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Here is the truth. Nobody loves cooking with a blunt knife. For buying the best electric knife sharpener, you don’t need to be a chef or an expert in chopping or dicing the ingredients for your food. Even an amateur can have a knife sharpener, as long as he knows how to choose the suitable one.
Most of the knives are coming, in the first instance, very sharp, but during the time, they get blunt. Therefore, it’s always better to sharpen the blades as often as you can, in order to slice or chop easier the food. But what to use? Although the traditional methods are still good, why not simplify your kitchen habits with a knife sharpener?
The electric sharpener is always better, as it will solve the blades in just a few seconds or minutes. They will not only save time but also keep you safe from all the sharp edges. Here is all the information you need to make a smart purchase. Why do you need a knife sharpener?
Disadvantages and Advantages
Contents
When cooking, the knife is basically an extension of your hands. A sharp knife will project your personality and also improve your skills. Ever since the invention of the electric knife sharpener, people are able to maintain the sharpness of their knives way easier.
If you haven’t used a knife sharpener until now, it is important to get to know some of the most important pros of these smart tool:
Time-saving: sharpening a knife using the classic method, the manually one, takes a lot of time. And it is also a bit unsafe. But with the electric sharpener, all you need to do is to plug the knife sharpener to the kitchen power outlet, then draw the knife blade in the slots.
Slowly drag the knife out. The steps are really easy to do and also very quick. In case the knife is very blunt, then it might take a few seconds to get all sharp. In case the knife is too blunt, you might need to pass it all through the slots multiple times.
You don’t need any skills: When operating the electric knife sharpener, you don’t need to have any special skills to perform it. You just turn it on, sharp the knife, and when you are satisfied by the result, you just turn it off. Just in case, read the manual to be sure.
It does not cause any damage to the knives: you might have very expensive knives, that you want to make sure you are taking care of as good as the producer says. The electric knife sharpener takes care of the knives, by creating a great effect by removing a nice amount of metal to the other side of the blade.
On the other hand, when you are using a manual sharpener, it is really hard to sharpen on both sides at the same time.
Saves Money on the long term: despite the manual sharpening, by owning an electric sharpener, it will get cheaper by time. Although the initial cost might seem high, in time, you will see how much you have saved.
Keeps the user Safe: using an electric sharpener needs the person to keep and hold the knife at the handle and then drag it through all those slots. Then the device will automatically do all the work for you.
While the manual sharpeners will require you to hold, sometimes, the blade while you are sharpening them. The worst part? Any slip can lead to a cut of the sharp blade, but also cause you some harm.
Suits even the sensitive knives: it’s true there is a wide range of manual knives, also sharpening stones. However, none of these tools can suit all the types of knives that you have in your collection.
On the other hand, the electric knife sharpener can be used for most of the knives, from normal ones to professional types. They can be from all types of materials, and they will get the same sharp result.
The downs of the electric knife sharpeners
They can be expensive to buy: electric knife sharpeners might have a higher price than the normal stones, for instance. More so, in case you are looking for multiple slots for sharpening, such as steeling, polishing and stropping, all these will cost more than a two digits price.
Occupies space: Now, considering the special stones for sharpening the kitchen tools, the electric knife sharpener will definitely occupy considerable space. Some of the sharpeners will not be so compact as you might expect. Some will also be bulky and big, so make sure you have enough space in your kitchen.
Needs care while sharpening: if you are not careful enough, then you could damage the knife while sharpening it. It is mandatory to firmly hold the knife while using the sharpener and avoid any kind of pressing it through a slot.
Best Electric Knife Sharpeners Reviews
Chef’sChoice 15 – Best Overall
I love to work with really sharp knives, so I have tested so many models and in the end, I concluded that the best of the best when it comes to electric sharpeners is the Chef’sChoice 15.
You only need 1 minute the first time you sharpen the knives and 10 seconds when you repeat the process.
You can convert traditional 20-degrees knives edges you find in any household into very high-performance Trizor XV blades.
It has a 3-stage system that provides an optimum versatility in presenting the best edge for every cutting job. The stages include a diamond abrasive and adjustable, grinding stropping disks.
You can use this product to sharpen both serrated blades and straight edges.You can use it to sharpen any kind of knife-style such as Asian, European or American.
This knives sharpener has a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- Very fast sharpener;
- 3-year warranty;
- Works with every knife style.
Cons:
- It is kind of expensive.
Below is a video where you can see how this knives sharpener works:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7zIqgIpRTE
Work Sharp Culinary E4 -Runner Up
The next model I want to talk about is the E4 from Work Sharp. This kitchen knife sharpener uses flexible sharpening belts. This is the same process used by producers to sharpen their knives.
If you purchase the E4, you will be able to grind all knives, regardless of the brand. This means that you can sharpen classic cutlery and also exotic steels. Moreso, you can use it to sharpen kitchen scissors, serrated knives or poultry shears.
