Moving into a first home means stocking a kitchen from scratch, and a knife block set is one of the quickest ways to cover the basics. The best knife sets with blocks for new homeowners offer a wide selection, a simple block and an easy-care routine.
The six sets below favor broad selection and convenience over specialty steel. Most of them include a built-in sharpener or covers that look after the edge for you, which is handy when you are still learning how to maintain knives. Piece counts and colors differ between listings, so sizes are described in general terms. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm the details on the current listing before you buy.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Selection | A chef’s knife, bread knife, paring knife and steak knives cover a starter kitchen |
| Sharpening | Built-in sharpeners are convenient for beginners |
| Block footprint | Choose a block that leaves room for appliances |
| Care level | Dishwasher-safe claims vary, so hand washing is the safest path |
| Storage plan | Think about drawer space, counter depth and whether children are in the house |
Specs at a Glance
| Set | Block | Blade material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McCook MC29 Knife Block Set | Wood block with sharpener | German stainless steel | Built-in sharpener |
| Astercook Knife Block Set | Block with sharpener | Stainless steel | Dishwasher-friendly claims |
| Emojoy Knife Block Set | Block with sharpener | Stainless steel | Large assortment |
| Home Hero Knife Set | Block | Stainless steel | Large piece count |
| Farberware Edgekeeper Knife Block Set | Block with covers | Stainless steel | Self-sharpening covers |
| Chicago Cutlery Belden Knife Block Set | Wood block | Stainless steel | Traditional styling |
The 6 Best Knife Sets with Blocks for New Homeowners
1. McCook MC29 Knife Block Set
A popular value set with a block that includes a sharpener, and a mix of knives for chopping, slicing and everyday tasks.
Suits: first kitchens. Strengths: a sharpener in the block. Weaknesses: built-in sharpening is basic. Skip it if you want premium steel.
View McCook MC29 Knife Block Set on Amazon
2. Astercook Knife Block Set
Astercook’s block sets are marketed for easy care, with a built-in sharpener and a broad assortment of knives.
Suits: new kitchens. Strengths: many pieces for a first kitchen. Weaknesses: check the maker’s care notes. Skip it if you want hand-wash-only quality.
View Astercook Knife Block Set on Amazon
3. Emojoy Knife Block Set
A budget-friendly large set with a block, sharpener and a wide mix of knives for slicing and chopping.
Suits: equipping a whole kitchen. Strengths: wide variety. Weaknesses: quality is basic. Skip it if you want a few high-end knives.
View Emojoy Knife Block Set on Amazon
4. Home Hero Knife Set
Home Hero’s set offers a very large piece count with a block and added extras like steak knives and shears.
Suits: stocking up quickly. Strengths: plenty of knives. Weaknesses: more pieces than most people need. Skip it if you want a minimalist set.
View Home Hero Knife Set on Amazon
5. Farberware Edgekeeper Knife Block Set
The Edgekeeper blades sit in covers that sharpen as you insert and remove them, which suits beginners.
Suits: low-effort upkeep. Strengths: a sharpening cover on every knife. Weaknesses: covers add parts to clean. Skip it if you want an open block.
View Farberware Edgekeeper Knife Block Set on Amazon
6. Chicago Cutlery Belden Knife Block Set
A traditional, wood-block set from a long-running American brand, covering everyday knives for a new kitchen.
Suits: a classic wood-block look. Strengths: trusted brand name. Weaknesses: steel is not premium. Skip it if you prefer modern styling.
View Chicago Cutlery Belden Knife Block Set on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Hand wash knives with mild soap and dry them straight away.
- Wipe the block and slots from time to time.
- Test the built-in sharpener on an old knife first.
- Keep knives out of reach of children.
- Replace a blade that has become chipped instead of forcing it through food.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the largest set just for the piece count.
- Soaking knives overnight.
- Ignoring the maker’s care notes.
- Cutting on glass or ceramic plates.
- Forgetting that sharpeners built into blocks still need cleaning.
New Homeowner Knife FAQ
What is the best starter knife?
An 8-inch chef’s knife. It handles most prep tasks.
Are cheap sets worth it?
They are fine for starting out. You can upgrade the chef’s knife later.
How do I keep knives sharp?
Use the built-in sharpener or a honing steel, and wash by hand.
Should new homeowners buy steak knives?
Only if you host often. Steak knives are a nice extra, but a good chef knife and bread knife matter more for daily cooking.
The Short Version
Start simple and upgrade later. For an easy starter set, the McCook MC29 Knife Block Set. For a convenient starter block, the Astercook Knife Block Set. For a big value set, the Emojoy Knife Block Set. For a big starter pack, the Home Hero Knife Set. For a set that sharpens itself, the Farberware Edgekeeper Knife Block Set. For a traditional starter set, the Chicago Cutlery Belden Knife Block Set.
Related Guides
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- 6 Best Kitchen Knife Sets for Beginners: Easy-Care Blocks (2026)
- 6 Best Budget-Friendly Kitchen Knife Sets: Starter Blocks (2026)
- 6 Best Knife Sets for Home Cooks: Blocks for Daily Use (2026)