Knives play a huge role in our everyday lives, from being a necessity in the kitchens to being part of an outdoorsman arsenal for hunting, skinning, or survival. A sharp knife will always be a safe knife. With the best electric knife sharpener, you will have your knives sharpened throughout, and it will save you from using a lot of effort or force to cut. You will be able to effortlessly cut through steak, bread, vegetables, fish and chops. An electric knife sharpener will not only work on your kitchen knives, but it will also put an edge on your daggers, pocket knives, or hunting knives.
Finding the best electric knife sharpener from all the models and brands that have flooded the market isn’t the easiest of tasks. We came up with this guide to help you choose right. We considered 35 products and narrowed down to extensive reviews of 12 products. Of all the products reviewed, the Chef’s Choice 1520 was our best overall pick. Its ease of use, affordability, increased life cycle, and superior performance made it stand out. The other products also had high-end features and superior functionality.
You can trust our product list to have the best electric knife sharpeners in the market, owing to all the efforts we put in conducting research. Some of the features on which we based our ratings and rankings include; resulting edge angle, size, weight, type of abrasive, number of sharpening stages, and warranty. They determine the product’s functional superiority and durability. There are a comparison table, in-depth product reviews, and a buying guide in the end with all the ideal information you need to make a great buy.
Other features: patented flexible stropping/polishing disks
Though a bit costly, this is the best overall product for all the right reasons. It has been designed with the professional chef in mind. It Is highly versatile and is one of the best options for a variety of knives, from old to new, dull to sharp or European to Asian. Plus, Chef’s Choice is a renowned brand popularly known for its high-quality kitchen equipment.
The 3-stage electric sharpener comes in a small, sturdy body, and you can get in white or black. It is made of 100% diamond abrasives and patented flexible stropping polishing discs, which are not only tough and durable but also lets you achieve a gothic arc edge. This allows you to improve the durability and structure of your knives.
Unlike many 2-stage sharpeners, this 3-stage Chef’s Choice will narrow the cutting edge of your knives on a diamond slot before moving to the stropping stage to fine sharpen it. However, the diamond slots are too aggressive for sharp knives. If you have a sharp knife, you can go straight to the stropping stage.
The sharpener is incredibly easy to use even for knife sharpener novices. It comes with a manual to guide you through, and you will easily pick up a technique after the first few uses.
What sets this sharpener apart from its peers is its high level of versatility. Unlike most sharpeners, it is not built to sharpen a specific brand or set of knives. You can sharpen various knives with different specifications and measurements, including the 15 and 20 degrees angle knives from Asia and Europe.
The multi-functional sharpener can also cater for your serrated, straight, and single or double bevel knives. The outdoorsman also benefits from the sharpener with his pocket knives, sports knives, and deba-style blades.
All considered this is one of the best chef’s Choice electric knife sharpeners you can get as long as you are willing to part with what it costs. It offers excellent value, and it comes with a 3-year warranty.
Other features: three speeds, an internal vacuum system
If you are on the market for a premium quality electric sharpener to replace the current one you have or you just want to do a one-time investment on a sharpener, this is your best bet. It features precision sharpening discs and many other superior features, and it is excellently durable and lightweight.
The sharpener comes in a 3-stage design with a remarkably lightweight and compact body that will save you some counter space. It features non-slip rubber feet that prevent it from slipping or sliding during use, making it safer for you.
This knife sharpener will offer you nothing less than a clean, quick, and easy sharpening thanks to the precision edge technology it employs. It guarantees you improved durability of a knife’s edge that you will hardly have to sharpen it again.
The 3 unique sharpening stages allow you to sharpen whatever knives you have with any technique needed to hone their edges properly. The first stage uses a 100% diamond abrasive wheel, which you will mainly use for reshaping and major sharpening of dull knives.
The second stage includes a fine grit diamond wheel, which you should use to give your knives an exceptionally sharp edge that can slice through objects easily.
