Rating of the best kitchen hatchets for 2022

Every housewife has had to deal with frozen meat and fish more than once. A regular knife won't work here. A kitchen ax will come to the rescue, which will easily cut meat and chop bones. They are also suitable for chopping hard, large vegetables such as zucchini and squash. There is a wide range of axes for the kitchen on the market, different in blade and handle materials, design, size and weight. How to choose the most reliable and at the same time affordable, what to look for when buying, we will consider in the ranking of high-quality kitchen hatchets for 2022, according to buyers, with a description of the characteristics and average price.

How to choose a hatchet for cutting meat and fish

In the kitchen, you often have to deal with frozen foods, butcher carcasses of chicken, duck, rabbit, and fish. In meat, ligaments, cartilage, and bones that cannot be cut with an ordinary knife come across. For such cases, a kitchen hatchet is useful, the choice of which should be approached very carefully.

What are kitchen hatchets

Types of kitchen hatchets:

• Ax knife - resembles an ordinary chef's knife in shape and size, but differs from it in a larger blade width - over 8 cm, a wider butt and a shortened handle;
• ax hammer - a kind of two-in-one tool, having two nozzles at the end of the handle - a corrugated beating surface and a blade-blade 5 to 8 cm long, which is enough for cutting not too massive pieces of meat and fish;
• chopper-axe - it comes in two versions - with a curved point and square edges or with a short blade, approximately equal in length and width, usually there is a pointed corner, which easily pierces the strongest, hard-to-cut tendons and bones.

Which one is better to buy should be decided individually, based on those manipulations in the kitchen when preparing meat and fish dishes, which are supposed to be carried out most often. Some housewives prefer to have all three types of hatchets in their arsenal for convenience and to facilitate the process of cutting and chopping products.

In some cases, it is appropriate to make a kitchen hatchet with your own hands. Home-made models, made according to drawings from a saw with high quality steel, are in no way inferior in performance and durability to purchased counterparts. When deciding how to make a hatchet for chopping meat yourself, you must follow the step-by-step instructions and perform each operation exactly according to the drawings.

Two types of steel are used in the production of axes for the kitchen:

1. stainless steel - standard for most manufacturers, not picky and very durable metal, which, if it requires systematic sharpening, is produced easily at home without special tools;
2. carbon - provides cutting hardness, durability of factory sharpening, however, it can be prone to corrosion in a humid and acidic environment, therefore it requires careful washing and wiping dry after use.

Criterias of choice

For a successful purchase, it is appropriate to consider a number of parameters:

• quality of steel - stainless or carbon, forged models are especially durable;
• weight - should not be too small so that you do not have to make too strong a swing, however, the excessive massiveness of the instrument is also useless in order to avoid rapid hand fatigue;
• cost - saving on such an important tool is inappropriate: the speed and efficiency of cutting the necessary products will depend on its quality, strength and sharpness of sharpening;
• ease of use - it is desirable that the hatchet has an ergonomic handle that allows you to work tirelessly easily, slightly shortened for a small span, as well as a convenient blade shape for quick cutting;
• handle material - it is preferable to choose models with a metal handle, however, some manufacturers have products with wooden and even plastic handles that also work very well;
• manufacturer - when deciding which company is better for a kitchen hatchet, it is advisable to give preference to proven reliable brands with many years of experience in the production of kitchen tools, as well as pay attention to reviews about the manufacturer and its products.

Recommendations

Some useful tips to help you make the right choice when buying:

