped | Forged knives are superior to stamped ones. Forged blades, crafted from a single piece of solid steel, are more durable and robust. Stamped blades, cut from flat steel sheets, are thinner and less sturdy. Most knives in our list are forged, guaranteeing higher quality. |
| Blade Steel | The details of various knife steels are less significant here. When purchasing a kitchen knife set under $200, you might not get access to top-tier steels, which can be more challenging to maintain. Many knife makers specify their steel type, and even stating “stainless steel” is better than no information. |
Size or Material of Knife Block
Knife blocks come in diverse materials, including wood, stainless steel, glass, and more. The choice largely depends on personal preferences and how well the block complements your kitchen’s decor. Additionally, consider the size of the knife set, keeping in mind where it will be placed in your kitchen. In a small space, a 20-piece set might not be practical.
Number of Knives Included in the Set
Avoid being lured by the total number of knives in a set. Low-end manufacturers often bundle 20+ knives at a low price, but these are typically low-quality and won’t maintain their sharpness. Instead, prioritize acquiring the essential knives you need. Once you find a well-made set from a reputable brand that matches your requirements, consider the price to determine if it’s a worthwhile investment.
Brand Name
Purchasing knives from a renowned brand can be advantageous. Established brands like Wusthof and Cangshan are known for using quality materials in their knives, offering reliability and durability. They also tend to provide solid customer support, standing behind their products in case of issues.
Price Point
Our list includes knife sets under $200, with some even closer to $100. Sets priced under $100 are likely to be of lower quality and may not maintain their sharpness. As such, we recommend spending at least this amount for a kitchen knife set. Alternatively, you can gradually assemble your own collection with high-quality kitchen knives.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Before finalizing your purchase, review the manufacturer’s warranty. While not the most critical factor, it reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the knife’s performance and longevity. Most knife makers offer warranties ranging from one to several years, with some providing lifetime warranties.
Best block knife sets under $200
Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set, Tempered Glass Block
Great balance
At Food And Meal, we understand the concerns associated with inexpensive knife sets, which often suffer from quick dulling and fragile construction, potentially posing safety risks. However, the Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set with Tempered Glass Block has defied this trend, pleasantly surprising us with its remarkable sharpness, especially considering its affordability.
What truly sets this collection apart is not only its inclusion of a honing steel and shears but also the added bonus of a boning knife. Moreover, the serrated knife in this set is a standout performer, though every knife in the collection boasts a sharp blade, dependable stability, and a secure grip.
In a market where opting for a lower-priced product often leads to a compromise in quality, the Mercer Culinary Genesis offers the best of both worlds: dependable blades and excellent value for your money. It’s no wonder we’ve designated the Mercer Culinary Genesis as our Best Value pick.
This comprehensive set comprises five knives, including an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, a 5-inch utility knife, and a 6-inch boning knife, all neatly stored upright in a sleek glass block.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 7-Piece Knife Block Set
Good performance
Good value
The Victorinox Fibrox Pro 7-Piece Knife Block Set leaves little room for complaint. This Swiss Army-owned company has earned a well-deserved reputation for crafting exceptional knives at a reasonable price point.
However, there is one notable aspect of this set that doesn’t quite align with our preferences – the absence of a serrated bread knife. While the chef’s knife in the set performs admirably, and the elegantly minimalist paring knife stands out as one of our favorites, the inclusion of a small serrated knife instead of a larger bread knife strikes us as a significant omission.
This comprehensive set encompasses four knives, including an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 4.5-inch serrated tomato/bagel knife, and a 5-inch utility knife. Additionally, it offers a honing steel, kitchen shears, and a generously sized wooden block for storage.
Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Riveted Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set
Good design
Includes a 5-inch Santoku knife
Efficiently dicing or slicing vegetables into fine cubes or slivers can be a demanding task without the right knife, which is why we at Food And Meal hold the Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Riveted Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set in high regard. While they may not match the sharpness of pricier brands, their practical design shines through, making them an exceptionally budget-friendly alternative to high-end knife sets.
One of the standout features is the knives’ comfortable handles, ensuring a secure grip as you expertly slice your favorite fruits and vegetables. What’s even more appealing is the inclusion of a 5-inch Santoku knife, perfect for precision tasks like finely dicing onions or accommodating those with smaller hands.
In sum, we wholeheartedly recommend these knives to anyone seeking a quality set under $200, as they more than meet our standards for reliability.
This comprehensive set encompasses six knives, including an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 5-inch Santoku knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, a 4.5-inch utility knife, and an 8-inch slicing knife. Additionally, it offers a honing steel, kitchen shears, six steak knives, and a spacious wooden block for organized storage.
Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Knife Set, 5 Pieces
The Victorinox Swiss Classic 5-Piece Kitchen Knife Set boasts lightweight yet incredibly sharp knives. However, it’s worth noting that this set lacks a wide-blade chef’s knife, which is typically ideal for small-slicing tasks. Instead, it offers a lengthy, slender carving knife that excels in general cutting duties but may not be the top choice for chopping.
An intriguing aspect of this set is the inclusion of both a serrated and straight-edge paring knife. However, it’s somewhat puzzling that the set does not provide a wooden block for proper kitchen counter storage.
Important to remember is that these knives are not suitable for dishwashers. To maintain their quality, it is essential to hand wash them diligently.
