Why You Need a BBQ Knife Set

Barbecue doesn't seem too difficult. After all, it is one of the best cooking methods and at the same time the most sophisticated way to grill food. But as anyone who has faced the challenge of grilling knows, cooking with charcoal or wood is an art that you must manage in the best possible way, including certain utensils and specifications to maintain the cooking, preparation, and presentation standards.

From the choice of fuel (there are many types of charcoal or wood) to the type of barbecue on which we are going to cook, to a good barbecue knife, all influence the final result.

Whether an amateur or a professional barbecue, having a good set of barbecue knives makes all the difference. A good barbecue knife is an investment that can last for many years. There are different types of knives: stainless steel and apricot steel, with different handles and designs. With so much variety and choice on the market, it cannot be easy to know which one is right for you.

Below, we'll tell you why you need a set of barbecue knives, but that's not all! We'll also mention which barbecue knives make a perfect gift or self-gift for every grill lover.

Why You Need a BBQ Knife Set

Having the right tools will make your life easier. Having a set of barbecue knives at your disposal makes a noticeable difference because you will save time when working on your barbecue using the right tools. A set of barbecue knives will allow you to work more neatly on every item you want to prepare.

Although you may think that you can barbecue with a regular kitchen knife, the truth is that once you try a barbecue knife set, it will become your best ally. A knife set features different types of knives meant to play an important and unique role. For example, within the knife set, there is one meant to help you get all the meat off the bone, which can certainly be difficult with a regular knife.

What’s in a BBQ Knife Set?

A good knife set will make you and your guests proud of your barbecue. It is known that using the right knife set will make all the difference and allow you to enjoy your cooking experience. To be more specific, a good barbecue knife set has knives intended for a particular task. Here are some of them:

• Kitchen knife: this is the basic indispensable when preparing a barbecue, although its main function is not directed towards cutting meats. It is the perfect assistant to cut the rest of the ingredients, potatoes, onions and tomatoes. Any other side dish.
• Chef's knife: This is the main base of your knife set. Ideally, you should have this knife in stainless steel presentation since you will constantly use it before and after working on your barbecue.
• Boning knife: This knife has great relevance to barbecue preparation. Its purpose is to penetrate the meat down to the bone and around it to remove all the meat. It is the ideal tool for working with ribs, breasts and even removing the most delicate bones of chicken and fish.
• Butcher knife: this knife is another indispensable tool for cooking your barbecue. It is perfect for making neat cuts to raw meat without you having to use so much force because its blades are specially made for this task. You can make cuts to different pieces easily and quickly.
• Carving knife: these knives are usually accompanied by a good carving fork and their main function is to make excellent and uniform cuts of meat. It makes precise slices quickly to make the job easier when barbecuing.

What to Look for in a BBQ Knife Set

To choose the perfect knife set for you, it is necessary to evaluate the material they are made of and the size of the blade and even the material the handle is made of. All of these features will help enhance your cooking experience.

The material of the knife blade.

Knives can come in different presentations of different materials. However, the ones that stand out are stainless steel, apricot steel, and ceramic knives. At the same time, they are considered the favorites of restaurants and barbecue specialists.

Stainless steel knife: easy to clean and rust-resistant.

Stainless steel barbecue knives are a favorite of barbecue specialists because of their durability and remarkable resistance to rust and corrosion. In addition to these notable advantages, stainless steel is easy to clean and stainless steel knives can be found at an excellent price.

However, not everything is perfect. Despite such relevant advantages, they need to be sharpened frequently to maintain a neat cut.

Damascus steel knife: high durability and precision

This material is characterized by its elasticity, durability, and performance. Damascus steel is the result of two or more types of steel. Barbecue knives made of this material stand out for their precise cuts thanks to their resistant blade.

The only disadvantage is that because it is such a difficult material to produce, they are usually knives with quite high prices even when they are stainless steel knives coated with Damascus steel. However, it is an excellent investment for those who want a durable knife that makes perfect cuts.

Ceramic knife: Lightweight, easy to handle, and easy to clean.

This material enjoys many benefits. It does not rust, does not stain, is highly resistant, and is also a lightweight material. It is perfect for those who do not have much strength to cut large pieces of meat.

Its main disadvantage is that they are not resistant to falls and when sharpening them, they should be taken to a specialist because an inexperienced person could damage the blade.

Buy larger knives for larger cuts of meat.

For smaller cuts of meat, knives between 6 and 8 inches are generally recommended, although barbecue knives usually measure between 6 and 12 inches depending on their function. For example, if you're talking about everyday kitchen knives, they tend to measure 10", which is perfect for those with small hands.

If you're dealing with large cuts of meat or even raw bones, the recommendation is to use 12" knives, perfect for those with larger hands. Using the right size knife will make your barbecue an experience you can enjoy from start to finish.