This sharpener also has a built-in vacuum so you will not have any sharpening debris on your counters.
It is very lightweight and easy to use. It has a one-touch programming and also 17° sharpening patterns.
Pros:
- Has a built-in vacuum;
- Works for every kind of knife.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come cheap.
LINKYO Electric Knife Sharpener – Best Budget
The previous 2 models presented are not the cheapest ones, so if you are on a strict budget, you might find them a little too expensive.
Luckily, there are other offers available on the market, offers that are cheap but at the same time very good. One of the best examples of this is the LINKYO Electric Knife Sharpener.
It is extremely easy to use and the results are very good. It has an automatic blade positioning that holds the knife in the best position. Meanwhile, the heavy-duty non-slip power cup feet hold the sharpener tightly in place throughout the use.
It is a 2-stage sharpening model. During the first stage, the angle is reshaped and the edges are sharpened and rejuvenates. In the second stage, the sharpening process is finished and the blade is polished.
Pros:
- Very good price;
- Good results;
- Has an automatic blade positioning.
Cons:
- It is kind of noisy.
For more details, check out the next video presentationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvAb-9YOSmU
EdgeKeeper Electric Knife Sharpener – Most Colorful
If you like to have color in your life, you can even pick a colorful knives sharpener. For example, you can pick the one from EdgeKeeper.
This is a two-stage model that will sharpen quickly and easy almost any blade. The sharpening is done in such a way that you will get professional results in your private kitchen.
All these are possible because the slot will position the knife in the best sharpening angle.
Even the cleaning process is done easily because it has a removable magnet that catches the metal shavings.
Lastly, this is model needs 120V to release a power of 55 watts. Also, it is ETL approved.
Pros:
- Great design;
- It is compact;
- ETL approved;
- Good price.
Cons:
- It vibrates a little too much.
Chef’sChoice 250 – Best Hybrid
The next item that I want to talk about is actually a hybrid. This means that it is a combination of manual and electric sharpening.
Produced by Chef’sChoice, this product works in 3 stages to produce razor-sharp edges. The first two stages are electric and the third one is manual.
After doing all the 3 operations, you will get stronger and very durable shaped-edge blades.
It works with both serrated and straight knives. This includes normal kitchen or other household knives, but also pocket and sporting knives.
This knife sharpener comes with a 1 year warranty.
Pros:
- Works on multiple knife types;
- You get 1 year warranty;
- Good price.
Cons:
- The sharpening process is kind of slow.
MIGECON Knife Sharpener – Best Multifunctional
Sometimes it is good to have a multifunctional sharpener around the house. Because of this, I want to present one that has really impressed me – the MIGECON sharpener.
This item works in 4 stages. The first stage is for scissors, the second one for blunt knives, the 3rd stage for ordinary knives and 4th stage for fine grinding.
The center of the sharpening knife is composed of stainless steel sand, tungsten steel, and ceramics.
It has a non-slip design on the bottom that will keep the sharpener still on any kind of surface.
You can use it for any kind of knives including pocket and sporting ones.
Pros:
- Works with multiple tools;
- Very good price;
- It has 4 stages.
Cons:
- It doesn’t work very easily with scissors.
GA Knife Sharpener Electric – Most Compact
If you have a very small kitchen and don’t have too much space for kitchenware, I have a recommendation for you – the GA Knife Electric Sharpener.
It is a very compact item that will not take too much of your space. Also, it is a 3-in-1 model. This means that you will be able to sharpen your kitchen knives, hunting knives, scissors, and even screwdrivers.
It works on 2 stages. This means that it will hone and also polish simultaneously. Moreso, it has a built-in auto angle.
The sharpening process is very fast and easy to do. You just need to insert the blade into the designated spot and push the button.
Pros:
- Requires little space;
- It is multifunctional;
- Has a good price.
Cons:
- The instructions are not very straightforward.
Electric Diamond Knife Sharpener – Best for Ceramic Knives
If you are a fan of ceramic knives than you should know that there are also solutions for you. One of them is given by Shenzhen Knives.
So, this diamond grinding stone has 2 settings that are designed to sharpen stainless steel and also ceramic kitchen knives. with its help, you can grind 1mm chips off of the ceramic blades.
It works in a traditional fixed angle.
You can remove the diamond wheel cartridge and its cover. This means the cleaning process is very easily done. Also, you can replace the cartridge if needed.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is that this item is not suited for sharpening serrated blades, scissors or any other non-kitchen products such as pocket or hunting knives.
Pros:
- Great for ceramic knives;
- Has a very good price.
Cons:
Has a very limited range area.
