Many people think it’s never possible to find a good quality knife set under $100. Do even other people think $100 block sets are worth it?
But keep that in mind, such affordable sets can give you higher performance than some expensive $200 knife sets.
However, this article with an extensive buyer’s guide will walk you through which models might be best for you and what things you should consider before buying a set.
Some models would be best for home use and other sets you can use for commercial use. So let’s get started!
My Favorite Winner Comparison
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Best choice
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McCook |
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| budget pick |
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Master Maison |
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Farberware |
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| best professional |
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Chicago Cutlery |
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Cuisinart |
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Oster |
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Amazon Basics |
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01. McCook MC21 15-piece Knife Set
McCook M21 block set comes first on my list as the best knife block set under $100. The most outstanding thing about this set is that it is made of a high-carbon stainless steel material which makes it resistant to rust and stains.
Apart from the material, this set has a unique taper grind edge technology to enhance the sharpness of the blades. As a result, it provides very precise cuts and it is also easy to sharpen.
In order to enhance your comfort, it is equipped with an ergonomic handle. The set also comes with a hardwood block, which stores the knives neatly for easier retrieval. The block features an inbuilt sharpener which makes your work easier when sharpening the knives.
However, the 15-piece set comes with (an 8-inch slicing knife, an 8-inch chef knife, a 5.5-inch serrated knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 5-inch utility knife, (6) 4.5-inch serrated steak knives, 5-inch santoku knife, 2 pairs of kitchen shears plus a hardwood block with an inbuilt sharpener.
If you are a home chef this set would be a great collection for you to make your everyday life easier.
Read More: Find Out Some Knife Sets That Never Need Sharpening
02. Master Maison 19-piece Kitchen Knife Set
This is a very large package that comes with all the knives you would require every day in your kitchen.
The 19 pieces set include a bread knife, chef’s knife, serrated knife, slicing knife, santoku knife, 8 steak knives, carving knife, knife sharpener, paring knife, cooking scissors, and a stylish storage block.
All the knives are made from high-carbon German Stainless steel material. As a result, they are extremely sharp and durable. They are also equipped with ergonomic handles which minimizes fatigue.
These handles are triple-riveted to provide superior Japanese strength and unmatched durability. The knives have a balanced weight distribution which means that you can use them for long hours without any form of discomfort.
In terms of design, this set is among the most stylish options you can ever find. This set also comes with a 1-year unlimited warranty which means that the knives are highly reliable.
Another great thing about these knives is that they will never tarnish, corrode, or blunt easily. They are also easy to maintain since they do not need frequent sharpening.
03. Farberware 22-piece Multipurpose Cutlery Set
Whether you are a professional or a newbie chef, this set has all the tools you would require to prepare different foods. It comes with a wide variety of cutlery for slicing, cutting, dicing, and chopping.
The 22-piece tools available in this set include an 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch chef’s knife, 5.5-inch serrated knife, 7-inch utility knife, 5-inch santoku knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 4-inch utility knife, (6) 4.5-inch steak knives, multipurpose kitchen shears, 3 spatulas, 5 measuring spoons and a wooden block for storage.
Another major selling point of this set is that the blades feature micro serrations which enable them to cut easily.
These blades are made from high-carbon stainless steel which means that they are very strong and durable. Apart from that, they are super sharp and they do not require sharpening.
All the knives are equipped with non-slip handles which are also triple riveted to enhance strength and durability.
The other great thing you will love about this set is that it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. As compared to other models, this set has the highest number of positive reviews.
04. Chicago Cutlery Fusion 12-piece Block Set
The Chicago Cutlery Fusion 12-piece is another top-quality knife set that you can get at an affordable price. It boasts a high-carbon stainless steel construction meaning that the blades are very strong and durable.
This material is also rust-resistant, stain resistant and it is also resistant to pitting. The forged design provides a balanced weight to make you comfortable when cutting.
In addition, it features an Asian-influenced and well-cushioned handle with a non-slip grip. A metallic bolster is also included to enhance balance as well as safe handling.
Another noticeable feature you will love about the set is that all the knives feature a signature 26-degree taper grind edge technology to enhance sharpness. Due to this, they provide precise cuts and you don’t need to sharpen them frequently.
The set comes with an 8-inch chef knife, 3.25-inch paring knife, 5-inch utility knife, 8-inch bread knife, 7-inch slicing knife, (6) 4.25-inch steak knives, and a golden-brown stained wooden block.
05. Cuisinart 15-piece Knife Block Set
The Cuisinart C777TR-15-piece block set is among the best options for those who would like to buy from a reputable company. The blades are made of superior high-carbon stainless steel to provide precise and accurate cuts.
