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Every kitchen has knives, but not every kitchen has the knives needed to do the job! Some people rely on one-to-two knives to cut everything from tomatoes to potatoes. However, if you want your knives to last and function, you should give yourself a little more to work with. That’s why we’re going to break down the best knife sets under 100 in 2021.
Unless you’re a professional chef, it’s hard to know what knives make up a good starter collection. Luckily, there are people out there who have already created knife sets to meet every basic kitchen need – and then some! The best kitchen knife sets under 100 are collections that offer variety and function without breaking the bank!
Contents
- Quick Overview (comparison)
- The Ten Best Knife Sets Under 100 in 2021
- 1 – Emojoy Knife 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set (Best Pick 🥇)
- 2 – J.A. Henckels International Statement 12-Piece Knife Block Set
- 3 – Cuisinart 17- Piece Artiste Collection
- 4 – Chicago Cutlery Fusion 12-Piece Knife Block Set
- 5 – Emojoy 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
- 6 – Amazon Basics Premium 18-Piece Knife Set
- 7 – Romeker 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
- 8 – Cuisinart 15-Piece Triple Rivet Collection Cutlery Set
- 9 – Ginsu Gourmet Chikara 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set
- 10 – Vremi 10-Piece Colorful 5-Piece Knife Set
- A Simple Buying Guide To Determine The Best Knife Set Under 100
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Final Verdict
Quick Overview (comparison)
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Amazon Basics 18-Piece Premium Kitchen High-Carbon Stainless Steel Blades with Pine Wood Knife Block... | $67.93 | Buy on Amazon |
The Ten Best Knife Sets Under 100 in 2021
A knife set should have the right knife for every type of food. Therefore, we teamed up with several chefs to find the best knife set under 100 that is the solution in every situation. Just sit back and relax and find out which one is best!
1 – Emojoy Knife 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set (Best Pick 🥇)
The Emojoy 15-piece is a stylish, high-quality knife set with some great options. It displays nicely on any kitchen counter and adds beauty to the decor. All of the knives are housed in a beautiful pakkawood block for convenience and easy storage.
All together, the set includes: 6 steak knives, a bread knife, paring knife, chef’s knife, utility knife, and Santoku knife. Additionally, the Emojoy knife set includes a sharpener and versatile kitchen scissors.
For best preservation of your Emojoy knife set, you’ll want to hand wash only. Using the dishwasher might result in unsightly rust spots. Impressively, these blades have a lovely pakkawood handle that’s designed for comfort and a no-slip grip. And Emojoy stands by the quality and durability of their knife sets by offering a 100% money-back guarantee.
Key Features
- 15 knives
- Wooden block
- Pakkawood handles
- High carbon stainless steel blade
- 6 steak knives
- Kitchen scissors
Pros
- Beautiful, classy look
- Includes a knife sharpener
Cons
- May be too lightweight for some people’s taste
- One of the more expensive on the list
2 – J.A. Henckels International Statement 12-Piece Knife Block Set
With 12 pieces total, the J.A. Henckels kitchen knife set has everything you need to master home-cooking. The high-quality stainless steel is a must for any savvy or aspiring chef! And these blades are designed for durability with precision-stamped construction.
Because the blades are satin finished, they excel at precision cutting. But that’s not the only thing to love about this set. The J.A. Henckels 12-piece set is full tang which means the blade is one solid piece with the handle pinned to it. Full tang is a benefit because it makes for a stronger, sturdier knife overall.
Also worth noting, these knives are specifically made to have great leverage and balance. This feature helps a lot with kitchen safety and efficiency. Impressively, these knives are extremely sharp and they remain sharp for a long time. But when they do need refreshing, you can use the sharpening steel included in the set.
Key Features
- 12 piece set
- Hardwood block
- Sharpening steel
- Full tang design
- High quality stainless steel
- Satin finished blade
Pros
- Great variety of knives
- Long lasting sharpness
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
3 – Cuisinart 17- Piece Artiste Collection
Perhaps one of the most recognizable kitchen brands of all time, Cuisinart serves up an impressively versatile 17-piece collection. The set has a very classic, sleek look with an attractive black block. This set looks incredibly expensive sitting on your kitchen counter. Even better, it performs with excellence.
The Cuisinart 17-piece has a huge selection of knives and components. First, there’s a nicely-crafted wooden block with sharpening steel and kitchen sheers. In the block are 8 4.5” steak knives. Other knives include a chef’s knife, slicing knife, Santoku knife, utility knife, and two paring knives.
All of the knives are made with a high-quality stainless steel blade and uniquely designed handle. And the Cuisinart 17-piece artiste collection is constructed to ensure superior strength, control, and precision.
