First Impressions of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set
The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set promises a vibrant and functional addition to any kitchen. It’s a set designed to equip you with the essential knives and tools for everyday cooking tasks, all housed in a striking orange block. This set caught my eye as I’ve been looking to replace my mismatched and frankly, dull, knife collection with something more cohesive and reliable without breaking the bank.
I needed a set that was sharp, durable, and wouldn’t require constant honing. I was tired of struggling to slice tomatoes and carve roasts with my old knives. I’ve used HENCKELS ZWILLING knives in professional kitchens before and know them to be generally reliable.
Upon unboxing, the vibrant orange handles immediately stood out. The knives felt surprisingly lightweight, yet solid, in hand. The block itself is compact and doesn’t take up too much counter space, a definite plus for my smaller kitchen.
I considered the Wüsthof Gourmet Basic Knife Set and the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Knife Set, but ultimately chose the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set due to its balance of price, brand reputation, and the inclusion of kitchen shears. I was also drawn to the modern look with the orange handles. I wanted something more exciting than just plain black or wooden handles.
My initial impression is one of cautious optimism. The HENCKELS ZWILLING name carries weight, but the price point made me wonder if it would live up to my expectations or if this was just a case of style over substance.
Real-World Testing: Putting HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set to work while preparing a simple family dinner: roasted chicken with vegetables. The chef’s knife made quick work of dicing onions and carrots. The paring knife was perfect for peeling potatoes with precision.
The knives performed well even when my hands were slightly damp. This is critical in a busy kitchen environment. I appreciated the comfortable grip of the polypropylene handles.
Initially, I was impressed with the sharpness of the blades straight out of the box. However, I noticed a slight lack of heft compared to my older, heavier knives. This affected my overall control slightly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of daily use, the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set has proven to be a reliable kitchen companion. The blades have retained their sharpness reasonably well with regular honing. I have not needed to sharpen any yet.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear so far. The handles still look brand new after cleaning. The block has also held up well and hasn’t shown any scratches or dents.
Cleaning is straightforward; the knives are easily washed by hand. I avoid putting them in the dishwasher to preserve their sharpness and prevent any potential damage to the handles. This extra care takes little time and is well worth it.
Compared to my previous knife set, this HENCKELS ZWILLING set offers superior sharpness and overall build quality. While not on par with high-end, forged knives, it provides excellent value for its price. My older knives were not stainless steel and showed significant wear.
Breaking Down the Features of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set
Specifications
- The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set includes a bread knife with an 8-inch serrated blade, a chef’s knife with an 8-inch blade, a paring knife with a 4-inch blade, kitchen shears, and a sharpening steel, all housed in an orange storage block. This configuration provides a well-rounded selection for most cooking tasks.
- The blades are made from ice-hardened FRIODUR stainless steel, a HENCKELS ZWILLING proprietary process designed to enhance durability and corrosion resistance. The FRIODUR hardening process ensures long-lasting sharpness.
- The handles are made from orange polypropylene, a lightweight and durable plastic that provides a comfortable and secure grip. Polypropylene is also resistant to water and stains, making it a practical choice for kitchen use.
- The set weighs 5.72 lb, making it relatively lightweight and easy to handle. This is beneficial for users who prefer lighter knives.
- The Manufacturer is HENCKELS ZWILLING. The brand has a long reputation for quality knives.
These specifications contribute to the set’s overall performance by ensuring sharpness, durability, and ease of use. The stainless steel blades offer corrosion resistance, while the polypropylene handles provide a comfortable and secure grip.
Performance & Functionality
The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set performs admirably for its price point. The knives are sharp and efficient at their intended tasks. The kitchen shears are a welcome addition, proving useful for various tasks beyond just cutting chicken.
The chef’s knife is a versatile workhorse, handling chopping, dicing, and slicing with ease. The paring knife excels at more delicate tasks, such as peeling and trimming. The bread knife’s serrated blade effortlessly slices through crusty loaves without tearing.
A slight weakness is the chef’s knife being a bit light for larger, denser vegetables such as butternut squash. Heavier knives tend to have an easier time with that. The honing steel is adequate for maintaining sharpness, but I will likely upgrade to a ceramic or diamond steel at some point.
The set meets my expectations for a mid-range knife set. While it doesn’t compare to premium, forged knives, it offers a significant upgrade from my previous, lower-quality set. This is exactly what I was seeking to obtain with this purchase.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is generally good. The materials feel durable and well-assembled. The orange polypropylene handles provide a comfortable grip, even when wet.
The knives are relatively lightweight, which some users may prefer, while others may find them lacking heft. The orange color is a matter of personal preference, but I find it adds a cheerful touch to my kitchen. The color makes the knife block stand out as well.
There is no significant learning curve; the knives are intuitive and easy to use. Even beginner cooks will find them accessible and comfortable. The set is well-balanced and easy to clean.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set should last for several years. The stainless steel blades are resistant to corrosion and staining. The polypropylene handles are durable and easy to clean.
Maintaining the set is relatively simple. Regular honing with the included steel will help to maintain sharpness. Hand washing is recommended to prevent damage to the blades and handles. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface of the steel.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set includes a basic honing steel. There are no other included accessories or customization options.
The knives are compatible with most standard knife sharpeners and honing steels. However, due to their unique handle design, aftermarket grips or handles are unlikely to be compatible.
It is possible to upgrade the honing steel to a more effective model, such as a ceramic or diamond steel. This is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the overall performance and longevity of the knives. Upgrading the honing steel would be a worthwhile investment.
Pros and Cons of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set
Pros
- Excellent value for the price: Offers a good balance of quality and affordability.
- Sharp stainless steel blades: Provides efficient cutting performance.
- Comfortable polypropylene handles: Ensures a secure grip, even when wet.
- Includes essential knives and tools: Provides a comprehensive set for everyday cooking tasks.
- Vibrant orange design: Adds a cheerful touch to the kitchen.
Cons
- Blades may require more frequent honing than higher-end knives.
- Lighter weight may not appeal to all users.
Who Should Buy HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set?
This set is perfect for home cooks who are looking for a reliable and affordable set of knives to upgrade their kitchen. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate a modern and colorful design.
Those who should skip this product are professional chefs or serious culinary enthusiasts who demand the highest level of performance and durability from their knives. They would be better served with a set of high-end, forged knives.
A must-have accessory would be an upgraded honing steel (ceramic or diamond). This will help maintain the sharpness of the blades for longer.
Conclusion on HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set
The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set is a solid choice for home cooks seeking a reliable and affordable knife set. It provides a good balance of sharpness, durability, and ease of use, all housed in a vibrant and eye-catching design.
The price is certainly justified for the quality and features offered. It’s a significant upgrade from lower-quality knife sets.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an entry-level to mid-range knife set that won’t break the bank. It’s a great way to equip your kitchen with the essential tools needed for everyday cooking.
If you’re looking to add some zest to your kitchen and improve your cooking experience, the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Orange Block Set is worth considering. Don’t hesitate to add it to your cart and start enjoying sharper, more efficient cooking today!