The Top Electric Knife Sharpeners Reviewed
Although many chefs use traditional sharpening devices, the market for electric knife sharpeners is booming. One of the main reasons why these motorized devices enjoy great popularity is because they can turn a dull blade into a sharp one much faster than conventional manual methods. In high-volume environments, this could be a huge advantage as knives dull quickly and need solid sharpening to keep working.
Electric knife sharpeners are useful for a wide range of applications and even though they are mostly geared towards large commercial and institutional kitchens, many home users can benefit from their convenience. As not everyone has the time to learn certain meticulous techniques for manual knife sharpening and not everybody is willing to constantly call upon professional sharpening services, it makes sense that electric knife sharpeners are a good alternative. You can also read our guides about the best airbrush for cake decorating and the best rechargeable hand warmers.
Considering how richly populated is the market for these devices, the average consumer can encounter some purchasing difficulties. More exactly, what does one need to know before buying an electric knife sharpener? In this article, we’ll quickly look at the main characteristics that you have to consider before making a purchase and then see what are the best choices on the market.
1. Number of knife blade slots
When you see more than a blade slot, this tells you that the device is using a multi-step sharpening process. Usually, the first stage involves grinding the blade on an abrasive surface and the later stages focus on smoothing and polishing the blade to finish the job.
Ideally, you should invest in an electric knife sharpener which has a multi-step system because it works best for sharpening lots of different types of knives. With multiple slots available you can get more angles at which you can sharpen your knives and this is important because knives vary a lot in this regard, many blades cannot be sharpened properly unless you do it at a specific angle.
2. Size of the unit
Depending on your available space and your knife sharpening needs you could go for a larger unit which usually has more features or a more compact one that can save storage space but might lack certain abilities.
3. Design
These kinds of devices can come with certain features to improve the overall user experience. Some electric knife sharpeners have a handle or a good grip on a side to be able to more comfortably use them. For increased safety, many units come with a non-slip base.
If you are interested in acquiring a brand new electric tool to get rid of your dull blades and get perfectly sharp knives every time, this list is for you. In here you are guaranteed to find only the best electric knife sharpeners in terms of features per cost.
1. Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
Presto is one of the leading brands in the industry of electric knife sharpeners and it’s easy to see why. Their products are marked by an impressive level of quality and reliability and are very appreciated by those with a passion for cooking. The 08800 is Presto’s best model when you consider what it offers for the cost.
It is capable of producing razor-sharp edges thanks to the rotating Sapphirite grinding wheels. It works in two stages, the first one is needed for enabling knives to be ground and sharpened and the second is important for honing the blade. The Sapphirite wheels are quite impressive in terms of quality at this price, rivaling those used by professional shops.
Precise blade guides hold the knife at the best sharpening angle and for obtaining the most satisfactory results, each side of the blade gets the special treatment equally. If you are wondering whether this electric knife sharpener is suitable for your knives then you should know that Presto guarantees that it fits well knives of carbon, alloy, or stainless steel. Sparks can fly during the sharpening process for knives made of high carbon steel but this is something normal so you shouldn’t worry about it.
Serrated knives can only be sharpened with this machine if they are serrated just on one side so this is something to keep in mind. This machine benefits from three suction cups placed on the bottom for maintaining a secure hold on the sharpener so that it doesn’t slip from your table or countertop. Metal filings that result from the sharpening process are caught in the two receptacles located underneath and they can be easily disposed of.
Even though this is a low budget electric knife sharpener, if you go with low expectations you might still be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the sharpening. This looks like the kind of product that just does its job, it doesn’t rely on gimmicks or overpriced features. For the average cook that needs a decent electric knife sharpener, the Presto 08800 EverSharp is definitely recommended as it’s a very solid investment.
Key Features:
- Two-stage sharpening system
- Precision blade guides
- Sapphirite sharpening wheels
- Sharpens most non-serrated kitchen and sport knives
- Three suction cups on the bottom
2. LINKYO Electric Knife Sharpener
Sharpening knives like a pro shouldn’t cost a fortune and Linkyo seems to agree. Their electric knife sharpener allows you for a quick and safe knife sharpening experience right in the comfort of your own home. If you are working with knives for extended periods of times, getting a good machine to keep the edge in the right shape is almost essential.
As with other similarly priced models, Linkyo uses a two-stage sharpening process. The first one focuses on reshaping the angle and rejuvenating the edge of the blade while the second stage works on the finishing process. The final result is a sharply polished blade that you know you can use more easily and effectively.
No need to worry about making mistakes when sharpening your knife because this machine was designed to accommodate all kinds of users, even those without experience in using an electric knife sharpener. The automatic blade guides take care of positioning for you so the knife stays in place correctly.
