Let me be real-nothing in the kitchen is more frustrating than a dull knife. A few months back, I got tired of fighting with mine. So I picked up the Cuisinart 12 piece knife set, and it changed how I cook. Since then, I’ve used it every single day. I’ve cut soft fruits, tough roots, and even cooked meat. These knives made prep work faster, safer, and honestly more fun.
If you’re looking at the Cuisinart Advantage 12 piece knife set, or thinking about getting the Cuisinart 12 piece knife set black, I’ve got some thoughts. I’ll also share how it stacks up to the Classic line and what makes the full 12 piece Cuisinart knife set worth your time or not.
In this review, I’ll walk you through my real experience-what I love, what I don’t, and what surprised me the most.
Table of Contents
Why I Chose the Cuisinart 12 Piece Knife Set for My Kitchen
A few months ago, I hit a breaking point with my old knife drawer. Half the knives were dull, the rest were mismatched hand-me-downs that had seen better days. Every time I chopped onions or tried to slice a tomato, it felt like a battle.
I wanted a knife set that looked good, felt right in my hand, and could actually slice through food without a struggle. Sharpness, comfort, and durability were at the top of my list.
I also wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank. A lot of premium sets cost a fortune. But after some digging, I came across the Cuisinart 12 piece knife set, and the price-to-quality ratio grabbed my attention right away.
What sealed the deal? The colors. Yep, I admit it. The sleek look-especially the Cuisinart 12 piece knife set black—was clean, modern, and matched my kitchen vibe. But more than looks, I knew Cuisinart as a trusted brand. I’ve used their appliances before, and they’ve held up well over time.
What’s Included in the Cuisinart 12 Piece Knife Set?
When I opened the box, I felt like I hit the jackpot. The Cuisinart 12 piece knife set came with everything I needed—and nothing extra to clutter the drawer.
Here’s what you get:
- 8-inch chef’s knife – my daily driver for meals
- 8-inch slicing knife – smooth on cooked meats
- 8-inch bread knife – sharp enough to saw through crust
- 7-inch Santoku knife – great for veggies and clean cuts
- 6.5-inch utility knife – fits right between big and small jobs
- 3.5-inch paring knife – perfect for peeling and tiny tasks
- 6 matching blade guards – each knife has its own
At first, I didn’t think blade guards would matter. But I was wrong. I keep my knives in a drawer, and these guards make a huge difference. They keep the blades sharp and safe. No more cuts from grabbing the wrong knife too fast.
The unboxing was a breeze. No twist ties. No annoying plastic. Just a clean layout. I could see each knife right away, and that felt good. I even sliced a tomato that same day and it cut like I was using a pro knife.
Design & Aesthetics – Cuisinart 12 Piece Knife Set Black & Other Colors
It’s wild how much a knife’s look can matter. When I first saw the Cuisinart 12 piece knife set black, I was hooked. The sleek, matte black finish felt like something out of a modern chef’s dream kitchen. No flashy logos. No weird patterns. Just clean, sharp lines that looked as good as they cut.
Now, Cuisinart also makes colorful versions in the Advantage series-think bright reds, blues, even pastels. They’re fun and playful, great for a more vibrant kitchen. But I wanted something that would age well and match my stainless-steel setup. The black set looked elevated without being extra.
When I laid them out on my counter, the black knives made everything else look better. It’s like putting on a good outfit-it pulls the whole room together. And guests noticed. Yep, people commented on my knives. That never used to happen.
As for wear and tear? After months of use, the color still looks solid. No major chips or fading. I hand wash mine, which helps. If you toss them in the dishwasher a lot, the black coating might wear faster—just being honest.
Performance Breakdown – Cutting, Chopping & Everyday Use
Let me say this first: the 12 piece Cuisinart knife set is sharp-like, impress-your-mother-in-law sharp. Right out of the box, I sliced through tomatoes like they were jelly. No squishing, no sawing. Just clean, easy cuts.
Now, three months in, they’re still cutting great. I do a lot of cooking-daily, honestly—and they’ve held their edge better than I expected for this price. I haven’t even sharpened them yet, which says a lot.
Helpful tip: You won’t need to sharpen these often if you’re just cooking for a family.
Let’s talk comfort. I’ve got medium-sized hands, and these handles feel just right. They’re not bulky or too thin. They have a smooth grip, and even when my hands are damp, I don’t feel like I’m wrestling the knife. It’s more like an extension of my hand.
