Every artist needs the right tools to create their masterpiece, and when it comes to the sublime beauty of the roast, that means a next level carving set.
Made up of a fork, or prong, to hold your joint steady, a set usually comes with a sharp blade to slice off slivers of juicy, succulent meat.
The kitchen essentials are the home cook’s secret and a must-have for big family gatherings, from Christmas lunch to the humble Sunday roast. It’s a sound investment for any time you’re serving large groups of diners.
There are many sets out there all at varying price points. Some are budget-but-brilliant buys, while others come with cheffy endorsements.
We’ve sliced through the bulk to bring you the finest cuts.
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Tramontina 14 Piece BBQ Carving Set
You’ll be ready for all manner of family meals with this 14-piece barbecue and carving set from Tramontina, the experts of Brazilian barbecue. As well as a carving knife and fork, the set includes six steak knives and six table forks. For carnivores, it’s the carving set of dreams.
If you’re planning to give this as a Christmas or wedding gift, you can add engraving to the carving knife for an extra special touch.
Buy now £48.00, Farrar & Tanner
ProCook by Tramontina Carving Set
From the world famous Tramontina knife brand comes this heat-proof and dishwasher-safe set, finished with FSC-certified wooden handles for comfort and style. Perfect for dicing up roasts, it can also be called up in the summer for BBQ season.
Buy now £19.00, ProCook
Viners Everyday Carving Set
Made with long-lasting and rust-resistant steel, this four-piece carving set makes a stylish addition to any cook’s kitchen equipment. As well as a 6-inch meat fork and 8-inch carving knife, it also comes with a pine wood board and a sharpening rod to keep your blades sharp with every use.
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
Jean-Patrique Serrated Carving Knife and Meat Fork Set
A show-stopping carving set for grander occasions, this gold-coloured set comes with hammered handles for a luxe twist. The extra-long prong is ideal for using on larger hunks of beef, pork or poultry while the high-carbon serrated knife means you’ll be able to slice through the meat like a hot knife through butter. A great-looking find at an equally great-looking price.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Amefa Richardson Sheffield Sabatier Trompette 3 Piece Carving Set
Robert Sheffield knives are full tang (meaning the handle and blade are forged from the same piece of metal) so there’ll be no trouble carving with this set. The handles are ergonomically shaped for comfort and a steel sharpener is included to keep the blade on top form.
Buy now £48.87, Amazon
Global G-313: 2 Piece Carving Set
For cutting edge quality, Global is a world-renowned brand favoured by some of the world’s best chefs. The blade is finely balanced, helping to create the thinnest and most delicate slices of meat, brimming with flavour. A set that will turn the act of carving into tabletop theatre.
Buy now £203.75, Amazon
Robert Welch Radford Bright Carving Set
If you’re looking for a piece that will stand the test of time, look to this Robert Welch set. Presented in a smart box that looks prime for gifting, it’s made from the finest 18/10 stainless steel. Dishwasher safe.
Buy now £110.00, Amazon
Victorinox Swiss Modern Carving Set - Walnut Wood
Swiss company Victorinox knows a thing or two about a fine blade, so it’s no wonder it offers this carving set in its huge collection. Made with durable steel and finished with walnut wood handles, the knife and fork are comfortable to hold and will work for those with both modern and traditional tastes.
Buy now £170.00, Farrar & Tanner
Sabre Carving Set
There’s something about tortoiseshell that instantly adds a layer of luxe - even in kitchen utensils. Case in point, this Sabre carving set from Not Another Bill, which uses a faux version of the pattern on the handle of its carving knife and fork. Adding showmanship to dinner parties, they can be engraved and there’s a moss green version to choose from too.
Buy now £58.00, Not Another Bill
Laguiole en Aubrac Carving Set with Juniper Handle
Looking to blow the budget? This sensational French-made carving set combines ultra-strong Sandvik steel with juniper handles for a duo that’s guaranteed to turn heads.
Buy now £249.00, Borough Kitchen
Verdict
Including a carving fork and knife along with a full set of steak slicing cutlery, Tramontina’s 14-piece set takes the Best crown. It’s perfect for Christmas lunch as well as dinner parties and BBQs later in the year.
