The Ultimate Chef's Knife Test: From Tomatoes to Chiches, We Found the Best Blades
Many aspiring chefs have blamed a poor knife for a disappointing meal, but how can you identify which blades will effortlessly slice tomatoes into gossamer-thin pieces and which will struggle with waxy skins? At the Filter, we decided it was time to uncover the finest kitchen knives available. In partnership with the newly launched Guardian Food Quarterly, we enlisted a professional to rigorously test 14 different knives.
Meet the Expert: Ben Lippett's Chopping Challenge
The professional tasked with this evaluation was Ben Lippett, a former chef turned home cook and food writer, author of How I Cook, who describes himself as opinionated. He states, "I know what I like, and I'm not a sucker for style over substance." Ben ensured each knife experienced similar usage, focusing on key ingredients like onions, shallots, waxy-skinned tomatoes, and herbs to assess performance in both fine detail work and brute force tasks.
He notes, "Rattling through everyday tasks was definitely the most revealing test for me. It shows edge retention very quickly." After each session, Ben took immediate notes, conducting tests over a two-week period to provide comprehensive insights.
Top-Rated Knives: Premium and Budget Picks
Some of Ben's highest-rated knives come with a premium price tag. His favourite, the Wüsthof Classic Chef Knife, costs £137.11 at the time of writing. However, he advises, "But if you spend your money wisely, it can be a lifelong, fulfilling partnership." To ensure longevity, we consulted knife specialist Helen Symonds for essential care tips. Her top recommendation? "No stones, no bones, and no frozen food. Think of your knife as a precision tool rather than a cut-all machete for opening your Vinted parcels."
Not all top performers are expensive. Ben's top budget choice is the Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife, priced at £43. He writes, "I used this knife at the start of my cooking career and swear by it. The blade is razor sharp and well balanced."
Behind the Scenes: The Challenges of Knife Testing
Sourcing knives for testing presented unexpected hurdles. Our researcher, Lily Smith, discovered that some brands do not sell knives online, preventing them from sending samples. She had to visit high street stores personally to acquire knives. Deliveries were also more tightly controlled than for other products.
Lily explains, "There were a couple of issues with deliveries to our mail room: one of them needed me to personally show my ID, and another needed a pin that I was sent, but I was away from my phone when delivery was attempted." Additionally, unboxing a large stack of razor-sharp knives in the office drew curious glances. We hope these efforts help you find your ideal kitchen companion.
This Week's Highlights: More Expert Reviews
In other news, our team has tested various products to enhance your daily life:
- The best foundations for every skin type, from glowy to full coverage.
- An evaluation of air fryers: everyday essential or kitchen clutter?
- The top electric toothbrushes for every budget, rigorously tested.
- A taste test of supermarket frozen peas, described as "alive, fruity, and with a soft texture."
Editor's Pick: Travel Tips for Families
Planning an Easter getaway with young children? Rose Stokes, a parent of two under-fours, shares hard-won advice on travelling with kids. She notes that holidays with babies often become logistical challenges rather than relaxing breaks. Our guide includes tips from well-travelled parents, covering essentials like ride-on suitcases and screen-free cameras to make trips smoother.
In Case You Missed It: Spring Cleaning Essentials
With winter behind us, it's time for a thorough spring clean. Andy Shaw tested the best cordless vacuum cleaners for tasks like tackling pet hair, flour, and stairs, rating battery and suction power. For outdoor cleaning, his updated guide to pressure washers can help prepare your garden for sunshine.
Get Involved: Sustainable Product Disposal
We recently updated our pillow test with information on replacement frequency, revealing it's more often than many think. This follows similar revelations about underwear expiry dates. We invite readers to share ideas for giving old products a second life, such as using pillow stuffing for planters or repurposing toothbrush heads for cleaning. Reply to our newsletter or email thefilter@theguardian.com with your suggestions.
