This Dollar Tree Kitchen Essential Is A Budget Must-Buy, According To Reviews

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You'd be surprised at just how many things that one expects to cost more can actually be picked up from a Dollar Tree shelf. Sure, the super-budget chain no longer sticks to the $1 pricing policy it's named after, with some products priced up to $7. However, there are still several kitchen essentials you can pick up at Dollar Tree that can end up saving you a tidy sum, including a trusty kitchen knife. The Royal Norfolk Cutlery Santoku knife is a particularly well-reviewed general-purpose knife that's available at Dollar Tree for $1.25. Buyers have praised its sharpness and versatility, using it for everything from chopping cabbage to chicken breast and steak. There are a few complaints, but at the price, there's really no chance of getting buyer's remorse. Plus, remember that name-brand knives that cost more than $1.25 but are still considered budget-category can also have quality issues.

There are always better chef's knives out there. The late, great Anthony Bourdain's favorite knife costs over $100, and many would be happy paying the sum. However, it's worth considering just what you need the knife for. If you're not slicing and dicing meat and produce several hours a day like a professional chef, a sturdy, decently sharp blade can be enough for most of your chopping needs. And if that blade can be acquired for under $2, consider that a good chunk of money saved. You might still require a few other types of knives around the kitchen for certain tasks like slicing bread or carving meat, but this Dollar Tree chef's knife, or a similarly priced alternative, is great to have around as a handy everyday chopper.

While you get a solid knife for the price, it's important to manage expectations when buying one from Dollar Tree. A review for the Royal Norfolk Cutlery chef's knife says, "It's a kitchen knife from Dollar Tree; what do you expect," and it's fair not to expect a lot from a $1.25 product. When buying a budget knife, expect the blade to dull faster and the knife to not feel as well-balanced or comfortable during long chopping sessions. Even if a knife costs hundreds of dollars, it will eventually require sharpening; expensive knives generally require more upkeep. Instead, when it comes to household food prep (which doesn't require extensive chopping), it's often best to get a budget or mid-tier knife that can be easily replaced and avoid worrying about professional upkeep. A Jinlifa 8-inch chef's knife, at $5.99, is a good budget option. For even better value, consider the Cokuma three-piece knife set for $7.98, which includes chef, utility, and paring knives.

More serious issues can arise with budget chef's knives, and while not so common, they are possible. One review notes that the blade of Dollar Tree's Royal Norfolk Cutlery Santoku knife gets rusted. This is a serious issue and something important to watch for in cheaper knives. The blade chipping or snapping, as well as coming off the handle, are also potential issues that may occur if the knife is put under excessive strain. While this isn't something that's expected to happen during regular use, it's best not to test the limits of budget chef's knives, but keep them for simple kitchen prep.