Which Kitchen Knives Should Be Used for Food Preparation?

In a professional kitchen, high-quality knives are essential. Without them, food preparation becomes slower, less precise, and more dangerous. Every chef learns early on that different knives serve different purposes, and using the right one not only improves efficiency but also ensures consistent results and safer working practices.

In a commercial setting, every team member should be confident in identifying and handling knives. Labelling knives and displaying a quick-reference guide in the kitchen is an excellent way to train new staff. Here’s a guide to the key knives every professional kitchen requires:

Chef’s Knife

A chef’s knife is the most versatile tool in the kitchen. With a blade between 8 and 14 inches, it is suitable for chopping, slicing, and dicing a wide range of ingredients including meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables.

Boning Knife

Slim, sharp, and sometimes flexible, a boning knife is designed for removing bones and trimming meat with precision. The blade is usually up to 7 inches long and provides excellent control.

Utility Knife

A mid-sized multi-purpose knife with a blade between 6 and 8 inches. The utility knife is ideal for general prep such as cutting fruit, vegetables, or cheese. It bridges the gap between a paring knife and a chef’s knife.

Santoku Knife

A Japanese-style knife that has become increasingly popular in professional kitchens. Smaller and lighter than a chef’s knife, the Santoku is excellent for chopping onions, slicing fish, and fine dicing.

Paring Knife

With a short blade of up to 4 inches, the paring knife is designed for delicate work. Use it for peeling garlic, trimming mushrooms, or slicing small fruit and vegetables.

Serrated Knife (Bread Knife)

This knife features a long serrated edge, making it ideal for slicing through bread, pastries, or any food with a firm exterior and soft interior. It preserves texture without crushing the product.

For more suggestions, please feel free to go to our full article detailing even more options. Also take a look at the full kitchen knives collection here at Alliance Online.