When it comes to kitchen essentials, a sharp knife is paramount. There’s nothing more frustrating or potentially dangerous than trying to chop, slice, or dice with a dull blade. Using an electric knife sharpener, you need not work hard to keep your knives in good shape. Professional chefs and home cooks need to have the best electric knife sharpener to sharpen their knives safely.
Why Use an Electric Knife Sharpener?
As a professional chef or a home cook, you need a tool to make your culinary experiences safer, and smoother. Electric knife sharpeners take away the guesswork that often comes with manual sharpening. They come with pre-set angles, ensuring your knives are always sharpened to the optimum edge. They are also quick, efficient, and user-friendly, even for beginners.
Our Top Picks
1. Chef'sChoice Trizor XV EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener
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| Photo Amazon |
Designed for the home chef looking for professional quality, this 3-stage sharpener converts traditional 20-degree factory edges of European and American household knives into the high-performance 15-degree edge used by professionals. It's quick, easy, and safe to use, with diamond abrasives and advanced stropping stage material that guarantees perfect results every time.
Pros:
Converts 20-degree factory edge knives to 15-degree for professional performance.
Diamond abrasives for long-lasting durability.
Safe and easy to use.
Cons:
The high-performance edge may not be suitable for all types of knives.
This is an expensive option.
2. Work Sharp Culinary E5 Kitchen Knife Sharpener
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| Photo: Amazon |
The Work Sharp Culinary E5 sharpener utilizes sharpening belts to create a razor-sharp edge. With one-touch programming, this sharpener offers three sharpening stages – Shape, Sharpen, and Refine. Its built-in vacuum keeps your counter clean from debris, and the inclusion of a MicroForge port allows users to create a micro-serrated edge that cuts more effectively.
Pros:
Uses sharpening belts for a sharp and refined edge.
One-touch programming makes it easy to use.
The built-in vacuum keeps counters clean during use.
Cons:
It might not be as effective for very dull or damaged knives.
Belts may need replacing over time, adding to the cost.
3. Presto Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
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| Photo: Amazon |
Presto offers an affordable yet highly efficient electric sharpener. It features a 3-stage sharpening system for professional results at home. The adjustable blade selector provides the optimum sharpening angles for different knives. The simple and user-friendly design makes it a popular choice for novice cooks.
Pros:
The affordable price makes it accessible for all budgets.
Adjustable blade selector for different types of knives.
Cons:
Build quality is not as robust as some other models.
It may not sharpen to the same standard as higher-end models.
4. Wusthof PEtec Electric Sharpener
If you're a fan of Wusthof knives, their PEtec Electric Sharpener might be a perfect fit for your kitchen. Made in collaboration with Chef'sChoice, this 3-stage electric sharpener features diamond abrasive wheels to hone each side of your knife. Its Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) ensures high-quality sharpening results.
Pros:
Collaboration with Chef'sChoice ensures high-quality results.
Features Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) for top-notch sharpening.
Effective on a variety of knives, especially those from Wusthof.
Cons:
It could be considered costly for some budgets.
Primarily designed to work best with Wusthof knives.
5. KitchenIQ 50353 Smart Sharp Electric Knife Sharpener
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| Photo: Amazon |
Compact yet powerful, the KitchenIQ 50353 is perfect for those with a small kitchen but big culinary dreams. It sharpens straight and serrated knives, and its Interlocking Ceramic Wheels will ensure your knives are at their best after every sharpening session.
Pros:
The compact size is perfect for small kitchens.
It can handle both straight and serrated knives.
Interlocking Ceramic Wheels ensure a good sharpening result.
Cons:
Its smaller size may make it less effective on larger or heavily used knives.
It may take longer to sharpen knives than other models.
Remember, the best electric knife sharpener for your individual needs and preferences, including the types, budget and comfort level with knife maintenance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best electric knife sharpener can significantly transform your cooking experience. Not only will you enjoy the smooth, swift cuts, but it also enhances safety in your kitchen. It's a win-win situation. Our list of the best electric knife sharpeners will help you make an informed decision and bring your culinary adventures to a new level of expertise. Happy cooking!
What is Considerable Before Buying an Electric Knife Sharpener?
Before you buy an electric knife sharpener, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key considerations:
Type of Knives: Consider the knives you frequently use in your kitchen. Are they straight or serrated? Are they Asian-style or Western-style knives? These factors can affect the kind of sharpener you'll need.
Sharpener Stages: Sharpeners can have multiple stages, ranging from 2 to 3. The first step is to reshape the blade edge. The second step is to make the edge finer. The third step (if needed) is to polish the blade.
Sharpening Angle: Different knives require different sharpening angles. Western knives are usually sharpened at a larger angle than Asian knives. Some electric knife sharpeners allow you to adjust the angle, which can be a valuable feature if you use various types of knives.
Sharpener Material: Electric sharpeners can use different materials to sharpen knives, like diamond, tungsten carbide, ceramic, and sapphire. Diamond is the hardest and fastest cutting but the most expensive.
Easy to Use: If you are a beginner, you need an easy electric knife sharpener. Some electric knife sharpeners are fully automatic, requiring you to insert the knife and let the machine do the work, while others might require more manual control.
Safety Features: Some models include guides to keep the knife at the correct angle or barriers to keep your fingers away from the sharpening mechanism.
Size and Design: Depending on your kitchen's counter space, you'll need to consider the size of the electric knife sharpener. Some models are compact and easy to store, while others are larger but might offer more features or better performance.
Price: As with any purchase, consider your budget. While higher-priced models usually offer more features and better performance, many affordable models do an excellent job for every day kitchen needs.
FAQ'S
Here are some frequently asked questions about electric knife sharpeners:
1. Can electric knife sharpeners damage knives?
While improper use of any sharpener can potentially damage a knife, electric sharpeners are designed to be safe and efficient. They reduce the risk of human error as they often come with pre-set angles and guides. However, reading the manufacturer's instructions is important to avoid potential damage.
2. Can I use an electric sharpener on serrated knives?
Some electric sharpeners are designed to handle both straight and serrated knives. Keep in mind to know all instructions before you make a purchase.
3. How often should I sharpen my knives?
The knife sharpening depends on how often you use your knives and what you cut. Any knives should be sharpened every few months with regular use. However, if you think the knife is not performing well, it may need to be sharpened.
4. Are electric knife sharpeners better than manual sharpeners?
Every electric knife sharpeners and manual sharpeners have their own pros and cons. Although electric sharpeners are costly, they generally offer a faster, more effortless sharpening experience. On the other hand, manual sharpeners are often more affordable and compact, but they may require more skill to use effectively.
5. What are the best brands of electric knife sharpeners?
Some popular brands known for their quality electric knife sharpeners include Chef'sChoice, Work Sharp, Presto, Wusthof, and KitchenIQ. However, the "best" brand will depend on your specific using purpose.
6. Do I still need to hone my knife using an electric sharpener?
Yes. Honing and sharpening are two different processes. Honing realigns the knife's edge and should be done regularly, even using an electric sharpener. On the other hand, sharpening grinds away material to create a new edge and is done less frequently.
7. Can I use an electric knife sharpener on ceramic knives?
Most electric knife sharpeners are designed for steel knives. Ceramic knives require a different process and should be sharpened using a diamond grinding stone or a sharpener specifically designed for ceramic knives. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.