This comprehensive set encompasses five knives, including a carving knife, a bread knife, a serrated tomato and table knife, a serrated paring knife, and a straight-edge paring knife, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Calphalon 1924554 Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Knife Block Set
Knives have sharp edges
Chef's knife handle is too long
When it comes to beginner knife sets, the Calphalon 1924554 Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Knife Block Set certainly holds its own. Notably, these knives match the sharpness of some pricier sets, making them a solid choice. What sets this collection apart is the inclusion of a built-in sharpener within the block, making it particularly appealing for novice cooks. This feature eliminates the uncertainty of how to use a knife sharpener or honing steel.
However, there are a couple of notable drawbacks to this set. Firstly, it lacks a serrated bread knife, which we deem essential in a quality starter set. Additionally, the knives tend to be on the heavier side, with the chef’s knife sporting an elongated handle that can disrupt balance and hinder extended usage comfort.
This comprehensive set consists of four knives, including an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 5-inch Santoku knife, a 6-inch utility knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife. It also provides kitchen shears and a generously sized wooden block for organized storage, making it a practical addition to any beginner’s kitchen.
11-Piece Premium Walnut Kitchen Knife Set with Knife Block & Dual Knife Sharpener
Very sharp
Compact design
Designed with a keen focus on combining professional-grade quality and affordability, this cost-effective stainless steel knife set is a remarkable addition to any kitchen. The set encompasses a chef’s knife, paring knife, carving knife, utility knife, serrated bread knife, and even includes a knife sharpener. To ensure your knives remain well-organized and in impeccable condition, it also incorporates a hardwood block with built-in knife sharpening functionality.
What’s truly impressive about this knife set is its extensive track record, boasting nearly 12,000 reviews and maintaining an impressive 4.6-star rating. Reviewers consistently applaud these knives for their sharpness and exceptional price-to-quality ratio. While a few users have expressed concerns regarding potential rusting, the prevailing consensus is that this set delivers outstanding value for its price, making it a dependable choice for those in search of a blend of performance and affordability.
Henckels International 35309 Statement 12-pc Knife Block Set
Includes steak knives
Awkward handles
At its price point, the J.A. Henckels International 35309-000 Statement 12-Piece Knife Block Set offers reasonable value. The kitchen knives themselves are lightweight and boast sharp blades capable of handling a variety of cooking tasks. However, the handle design leaves room for improvement and prevents this set from achieving excellence. The handles, in particular, feel somewhat cumbersome, making them less than ideal to hold comfortably.
The paring knife, with its wide blade and thick handle, also received less-than-glowing feedback, as it hindered maneuverability. Nonetheless, if you’re seeking an economical knife set that includes steak knives and favors a santoku knife over a utility knife, this could serve as a suitable starter set for most kitchens.
This comprehensive set comprises four knives, including an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, and a 3-inch paring knife. It also provides a honing steel, kitchen shears, six steak knives, and a generously sized wooden block for organized storage.
In summary, the best block knife sets under $200 offer quality and affordability. These sets include essential knives, with options for forged blades, and come in various materials and sizes to match your kitchen. Quality knives are accessible without breaking the bank, providing excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
Q1: What is a block knife set, and why should I consider using one? A1: A block knife set is a collection of knives housed in a storage block. It typically includes essential kitchen knives like chef’s knives, paring knives, and utility knives. Using a block set keeps knives organized and easily accessible.
Q2: What types of knives are commonly found in block knife sets? A2: Block knife sets often include a variety of knives such as chef’s knives, bread knives, utility knives, paring knives, and sometimes specialty knives like Santoku or steak knives.
Q3: Are block knife sets suitable for professional chefs or just home kitchens? A3: Block knife sets are suitable for both home kitchens and professional chefs. They provide a convenient and organized way to have a variety of knives for different tasks in one compact storage solution.
Q4: What materials are commonly used for the blades in block knife sets? A4: Blades in block knife sets are commonly made from high-carbon stainless steel. This material provides durability, sharpness, and resistance to staining and corrosion.
Q5: How do I maintain and sharpen the knives in a block knife set? A5: Regularly hone the knives using a honing rod to maintain sharpness. If sharpening is needed, use a sharpening stone or a knife sharpener. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for optimal maintenance.
Q6: Can I wash the knives in a dishwasher? A6: While some knives may be labeled as dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to prolong the lifespan of the blades and handles. Dishwashing may cause blades to dull and handles to deteriorate over time.
Q7: Are there block knife sets with built-in sharpeners? A7: Yes, some block knife sets come with built-in sharpeners in the storage block. This feature allows you to conveniently sharpen your knives as you take them out or put them away.
Q8: Can I add extra knives to a block knife set? A8: In many cases, yes. Some block sets have extra slots, allowing you to expand your collection by adding compatible knives. Check the design and size of the slots before purchasing additional knives.
Q9: What is the importance of a good quality storage block? A9: A good quality storage block should securely hold and protect the knives. It also helps prevent blade damage and keeps the knives organized for quick access during cooking.
Q10: Are there block knife sets with ergonomic handles for comfort during use? A10: Yes, many block knife sets feature knives with ergonomic handles designed for comfort and ease of use. Ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue during prolonged cutting tasks.
