Knife block
A knife block is a storage medium for kitchen knives and other kitchen utensils .
description
If knives are stored in a drawer , the blades of the knives hit each other, which dulls their blades or damages the knives. In a knife block, however, the blades do not touch. In addition, knives are more easily accessible in a knife block than in a drawer. The knife block can be set up flexibly at the appropriate location.
There are basically three types of knife blocks:
- The most common type of knife block has slots of different sizes into which different knives can be inserted. Some models also have storage options for knife sharpeners ( knife sharpener ) or scissors . Mostly, knife blocks with knives are offered as a set, because the slots are tailored to these knives.
- Knife block type with a brush or bristle insert instead of individual slots. This brush insert can usually be removed for cleaning. The soft brushes are particularly gentle on the knife blades. In this type of knife block it is possible to flexibly arrange any knife.
- Magnetic knife block. Strong magnets are integrated in this knife block . This allows the knife to be freely positioned on the corresponding surfaces. The blades are visible, which makes it easier to choose the right knife. However, only knives or other utensils can be used that have a sufficient magnetic effect and are not too heavy, otherwise they can easily slip off the block. Therefore this type of knife block is suitable e.g. B. not for ceramic knives .
Many knife blocks are made of wood ; the types of wood used are often oak , beech or bamboo . There are also models made of stainless steel , plastic , glass and concrete . Wood and plastic have a soft and blade-friendly surface. In contrast, knife blocks made of stainless steel and plastic are easier to clean. Models made of heavy materials ensure better stability. In addition to the pure utility value , knife blocks offer design options for a decorative design .
With the knife blocks, in which the blade is completely inserted into the knife block, they are safely stowed there, but this has the disadvantage that you cannot see which type of blade belongs to the knife handle. Some knife blocks are equipped with a child safety device; if this is activated, no knife can be pulled out of the block. To prevent the knife block from slipping on the work surface, many knife blocks have an anti-slip coating.
Hygiene hazard
The knife block is often one of the dirtiest items in the kitchen. Even if the knives are always put into the knife block clean and dry, they tend to get dirty over time, because crumbs and dust cannot be prevented in a kitchen. Therefore, mold can develop in these narrow and dark rooms . Regular and thorough cleaning can help .
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b What is a knife block? in: stern.de
- ↑ Franziska Kaindl: Cleaning the knife block: How to avoid mold formation in: Merkur.de