An electric knife sharpener is designed to sharpen knives quickly and efficiently by grinding away at the blade using abrasive elements such as honing rods or sharpening stones. Electric knife sharpeners often have multiple slots or stages, each of which is designed for a specific type of blade or level of sharpness.
Anyone who has tried cutting a tomato with a dull knife knows the importance of keeping knives sharp. Not only does it allow your work to be smooth and precise, but it’s also crucial for your safety.
Discovering electric knife sharpeners can be a kitchen enlightenment for any cook. You can suddenly work with all kinds of food, some as hard as ribs and some as fine and delicate as tomato skin and parsley.
In this article, we will consider all factors when looking for the best electric knife sharpener, as well as some of our favorite ones.
Table of Contents
- 7 Best Electric Knife Sharpeners
- Top Choice: Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor XV Edge Select Electric Knife Sharpener
- Best Value: Edge Keeper Electric Knife Sharpener
- #1: Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor XV Edge Select Electric Knife Sharpener
- #2: Presto 08810 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
- #3. Chef’s Choice 290 Angle Select Hybrid Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener
- #4: Shenzhen Knives Electric Diamond Knife Sharpener
- #5: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener
- #6: Work Sharp Culinary E5 Kitchen Knife Sharpener
- #7: EdgeKeeper Electric Knife Sharpener
- Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric Knife Sharpener
- How to use an Electric Knife Sharpener
- FAQ
- How Do I Sharpen a Pocket Knife?
- How Do I Sharpen a Serrated Knife?
- What is the next section
- Can I use an electric knife sharpener on all types of knives?
- How often should I use an electric knife sharpener?
- Can I use an electric knife sharpener to sharpen serrated knives?
- Can I use an electric knife sharpener to sharpen ceramic knives?
- Conclusion
7 Best Electric Knife Sharpeners
When it comes to electronic sharpeners, there are a lot to choose from. It’s difficult to figure out what will work best. Here are our top 7 favorite electric knife sharpeners, to help you get a better grip on what to pick.
Top Choice: Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor XV Edge Select Electric Knife Sharpener
Best Value: Edge Keeper Electric Knife Sharpener
#1: Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor XV Edge Select Electric Knife Sharpener
Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor XV electric knife sharpener is an absolute work of art. With over 10,000 reviews on Amazon this electric knife sharpener is a top choice of many.
The most notable feature of this sharpener is its Trizor XV technology. It provides a burr-free triple-bevel fine edge with a 15 degree finish. This adds incredible strength, sharpness, and durability to the knives used.
Made of 100% diamond flexible stropping abrasives, it ensures superior sharpening quality and outstanding precision for both straight and serrated knives. Truly game-changing!
In addition to its wide-ranging versatility, it’s user-friendly and easy to use with practically all kinds of knives. This makes it an ideal option for beginners as well as experience knife-sharpening veterans.
Here is an excellent review of the Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor:
Things We Liked
- Versatile, works on western and Asian style knives
- Works on serrated knives
- 100% diamond flexible stropping abrasives for an extremely sharp edge
- Compact design that’s easy to store
- User-friendly
- Three-year warranty
Things We Didn’t Like
- Expensive
- Grinds a lot of knife’s substance
- Can scrape knives sometimes
- Not easily used with smaller knives
- Not suitable for knives that need to maintain a 20-degree edge
#2: Presto 08810 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
Presto is one of the leading names in the industry. A jack of all trades, master of many. It has certainly attained a reputation for versatility and efficiency.
I’d recommend Presto 08810 for any newbie in either cooking or outdoor activities, including hunting. It’s got your back whenever you need it.
Presto 08810 is remarkable in terms of the variety of knife types that it sharpens. It works with almost all types; including but not limited to, sports knives, hunting knives, and of course cooking knives.
Additionally, it has a blade selector that allows you to choose thin, medium, and thick. This ensures you are sharpening your knife to the best sharpening angle. The thin system works best for fillet knives, the medium works best for kitchen knives, and thick is best for hunting knives.
The three-stage system ensures precision, durability, and high performance for all kinds of knives. The first stage is the most course sharpening and the last stage finishes and polishes the edge.