I’ve used these knives on everything-apples, onions, chicken breasts, and even a rock-hard spaghetti squash. No cracks in the blades, no weird bending. They tackle the tough stuff without me feeling like I need to press hard. That’s key for safety and control.
Now about cleaning-yes, they’re labeled dishwasher safe. But here’s the thing: I tried the dishwasher once, and the black finish started to lose its sheen. I’ve hand-washed them ever since, and they’ve stayed beautiful.
Is the Cuisinart 12 Piece Knife Set Worth It?
Let’s be honest. Not everyone needs a $300 knife block. When I bought this set, I wasn’t trying to be the next Iron Chef. I just wanted sharp, reliable knives that wouldn’t rust after a week. And that’s exactly what I got.
For around $30–$50, you get a full lineup: chef’s knife, slicing knife, paring knife, utility knife, and more—all with matching blade guards. That alone made me feel like I was getting a deal. They also look way more expensive than they are, especially the matte black ones.
Compared to high-end knives I’ve tried (like Wüsthof and Shun), you’ll notice a difference in steel quality and edge retention. But honestly? For daily home cooking, I haven’t needed the extras those brands offer. The Cuisinart knives slice, dice, and chop just fine. And I’m not constantly worried about damaging them.
So, who should skip it? If you’re a serious home chef who sharpens knives weekly and can tell the steel type by the way it sings against a tomato, this set might feel basic. But if you just want a no-fuss set that works right out of the box and still looks good after months of use, you’re in the right lane.
Where to Buy It – Best Deals & My Experience
Let me tell you how it went. I was scrolling one night, frustrated after another dull dinner prep. I searched for “Cuisinart 12 piece knife set,” read a few reviews, and clicked “Add to Cart” faster than I’d like to admit. A few days later, it showed up on my doorstep. No store hopping. No second-guessing in a crowded aisle.
I grabbed mine from Amazon during a weekend sale. The price dropped under $35, and I also saw it bundled with other kitchen tools, which was tempting. Walmart and Target had it too, but the color options were more limited. I noticed the black set tends to sell out faster-probably because it looks high-end without the high-end cost.
Now, let’s talk returns. I didn’t need to return mine, but I always check the policy just in case. Most sites give you 30 days. Amazon was clear and easy to deal with. Plus, Cuisinart offers a lifetime warranty against defects. Yep, lifetime. You do have to pay for shipping if you file a claim, but it’s still peace of mind.
Pro Tips for Using & Maintaining the Cuisinart Knife Set
Let’s be real: even great knives won’t last if you treat them like butter knives. When I first got the set, I made a few rookie mistakes—like leaving them in the sink overnight (yikes). Luckily, I learned fast. Here’s what’s worked for me and kept my Cuisinart knife set in tip-top shape for months.
1. Keep Them Sharp (Without Getting Fancy)
You don’t need a professional sharpener or whetstone to keep these knives cutting clean. I use a basic handheld sharpener every couple of weeks-nothing fancy, just a few quick swipes and done. You can keep your Cuisinart knives sharp with a $10 manual sharpener and 30 seconds of your time.
If you’re not into sharpeners, a honing rod works too. It won’t replace sharpening, but it keeps the edge straight, which helps the knives stay sharp longer.
2. Hand Wash Only (Yes, Really)
I get it-throwing them in the dishwasher is tempting, especially after a big dinner. But trust me, don’t. The black coating on my set is still flawless because I hand-wash and dry it immediately. Dishwashers can dull blades and damage the coating-hand washing helps your knives last way longer.
I use a soft sponge, mild soap, and warm water. Takes maybe 30 seconds per knife. Totally worth it.
3. Don’t Let Them Soak
Here’s the mistake I made early on: I left a couple of knives soaking in the sink “just for a minute.” That turned into an hour, and I noticed tiny spots forming near the blade edge. Never soak your Cuisinart knives. Water can sneak into the handle seams and cause rust or wear.
Now, I wash them right after use and dry them with a clean towel. No soaking. No regrets.
4. Use the Blade Guards (They Actually Help)
Each knife comes with a matching blade guard. At first, I thought they were just for shipping protection. Wrong. They’ve saved my blades and my fingers—more than once.
What I Like
After months of daily use, here’s what genuinely stood out to me. These little details made a big difference in my kitchen routine.
