Cutlery plays a crucial role in food preparation in the kitchen, and advancements in manufacturing technology have made it possible to obtain high-quality knives at an affordable price. There is a wide range of the best knife sets under $100; these are budget-friendly options instead of premium models that can cost hundreds of dollars.
Although purchasing a knife set can be a cost-effective alternative to buying individual knives, the abundance of choices can make it difficult to determine the best option. With this in mind, we conducted thorough evaluations of various budget-friendly knife sets to provide a comprehensive guide for consumers.
What is a good knife set?
A well-equipped kitchen requires only two key knives: a Chef’s Knife and a serrated bread knife. The chef’s knife is a versatile tool capable of handling various cutting tasks, including slicing and dicing meats, vegetables, and herbs. On the other hand, the serrated bread knife comes easily sliced through crusty bread and softer foods, such as tomatoes.
While these two knives form the backbone of a functional kitchen, many knife sets on the market offer additional options. For instance, a knife set may include carving, steak, and paring knives. Some sets may also come with a knife sharpener and a storage block to protect the knives when not in use.
1. Knife Set, 15 Pcs Kitchen Knife Sets Under $100
- Color: 15PCS KNIFE SET
- Brand: Emojoy
- Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Style: Professional
- Number of Pieces: 15
The Emojoy Knife Set boasts an attractive and timeless design with ergonomic Pakkawood handles. The handle’s wood grain adds to its aesthetic appeal and improves with age. The set comes with high-quality X50Cr15 superior high-carbon stainless steel blades for precision and accuracy, with a strong, durable bolster for stability and control.
This complete all-in-one set includes an 8″ chef knife, 8″ slicing knife, 8″ santoku knife, 8″ bread knife, 5″ utility knife, 3.5″ paring knife, kitchen scissors, knife sharpener, and 6 pieces of 4.5″ steak knives. You should save all knives in a Pakkawood knife block, making them easy to care for and access.
Emojoy is committed to improving the cooking experience and offers quick customer service to guarantee the quality of its products. The knife set is essential for professional and amateur cooks and makes a perfect gift for housewarming celebrations.
2. 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Sets Under $100
- Color Set
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Edge: Chef’s Knife
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 6 x 11 x 14.75 inches
The knife set features a superior stainless steel blade for precision cutting. The handle comes ergonomically with a textured surface for comfortable control during use. The 8″ Chef Knife is a versatile tool suitable for mincing and slicing vegetables.
While the 7″ Santoku Knife is a multipurpose option ideal for dicing and mincing. The 5.5″ Serrated Utility Knife is ideal for cutting pieces of bread and vegetables, and the 3.5″ Paring Knife is well-suited for various small cutting tasks.
3. McCook MC29 Knife Sets,15 Pieces German Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Sets
- Color: Silver Knives/Walnut-Tone Block
- Brand: McCook
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Edge: Serrated
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 14.3 x 8.7 x 6.1 inches
The knife set features an exclusive built-in sharpener for the convenient maintenance of blades. It comes from forged, high-carbon one-piece German stainless steel; the cutlery is both tarnish-resistant and rust-resistant, making it ideal for professional and beginner use.
This 15-piece knife set includes an 8″ chef knife, 8″ slicing knife, 5″ santoku knife, 5.5″ serrated utility knife, 5″ fine edge utility knife, 3.5″ paring knife, 6 4.5″ serrated steak knives, 2 pairs of kitchen shears, and a hardwood knife block with a built-in sharpener.
The optimized weight and balance of the knives provide a comfortable grip, while the exclusive taper grind edge technology delivers optimum sharpness for precise cutting.
4. Home Hero Kitchen Knife Set & Steak Knife Sets Under $100
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Home Hero
- Color: Granite
- Handle: Material Polypropylene
- Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
All-inclusive kitchen cutlery set granite chef knives to cater to all your cutting and chopping needs. Upgrade your cooking experience with our granite knives featuring non-stick-painted superior blades and ergonomic PP handles.
Strong, durable, and resistant to rust, stains, and pitting. The perfect blend of design and practicality, this knife set includes a carving knife, utility knife, cheese knife, pizza knife, chef knife, bread knife, paring knife, and steak knife, ensuring excellent precision cutting.
Home Hero brings together a unique combination of sharpness, value, durability, and professional craftsmanship to enhance your cooking experience. Ideal for both novice and master chefs to cook faster, easier, and cleaner.
5. Cangshan German Steel Forged 3-Piece Tai Knife Block Sets
- Color: White
- Brand: Cangshan
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 15 x 7.75 x 3.75 inches
- Style: S1 Series
The knife set features a patented ergonomic handle design for a comfortable grip. Made from X50CrMoV15 German Steel with a Rockwell Hardness Scale of 58 +/- 2, the full-tang blades provide optimal durability.