Work Sharp Culinary E5 – Most Premium
Of course, if you don’t want to settle to an average knife sharpener, you can always spend money on a premium one. In my opinion, the best one on the market at this time is the Work Sharp Culinary E5.
This model uses flexible sharpening belts and is pre-programmed. It needs less than 90 sec to sharpen your knives and this is done by simply pressing a button.It has 3 settings that will shape, sharpen and also hone your knives. Moreso, this item will turn off automatically when the cycle ends.
You can use it to sharpen any knife brand. This means you can sharpen normal cutlery and also exotic steels. You can even use to sharpen kitchen scissors or poultry shears.
This product has a built-in vacuum, so you won’t have to deal with the debris.
Pros:
It won an award for its design in 2018.
You receive a ceramic honing rod as a bonus;
Premium features.
Cons:
- It is expensive.
I recommend you to check the video below for more details:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuvI2g0_ZRM
Warsun Knife Sharpener – Best Wireless Model
If you want a knife sharpener that is wireless, you can check out the Warsun Knife Sharpener.
With its help, you can sharpen your knives even when you go camping because you don’t need to plug in the device.
It has 2 grinder gears. The high speed is for slicing, boning or other kinds of large knives, while the low speed is for fruit knives or table cutlery.
The sharpener works in 2 stages. The first one is for rough grinding and the second one is for fine grinding. All you have to do is to put the knife on the grinding wheel and drag it back at a regular speed.
You will see that this tool has a blue protective film that will prevent the metal component from being damaged. You will have to remove it for the first use.
Pros:
- 1 year warranty;
- 30 days refund policy;
- Wireless.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work for ceramic or serrated knives.
Electric Knife Sharpener. Buying Guide
The electric knife sharpener is a smart, effective kitchen tool, that can be used whenever you feel that you are struggling to cut the food.
In a matter of seconds, you can get the edge of the knives perfect. But before buying this tool, is important to follow some steps, so you will know that your purchase was smart enough.
Look for hard and abrasive surfaces
The material of the sharpener is fitted would be an important factor that you should really consider. For instance, tungsten, carbide and also polished ceramic are considered great materials to buy.
In terms of abrasiveness, remember that the grit number should be the indicator. The greater is this number, the better will be the knife-edge polished.
Great performance motor
It is true that the market of electric knife sharpeners is full of models but always look for a high-performance motor. If you want to produce a keen and also a smooth edge without nicks and scratches, then the motor is the key.
Angle guide to be adjustable
The main part that helps you ease the process of the knife sharpener is the guiding angle. When the angle guide becomes adjustable, you will be able to change the blade angle with 15 or 20 degrees.
This is actually the common blade angles you should find at your kitchen knives. Safety first
The process of sharpening the knives can become quite dangerous, especially if you are using the electrical knife sharpener.
This is why people should make sure that the sharpener comes with slots or rails that will take the knife into the disk or the belt of your own sharpener. This will prevent you from hurting you and your hands.
Noise
Most of the electric sharpeners will make a lot of noise, this is why make sure you check the noise during the polishing process.
Space
The electric sharpeners will occupy more space in the kitchen than the manual ones. So, the electric one needs enough space to work properly.
Warranty
Since the electric knife sharpener is more pricey than the regular ones, it is also good to ask the brand information about the warranty. So, before taking it home, look for a decent warranty period.
FAQ
Q: Are the electric knife sharpeners bad for the knives you are using?
A: The electric sharpeners are not causing any bad to the knives, as long as you are using them correctly. The modern ones are made to remove the exact amount of metal, and they have all the control for one symmetrical edge.
Q: How often should people sharpen the knives?
A: It all depends on the type of knife you have. The stainless steel knives would normally need sharpening for every 2-4 uses. This way, you will know that they are good sharped. On the other hand, carbon steel knives will be honed after each use. On the other hand, if you are honing, you should sharpen the knives no more than once per 1-2 years.
Q: Is there necessary to wash the knife after each sharpening?
A: Yes, you should clean the knives after sharpening, but this is not the same as honing. Imagine that while sharpening, you are taking some metal off the edge of the knife. By honing, you are practically realigning the edge of the knife. After sharpening the knife, run it under the tap, or just wipe it with a damp cloth.
Q: How should you use an electric knife sharpener?
A: The video is the king, so here is the information you need to know about using the electric knife sharpener:
Q: Can I sharpen any kind of knife with an electric knife sharpener?
A: It depends on the model that you have. Be sure that you read the instructions first.
Conclusion and personal experience
From the very first phrases in the introduction, everybody might understand the importance of the knife sharpener. This essential tool is easy to use and represents an important part of any kitchen.
If you are a person that uses knives, blades or any other tools, you need a knife sharpener. If you are considering buying an electric sharpener, keep in mind the examples above and also all the information in the buying guide.
Have you had a nice experience with an electric knife sharpener? Please let others know about it in the comments below.