What are some tips for storing a cutlery set? Storing options include storing your cutlery set in a drawer or in a knife block. Storing your cutlery and knives if very important to keep the pieces from becoming...
Storing your cutlery and knives if very important to keep the pieces from becoming damaged and to prevent accidental injuries. There are a number of practical and affordable ways to maintain your knives and cutlery to help make them last a very long time. Once you have invested in a nice set you will want to take care of the items and use them for extensive time.
Karl Pfitzenreiter has been in the business of cutlery for 24 years. He is the president and CEO of J.A. Henckels, a position he has held for the last 20 years. Pfitzenreiter states, "Storage is very important for two reasons; safety and keeping the knife in good condition." He adds, "The most used and most common way to store knives is in wooden storage blocks on a counter top." Wooden knife blocks may be purchased with a set or independently. They come in a variety of wood types, sizes, designs and price ranges. Some hold a many different kitchen knives while others may be exclusively for steak knives.
Pfitzenreiter says, "Knives can be stored in knife trays, which are basically wooden trays that have compartments to store the knives. You can put that in your kitchen drawer." Some cutlery sets have similar trays to separate the salad forks, dinner forks, teaspoons, and table knives. They may also have a separate area for serving pieces like slotted spoons, ladles, pie servers, sugar spoons, and other accessory items. Some knife sets have wooden storage boxes. These are common ways to store grilling knives and utensils, steak knives, or specialty cooking knives.
Storage bars are made of a magnetic strip that can be placed along a wall to keep knives off your counter top but still easily accessible. The metal knife blades will attach to the magnetic strip and be held in place and out of the way.
Knife bags are not the most common way for most people to store knives. Pfitzenreiter suggests, "The knife bag is almost exclusively used by professional chefs. They carry the knife sets with them because it's their main tool. It's very uncommon for the average household or consumer." Knife bags are a good way to store and carry knives used while traveling or camping however as they can be safely stored with minimal space needed.
Cutlery items should be cleaned immediately after use and it is recommended that the items be hand washed in hot soapy water. The items should be towel dried as well and not left damp. Repeated exposure to hot water, harsh detergents, or dampness may lead to damages in some pieces. It is not a good idea to soak knives since they could be a hidden hazard when someone sticks their hand into a pool of sudsy water. Also, heat and water may cause damage to wooden handles or silver-plated finishes on knives or cutlery. Some cutlery items can be cleaned in a dishwasher but they should be removed and dried when the cycle has finished. Never wash stainless steel cutlery items and silver-plated items in the same load either as they may become damaged.
