The Best Type Of Knife For Safely Chopping Chocolate
Chopping chocolate is an essential task for any home baker or pastry chef. However, finding the right tool for the job can be a challenge. Many people assume that a regular kitchen knife or chef's knife will do the trick, but in reality, it's actually not the best knife for the job. When you reach for just any old knife, you will most likely end up with a piles of chocolate shavings or broken pieces scattered around the cutting board.
While there is a better knife to chop chocolate, it's important to keep a few things in mind regardless. First, it's important to make sure that the knife is sharp. A dull knife can actually make the process more difficult and increase the chance of uneven cuts. Choosing the right size knife is key, too: A small knife is ideal for chopping small amounts of chocolate while a larger knife is better suited for larger quantities.
Apart from these universal tips, there are additional advantages to chopping chocolate with a serrated knife.
This is why a serrated knife is the best option
A serrated knife is the best knife for chopping chocolate for several reasons. For starters, the serrated edges grip the chocolate, making it easier to slice through and eliminating the mess created by other knives that leave debris behind. This is especially important when working with chocolate that is hard or brittle, as it can be difficult, and also dangerous to your vulnerable fingers, to cut through with a regular, potentially unstable knife that could slip and cut one — or more — of your fingers.
Another benefit of using a serrated knife is that it allows for more precise cuts. When chopping chocolate, it's important to create pieces that are similar in size as uneven pieces can cause problems during the melting process. The serrated edge of the knife helps to create clean, straight lines. And, by using a sawing motion rather than a chopping motion, you will further secure the serrated knife into your chocolate and cut back on the possibility that the knife will end up somewhere other than in your chocolate or on your cutting board.
With the right tools and a little practice, you'll not only be chopping chocolate like a pro, but reducing your chance for injury.