Things We Liked
- Good value for money
- Three-stage sharpening system
- Works with serrated knives
- Interchangeable blade guides for a perfect angle
- Fast and efficient
- 1-year warranty
Things We Didn’t Like
- Large and heavy
- It doesn’t work with ceramic knives
- There are some concerns about its effectiveness with Japanese knives
#3. Chef’s Choice 290 Angle Select Hybrid Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener
Chef’s Choice has excelled in the industry since 1985, perfecting model after model. Its 290 AngleSelect Hybrid Knife Sharpener is no different. It’s one of the few hybrid models that caught my attention.
I think the 290 AngleSelect Hybrid is better suited for those who don’t mind a little manual work. Some people, perhaps more on the purist side, believe manual sharpening is better. In this case, we see the best of both worlds brought together in one knife sharpener.
For starters, it has three sharpening stages. The first two stages work automatically for your convenience, while the third stage is manual. The manual stage provides more of the polish while the first two do more of the intense sharpening.
The three stages are made of 100% diamond abrasives, which perfectly sharpen kitchen and outdoor knives with minimal scraping. The end result is sharp, durable, and burr-free.
It’s also adaptable, working equally well with Japanese and western knives. This is owing to its ability to switch between 15-degree and 20-degree angles.
While the AngleSelect Hybrid is easy to use, it’s not particularly easy on the eyes. It’s large and quite bulky.
Things We Liked
- Three sharpening stages and a final polishing stage
- Made of 100% diamond abrasives
- Burr-free sharpening
- Versatile and adaptable
- 1-year warranty
Things We Didn’t Like
- Large and Bulky
- Requires more effort than non-hybrid models
#4: Shenzhen Knives Electric Diamond Knife Sharpener
Shenzhen Knives offer quality on par with high-end brands, for a fraction of the price. It’s efficient and easy to use. Practically a steal!
Shenzhen electric knife sharpener is one of the best out there for professionals on a budget, beginners, and those who use ceramic knives.
First things first, it’s designed to be compact, minimalistic, and lightweight. Weighing only 1.9 pounds, it’s easily carried and stored. This is particularly an asset if you have a small kitchen.
It stands out with its ability to sharpen ceramic knives, a feature missing in most of the other electric sharpeners. It’s powerful enough to grind chips of up to 1 milliliter off of the blade.
Moreover, it switches between angles from a coarse 600 grit 18 degrees to a fine 800 grit 20 degrees. This handles most stainless steel and ceramic knives with a V-edge.
Things We Liked
- Affordable
- Easy to use, with one-touch programming
- Easy to clean, with a removable diamond wheel cartridge and cover
- Works on ceramic knives
- MicroForge Technology
- 3-year warranty
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not particularly durable
- Not versatile, not suitable for serrated blades or non-kitchen knives
#5: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener
Work Sharp knife and tool sharpener is designed for more than just kitchen and sporting knives. It can handle just about everything. But it’s especially handy if you regularly have tools to sharpen as well.
It works for the majority of shop as well as garden tools, including lawnmower blades, garden pruners, and small shovels.
Plus, it has two knife guides; at 40 and 50 degrees. The former works for kitchen knives, while the latter is better designed for outdoor knives, serrated knives, and scissors.
Finally, the Work Sharp sharpener ensures your blade won’t get damaged or burned. This is achieved by a variety of abrasive belts; coarse (P80), medium (P220), and fine (6000).
Things We Liked
- Works for kitchen knives, outdoor knives, and garden tools
- Great value for money
- Two knife guides with adjustable angles
- Different abrasive belts for different kinds of blades
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 1-year warranty
Things We Didn’t Like
- May require frequent belt changes depending on what you use it for and how often
- It doesn’t work for ceramic knives
#6: Work Sharp Culinary E5 Kitchen Knife Sharpener
The Culinary E5 Kitchen knife sharpener has a contemporary aesthetic. It’s sleek and minimal. It won the 2018 Innovation Award for its design, and rightly so. Truly avant-garde!
Its end-result reflects its design. It’s incredibly functional and high-performing, leaving your blades as sharp as a needle. Whether you are looking for an electric knife sharpener for a small restaurant or for your home kitchen, quality is what you will get with this sharpener.
The high quality results are achieved using flexible sharpening belts, similar to that used by knife manufacturers. It can accommodate the majority of knife types, even serrated knives, and poultry shears.
Overall, it’s user-friendly with a fast program that operates at the touch of a button. The sharpener automatically shuts off at the end of the cycle.