The set includes an 8″ Chef’s Knife, a 3.5″ Paring Knife, and a solid Walnut wood block. The block, designed with a patent-pending cutting edge, tastefully complements the knives. Certified by NSF International.
6. Cuisinart C77WTR-15P Advantage-Sets-Rivet, 15-Piece, White
- Color: White
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Edge: Fine
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 5.38 x 14.5 x 9.88 inches
The Cuisinart Classic Forged Triple Rivet Cutlery Set features a comprehensive range of knives. The set also includes 8-inch Sharpening Steel and All-Purpose Household Shears, all housed in a wooden block.
This set includes an 8-inch Chef Knife, 8-inch Slicing Knife, 7-inch Santoku Knife, 5.5-inch Utility Knife, 3.5-inch Paring Knife, 2.75-inch Bird’s Beak Paring Knife, and 4.5-inch Steak Knife. The knives have crafted with high-carbon stainless steel blades, delivering precision and accuracy in cutting.
The handles come with an extra-wide safety bolster, providing optimal stability and control while using the knives. The full-tang blades are securely fastened to the handles with stainless steel rivets.
7. Cuisinart C55-12PCKSAM 12-Piece Ceramic Coated Stainless Steel Knives
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Multicolor
- Handle Material: Stainless, Stainless Steel, Steel
- Blade Edge: Serrated
The high-quality stainless steel blades in this set feature an array of colors representing each knife, providing precision and accuracy in cutting. The nonstick ceramic coating enhances the slicing experience and maintains the sharpness of the blades.
Additionally, color coding minimizes the risk of cross-contamination during food preparation.
8. Amazon Basics 18-Piece Premium Kitchen Knife Block Set
- Brand: Amazon Basics
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 9 x 6.29 x 14 inches
- Style Knife: Block
A comprehensive 18-piece knife set designed for everyday kitchen cutting tasks, featuring 7 versatile kitchen knives, 8 steak knives, a pair of kitchen scissors/shears, a sharpener, and a pine storage block.
Crafted with high carbon stainless-steel blades for precision and long-lasting sharpness, the set features full tang, triple-riveted, ergonomic black handles for comfortable grip and control. You can only hand wash.
9. 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Block by Cuisinart
- Color: Hollow Handle
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Edge: Chef’s Knife
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 6.5 x 14.88 x 11.13 inches
The Cuisinart 15-piece knife set features high-carbon stainless steel blades for precision cutting and lasting sharpness. The set includes a variety of knives for a range of cutting tasks, including an 8-inch Chef Knife, 8-inch Slicing Knife, 7-inch Santoku Knife, 5.5-inch Serrated Utility Knife, 3.5-inch Paring Knife, 3.5-inch Bird’s Beak Paring Knife, and 4.5-inch Steak Knives.
The knives come with a strong and durable bolster for stability and control and feature a precision-tapered ground blade that narrows gradually to an extremely sharp, fine edge. Its ergonomic stainless steel handle provides comfort and stability, making it easy to slice, carve, and chop.
The set also includes an 8-inch Sharpening Steel, All-Purpose Household Shears, and a Wooden Block for storage.
10. 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Block by Cuisinart Triple Revit Collection
- Color: Black
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Edge: Bread Knife
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 5.88 x 14.37 x 10.25 inches
The 15-piece cutlery set features high-carbon stainless steel blades that ensure precision and accuracy in every cut. The blades have precision-tapered and ground to create a sharp and fine edge. This set includes a forged, extra-wide safety bolster that provides stability and control during use.
The full-tang blade design is secured to the ergonomically designed handle with stainless steel rivets for durability. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty for this set.
11. Farberware 15-Piece High-Carbon Stamped Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Set
- Color: Black
- Brand: Farberware
- Blade Edge: Serrated
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 9.05 x 6.49 x 14.56 inches
- Style: Stainless-Steel Cutlery Set
The Farberware 13-piece knife set features Edgekeeper Technology, which automatically hones the blade edge every time the knife is removed or placed back into the block, keeping the blades sharp.
This set includes an 8-inch chef knife, 8-inch slicing knife, 5-inch Santoku knife, 5-1/2 inch serrated utility knife, 3-1/2 inch paring knife, six 4-1/2 inch steak knives, scissors, and a black rubberwood block with built-in sharpening slots.
The set includes high-quality, forged, high-carbon stainless steel blades that are ultra-sharp and easily cut through food. These knives have a comfortable ergonomic grip and offer you the perfect balance for cutting precision. Farberware knives are only hand washable with warm water and a mild detergent and then rinsed and dried immediately. Stainless steel knives are not dishwasher safe.
12. Cuisinart C55-12PMB Advantage 12 Piece Metallic Knife Set
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Black
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Edge: Serrated
This knife set features a selection of six knives, including an 8″ chef and slicing knife, a 7″ Santoku, a 6.5″ serrated utility knife, and a 3.5″ paring knife. The blades have high-quality stainless steel and feature a nonstick coating for effortless slicing. Each knife comes with a matching blade guard for added protection.
