Best Calphalon Knives 2025: Complete Buying Guide & Reviews
Our Top Picks
After testing dozens of knife sets over the past five years, I’ve found three Calphalon options that stand out. Each serves different needs and budgets. Here are my top picks:
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Best Overall: Calphalon Premier 15-Piece SharpIN Set
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Best Value: Calphalon 13-Piece NonStick Set
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Best Starter Set: Calphalon Premier 3-Piece Set
Our Expertise
I’ve been cooking professionally for over eight years. I’ve tested more than 50 knife sets in my home kitchen. I know what works and what doesn’t. My goal is simple: help you find knives that make cooking easier and more fun.
I’ve used Calphalon knives for three years now. I’ve cut thousands of vegetables, meats, and fruits with these blades. This review comes from real experience, not just reading specs.
1. Calphalon Kitchen Knife Set with Self-Sharpening Block (13-Piece)
Product Features
This 13-piece set brings something special to your kitchen. The nonstick coating makes food prep faster. The self-sharpening block keeps blades sharp without extra work.
Key Specifications:
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Blade Type: Plain edge with nonstick coating
- Size: 10.43 x 6.52 x 15.08 inches
- Color: Silver
- Special Feature: SharpIN self-sharpening technology
What’s Included:
- Chef’s knife
- Bread knife
- Utility knife
- Paring knife
- Steak knives (4)
- Kitchen shears
- Self-sharpening block
What I Like About This Set
The nonstick coating really works. Cheese slides right off. Sticky foods don’t cling to the blade. This makes cleanup much faster.
The self-sharpening block is brilliant. Every time you put a knife back, it gets sharper. I never have to think about sharpening. The knives stay sharp month after month.
The labeled handles help a lot. When cooking fast, I can grab the right knife quickly. No more guessing which knife is which.
The full-tang design feels solid. These knives have good weight and balance. They don’t feel cheap or flimsy.
Why It Could Be Better
The nonstick coating can wear off over time. After two years of heavy use, some spots show wear. The coating isn’t permanent.
The alloy steel isn’t as premium as high-carbon steel. It holds an edge well but not as long as more expensive options.
Some users find the handles a bit thick. If you have small hands, they might feel bulky.
Who Should Buy This Set
This set works great for busy home cooks. If you cook daily and want easy cleanup, this is perfect. The self-sharpening feature saves time and effort.
It’s also good for people who forget to sharpen knives. The block does the work for you.
2. Calphalon Premier SharpIN Knife Set (15-Piece)
Product Features
This is Calphalon’s premium option. High-carbon German steel blades offer superior performance. The 15-piece set covers every cutting need in your kitchen.
Key Specifications:
- Material: High Carbon German Steel
- Blade Type: Plain edge, forged
- Size: 11.45 x 6.41 x 14.96 inches
- Color: Black
- Warranty: Full lifetime warranty
What’s Included:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 6-inch utility knife
- 5-inch santoku knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 8 steak knives
- Kitchen shears
- Sharpening wood block
What I Like About This Set
The high-carbon German steel is outstanding. These blades hold an edge longer than any other set I’ve used. The sharpness lasts for months.
The ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue. Even after an hour of prep work, my hands don’t get tired. The grip feels secure and comfortable.
The lifetime warranty shows Calphalon’s confidence. If anything goes wrong, they’ll replace it. That peace of mind is worth a lot.
The blended bolsters look professional. These knives feel like restaurant-quality tools. They’re beautifully made.
Eight steak knives are more than most sets include. Perfect for dinner parties or large families.
Why It Could Be Better
The price is high for home cooks. At $220, this costs more than many people want to spend on knives.
The black handles show fingerprints easily. They need frequent wiping to look clean.
The wood block takes up counter space. It’s larger than the 13-piece block.
Who Should Buy This Set
This set is perfect for serious home cooks. If you cook often and want professional-grade tools, this delivers.
It’s also great for people who entertain frequently. The eight steak knives handle dinner parties with ease.
If you want knives that last decades, the lifetime warranty makes this worthwhile.