The 3rd stage uses the advanced and fine stropping discs that can polish the blade of your knives with elegant precision. The stropping will give your knives extra durability and resistance during use.
In conclusion, with all its high-end features and a 3-year warranty, this sharpener is definitely something to consider. Plus, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy its superior functionality.
Other features: adjustable blade selector, suction cup feet
If you’re looking to get the good feet of a top-rated knife sharpener and understand why it is so much coveted, then you better buy this professional sharpener for the best knife sharpening experience of your lifetime. The Presto 08810 is one of the best professional knife sharpeners you can get in the market for your home use.
It is an upgrade from the popular and successful Presto 08800 in an incredibly lightweight metallic-silver or black body that will blend in well with your kitchen’s décor. It will neatly sit in your counter, and you can put it away after use, with so much ease.
The little sharpener will quickly and exceptionally sharpen most of your normal kitchen knives. It is relatively quiet in its operation compared to older models. If you are a knife sharpening newbie, you won’t have any trouble operating it for the first time, and you will be able to achieve impeccable results.
The 3-stage unit includes the coarse, fine, and very fine sharpening stages that offer speedy and efficient use. You can sharpen 3.5 times faster in every stage. However, the speed is too high for dull knives as they usually require more time in the first stage.
What’s more, you will be able to impart different angles to the blade thanks to the interchangeable blades included in the model.
The only downside to this sharpener is that it is not a very good choice for serrated and specialty knives. It also struggles with thick blades, and it can even damage them by over grinding. Otherwise, with a 1-year warranty, it compares favorably with other models in its class. It offers excellent value for its price and is more than sufficient for home use as much as it doesn’t put a factory-sharp edge on all blades.
Other features: 120W, for single or double-faceted blades
If you are looking for high-precision sharpening of your Asian-style knives, then this should be your prime pick. You can make your knives just as sharp as they were when they left the factory with this sharpener. It is fast and easy-to-use thanks to its high-precision elastomeric angle guides that remove any guesswork and potential for errors.
This Chef’s Choice 2-stage electric sharpener comes in a lightweight and attractive body that is sturdily built and has a quality feel to it. It will not take up much space in your kitchen and will easily blend with your kitchen’s interior décor.
You can use the sharpener on your single-sided, double-bevel, and serrated blades. Though on double-beveled knives, the sides have to be sharpened separately. It is best suited for your Japanese knives, Chinese cleavers, and a few modern European knives.
You can as well use it on various specialty knives, including a bread knife, santoku knife, chef’s knife, fillet knives, hunting knives, and pocket knives. You won’t need much skill to achieve great results as the machine will do all the work, whether it is a fine-edge or straight-edge knife.
This sharpener sharpens your knives to a 15 degrees edge in 2 stages. Both of them use a fine diamond abrasive that will not easily wear out and improves the quality and durability of your knives’ edges.
The 1st stage hones the edge of the knife while the 2nd stage uses a super-fine surface to polish the edge. That’s why it works well for culinary knives. However, it is not the best for older or extremely dull knives.
With a 1-year limited warranty, this should be an ultimate choice for any culinary artist who prefers Asian style knives.
Other features: 4 blade positioning guides, overload protection
If you are new to sharpening knives, this should be your ultimate choice. It is not only designed to sharpen multiple types of knives, but it also features a special overload protection that brings it to a pause when too much pressure that could cause damage is applied.
The 2-stage sharpener comes in a super-lightweight body, weighing a mere 1.95 pounds. It is also pretty compact in design, meaning you get to save on space, and you can easily store it whenever you’re not using it.
For optimum sharpening, the sharpener features robust steel wheels coated with diamond abrasion. The diamond surface is not only durable but also improves the blade’s edges and life-span.
The 2-sharpening levels of the sharpener will leave you with exceptionally sharpened and reshaped blades. The automatic 4 blade guides included allow you to hold your knife at the best angle for a fine superior finish on its edges.
The sharpener can work on a variety of knives for both home and outdoor use. It is relatively easy to use, and you don’t need any fancy skills whatsoever to achieve great results. It will do all the work.