13. Farberware 12-Piece Nonstick Resin Kitchen Knife Set
- Blade Material: Resin Coated
- Brand: Farberware
- Color: Multicolor Rainbow
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel, Resin
- Blade Edge: Serrated
- Stainless steel blades with stick-resistant resin coating
Ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip and balanced precision while cutting, all blades with covers. Ideal for new college students, grads, newlyweds, or anyone setting up a kitchen. Dishwasher is safe, but hand washing to extend product life.
How can proper you care for and handling of Knife Sets Under $100?
Proper care and handling of budget kitchen knives can extend their lifespan and maintain their sharpness and performance. Here are some tips:
Hand-wash and dry: Avoid putting budget knives in the dishwasher, as the harsh detergents and high heat can damage the blade and handle. Wash them by hand and dry them immediately to prevent rust and corrosion.
Store safely: Store budget knives in a knife block, magnetic knife strip, or in-drawer knife tray to protect the blades and keep them within reach.
Use a cutting board: Always use a cutting board to protect the blade and countertops. Hard materials such as glass or marble can dull or chip the blade.
Sharpen regularly: Regular sharpening helps maintain the blade’s sharpness and can extend the knife’s lifespan.
Avoid using hard materials: Avoid using budget knives on hard materials such as bones, frozen foods, or glass bottles, as this can damage the blade.
Terminology of The Best BBQ Knife Sets Under $100
Blade
The blade is the sharp, cutting edge of a knife. It is typically made of steel and can be either straight or serrated. The quality and hardness of the blade determine the knife’s durability, sharpness, and performance.
Handle
The handle is the part of the knife that is held in hand and is used for grip and control. It can be made of various materials, including wood, plastic, or synthetic. The handle should be comfortable to hold and offer a secure grip, even when the knife is wet.
Rockwell hardness
Rockwell hardness is a scale used to measure the hardness of steel. The hardness is determined by measuring the depth of penetration of an indenter into the steel. A higher number on the Rockwell scale indicates a harder blade. A blade with a higher Rockwell hardness will typically be more durable and hold its edge longer.
Tang
The tang is the extension of the blade that runs through the handle, providing balance and stability. There are two types of tang: full tang and partial tang. A full tang extends the handle’s length, while a partial tang only extends partway. A full tang provides improved balance and control.
Specification of The Best Knife Sets Under $100
The specifications of budget kitchen knives can vary widely depending on the brand, style, and price point. Here are some of the most common specifications to look for when purchasing a budget kitchen knife:
Blade Material
Budget kitchen knives are typically made from stainless steel or carbon steel. Stainless steel blades are more resistant to rust and staining but may not hold an edge as well as carbon steel. Carbon steel blades are more prone to rust and staining but are sharper and hold an edge longer.
Blade Hardness
Blade hardness is measured on the Rockwell hardness scale, with a higher number indicating a harder blade. A harder blade will typically hold its edge longer but may be more difficult to sharpen.
Blade Length
The length of the blade can vary depending on the type of knife. Chef’s knives, for example, typically have a blade length of 8 to 10 inches, while paring knives have a blade length of 3 to 4 inches.
Handle Material
A budget kitchen knife handle can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, or synthetic materials. The handle should be comfortable to hold and offer a secure grip, even when the knife is wet.
Serrated or Straight Blade of Knife Sets Under $100
Budget kitchen knives can have either a serrated or straight blade. Serrated blades are ideal for slicing bread and other foods with a tough exterior, while straight blades are better for general slicing and chopping.
Weight
The weight of a budget kitchen knife can vary widely depending on the blade length, material, and construction. A heavier knife may provide more stability and control but may also be more tiring to use for extended periods.
Full tang
A full tang is a tang that runs the full length of the handle. This type of tang provides improved balance and control, as the weight of the blade is distributed evenly throughout the knife.
Partial tang
A partial tang is a tang that only extends partway into the handle. This tang is typically found on budget knives and provides a less secure grip.
Serrated blade
A serrated blade has a saw-tooth edge, which makes it ideal for slicing bread and other foods with a tough exterior. The serrated edge allows the blade to easily grip and cut through the food without tearing or crushing it.
Chef’s knife
A chef’s knife is versatile for chopping, slicing, and dicing. It has a wide blade and a curved edge, which allows for a rocking motion when chopping. Chef’s knives are typically 8 to 10 inches in length.
Paring knife
A paring knife is a small knife used for peeling, trimming and detail work. It has a sharp, pointed blade that allows for precise cuts. Paring knives are typically 3 to 4 inches in length.
Santoku knife
A Santoku knife is a Japanese-style knife similar to a chef’s knife. It is typically 6 to 7 inches long for chopping, slicing, and dicing. The blade is wider and flatter than a traditional chef’s knife and has a more pointed tip.