Tableware and knife buying guide
Building a useful tableware set
Start with dinner plates, smaller side plates, versatile bowls and everyday cups. Check that pieces stack efficiently, fit your cupboards and dishwasher, and have a glaze that suits your preferred care routine.
Choosing your first kitchen knife
An 8-inch chef’s knife is the broadest all-purpose choice for vegetables, meat and herbs. A santoku is typically shorter and agile, making it a strong option for cooks who prefer a lighter, compact feel.
Choosing cutlery
Look beyond appearance: handle comfort, edge finishing, weight distribution and the space required for storage all matter in daily use. Brushed finishes tend to make light fingerprints less visible.
Knife safety
- Use a wooden or food-safe plastic cutting board.
- Do not cut bones, frozen food or other hard materials with a general-purpose knife.
- Hand-wash and dry promptly, especially when natural wood is present.
- Store sharp knives in a block, sheath or secure magnetic rack, away from children.