The only downside to this sharpener is that it sharpens at low speeds. On the flip side, this is a desirable feature for bringing dull blades back to life. Otherwise, it is one of the best home electric knife sharpeners out there. It is simple, affordable, and highly versatile, with features best suited for your home knives.
Other features: “Criss –Cross” technology, safe for all quality knives
Here we go again with another brilliant sharpener from Chef’s Choice. The 220 is made for anyone looking for high-quality and top-notch performance on a low budget. It is also the best sharpener you can get for getting your knife sharp enough for making your midnight snack as it operates quietly.
The 2-stage sharpener comes in an ultra-light and compact body that is solidly built. You can get it in either white or black to match your kitchen’s interior décor. On top of outlasting most of your kitchen equipment, it will occupy very little space on your counter, and you will be able to move it from one place to another easily.
The sharpener electric and manual sharpening techniques in 2 stages. The 1st stage involves an electric coarse sharpening while the 2nd stage involves the manual fine honing of the knife’s edge.
Both sharpening stages feature a 100% diamond abrasives for improved and durable sharpening ability. What’s more, the sharpener features a criss-cross technology that works together with the honed diamond abrasives to give your knife a nice sharp edge. Plus, the diamond abrasives sharpen simultaneously to ensure the sharpener offers a burr-free edge to your knives.
This sharpener is intended for the home market, so you should look elsewhere for a professional sharpener. It can only sharpen a few types of knives because it has relatively smaller slots for the blades compared to other models. Its 20 to 22-degree bevels also contribute to its limited sharpening versatility.
All in all, this is the kind of sharpener you should get for your normal knives at home because it is affordable, easy to use, and superbly quiet. You also get a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Other features: for double beveled straight edge style knives
Nothing screams multi-functionality in the world of knife sharpeners like this Kitchen IQ electric knife sharpener. Thanks to its wide sharpening angle range of 10 to 30 degrees, you can sharpen any type of knife on this planet, regardless of its brand or origin.
With its compact and elegant, clean grey design, the sharpener is a fantastic addition to your small crowded kitchen. It wouldn’t take much space on your counter, and you can easily store it in the drawers.
Furthermore, the sharpener features 100% diamond and ceramic abrasives that will restore all your knives’ sharpness with smooth operation. The ceramic abrasives are used in the fine slot while the diamond abrasives are used in the coarse sharpening slot. They work simultaneously to sharpen both sides of your blade to perfection evenly.
What sets this sharpener apart from others in its range is the adjustable sharpening angle made possible by the Angle Adjust Knob. With it, you can choose any sharpening angle between 10 and 30 degrees. This is why it can work in a wide range of knives.
You must be worried about usability, especially with the adjustable sharpening angles. Well, surprisingly, it is one of the best sharpeners that offers a smooth and effortless operation out there. There are clear markings for all the common angles found on European and Asian-style cutlery to give you an easy time turning the knob.
Moreover, the sharpener features a rubber hand grip for enhanced safety. It not only offers stability during use but also makes the sharpener comfortable to use for extended periods.
Kitchen IQ manufacturers have backed up this solid sharpener with a 3-year warranty making it one of the best kitchen electric knife sharpeners in the market.
Other features: 3-in-1, in-built auto angle
This is the best compact electric knife sharpener on this list and one amongst the few in the market. If you are looking for something, you can easily move around with like when you go camping or hunting, or on your food truck business this is your best bet. Plus, it can sharpen an endless array of knives.
On top of being small, the sharpener is pretty much lightweight, weighing a mere 1.3 pounds. It also has an elegant black design that will easily cooperate with your kitchen’s décor.
The 2-stage sharpener is one of a kind owing to its 3-in-1 design. It can sharpen a variety of knives, screwdrivers, and scissors.
The sharpener is engineered to hone and polish simultaneously to give your knives’ edges, metal screwdrivers, and scissor blades a fine finish. This also means you will be able to achieve great results in no time.
