What is the difference between a paring knife and a utility knife

You can also find bread knives in this length. These are ideal for people more confident with handling knives, or who prepare and cook dense cuts of meat, both with and without bones, and vegetables such as squash and melons. They should be a staple for professional chefs, as well as everyday cooks who like to experiment with larger meals.

When it comes to everyday cooking, versatility is key. The best knives to have in your kitchen are a:. The pastry chef, who specialises in pastries, bread, muffins, cakes and more sophisticated baked goods such as mille-feuille and plated desserts will need a small yet versatile array of knives to approach a range of ingredients used in baking, as well as for slicing and cutting the finished products. These include a:. The aspiring chef are those aiming to grow their skills, normally in the confines of their own home, but none would deny that they are normally quite proficient in the kitchen.

They enjoy cooking on a regular basis, entertaining for friends and family, and experimenting with new dishes. The aspiring chef may not yet have all of the skills and experience of the professional, but they are still often knowledgeable and passionate chefs and will need a durable set of kitchen knives, including a:. An apprentice chef is someone who gets paid to learn the skills needed to become a professional.

This means they will need a broad range of knives to cater for a wider spectrum of cooking techniques, styles and dishes. In the kitchen, an apprentice chef needs at least a:. They have high-level skills and knowledge of different cooking styles, cuisines, techniques, and dishes. Therefore, any professional chef will need a wide range of kitchen knives in varying lengths, including a:.

While some kitchen knives serve single purposes, others are used for a variety of reasons. Coffee Mugs Coffee Mug Set.

Flatware Flatware Set. Gift Cards Digital Gift Card. Seasoning All-Purpose Rub. Drinks Coffee Beans Cocktail Syrup. Shop All. Sign In. Create Account. Reviews Care Our story. Chef Knife Vs. Every professional chef needs a quality knife set. Utility Knife General characteristics of a utility knife:. What to use a utility knife for:. What to NOT use a utility knife for:. The verdict? Squashing a fluffy loaf with a non-serrated knife is not okay. For gently slicing through bread without tearing it, a bread knife is what you need.

The large serrations bite through the crispiest crusts and leaves the soft crumb inside intact. Respect the freshly-baked baguette, people. There is nothing like a good steak but enjoyment of your robust meaty dish can be diluted if not given the right utensils. Invest in a set of steak knives to make light work of sumptuous slabs. A fillet knife should have a flexible blade for delicate fish and meat preparation.

The boning knife has a narrow, flexible blade with a fine tapered tip. This shape makes it much easier to work around bones — whilst causing minimal damage to the surrounding meat. Nice to have, but not essential unless you are planning on doing a lot of your own meat prep.

Taking on a roast leg of lamb, whole chicken or anything else requiring carving is much easier and more fun with the right tools. The two-pronged fork keeps meat still, and inflicts minimal damage, while the long, narrow blade of the carving knife quickly cuts slices, and cuts through the joints of poultry easily. Use it to crack through the back of a lobster, or when your butchery tasks have you cracking marrow bones open. While there are options available with Japanese-style octagonal handles, most paring and utility knives are made with Western handles.

They are ergonomic and allow chefs to have a comfortable and firm grip on the knives, allowing them to cut through ingredients and control it easier. While they are designed for different tasks, both of these knives would fit very well in just about any knife roll.

My name is Andy Wang, and I'm a retired chef. And this blog is where I share my love for knives and cooking with people like you. Please see my disclosure here. Size Handle Usage Conclusion. For peeling fruits and vegetables and mincing herbs and aromatics Also for trimming meat and seafood.