We've lost count of how many times we've watched, mesmerized as Ina Garten chops, cubes, and dices beautiful food. Known for her steady hand and admirable technique, it's no surprise that The Barefoot Contessa arms herself with a selection of chef-approved kitchen knives.
Imagine our delight, then, when we saw that the culinary icon has revealed exactly which knives she prefers, along with other knife tips and tricks, over on her Instagram page.
'People ask me all the time what kind of knives they should get, and I say really good quality knives that are going to last forever,' Garten states in the clip.
In her caption, the Barefoot Contessa mentions that her knives of choice are from the German heritage brand WÜSTHOF, specifically the Classics line, which she then demonstrates in action by smoothly cutting loaves of bread, along with tomatoes.
Though Garten has a block filled with several knives, she advises that all home cooks only need a handful of blades, all of which serve different purposes.
'There are four really important knives: there's a chef's knife, there's a slicing knife, a bread knife, which is serrated, and a paring knife,' she says in the video. 'If you have those four, you can do almost anything.'
Once quality knives are acquired, the natural next step is keeping them sharp and ready for cutting.
'Sharp knives are imperative when cutting food because they can cut into a surface with greater ease, thus decreasing the risk of slipping and causing injuries,' says Chef Serge Krikorian. 'I've always believed that sharp knives are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. They're not just tools; they're essential companions that elevate every culinary experience.'
Chef Krikorian, who also counts Wusthof knives amongst his collection, says that he recommends getting knives sharpened every three to four months if possible.
'It's not just about ownership; it's about the care and maintenance ritual,' he explains. 'I send my knives off for sharpening and reshaping once a year, ensuring they remain in peak condition.'
As far as further preservation measurements, Che Krikorian recommends using blade guards when knives are not in use and storing knives safely (for example, in a block like Garten's) to prevent damage. When used and stored correctly, these knives will stand the test of time, and with endorsements from Che Krikorian and the Barefoot Contessa herself, we're rushing to the checkout.
Shop the Garten-approved knives
Below, explore the Ina Garten-endorsed, WÜSTHOF Classic knives. Since these knives are designed to last forever, we're almost certain they'll be worth the investment.
From $275.00 at Williams Sonoma
This 10-piece set comes with all the essentials for cutting like a pro.