1. It is advisable to choose a tool with double-sided sharpening, since it is more convenient to use it, and also during operation it will have to be sharpened in two ways, and not one-sidedly. The sharpening angle should be in the range from 15 to 45 degrees, this will provide a perfect cut. A larger angle interferes with the accuracy of the work, a smaller one makes the blade too sharp, like a razor, which can be very dangerous if handled carelessly.
2. When deciding where to buy this kitchen tool, it is appropriate to order online from the manufacturer’s online store or its official representative, as well as contact a large utensils store in your city. Making online orders through unverified sites is undesirable, since you can easily run into fake and low-quality goods.
3. To the question of how much a good kitchen ax costs, only one answer can be given: it is not cheap if it is an original item of a well-known brand. However, you can purchase a product at a promotion or a low price if most of the reviews on it are positive, which proves the real quality and excellent performance. If you plan to use the hatchet infrequently, then you can purchase a completely budget model.
4. The wide and thickened blade will be the most efficient and comfortable to use. The optimal blade length ranges from 15 to 25 cm, the blade width is at least 8 cm.
5. The handle should not be too long, the best shape is transversely rounded. It’s good if finger grooves are indicated on it - this will provide a secure grip and prevent hand fatigue when using the tool.
6. It is important to bear in mind that carbon steel, despite all its positive characteristics and strength, still has one significant disadvantage: over time, it becomes covered with a specific brown coating from moisture, and food processed with such an ax can acquire an unpleasant taste of iron. Stainless steel is more successful in this regard, as it is resistant to corrosion and does not require thorough wiping after each wash.
7. Among the handles, it is appropriate to choose not plastic or wooden, but metal: it will not melt or burn if accidentally overheated, it is easy to wash, and it will not absorb odors. Monolithic steel products are more durable: they do not need additional bolts or rivets to connect to the blade. The minus of models with a metal handle is high cost and heavy weight (often more than a kilogram). A prerequisite is that the handle must be non-slip!
8. Before buying, if possible, be sure to visually examine the product in order to exclude the presence of scuffs and scratches, notches and uneven casting, potholes and chips on the surface of both the handle and the blade. Mechanical marriage will negatively affect subsequent work and may even lead to the fact that the tool will become unusable.
9. It is very good if there is a hole in the upper part of the blade for hanging the product on the wall during storage. It also helps drain excess water after washing.

Rating of the best kitchen axes for 2022

The TOP includes the best kitchen hatchets for chopping meat and fish, for chopping bones from the best manufacturers, according to customer reviews. The popularity of models is due to the strength of materials, functionality, adequate cost and pleasant appearance of products.

Hatchet knives

Samura, Bamboo AUS-8, 18 cm

The model of the famous Japanese manufacturer is characterized by a monolithic execution of handmade high-carbon forged steel and a wide rectangular blade. Ideal for home use in the kitchen, as it perfectly fulfills all the duties assigned to it. Japanese AUS-8 steel ensures durability of sharpening, excellent resistance to corrosion, and ensures the safety of the cutting edge from chipping under high impact loads. The massiveness of the product and the optimal sharpening angle of 40 degrees will allow you to easily cut the most durable tissues, including tendons. Ergonomic design provides a comfortable position in the hand. If necessary, it can be sharpened with musat without any problems.

Average price: 4715 rubles.

• strength;
• sharpening durability;
• ideal sharpening angle;
• comfortable position in the hand;
• nice design;
• massiveness.

• not detected.

Hatamoto, 18.5 cm

The high-carbon steel blade is securely connected with three strong rivets to a wooden handle. Perfect for cutting and cutting. Convenient for grinding and shredding. The thickness of the butt of 4 mm is ideal for beating. The product will last a long time with proper care. Factory sharpening does not dull for a long time. In the future, to maintain the sharpness of the blade, it is enough to use ordinary nutmeg. The product fully justifies its cost, as shown by numerous customer reviews. Also noted is the convenience of a non-slip wooden handle, pleasant heaviness, sufficient for shock movements during cutting, beautiful packaging.The latter circumstance allows you to purchase this tool as a gift.

Average price: 3760 rubles

• long service life;
• comfortable wooden handle
• sufficient severity;
• comfortable use;
• spicy;
• the steel of the cutting edge of the blade does not crumble;
• presentable packaging.

• not detected.

Victorinox, Fibrox, 18 cm

Corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance model of the famous Swiss brand features a durable lenticular blade sharpening and a thick butt that can be used for beating. The handle is made of plastic resistant to temperature extremes, household chemicals and mechanical stress. You can chop small bones, separate the fish head, butcher the carcass of a chicken or rabbit. However, cutting larger and stronger bones and massive pieces will require a strong swing due to the relatively low weight.