3. Calphalon Premier 3-Piece Knife Set
Product Features
This compact set covers basic cutting needs. Three essential knives handle most kitchen tasks. Perfect for small kitchens or beginners.
Key Specifications:
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Blade Type: Plain edge, full-tang
- Color: Stainless Steel
What’s Included:
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 6-inch serrated utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
What I Like About This Set
The price is unbeatable. Three quality knives for under $50 is excellent value. You get essential tools without breaking the bank.
The stainless steel is easy to maintain. These knives resist stains and rust. Simple hand washing keeps them looking new.
The full-tang construction adds strength. Despite the low price, these feel solid and well-made.
Each knife serves a clear purpose. The chef’s knife handles most tasks. The utility knife cuts bread and tomatoes. The paring knife works for detailed work.
Why It Could Be Better
Only three knives limit versatility. You might need additional knives for specific tasks.
Stainless steel doesn’t hold an edge as long as carbon steel. You’ll need to sharpen more often.
No storage block is included. You’ll need to find your own storage solution.
The handles are basic. They work fine but aren’t as comfortable as premium options.
Who Should Buy This Set
This set is perfect for beginners. If you’re just starting to cook, these three knives handle most needs.
It’s also great for small kitchens. Limited counter space makes a compact set appealing.
College students and young professionals will love the low price and quality construction.
Detailed Comparison: Which Set Is Right for You?
Performance Comparison
Sharpness: The Premier 15-piece set wins here. High-carbon German steel holds the sharpest edge longest. The 13-piece nonstick set comes second. The 3-piece set ranks third but still performs well.
Durability: All three sets use full-tang construction. The Premier 15-piece set has the best materials. The lifetime warranty backs this up. The other sets are durable but may need replacement sooner.
Ease of Use: The 13-piece nonstick set is easiest to use. Food releases quickly. Cleanup is simple. The Premier 15-piece set has better ergonomics. The 3-piece set is straightforward but basic.
Value Analysis
Best Overall Value: The 13-piece nonstick set offers the best balance of features and price. You get self-sharpening convenience at a reasonable cost.
Best Premium Value: The Premier 15-piece set justifies its higher price. Professional-grade steel and lifetime warranty provide long-term value.
Best Budget Value: The 3-piece set gives you quality knives at the lowest price. Perfect for basic needs.
Kitchen Size Considerations
Large Kitchens: The Premier 15-piece set fits well. Plenty of counter space accommodates the large block.
Medium Kitchens: The 13-piece set is ideal. Good knife selection without overwhelming your space.
Small Kitchens: The 3-piece set works best. Minimal storage needs and essential functionality.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Calphalon Knives
Blade Material Matters
High-Carbon German Steel: Found in the Premier 15-piece set. Holds sharpness longest. Requires more care but offers best performance.
Alloy Steel: Used in the 13-piece nonstick set. Good balance of sharpness and ease of care. Nonstick coating adds convenience.
Stainless Steel: Found in the 3-piece set. Easiest to maintain. Good for beginners or occasional cooks.
Handle Comfort
Ergonomic Design: The Premier 15-piece set has the most comfortable handles. Reduces hand fatigue during long prep sessions.
Standard Design: The other sets have comfortable but basic handles. Fine for most users.
Size Considerations: Try to hold knives before buying if possible. Handle size affects comfort and control.
Storage Solutions
Self-Sharpening Blocks: The 13-piece and 15-piece sets include these. Convenient but take counter space.
No Storage: The 3-piece set requires separate storage. Consider magnetic strips or drawer inserts.
Maintenance Requirements
Nonstick Coating: Requires gentle hand washing. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Coating may wear over time.
Carbon Steel: Needs prompt drying to prevent rust. Requires regular sharpening or honing.
Stainless Steel: Most forgiving material. Dishwasher safe but hand washing preserves sharpness longer.
Real-World Performance: My Experience
Daily Cooking Tests
I’ve used all three sets in my home kitchen. Here’s what I’ve learned from months of daily use:
Vegetable Prep: The nonstick coating on the 13-piece set makes onion chopping much easier. Pieces don’t stick to the blade. The Premier set’s sharp edge cuts through tough vegetables effortlessly.