Things We Liked
- Elegant design
- Fits easily on a kitchen counter
- Gives your knife blade factory-sharp edges
- Works on serrated knives, scissors, and poultry shears
- Automated and easy to use
Things We Didn’t Like
- Expensive
- Questionable company marketing ethics
- It doesn’t work well with thick knives
#7: EdgeKeeper Electric Knife Sharpener
EdgeKeeper is one of the simplest knife sharpeners out there. It looks like an every-day kitchen appliance and operates as such. No fuss, no muss.
It’s small, compact, and comes in several colors. It’s ideal as a part of your kitchen decor, as it fits right into any corner. You can also match its color with your cabinets and other appliances.
I would recommend EdgeKeeper for anyone with a passion for cooking. But especially for those that don’t care to spend too much time learning about knife sharpening. It’s attractive, economical, and efficient.
Looking deeper than its look, this sharpener has non-slip feet for safe and stable sharpening. It’s also easy to clean, thanks to a built-in magnetic cleanup system collecting all metal shavings.
Moreover, it’s based on a two-stage system, using both coarse and fine stones. The former is made of diamond abrasives to reshape the blade, while the finer stone provides the final touch. This system works perfectly well with both eastern and western-style knives.
Things We Liked
- Economical
- Multiple color options
- Small and compact
- Cool design
- Magnetic cleanup system
- Two-stage sharpening system
- Non-slip feet for safety and stability
Things We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t work with ceramic or serrated knives
- Not particularly durable
Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric Knife Sharpener
Knowing what to look for in an electric knife sharpener can be challenging. There are many factors that come into play. Here are some of them.
Safety
Safety always comes first. Always look for knife sharpeners with a guard to protect your hand and fingers from being cut. In terms of safety, the sharper the knife, the less force used. This results in far fewer injury rates. It’s also important in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive hand injury.
Secure the electric knife sharpener on a stable, flat surface to prevent it from tipping over during use, and always keep away from children and pets. Use caution when handling the knife and the sharpener. The blade and the sharpening mechanism can be sharp and may cause cuts if handled improperly. Where safety gloves and glasses if recommended by the manufacturer.
Compatibility
You’d want to buy a sharpener that works with all kinds of knives; serrated or straight. Serrated knives in particular have special needs when it comes to sharpening.
Many electric knife sharpeners are not designed to sharpen serrated knives. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if the sharpener is suitable for use with serrated knives. If the electric knife sharpener is designed for use with serrated knives, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific sharpening process. This may involve using a different slot or stage than the ones used for straight-edged knives.
Be aware that serrated knives can be more difficult to sharpen than straight-edged knives. It may take more time and effort to achieve a satisfactory level of sharpness. If you are not comfortable sharpening a serrated knife, consider taking it to a professional sharpener. They will have the necessary tools and skills to sharpen the knife safely and effectively.
There are plenty of different types of knives, all with unique features. Figure out which ones you use the most and the compatibility of each with your sharpener before purchase.
The edge angle and the blade style are also worthy of notice. If you’re just starting out with knife sharpening, you should familiarize yourself with different edge angles and what may work best for your situation. However, keep in mind the most common edge angle is 15-20 degrees, which will work great in most situations.
Slots and Stages
The keyword here is multiple. Look for an electric knife sharpener with multiple slots and multiple stages. Multiple slots allow you to remove burrs, while multiple stages allow you to perfect sharpening and increase the lifespan of your knives.
Knive Sharpening Material
There are many types of stones that can be used for sharpening knives, and the best type for a given knife will depend on the material of the blade and the desired level of sharpness. Here are a few common types of sharpening stones:
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Natural stones: These are made from natural minerals and are generally more expensive than man-made stones. Examples include Arkansas stones, which are made from novaculite, and Japanese water stones, which are made from various types of natural stones.
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Synthetic stones: These are man-made and are typically less expensive than natural stones. Examples include diamond stones, which are made from a matrix of diamond particles, and ceramic stones, which are made from a hardened ceramic material.
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Oil stones: These are made from a soft, porous material, such as aluminum oxide, and are lubricated with oil during use. They are commonly used for general sharpening and maintaining the edge of a knife.
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Water stones: These are made from a softer material, such as aluminum oxide, and are lubricated with water during use. They are commonly used for fine sharpening and can produce a very sharp edge on a knife.