Key Features
- Stainless steel blade
- 8” Chef knife
- Lifetime warranty
- Uniquely designed handle
- 17 pieces
- Kitchen sheers and wooden block included
Pros
- Very sharp
- Comfortable in the hand
Cons
- Steak knife slots are not cut precisely
- Kitchen sheers are not the best quality
4 – Chicago Cutlery Fusion 12-Piece Knife Block Set
Another budget-friendly but high-quality knife set is the Chicago cutlery fusion 12-piece. The blades are sturdy high-fusion stainless steel and the presentation is attractive. For optimal weight and balance, the knives have increased weight.
Despite being a relatively inexpensive set, the Chicago Cutlery collection is strong, sharp, and durable. Further, the unique Asian-inspired design makes this set a delight to display. The cushion-grip handle is an important safety feature. It ensures your hand will be comfortable while preventing slippage. Because these knives are full metal tang, the user has the advantage of increased control and balance.
One signature aspect of this Chicago Cutlery set is the 26-degree taper grind edge. What this means is that the blade has been optimized for sharpness and ease of sharpening. To keep this 12-piece set in the best possible condition, you’ll want to hand wash them and avoid placing them in the dishwasher.
Altogether, this set includes 6 steak knives, an 8-inch chef’s knife, a bread knife, utility knife, and paring knife. Because this collection is specifically designed with chef’s in mind, it offers incredibly high-quality, diverse pieces. But it’s a great set for anyone who loves to cook because the knives are built for safety, comfort, and ease-of-use.
Key Features
- 12-piece
- High carbon stainless steel
- Caramel stained wood block
- Cushion grip handles
- 26-degree taper grind edge
- No-slip grip
Pros
- Knives have full metal tang
- Keep their sharpness longer than the market leading knife brand
Cons
- Blades do not come perfectly polished
- Occasional rust spots
5 – Emojoy 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Another superior set from Emojoy, the 18-piece gives you tons of options in the kitchen. If you spend a lot of time cooking and preparing food, this set might be your favorite new dinner-time companion.
Firstly, the walnut wood block with striking grain pattern looks smart displayed in your countertop. In addition to the storage block, kitchen shears, and knife sharpener, there are 15 knives. You’ll find the typical 6 steak knives and several more for various purposes. Other knives include: chef’s knife, bread knife, Santoku knife, paring knife, peeling knife, boning knife, and 2 utility knives.
The boning knife is a nice feature because its an option that’s not included in most sets. A boning knife has a sharp point and a narrow blade. It’s made to precisely maneuver fish, meat, and poultry to remove the bones.
In addition, the Emojoy 18-piece is FDA and NSF-certified. What that means for you is that this set meets certain high-level safety standards. Although this collection was created with professionals in mind, a novice can learn a lot and have a great deal of fun with an assortment of this type.
Key Features
- 18-piece set
- Manual sharpening
- German stainless steel
- Walnut hardwood block
- Sharp conical ground edge
- Heat-treated blades for hardness
Pros
- Exceedingly sharp knives
- Solid grip ergonomic handles
Cons
- Block angle is very steep
- Not dishwasher safe
6 – Amazon Basics Premium 18-Piece Knife Set
Another 18-piece set, the Amazon Basics kitchen knife set is a useful, versatile collection for any kitchen. For one thing, you get a great assortment of knives. They house nicely in the hardwood storage block that includes kitchen shears.
Additionally, you can get plenty of use out of these knives thanks to their high quality stainless steel blades. And the blades are precision-honed to ensure their long-lasting sharpness. The ergonomic handles are triple-rivet and full tang for strength and sturdiness. Also, the grip is comfortable and designed for no-slip handling.
If your kitchen is hectic or you do a lot of multi-tasking, it’s great to have a one-stop-shop knife block with a great assortment of knives. In addition to the rubber-wood storage block and 8-inch sharpener, you get 8-inch kitchen shears and 15 knives.
Amazon Basics Premium comes complete with 8 steak knives, a chef’s knife, Santoku knife, slicing knife, bread knife, utility knife, boning knife, and paring knife. Particularly, most people get a great deal of use out of the 8-inch chef’s knife. Because it’s an all-purpose blade, this knife is great for chopping all kinds of fruits and vegetables.
Key Features
- 18-piece set
- Full tang
- Triple-riveted
- Ergonomic no-slip grip handle
- Hardwood block
Pros
- High quality stainless steel
- Weighted knives
Cons
- Scissors are not high quality
- Knives need frequent sharpening
- Hand wash only
7 – Romeker 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
This gorgeous knife set looks stunning on any kitchen counter. The Romeker 15-piece is a strong entry among our best knife sets under 100. The pakkawood block is stylish and durable and will safely store your knives for years to come. And the knives are built for easy use, so you can make great use of them whether you’re a professional or a novice in the kitchen.