With the in-built auto angle, you can sharpen different knives from different origins and brands. Some of the knives you can sharpen on it include all your kitchen utility knives, folding knives, and hunting knives. In fact, because of its portability, it is one of the best hunting knives you can get in the market.
Furthermore, the machine is very straightforward to use. You wouldn’t need much skill to achieve great results as long as you read the manual provided. Even its motor is pretty easy to regulate for optimal sharpening.
Additionally, it is one of the best conveniently priced knife sharpeners with a 1-year warranty.
Overall, Grocery Art have outdone themselves with this solid sharpener. It is nearly impossible to come across an affordable multi-functional and convenient sharpener like this one. If you are an outdoorsman, you cannot afford to overlook this sharpener.
Other features: 55 Watts/120V, ETL approved, a removable magnet, non-slip feet
This is for the culinary artist who wants his fine-edge knives perfectly sharp for optimum performance of his kitchen duties. This sharpener lives up to its name by keeping fine-edge blades exceptionally sharpened with high-precision.
The powerful sharpener is a beauty that comes in a compact and lightweight body with robust construction. It comes in 4 different colors for you to choose what suits your kitchen décor best. Its design allows for easier storage and won’t take up much of your counter space in the kitchen.
Do note that the 2-stage sharpener can only sharpen fine-edge knives. It cannot sharpen any blade that does not perfectly fit in the sharpening slot like serrated knives, electric knives, sporting knives, or ceramic knives.
The 2 stages of sharpening provide high-precision results as the sharpener is engineered to hone and polish to a fine finish. The 1st stage involves a preliminary grind on knives while the 2nd stage involves precision grinding.
All the sharpening wheels on the sharpener are diamond coated for increased durability and improved sharpening quality on the knives.
Moreover, the sharpener features helpful blade guides that will position your knives at the best sharpening angle for great results all the time. It also includes a removable magnet that will catch all the metal shavings, making cleaning and maintenance of the sharpener easier.
For added stability during use, the sharpener features non-slip feet in its design. This also enhances your safety.
With a lifetime warranty, this is the best electric fine-edge knife sharpener you can get in the market. Plus, you don’t have to break the bank to own one.
Other features: precision blade guides, three suction cups on the bottom
If you are on the market for a sharpener that will do a perfect job on your large kitchen blades, this is your best bet. It also offers excellent value for its price with its endless convenience features.
The sharpener comes in a black or silver design that will look right at home in your traditional or modern kitchen. Its size and weight are both favorable for secure storage and space-saving. For added stability during use, the sharpener features 3 suction cups on its bottom. They make it steady and safer for you.
The sharpener has a 2-stage system that gives knives an even and sharp edge all the time. The first stage involves rough sharpening where knives are ground down and sharpened while the second stage involves honing the knives to a fine sharp edge. The stages are denoted by numbers 1 and 2, and each of them has 2 slots for each side of the knife so you can sharpen both sides simultaneously.
Using the sharpener is a breeze, even for first-timers. All you have to do is light even pressure throughout the sharpening process without pressing down on the blade.
Another plus for the sharpener is that its motors are incredibly quiet compared to many other models. You can forget about those loud whirring noises you are used to getting from some sharpeners.
With an edge angle ranging between 20 and 28 degrees, you can sharpen various types of knives, including kitchen utility knives, and pocket knives. However, it doesn’t do very well with many specialty knives like hunting knives, machetes, or fillet knives though you can use it to give them an initial edge the use a sharpening stone to hone them.
Overall, this is one of the best sharpeners for large knives in the market because of its large sharpening angle range. Its superior functionality and affordability make it worth considering.
Other features: automatic blade positioning, ETL approved
This is the prime pick for the outdoorsman. It does pretty well with specialty knives like hunting knives, pocket or folding knives, army knives. Fishing knives, and many others. You can also sharpen large, small, ceramic, stainless steel and hard steel knives on it.
