SMEG Pastel Blue Stainless Steel Knife Set Review: Style Meets Everyday Function
Introduction
SMEG is best known for retro-style appliances with a premium price tag and pastel color palette. Their Pastel Blue Stainless Steel Knife Set brings that same signature aesthetic to the countertop—but how do the knives actually perform? Are you just paying for the look, or does the function back up the form?Here’s a breakdown of whether this stylish set deserves a spot in your kitchen.
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Section 1: What’s in the Set?
The SMEG knife set includes:
•Chef’s Knife (8”)
•Bread Knife
•Utility Knife
•Paring Knife
•Carving Knife
•Acacia Wood Knife Block
The knives are made from German stainless steel and finished with soft-touch pastel blue handles that match SMEG’s iconic colorways (also available in cream, black, and red).
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Section 2: Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic
•Clean, vintage-inspired design
•Pastel color with brushed stainless accents
•Fits well in modern or retro kitchens
Materials•German X50CrMoV15 stainless steel (common in quality knives)
•Comfortable, grippy soft-touch handles
•Weighted well—balanced but not heavy
The wood block is sturdy, compact, and has a beveled SMEG logo on the front. The overall presentation screams “luxury kitchen eye candy.”
Design Rating: 10/10
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Section 3: Knife Performance
Out of the Box Sharpness
•Sharp enough for paper-thin tomato slices and precision cuts
•Bread knife has a solid serrated edge that doesn’t tear
In Use
•Chef’s knife handles meats and veggies well
•Utility and paring knives are great for fruit, garlic, herbs
•Handles are comfortable for long prep sessions
They don’t quite reach the slicing precision of Japanese steel, but they’re better than standard department store sets—with a focus on feel and balance.
Durability
•Blades hold an edge through regular use
•Not dishwasher safe (hand-wash only to avoid corrosion or handle damage)
•No major chipping or wear over time if properly maintained
Performance Rating: 8.5/10
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Section 4: Practicality and Maintenance•Easy to sharpen with a basic honing rod or whetstone
•Knife block keeps blades protected and organized
•Compact footprint on the counter
•SMEG does not currently offer individual replacements or add-ons for this set
This is more of a one-and-done set than a modular knife system.
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Section 5: Pros and Cons
Pros:
•Beautiful, design-forward look
•Sharp and well-balanced blades
•Ergonomic, soft-touch handles
•Premium materials and finish
•Compact, stylish block
•German steel = strong edge retention
Cons:
•Expensive for a 5-knife set (~$400)
•Not dishwasher safe
•No expansion options or replacements
•Performance is great—but not “pro chef” level
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Section 6: Best For
•Home cooks who want style + function
•SMEG fans with matching kitchen gear
•Gift-givers looking for a standout kitchen item
•Design-conscious users who want more than generic black-handled knives
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Conclusion: Final VerdictThe SMEG Pastel Blue Knife Set is one of the most stylish kitchen knife blocks you can buy—and fortunately, the performance backs up the aesthetic. The blades are sharp, the build is solid, and the set feels great in daily use.
You’re definitely paying for the look, but you’re not sacrificing quality. If you’re outfitting a premium kitchen or looking for a statement set that also cuts well, this delivers.
Final Score: 8.8/10