Because the blades are hand-polished and crafted with precise tempering, they give far more expensive kitchen knife sets a run for their money. Every knife in the Romeker set is hand-sharpened for optimal edge. And you’ll want to be sure and hand-clean them to keep them looking their best.
Included in the Romeker 15-piece are: chef’s knife, Santoku knife, bread knife, utility knife, paring knife, and 6 steak knives. Additionally, the set includes kitchen shears and a convenience sharpener.
Key Features
- 15-piece
- Full tang blades
- Comfort grip
- Attractive Pakkawood block
- Includes sharpener
- High-carbon stainless steel blades
Pros
- Great variety of blades: slicing, bread, utility, and more
- Includes Chef cutlery set and 6 steak knives
Cons
- Hand wash only – will rust in dishwasher
- Sheers are difficult to get clean in certain areas
8 – Cuisinart 15-Piece Triple Rivet Collection Cutlery Set
Cuisinart always delivers the quality, and now they deliver it on a budget. The triple-rivet 15-piece is capable of covering all your slicing and dicing dinnertime needs. You can store them compactly and conveniently within the cutlery block. Also, you can choose from traditional black handles or striking, beautiful white handles.
Impressively, this knife set gives you triple-rivet cutlery. Forged triple rivet means these knives are easy to rock on a cutting block. This makes for precision chopping and dicing.
Within this set, you’ll receive 6 steak knives, a chef knife, slicing knife, Santoku knife, utility knife, paring knife, bird’s beak paring knife, and all-purpose household sheers. Cuisinart knives have tapered ground blades that are incredibly fine-edged and sharp. Overall, they’re a standout entry to our list of best knife sets under 100.
Key Features
- Knives come in black or white
- 15-piece set
- Includes sharpening steel
- Comes in wooden block
- High-carbon stainless steel blades
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Specifically designed for precision and accuracy
- Tapered ground blades are extremely sharp
Cons
- Cuisinart does not guarantee against rust
- Pairing knives are not the highest quality
9 – Ginsu Gourmet Chikara 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set
The Ginsu Chikara forged kitchen knife set comes with a modest 8 knives, but they may be the only knives you ever need. Made from superior Japanese stainless steel, this collection comes housed in a beautiful bamboo block.
Designed so you can achieve optimal control and precision, the Ginsu Gourmet Chikara 8-piece knives are expertly balanced. Unlike many other kitchen knife sets, this collection does not include steak knives. However, many kitchens are already stocked with plenty of those. So this 8-piece is a great option for people who are all set on steak knives.
Within the set, you receive a chef’s knife, honing rod, utility knife, Santoku knife, serrated utility knife, and paring knife. As with most sets, there’s also a set of all-purpose kitchen shears.
Key Features
- 420J Stainless steel
- 8-piece set
- Japanese style handles
- Fully forged blades
- Bamboo storage block
- Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Knives stay sharp for a long time
- Well-balances knives
Cons
- Will rust in dishwasher
- One of the most expensive on the list
10 – Vremi 10-Piece Colorful 5-Piece Knife Set
If you’re looking to add even more flavor to your kitchen, you might want to consider the Vremi 10-piece rainbow-colored knife set. It comes with 5 knives and 5 strikingly colorful blade sheaths. This collection is so fun, you might start spending more time in the kitchen just to experiment with them!
While there’s no wooden storage block, these knives are protected by their bright, durable sheaths. Plus, they’ll make you smile every time you open the silverware drawer! The Vremi 5-piece kitchen knife set includes a multi-purpose chef knife, carving knife, paring knife, serrated knife, and utility knife. The rainbow-colored sheaths come in red, purple, blue, yellow and orange. Additionally, the sheaths are made with food grade non-stick coating for protection and easy cleaning.
The handles on these Vremi knives have no-slip grip for maximum safety and control. And the blades are lightweight stainless steel for good maneuverability and precision. This collection in particular make a great gift because it’s both practical and exciting!
Key Features
- Includes 5 knives and 5 colorful sheaths
- Chef knife set
- Lightweight stainless steel
- Non stick coating
- Magnetic blades
- Ergonomic non-slip handles
Pros
- Very unique and stylish knife set
- Make a great gift because of the whimsical colors
Cons
- Cannot be placed in the dishwasher
- Not as much variety as many other sets
A Simple Buying Guide To Determine The Best Knife Set Under 100
As you can see, there are a lot of choices when it comes to finding the best knife set under 100. Even many high end brands have affordable options for the discerning consumer. Most people end up with a random collection of knives rattling around in their silverware drawer with the spoons and forks. But there are definite advantages to having a hand-picked collection attractively displayed in one place.