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Honing rods: These are thin, rod-shaped stones that are used for maintaining the edge of a knife rather than sharpening it. They are commonly made of steel, ceramic, or diamond.
It is important to choose a sharpening stone that is appropriate for the type of knife you are sharpening and the level of sharpness you wish to achieve.
How to use an Electric Knife Sharpener
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Gather all necessary materials and equipment. This may include the electric knife sharpener, a damp cloth, a dry cloth, and the knife you wish to sharpen.
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Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the electric knife sharpener. These will usually contain specific guidelines for using the device safely and effectively.
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Secure the electric knife sharpener on a stable, flat surface. Make sure that it is plugged in and turned on.
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Wipe the knife blade with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Dry the blade thoroughly with a dry cloth.
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Place the knife in the first slot of the electric knife sharpener, with the blade facing towards the sharpening mechanism.
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Hold the knife handle firmly and guide the blade through the slot, applying moderate pressure as you go.
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of passes and the amount of pressure to use.
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Repeat steps 5-7 for each additional slot or stage of the electric knife sharpener, as necessary.
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Remove the knife from the electric knife sharpener and wipe the blade with a damp cloth to remove any excess sharpening debris.
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Dry the blade thoroughly and test the sharpness by carefully cutting through a sheet of paper or other thin material. If the knife is not sharp enough, repeat the process until desired sharpness is achieved.
FAQ
Knife sharpening can seem complicated. Doing it well takes skill, knowledge, and safety. That’s a tough combination. In this section, I’ll try to the best of my knowledge to answer some questions.
How Do I Sharpen a Pocket Knife?
A pocket knife is a unique type of knife, with unique sharpening techniques. All you need is a sharpening stone, a lubricant, and some muscle.
- Start with using some of your lubricant on the stone.
- Place the knife blade flat on the rough grit of the stone at a 15-degree angle
- Sharpen both sides and repeat
- Use fine grit to perfect your blade
- Et voila!
How Do I Sharpen a Serrated Knife?
While serrated knives are indispensable in every kitchen, it is challenging to sharpen them. They’re incompatible with many knife sharpeners. Here’s how to sharpen a serrated knife.
- All you need is an inexpensive, fairly available ceramic rod.
- Point the knife tip away from your body
- Draw the rod away from the blade to protect your hand
- Repeat with every serration
What is the next section
Can I use an electric knife sharpener on all types of knives?
It depends on the specific electric knife sharpener. Some are designed for use with a wide range of knives, including kitchen knives, hunting knives, and pocket knives, while others are intended for use with specific types of blades. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the appropriate use of the electric knife sharpener.
How often should I use an electric knife sharpener?
The frequency of use will depend on the type and condition of the knives being sharpened, as well as the desired level of sharpness. In general, it is a good idea to use an electric knife sharpener as needed to maintain the sharpness of your knives.
Can I use an electric knife sharpener to sharpen serrated knives?
Some electric knife sharpeners are designed for use with serrated knives, while others are not. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if the sharpener is suitable for use with serrated blades.
Can I use an electric knife sharpener to sharpen ceramic knives?
It is generally not recommended to use an electric knife sharpener to sharpen ceramic knives. Ceramic blades are very hard and brittle, and they may be damaged or broken during the sharpening process. It is best to take ceramic knives to a professional sharpener or to use a specialized sharpening tool designed for use with ceramic blades.
Is it better to sharpen a knife by hand or with an electric knife sharpener?
This is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to sharpen their knives by hand using a sharpening stone, as they feel it gives them more control over the process and allows them to achieve a higher level of sharpness. Others find electric knife sharpeners to be more convenient and efficient, especially for maintaining the edge of a knife on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Nowadays, electric knife sharpeners the easiest way to keep your blades sharp in the kitchen. However, with the plethora of products on the market, one is often prone to option-paralysis. It’s certainly a challenge sifting your way through all the jargon and technicalities.
If we had to choose, definitely go with Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener. It’s a combination of functionality, strength, and versatility. Truly a cut above the rest.
Alternatively, if you’re a beginner, looking for something a little more affordable, we suggest you consider EdgeKeeper Electric Knife Sharpener. It provides superior functionality you’d find in extravagant brands without breaking the bank.
Enjoy your newly sharpened knives and we will see you in the kitchen!