Tips and Advice - Kitchen Equipment

FUN rating: 15

A sharp set of kitchen knives will make cutting and chopping a breeze. Contrary to what you might see in advertising, you don't need to buy a full set unless you want one. A well equipped kitchen can be quite functional with only four knives.

With these four knives you can create any meal you desire.

• A 6"or 7" Santoku or chef's knife (whichever knife you prefer)
• A 6" or 7" utility knife
• A boning knife
• A paring knife

Selecting the brand of knives you want to buy can be a daunting task. Here are the features to look for in quality knives that will last for years.

• Tang: The tang of a knife is how far the blade extends into the handle. The further it extends, the better. Professional chefs' knives have full tang, meaning the metal blade follows the full length of the handle, and it is usually riveted inside. Cheaper knives may have a short tang, and may have a molded handle.
• Steel construction: Look for forged carbon or high carbon stainless steel, which although it may be expensive, will give years of good service.
• Comfort: Hold the knife in your hand. It should have a good fit, comfortable grip, and a moisture-proof handle to prevent your hands from slipping. Everyone's hands are different, so this is a feature that is personal to the cook.

I recently went shopping for a new set of four knives. I found the Anolon kitchen knives to be the best on the market for the price. These knives have full tang, forged carbon steel construction, and the handles have a comfortable, easy grip. The Santoku knive has a granton edge, which is a type of scalloped edge that releases the food and prevents food from sticking to the knife. When purchased individually, each knife comes with a sheath to protect it. Some sets come with a knife block.

I gave them a FUN rating of 15.

Features: 5. The Anolon knives have the features of the best knives at a reasonable price.

Usability: 5. They are easy to handle and cut cleanly and smoothly.

Nice or necessity: 5. Quality knives are one of the basic necessities to the well-equipped kitchen.

For years of use, simply hand wash the knives and replace them in the sheath or knife block immediately after each use. Occasional sharpening will keep them in top condition.

Suzanne Pitner loves to cook, knit, and teach. She has won several Editor's Choice awards as a feature writer at Suite 101 and she maintains the TeacherWriter blog.