Heat-treated knives stay sharper longer.

Heat-treated steel knives avoid that problem by having a stronger, tougher material. No one wants to buy a knife that only cuts perfectly the first time. When this knife is manufactured, it undergoes a heating and cooling procedure, which makes it stronger.

 

Best Knives For Your BBQ

Best Knife Set

The 5-Piece Butcher Knife Set is everything every BBQ enthusiast will need to give their first steps. It includes a 10inch butcher knife, a 10inch Bread Knife, a 7inch Santoku knife, a 7inch Cleaver knife, and a Cutting Board made of ebony wood.

Pros

• Great price considering it's a complete bundle
• Anyone, from the beginner to the professional, can appreciate the handiwork and quality of the set

Cons

• If you want to get a more specific knife, such as a boning knife or a set of smaller knives, you'll have to get them separately

Best Chef Knife

If you had to choose a single knife, have it be a Chef Knife. The Chef knife is specifically designed to cover almost every task that would require a sharp blade in the kitchen. It is perfectly balanced and shaped for slicing, dicing, chopping, and cleaving until you jump to more specialized knives.

Pros

• It's a versatile knife. It can fill in for more specific knife types while adding them to your collection.
• It's by far the most affordable option on this list if you're on a limited budget

Cons

• Once you master this knife, it might be wise to expand your collection

Best Butcher Knife

This is not your common butcher knife. With its Japanese design resembling a katana, it's one of the sharpest and most reliable butcher knives. Its impressive length will allow you to slice meats without ever having to bury the whole knife in.

Pros

• Blade design improves strength
• It has unparalleled reach for slicing

Cons

• It has a bit of a learning curve when it comes to sharpening

 

Best Cleaver Knife

This beautiful Chinese cleaver works wonders to chop, slice, and cleave meats. Its stainless steel blade and pakkawood handle make it a kitchen tool that will accompany you for many, many years.

Pros

• A large blade allows for tough and repeated usage

Cons

• Cleavers are usually not made to fit knife blocks, so you'll have to find other ways to store it

Best Slicing and Carving knife

This knife's shape initially looks like a butter knife, but don't be fooled, as its edge is as sharp as it can get to slice almost anything. Its peculiar shape is also useful to withstand wear and tear from the toughest foods, such as hard-shell bread.

Pros

• With its insane length, you can cut the perfect slice of cake, the thinnest brisket portion, or the neatest fruit slices.

Cons

• Its price puts it at the premium end of products, but it's well worth it.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use a BBQ knife?

When using a knife, keep the tip of the knife on the cutting board and raise and lower the handle. Be very careful with your fingers. Curl your fingers under and hold the food with your fingertips as you chop. It's better to hit a knuckle than to cut off a fingertip.

Also, get used to employing each knife for the task given. It is just as dangerous to cut with a poorly sharpened knife as it is to use one that is not suitable for the piece to be cut.

For example, it is necessary to use the bread knife for bread, which is usually serrated because the crust of the bread spoils even the sharpest knives. Moreover, cutting bread with a straight edge is extremely dangerous because it is easy for the blade to slip.,

How do I take care of my knives?

Learn to sharpen your knives or scissors yourself. Sharpening knives is a relaxing activity. There are plenty of tutorials on the web. Get a good kit of water sharpening stones and practice first with cheap knives. And above all, forget about machine sharpening. Mechanical sharpening has the disadvantage that it is not cold, so you can get to distemper the edge of the blade, losing this part of the mechanical properties acquired in the manufacturing process. Another option is to take it to a good professional. Remember that it is worth investing in a daily tool in the kitchen.

Good sharpening is not the only feature you should consider when using your barbecue knife. Its daily care is also essential. This has to do with how the blade is washed and is usually done according to the manufacturer's instructions. Depending on the brand or material, each knife is very thorough and specific.

Generally, some manufacturers recommend washing the blades with neutral detergent, a sponge, and warm or lukewarm water. They do not recommend washing with water at very high temperatures because it can bend the knife material. If you want to use a dishwasher, you should pay special attention to these instructions. The majority's recommendation is to wash them by hand immediately after use. Also, make sure your detergent is mild; some cleaners can corrode or even dull your knife over time.

Never use a knife on marble, glass, or porcelain surfaces. Another kitchen safety tip: make sure you use separate cutting boards for vegetables and meats.

Never use a knife as a pry bar, screwdriver, or anything other than it is made for: cutting food.

Never use your cleaver with the same force as a hammer. If your knives are sharp, you won't need force to use them.

Store each knife after drying them in a cool place with low humidity. Also, make sure the edges never touch each other. This will preserve their sharpness for longer.