No matter how you slice it, Chef Andrew Zimmern certainly knows a thing or two about kitchen tools. His decades-long career has found him both in and out of the kitchen—working at the likes of former East Hampton eatery The Quiet Clam and hosting a myriad of cooking shows, including Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.
The culinary renaissance man shared some of his kitchen insight while cooking up an enticing batch of potato latkes for his YouTube channel. During one particular episode, Zimmern was asked a burning question: If you could only have four kinds of knives for the rest of your life, which ones would they be?
Although he was a bit taken aback by the question at first, he quickly rattled off his answers: Chef Andrew Zimmern cannot live without a serrated knife, a filet knife, a slicer and a chef’s knife. If the selection of slicers has you scratching your head, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered with a breakdown of why each of Zimmern’s four faves should be staples in your own kitchen arsenal.
Related: Best Way to Make Brisket, According to Chef Andrew Zimmern
Serrated Knife
Any bread, fruit or veggie fans in the house? If this sounds like you, this particular variety is essential for your knife block. Unlike a plain knife, a serrated knife has saw-like edges that make it perfect for effortlessly slicing through foods with a tough exterior. Hello, stubborn sourdough! Given that the rugged edges easily tackle tough exteriors, it allows you to cut through loaves of bread without applying pressure that would end up smashing the bread.
Related: The ‘World’s Best’ Way to Make Buttered Popcorn, According to Andrew Zimmern (and His Son)
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔
Getty Images
Filet Knife
Don’t let the name fool you, filet knives can be used for more than just seamlessly breaking down your favorite fish. The versatile kitchen tool can also trim fruits and vegetables with ease. The lightweight filet knife is known for sporting a thin and flexible blade, which provides an easy slicing motion. They’re typically made from stainless steel or carbon steel, with the latter serving as the superior material.
Related: How to Make the Best-Ever Creamy Coleslaw, According to Chef Andrew Zimmern (and His Mom)
Getty Images
Slicer
Wanting to whip up a stellar sandwich? Make sure you have your slicer handy because it’s the perfect knife pick for cutting thin slices of meat. Although slicers are perfect for getting that “just right” slice of protein, they can also be used for fruits and vegetables.
Related: I Tried Jeff Goldblum’s Favorite Turkey Sandwich Recipe
Getty Images
Chef’s Knife
As the larger of Zimmern’s favorites, the chef’s knife serves a multitude of purposes in the kitchen. Perfect for basic kitchen prep work, this style of knife is capable of slicing, dicing and chopping a variety of ingredients—from tough cuts of meats to tender bunches of herbs. Not a fan of chopping garlic? We get it. You can even use the flat side of the chef’s knife to crush garlic.
Related: The Genius Garlic-Peeling Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner
Getty Images
Smart Tip: Sharpen Your Knives
When it comes to kitchen maintenance, sometimes keeping your knives properly sharpened can fall to the bottom of your to-do list. But the truth is, a sharp knife is safer than a dull knife.
If your knife is dull, you’ll need to provide more pressure when cutting, which has the potential to become dangerous. You can sharpen your knives on your own using one of a variety of methods or you can reach out to a company that offers knife sharpening services. These days, most kitchen supply stores—like Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma—will expertly sharpen any of your knives for a small fee.
Whatever method you choose, even Zimmern himself says that you should absolutely avoid dishwashing your knives.
Up Next:
Related: The Absolute Best Way to Store Your Knives, According to Ina Garten