When it comes to performance, these knives are exceptional since they feature tapered ground blades with a very sharp edge.
In order to enhance stability, they have an extra-wide forged safety bolster plus stainless steel rivets. These features help to secure the full-tang blade and they also enhance your comfort when cutting.
The set includes an 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch chef knife, 4.5-inch utility knife, 8-inch sharpening steel, 8-inch slicing knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 5-inch santoku knife, multipurpose shears, (6) 4.5-inch steak knives plus a wooden block.
If you are searching for a quality starter knife set, this one is among the best since it comes with all the knives you would require every day in your kitchen. These knives also hold an edge well, meaning that you do not need to sharpen them frequently.
06. Oster Evansville 14-piece Set
If you are on a budget, the Oster Evansville 14-piece is the best cheapest knife set under $50 on the market that looks very stylish and colorful.
It is also a perfect choice for those who would like to add precision and some stylish knives to their kitchen. The knives are very stylish and they also have a precision-stamped construction to enhance durability.
The blades are resistant to stains, corrosion, and rusting; meaning that they are able to maintain their shiny look for a long time. The full-tang blades provide excellent balance which means that they give you maximum control when cutting.
However, in the set, you will find a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 7-inch Santoku knife, an 8-inch bread knife, (6) 4.5-inch steak knives, a 5-inch utility knife, an 8-inch chef’s knife, kitchen scissors, sharpener, and a rubber wood block.
This block provides perfect storage for the knives and this allows them to retain their sharpness for a long time. It also protects them from scratches to enhance their durability.
07. Amazon Basics 18-piece Block Set
The AmazonBasics Premium 18-piece set is another reliable model that comes at an affordable price. Despite the cheap price, the set is made of top-quality stainless steel. All the knives feature precision-honed blades which provide long-lasting sharpness.
Due to this, they will give you an incredible performance when cutting different food items. The knives are well-balanced to enhance your comfort.
Besides that, they feature triple-riveted and full-tang handles which provide an excellent grip. They also come with a full bolster, which keeps your fingers away from the blade.
The set comes with an 8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch slicing knife, 6-inch boning knife, 5.5-inch utility knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 8-inch kitchen shears, (8) 4.5-inch steak knives, 8-inch sharpener, and a hardwood storage block. This means that it comes with all tools you would require for chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing.
Consider These Features Before Buying
If you are still not sure which sets you should pick from the above list, the following features will help you to narrow down your options. These are;
Handle Design and Grip
The handle is among the most important parts of a knife. It should be non-slip and ergonomically designed to enhance your comfort.
Blade Material and Performance
Another thing you need to check is the quality of the materials used in the construction of the knives. The best ones are those made from forged single-piece stainless steel. These ones are very strong and last longer than those with stamped blades.
Sharpness
Your knives will not be of any use if they are not sharp. Choose a set that can maintain its edge for a long time. They should also be easy to sharpen.
Weight
Since you will be using the knives every day, you need to ensure that they are lightweight which means easy to handle.
You should ensure that the blade and the handle are well balanced to prevent discomfort, especially when using them for long hours.
Balance
When it comes to balance, full-tang knives are the best. Their blades run through the entire handle meaning that they have a balanced weight.
Total Knives and Tools
Since these sets come with different knives, it is important to first check if it has all the important knives.
The best set should have a slicing knife, bread knife, paring knife, santoku knife, sharpener, kitchen shears, and a utility knife. These are some of the tools you will require every day in your kitchen.
Storage Block
If you want your knives to last or maintain their sharpness for a long time, you need to store them in a convenient place. A knife block provides the best storage for knives because it is designed to fit all the knives perfectly.
It also protects the blades from scratches, stains, corrosion, and rust. Apart from that, it gives you quick access to the tools. Therefore, you need to ensure that the set comes with a reliable and sturdy block.
Cleaning Ease
You will need to clean the knives after every use. You’ll find many dishwasher-safe knife sets, but hand washing can extend the knife’s sharpness and performance. You can easily clean your knife using mild detergent and water.
Final Thoughts
Searching for the best knife set under $100 is not easy since most of them are not sturdy or sharp enough. As compared to other cheap models, the McCook M21 set is the best for most kitchens.
Because it is durable and sharp and it comes with the necessary tools you would require when preparing different foods.
For those who are searching for a versatile set, the Farberware 22-piece block set is undoubtedly the best since it has more tools than the rest.
I have built kniveswow.com because as a home chef I know how important kitchen knives are. I use different kitchen knives every day and they always save my time. Here I share my thoughts, experience and knife maintenance tips with you. You can find more info about me.