The unit comes in a sturdily built compact and lightweight body that stores easily in your kitchen drawers or counter. It also features 3 heavy-duty non-slip suction cups in the bottom for added stability during use.
Furthermore, the sharpener has a diamond-coated system that will make your blades razor-sharp within seconds. In the 2 stages of sharpening, your knives get the finest polished edges that will last a while before getting dull again.
In the 1st stage, the knife’s angle is reshaped, and its edge sharpened and rejuvenated. In the 2nd stage, the blade is honed and polished to give it a perfect finish.
Using the sharpener is a breeze as no downward pressure is needed thanks to the automatic blade position guides features. All you have to do is hold the knife at 90 degrees and let its gravity and weight do the work for you. Cleaning and maintaining it is also very simple as the metal shavings, fillings, or shards left behind after sharpening your knife get collected in the plugs at the bottom.
With the 20 degrees sharpening angle, you can sharpen various small and large knives. In fact, it is one of the best electric pocket knife sharpeners in the market.
In conclusion, this is one of the best electric knife sharpeners you can get for your outdoor escapades because of its solid construction, portability, and affordability.
Other features: automatic blade positioning guides, built-in “Stop” feature, heavy-duty non-slip suction cup feet
Whether you are looking to rejuvenate a set of dull knives or you simply want to maintain yours on a low budget, this is your go-to sharpener. It is very affordable, fool-proof, and works well to provide razor-sharp edges to knives with various materials.
It comes in a sleek black and chrome design that will harmoniously match your kitchen’s interior décor. It is small enough to store easily and will sit neatly on your counter-top. It also has heavy-duty non-slip suction cup feet for stability and safety during operation.
The most exciting feature on this 2-stage sharpener is its dual slots. They maximize the users’ comfort by allowing both left-handed and right-handed usage.
The sharpener uses 2 different steps for unique 2-stage sharpening. The 1st stage involves shaping and sharpening your knife’s blade while the second blade involves polishing and honing it back to its original sheen.
All the sharpening slots feature heavy-duty Sapphrite grinding wheels, and you only need a single pass through them to achieve the best sharpening results on your knife.
Moreover, the sharpener offers fool-proof sharpening with its automatic blade positioning guides. This also makes using it pretty easy. All you have to do is hold the knife at 90 degrees and slowly draw it towards you without applying any downward pressure.
The sharpener works extremely fast, and you will be able to sharpen your entire knife drawer in no time.
Cleaning and maintain it is also easy thanks to its receptacles that catch metal fillings and shards from your sharpened knife every time. After a while, you can open the plugs at the bottom to release them.
Another plus for this sharpener is the built-in stop feature that will stall it in case too much pressure is applied on the blades. This will preserve the quality of your knives since the sharpener doesn’t require any pressure to sharpen.
All these amazing features are backed by a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer, making it one of the best electric knife sharpeners under 50 dollars. When it comes to value for the price, nothing beats the LINKYO Electric Knife Sharpener.
As much as you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing an electric knife sharpener, you can’t just go out and buy one and hope for the best. They are not all the same. In this section, you will know what you need to pay attention to before choosing a sharpener to make the right buy. You will know how an electric sharpener works, its benefits, and the features to consider before buying one.
The standard electric knife sharpener uses preset slots that have abrasives, which are usually diamond coated to fix the edge of your blade. These slots rotate fast so that you don’t have to move your hand back and forth, trying to put the edge on the blade.
They sharpen a knife in either 3 or 2 stages. The first stage involves sharpening and shaping the edge of the blade; then, the last stage is for honing and polishing it to a fine finish.
An electric knife sharpener will do more than just save your time and energy. Here are some of the advantages of owning one:
Do you have zero experience in using an electric knife sharpener? Well, fret not because all you have got to do is read a manual. It is easy to use as it does all the work.
Sharpening a knife with an electric sharpener is not as time-consuming and tedious as doing it manually. You can use the time you would spend on looking for a professional sharpener or doing it manually on other tasks.
