How Ina Garten Slices a Tomato (and Why the Right Knife Matters)

There’s something magical about watching Ina Garten prepare food. Every chop, slice, and stir seems effortless. Part of that ease comes from decades of experience in the kitchen—but the other secret is using the right tools. One of the best examples? How Ina cuts a tomato.

If you’ve ever struggled with squishing a ripe tomato instead of getting that perfect clean slice, you know it’s all about the knife. Ina has shared her go-to knives over the years, and when it comes to precision, she always recommends Wüsthof.

At Cassandra’s Kitchen, we’re proud to carry Wüsthof exclusively—because we believe in investing in tools that truly last. In fact, our connection with Wüsthof is personal: Cassandra and her husband received a Wüsthof knife block set from Ina herself nearly 20 years ago, and those knives are still in incredible condition today. That’s the kind of quality we want for our customers.

Why Cutting a Tomato Is Tricky

Tomatoes are deceiving. Their skin is delicate but taut, and the flesh inside is soft and juicy. Use the wrong knife, and you’ll either end up smashing the tomato or tearing the skin unevenly. Both make it harder to achieve those clean slices you want for salads, sandwiches, or beautiful plating.

The solution? A sharp, well-crafted knife that glides through the skin without crushing the interior.

Ina’s Favorite Knife for Tomatoes

Ina Garten has said it herself: she uses a small serrated knife for cutting tomatoes. The Wüsthof Classic 5'' Serrated Utility Knife is a great example of this type of tool. With its small serrated blade, this knife grips the tomato’s skin and slices through effortlessly. No squishing. No tearing. Just beautiful, even slices every time.

That’s why it’s one of our top luxury gift recommendations here at Cassandra’s Kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for someone who “has everything,” a serrated utility knife is one of those versatile tools that makes a noticeable difference. And if you’re looking to expand your collection further, Wüsthof’s Classic 5" Tomato Knife is another excellent specialty tool worth adding.

How to Slice a Tomato Like Ina

So, what’s Ina’s approach to cutting tomatoes? Here are some simple, practical tips inspired by her kitchen wisdom:

1. Start With the Right Knife

Skip the dull paring knife or oversized chef’s knife. Ina uses knives designed for the task, and she shows how a small serrated knife is ideal for cutting tomatoes without crushing them—and the Wüsthof Classic 5'' Serrated Utility Knife is the perfect example.

2. Use a Gentle Sawing Motion

Instead of pushing down hard (which squashes the tomato), let the serrated blade do the work. A light back-and-forth motion allows the teeth of the knife to catch the skin and glide through.

3. Slice Evenly

Ina is known for her beautifully plated dishes, and even tomato slices are part of that. Using the right knife makes it easy to keep slices uniform, which not only looks great but also ensures even cooking or layering.

4. Pair With a Stable Cutting Board

A sturdy surface is just as important as the knife. Ina often recommends a heavy wooden cutting board that won’t slip or slide as you work.

5. Don’t Overcomplicate It

Like many of Ina’s cooking tips, simplicity is key. A ripe tomato, a sharp knife, and a steady hand—that’s all it takes.

Other Wüsthof Knives Ina Recommends

While the Utility Knife is perfect for delicate slicing, Ina also keeps several Wüsthof classics in her kitchen. These are the workhorses you’ll see her use again and again:

Chef’s Knife

The 6” and 8” versions are Ina’s staples for chopping vegetables, herbs, and proteins. A versatile choice for nearly every kitchen task, this knife makes prep work efficient and precise. The Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife is an excellent example of this essential tool.

Slicing Knife

Ideal for cakes, bread, or slicing large fruits and vegetables without crushing them, a slicing knife glides cleanly through delicate or soft items. For those looking to invest, the Wüsthof Classic Super Slicer offers professional-level performance.

Bread Knife

A double-serrated bread knife is the best way to achieve bakery-perfect slices at home, cutting evenly through crusts without tearing the interior. The Wüsthof Classic Double-Serrated Bread Knife — named “Knife of the Year” — is a standout option.

Paring Knife

A small but mighty tool, the paring knife is perfect for detail work like peeling, trimming, and slicing small fruits or vegetables. The Wüsthof Classic 3 1/2'' Paring Knife is an essential everyday knife that adds precision to any kitchen.

Why We Carry Wüsthof at Cassandra’s Kitchen

In our kitchen, the tools we choose matter just as much as the ingredients we cook with. That’s why Cassandra’s Kitchen offers only  Wüsthof knives—a brand trusted for nearly two centuries for craftsmanship, enduring performance, and precision. Handpicked by culinary icon Ina Garten herself, the Wüsthof Classic knives are her go-to tools for seamless prep, with Garten noting they “last a lifetime” when cared for properly—and that’s high praise from someone who’s tested widely and only recommends what truly works.

Beyond endorsement, Wüsthof stands out on its own terms. Each knife is precision-forged in Solingen, Germany using high-carbon stainless steel and crafted with ergonomic triple-riveted handles—ensuring balance, comfort, and durability even under daily use. In real-world kitchens—whether behind restaurant counters or in home cooking spaces—chefs consistently point to Wüsthof’s edge retention, weight, and reliability. With the right care, these knives aren’t just tools; they’re lifelong cooking partners worthy of a place in every thoughtful kitchen.

Wüsthof in the Heart of Our Kitchen

Learning how to slice a tomato like Ina Garten may seem simple, but it’s a reminder that the right tools make all the difference. Ina trusts Wüsthof, and after nearly two decades of using them in her own kitchen, Cassandra does too.

Whether you’re looking for your first chef’s knife, adding specialty pieces like the Serrated Utility Knife, or searching for the ultimate gift, Wüsthof delivers quality that lasts a lifetime.

So next time you’re slicing tomatoes for a salad, bruschetta, or a gorgeous platter—channel your inner Ina, reach for a Wüsthof, and enjoy the difference.