What To Pay Attention To When Buying This Product
Depending on how kitchen savvy and ambitious you are, there are a few things to consider before you take the leap and purchase your knife set. While keeping an eye on price, you don’t want to end up with an entire set of poorly made knives. Even an inexpensive knife collection is a waste of money if it doesn’t function well. So here are some things to consider before you purchase one of the best knife sets under 100.
Number of Knives
A great big knife set seems cool, but there’s no sense in buying knives you’ll never use. The reason almost all of these knife collections include steak knives is because they get frequent use. So when looking at a kitchen knife collection, ask yourself if you’ll ever use a boning knife or serrated utility knife. If the answer is no, consider opting for a smaller set.
But if you’re a whiz in the kitchen or you’re looking to expand your horizons, research the knives in your set and see how you might work them in to your dinnertime routine. And if you already have a million steak knives, the rainbow colored 5piece by Vremi might be the perfect option for you.
Weight
Obviously, a nice heavy knife with some weight behind it makes a nice cut. You want the knife to have accuracy and precision and not be so light as to be flimsy. On the other hand, you want something you can maneuver and handle with ease.
Brand
There are more than a few good quality knife brands out there. Take a look at what particular brands specialize in and pride themselves on. In our research, we found that there are some excellent brands that deliver high-quality collections at a very reasonable price.
If you’re looking for a knife set under 100, know that you don’t have to compromise and settle for rust-stained, flimsy knives with awkward grip. Brands like Cuisinart, Emojoy, and Vremi offer durable, comfortable kitchen knife sets that you’ll love using and displaying.
Quality
Quality does not have to suffer simply because you’re on a budget. You can stay under 100 dollars and still have desirable features like brushed stainless steel, ergonomic handles, high-quality wood storage blocks, and durable, multi-functional chef’s knives.
You can always add some specialty knives to your collection later on if you feel like spending more money. But all of the sets on our list make a great baseline collection of kitchen knives that you can build on over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
According to our research, the best affordable kitchen knife set is the Emojoy 15-piece. The price is excellent, it makes a fantastic housewarming or birthday gift, and it looks gorgeous just hanging out on the counter. Not to mention, the knives are high-quality, durable tools you’ll get plenty of use out of.
It’s difficult to pick just one brand because there are so many of equal quality and exceptional craftsmanship. Aside from the brands we’ve listed above, there are some other great brands if you’re willing to spend a little more.
Cuisinart is fantastic because they have a lot of options at different price points. And if price is no object, there are some brands that craft knives like works of art. Some of those brands are: Dalstrong, Perigold, and Shun.
Famed chef Gordon Ramsey uses a brand of knives called Wusthof. Specifically, he is fond of the Classic Icon series. This is a popular set of knives for celebrity chefs, and Jamie Oliver is fan of them as well.
Wusthof is a pretty high-end collection of knives, though the prices aren’t obscene. It’s a German brand that specializes in professional-grade kitchenware and blades with incomparable sharpness.
In addition to Wusthof, we’ve researched some other brands that are popular with professional chefs. Some standout brands are Kinzoku Steel, Dalstrong, J.A. Henckels, and MAC – specifically, the MAC chef’s knife.
Look for a knife that specializes in the same thing you do. In other words, if you eat fish every night, look for some boning knives and filleting knives. Start with the foods you really love, learn to prepare them to perfection, then branch out to other areas of expertise!
Specifically, you should be looking for stainless steel blades, ergonomic no-slip grips, and established brands that have proven themselves with chefs all over the world.
Final Verdict
In all honestly, there’s plenty to love about all of the knife sets on this list. Whether you’re a professional chef or just like to have fun in the kitchen, a good knife set is a necessity! When weighing the best knife sets under 100, we researched durability, quality, variety of knives, price, and functionality.
But the true standout is the Emojoy 15-piece knife set. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this collection has a good variety without going overboard on knives you’ll probably never use. The sharpness of the blades is impressive and the sharpener is effective and reliable.
Aesthetically, this set looks stunning on display and appears much more expensive than it is. It comes with a good set of kitchen sheers and the multi-purpose chef knife is strong with a comfortable grip. All in all, Emojoy 15-piece is a great place to start if you’re looking to build an outstanding set of long-lasting knives. It’s our pick for best knife set under 100 in 2021.
David Clarke is one of the most active authors for KnivesExpert. He has been working as a professional chef for 8 years now. In his spare time he is always looking for new tastes which he can use in his restaurant. David is also a real knife enthousiast and he only wants to use the best of the best. The search for the best knife resulted in the start of Knivesexpert!