- Razor-sharp right out of the box
I didn’t have to sharpen them for weeks. Slicing tomatoes, onions, or even pineapple felt smooth and effortless. It made prepping food faster and more satisfying. - Comfortable grip, even for longer sessions
The handles are lightweight but sturdy. I have average-sized hands, and these knives never felt bulky or awkward. Great for long prep without wrist strain. - Sleek, modern design that turns heads
I went with the matte black finish, and let me tell you-people notice. Friends have asked, “Where did you get these?” They’re functional and stylish. - Blade guards are included with every knife
These were a surprise win. They protect the edges and make drawer storage much safer. No more accidental cuts when reaching for a knife. - Perfect for home cooks who want an upgrade
It’s a major step up from random, mismatched knives. I felt like I leveled up without spending a fortune. The full set covers all the basics (and more).
What Could Be Better
These aren’t dealbreakers-just small things I noticed that could make a great product even better.
- Dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is safer
While the box says they’re dishwasher-safe, I learned that hand washing keeps the black coating looking brand new. It’s a bit more work, but totally worth it. - No storage block included
The set comes with blade guards, which work fine, but I would’ve loved a matching storage block to keep everything in one neat spot on the counter. - The color coating might fade over time if misused
I treat mine gently, and they still look great. But if you’re rough with them or toss them in with heavy pots it might wear faster. Just be mindful. - Not for professional chefs
Let’s be honest these aren’t $500 chef knives. But for home cooks like me? They’re more than enough. And honestly, they look and feel pricier than they are.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using this knife set daily for over three months now, and I’ve tested them on everything from delicate herbs to thick steak. Here’s how they held up across the board.
Design
These knives didn’t just blend in-they elevated my kitchen’s whole vibe.
The matte black finish on my set feels premium. It’s the kind of design you’d expect in a pro kitchen or one of those slick food blogs. Even though this set is budget-friendly, the look says otherwise. The colorful Advantage series is fun too, but I love how the black version complements my stainless steel appliances.
The clean lines, matching blade guards, and comfortable handles show that Cuisinart didn’t cut corners on the looks—even for a mid-range set.
Performance
A knife can look good, but it has to perform and this set surprised me.
From day one, they were razor-sharp. I remember slicing through a ripe tomato like it was butter. No squishing, no tearing. After a few months, I touch them up with a manual sharpener, and they bounce right back. The chef’s knife is my workhorse, but I use the paring knife almost daily for fruits and snacks.
What really stood out was how they handled tougher jobs—like cutting raw chicken or chopping a dense butternut squash. They stayed steady and didn’t slip. That gave me confidence while cooking.
Build Quality
At this price point, I expected “good enough” but these knives feel surprisingly solid.
Each knife has a full tang feel (even if it’s not a true full tang), and the handles never feel loose. The weight is light but balanced. No rattling, no cheap plastic feel. The blades have held their edge well, and the coating hasn’t chipped—though I always hand wash them.
Read More: Chefman Digital Air Fryer Review & Guide
Final Verdict – Would I Buy the Cuisinart Knife Set Again?
Yes—I would buy the Cuisinart 12 piece knife set again in a heartbeat.
After months of using these knives daily—slicing fruit for breakfast, prepping dinner, even tackling tough squash—I can confidently say they’ve held up way better than I expected for the price. They’re sharp, stylish, and surprisingly durable when you treat them right. For a budget-friendly set, that’s a big win.
FAQ
1. Is the Cuisinart 12 Piece Knife Set worth it?
Yes, the Cuisinart 12 piece knife set offers great value for money. It provides sharp, durable knives that perform well for daily use without breaking the bank. Learn more about its features.
2. How sharp is the Cuisinart 12 Piece Knife Set?
The knives come out of the box, and they maintain their edge well with regular use. With basic sharpening every few weeks, they stay reliable and effective.
3. Can I put the Cuisinart knife set in the dishwasher?
While the set is technically dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended to protect the black coating and keep the knives sharp for longer. Learn more about maintenance tips.
4. What’s the difference between the Cuisinart Classic and Advantage 12 Piece Knife Set?
The Classic set has traditional stainless steel blades, while the Advantage series offers color-coated knives. Both are durable, but the Advantage set is more playful and vibrant.
5. Are the knives in the Cuisinart Advantage set stainless steel?
Yes, the knives are made from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and strength. The color coating is just an aesthetic upgrade.