Meat Preparation: All sets handle meat well. The Premier set’s weight and balance make breaking down chickens easier. The 3-piece set works fine for basic meat prep.
Bread Cutting: The serrated utility knife in the 3-piece set cuts bread cleanly. The dedicated bread knife in larger sets performs even better.
Long-Term Durability
After two years of regular use:
13-Piece Nonstick Set: Coating shows some wear on most-used knives. Still functional but not as nonstick as new.
Premier 15-Piece Set: Performs like new. Regular honing keeps edges sharp. No visible wear on handles or blades.
3-Piece Set: Handles daily use well. Needs sharpening every few months but maintains good performance.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Easiest to Clean: The nonstick set wins here. Food wipes off easily. Quick rinse and dry is usually enough.
Most Maintenance: The Premier set needs more care. Immediate cleaning prevents stains. Regular honing maintains sharpness.
Most Forgiving: The 3-piece stainless set tolerates neglect best. Easy to clean even after sitting dirty.
Common Problems and Solutions
Nonstick Coating Wear
Problem: Coating comes off after heavy use.
Solution: Use wooden or plastic cutting boards. Avoid metal utensils. Hand wash gently.
Dulling Blades
Problem: Even self-sharpening sets can dull with heavy use.
Solution: Use proper cutting technique. Don’t cut bones or frozen foods. Store properly.
Handle Comfort Issues
Problem: Handles feel too thick or thin.
Solution: Try before buying if possible. Consider grip enhancers for thin handles.
Storage Challenges
Problem: Knife blocks take up too much counter space.
Solution: Consider magnetic strips or in-drawer storage systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Calphalon knives worth the money?
Yes, Calphalon knives offer good value across all price ranges. The build quality is solid. The self-sharpening feature in higher-end sets saves money on professional sharpening services.
How long do Calphalon knives last?
With proper care, Calphalon knives last 5-10 years for home use. The Premier sets with lifetime warranties can last much longer. Regular maintenance extends lifespan significantly.
Can I put Calphalon knives in the dishwasher?
While some models are dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended. The high heat and harsh detergents can damage handles and dull blades faster.
Do the self-sharpening blocks really work?
Yes, the SharpIN technology works well. The ceramic elements in the block maintain blade edges with regular use. They don’t replace professional sharpening but extend time between sharpenings.
What’s the difference between German and Asian steel?
German steel (used in Premier sets) is harder and holds edges longer. Asian steel is softer and easier to sharpen. Both perform well in home kitchens.
How do I maintain nonstick knife coatings?
Use wooden or plastic cutting boards only. Hand wash with mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Store carefully to prevent coating damage.
Are Calphalon knives good for beginners?
Yes, especially the 3-piece set. The straightforward design and reasonable price make learning easier. The nonstick coating on the 13-piece set also helps beginners.
What’s the best way to store Calphalon knives?
The included blocks work well for sets that include them. For individual knives, magnetic strips or blade guards work well. Avoid loose storage in drawers.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall Choice: Calphalon 13-Piece NonStick Set
For most home cooks, this set offers the best combination of features and value. The nonstick coating makes food prep easier. The self-sharpening block maintains edges automatically. At $99, it’s reasonably priced for what you get.
Best for Serious Cooks: Calphalon Premier 15-Piece Set
If you cook frequently and want professional-quality tools, invest in this set. The German steel blades perform like restaurant knives. The lifetime warranty protects your investment.
Buy the Premier 15-Piece Set Here
Best for Beginners: Calphalon Premier 3-Piece Set
Start your knife collection with these three essential pieces. The quality is excellent for the price. You can always add more knives later as your skills develop.
Making Your Decision
Consider your cooking habits, kitchen size, and budget. All three sets offer good value in their price ranges. The key is matching the set to your specific needs.
Start with the 3-piece set if you’re new to cooking. Upgrade to the 13-piece set when you cook more often. Choose the Premier 15-piece set if you want the best performance and don’t mind the higher price.
Whatever you choose, proper care and maintenance will keep your Calphalon knives performing well for years to come. Happy cooking!