You will end up saving so much when you invest in a good sharpener since you won’t have to pay a professional to do it for you occasionally.
An electric knife sharpener’s efficiency cannot be matched. It will barely damage your knives and will ensure it is evenly sharpened to last you a while before they get dull.
There are critical features that you have to look out for to be able to make the most out of a sharpener. They include:
Most knife sharpeners have a resulting edge angle ranging between 15 and 25 degrees. It is a crucial aspect to consider as it determines the size and types of knives you can sharpen on the sharpener. Most Asian-style knives have 15 degrees edge angle while most European Knives have 20 degrees edge angles.
This determines how long the knife will last before becoming dull. Diamond-coated abrasives are the best as they are durable and let you achieve a gothic arc edge on your blades. This also improves the structure and durability of your knives.
Be sure to go for sharpeners with built-in angle guides like the Chefman Electric Knife Sharpener reviewed above. You will literally use zero efforts to achieve outstanding, sharpening results. Most of them just require you to simply hold the knife at 90 degrees without applying any downward pressure.
You have to determine the kind of knives you will be sharpening before choosing a sharpener. For instance, some sharpeners are not suited for specialty knives like serrated knives and fillet knives, while others like the EdgeKeeper 5206954 can only sharpen fine-edge knives.
If you are a professional chef, you can go for an all-around model like the Chef’s Choice 1520 reviewed above. It can sharpen different types of knives from different origins.
You don’t want a sharpener that will crowd your kitchen space. Go for a compact and lightweight build for easy storage. It would also be easy to carry from one place to another.
Ensure you make a worthy investment in an electric sharpener by checking out its build. A durable sharpener has a rugged construction made with high-quality material. Go for abrasives that are diamond coated and an exterior that is easy to clean.
The longer the warranty, the better. Sharpeners with a warranty are the way to go. In case you encounter any trouble during use, you will not have to spend a single cent making repairs. EdgeKeeper 5206954 is an excellent example with a lifetime warranty.
When it comes to price, remember expensive is not always high-quality. There are affordable sharpeners that have superior features, and robust performance like the LINKYO Electric Knife Sharpener reviewed above in detail.
Most high-end models are usually a bit pricey, but they offer great value for their cost. What matters is that you go for a valuable sharpener within your budget.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your kitchen, pocket or hunting knife might be dull.
If you continuously throw your sharp knives to your drawer with other silverware and utensils, its delicate, sharp edges take a hit and gradually become dull. It is also not safe for your fingers. For proper storage, get a knife block, under-cabinet knife storage, or knife storage roll cases.
If you put your knives in the dishwasher with other dishes, their edges will bang against the utensils resulting in scratches, chips, and dullness.
If your cutting board is made of glass or granite, it damages your knives’ edges with every cut. The harder the cutting surface is, the more it affects the knife’s blade every time they come into contact. Go for softwood cutting boards for a long-lasting sharp knife.
If your knife’s blade steel is weak, it will not hold up well to the riff raffs of cutting in the kitchen or outdoors and will, therefore, become dull quickly. Ensure you buy knives with blade steels that show strength and toughness to avoid chipping, cracks, and total failure.
Yes! Maybe it’s dull because you don’t have regular time for sharpening. After all, however, tough, no knife will remain sharp forever.
No one can argue with how beneficial it is to own an electric knife sharpener. Numerous models and brands flood the market, and choosing the best sharpener to suit your needs can be one hell of a task. We have created this guide to help you learn the various aspects of electric sharpeners that differ from unit to unit and make one product better than the other.
Of all the products we reviewed, the Chef’s Choice 1520 scooped the best overall position. It offered great power in its functionality, versatility, and ease of use. It is not the cheapest on the list, but its value is worth investing in. The Wusthof Electric Knife Sharpener and the Presto 08810 came closer in ranking and ratings. Their premium quality builds, multiple superior features, and top-notch performance set them apart.
With the best electric knife sharpener, you will never understand why anyone would have their knife sharpened in any other way.