Average price: 3990 rubles.

• ergonomic handle;
• durable factory sharpening;
• wide butt;
• durable materials;
• Can be washed in the dishwasher;
• the price is adequate to the quality.

• little weight.

Arcos, Universal, 287900, 25 cm

A quality tool for the Spanish-made kitchen can easily cope with frozen meat, bones and tendons. It is used not only for its intended purpose, but also for minced meat, cabbage shredding, and pumpkin cutting. The stainless steel blade is firmly connected to the POM handle with steel rivets. Massiveness and tangible heaviness allows you to effortlessly carry out chopping movements. Can be washed in the dishwasher.

Average price: 12590 rubles.

• weighty;
• comfortable to hold;
• the hand does not get tired;
• quality materials;
• durable handle;
• not demanding in care.

• high cost.

Hatchet hammers

Steel Star, 40 cm

The budget model, made in China, will help you easily prepare any meat dish that requires beating, chopping or cutting. The material of the blade is stainless steel of special strength, the handles are aluminum alloy, decorated with a lion's head. Moderately heavy, easy to use for its intended purpose. The ergonomic long handle does not require a strong swing, this compensates for the lack of weight. The steel blade is welded into the hatchet and therefore durable and reliable.

Average price: 670 rubles.

• lasting;
• with the function of beating meat;
• ergonomic;
• nice design;
• long handle.

• not very sharp.

Mirus Group, USSR, 5.5 cm

A Russian-made product made of aluminum alloy with a welded-in steel blade will help you quickly and easily cut poultry, meat or frozen fish. However, it is inconvenient to cut large pieces due to the small length of the cutting edge. The second side is intended for beating to a juicy and tender state. The model is decorated with a relief pattern, which gives the appearance of attractiveness.

Average price: 350 rubles.

• good sharpening;
• It does not require special care;
• quality materials;
• comfortable handle;
• cheapness;
• with rebound function.

• small.

Tescoma, President

A Chinese-made model, popular with customers due to its comfort of use and durable materials.The head of the hammer, the blade of the ax and the part of the handle for which the grip is made are made of stainless steel, which is not subject to corrosion and mechanical wear. The middle part of the handle is made of especially durable black plastic, to which the blade is securely attached with rivets. The product can be washed in the dishwasher, special care is not required. The manufacturer gives a guarantee of 36 months, but in fact the tool lasts much longer without loss of functional characteristics and appearance. The texture and shape of the handle provide a comfortable grip. There is a hole for hanging on the wall for storage. The product is sold in a protective case.

Average price: 2300 rubles.

• attractive design;
• functionality;
• strength;
• ergonomics;
• adequate cost.

• not detected.

Hatchet choppers

Samura, Harakiri, 18 cm

Chopper-axe for cutting cartilage and bones is made of high-tech steel, resistant to corrosion. Double-sided sharpening and a comfortable handle make working with the tool pleasant and easy. It fits comfortably under any hand, does not have too much weight, so it is quite suitable for use by women. The white ABS plastic handle is firmly attached to the blade with rivets.

Average price: 2890 rubles.

• durability;
• high-quality sharpening;
• non-slip handle
• corrosion resistant steel;
• nice design.

• not detected.

BergHOFF, Essentials, 16.5 cm

The convenient model from the Belgian manufacturer is distinguished by a particularly durable high-strength stainless steel that is resistant to mechanical damage under shock loads, as well as an ergonomic non-slip wooden handle, securely connected to the solid blade with rivets. Single-sided sharpening systematically requires updating to maintain optimal sharpness of the cutting edge. The surface is treated with anti-corrosion coating. Sold in a case.

Average price: 2560 rubles.

• strong steel;
• anti-corrosion treatment;
• non-slip handle
• affordable price.

• one-sided sharpening.

Properly approaching the purchase of a carving ax, based on the presented review and recommendations, you can easily avoid mistakes when choosing and, as a result, entrust the preparation of numerous culinary masterpieces to a high-quality kitchen tool.