For increased safety, this model comes equipped with heavy-duty non-slip suction cup feet which ensure the firm placement of the machine during use. There’s no need for downward pressure when you’re sharpening your knife, just slowly draw the knife towards you. In case you accidentally apply too much downward pressure, the built-in ”Stop” feature will prevent your blade from getting damaged by stalling the sharpener.
The clean-up process for the Linkyo sharpener is done without too much hassle. All you need to do is empty from time to time the receptacles that capture the metal fillings and, after each use, wipe the machine with a damp cloth to keep it clean.
This is a good kitchen knife sharpening system for the money, it only works with straight-edged blades but it does a solid job. Linkyo’s electric knife sharpener comes with many attractive features that can satisfy many users in need of quickly transforming their dull blades into razor-edged knives. Considering everything that’s been said, this is a very reliable product for sharpening your favorite kitchen knives.
Key Features:
- Automatic blade positioning guides
- Sharpening in two stages
- Mess-free receptacles
- Non-slip suction cup feet
- ”Stop” feature
- Designed for straight-edged blades only
- 3.5 feet cord with polarized plug
3. Chef’s Choice 270 Hybrid 3 Stage Knife Sharpener
Using cutting-edge hybrid technology, the 270 knife sharper from Chef’s Choice combines electric and manual sharpening stages to deliver unmatched razor sharp edges. It works well with straight edge knives and provides a superior edge to serrated knives too besides many other types of knives. One of the most interesting features is the CrissCross technology. It’s very appreciated by home cooks and professional chefs alike as it turns any dull blade in a very sharp one with a strong ’bite’.
With capable diamond abrasive wheels, this machine can sharpen into and out-of-the edge at the same time to create a superior burr-free edge. It features brushed stainless steel knife guides made with durability in mind.
The Chef’s Choice 270 is a knife sharpener that makes use of three stages. The first two are the electric ones. Using 100% diamond abrasives, the machine shapes the edge quickly and efficiently to obtain a good level of sharpening. After these stages are done, you just need to get your knife through the final stage for polishing and honing that arch-shaped edge which is stronger and much more durable. In this stage, serrated edges can also be sharpened.
There’s a reasonably wide variety of knives that can be polished with the hybrid sharpener. Including household and kitchen knives, this machine also works well with sports and pocket knives. Although the parts are not locally made, the unit is assembled in the USA and this means you get a pretty solid product for the relatively low cost.
Taking everything that’s been said about the Chef’s Choice 270 hybrid electric knife sharpener into account, the verdict is a highly positive one. This model comes in two color variants, white and black, which is a nice bonus. After carefully balancing the features and capabilities of this machine with its price, it’s pretty clear that this is a product fully worth buying if you want an electric knife sharpener that’s a bit more advanced.
Key Features:
- Advanced 3 stage hybrid technology
- Sharpens straight, serrated, kitchen, sporting, and pocket knives
- Criss-cross sharpening technology
- Diamond abrasive wheels
- Durable brushed stainless steel knife guides
4. Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener
For those who want to enter the big league of electric knife sharpeners, the first product to recommend would be the Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect. It’s fully loaded with a ton of premium features but its price is also considerably higher. This is a three-stage sharpener adequate for turning any dull straight edge or serrated blade into a razor sharp one.
This model is ideal for converting 20-degree class knife factory edges into the Trizor XV 15 degree high-performance edge. It can also sharpen double-bevel or single-bevel 15-degree knives without any flaws. One of the greatest aspects is the flexibility of the spring guides. Thanks to these guides you get a much more accurate control of the sharpening angle to ensure ultra-sharp edges for both thick or thin knife blades.
It sharpens the blade at a 15-degree angle which provides the best performance. The unique triple-bevel edge technology makes any thinner blade able to last longer. A 15-degree triple-bevel arch-shaped edge stands the test of time better and won’t dull as fast compared to conventional hollow-ground or ’V-shaped’ edges.
The sharpening process needs three stages to obtain the ultimate sharp blade. The conical rotating disks with diamond abrasives make very fine ’micro-grooves’ on the facets of the edge. The first major bevel of the arch-shaped edge is thus created at an approximately 15-degree angle. In the second stage, some even finer diamond abrasives shape the second bevel of the arch-shaped edge.
Finally, flexible stropping disks take care of sharpening the edge in a very efficient manner to reduce as much as possible metal removal. A microscopically smooth ultra-sharp edge is obtained as the final an the smallest bevel of the arch-shaped edge is created.
If you care a lot about your knives, it’s probably a very good idea to invest into a much more professional electric knife sharpener. The Trizor XV by Chef’s Choice is an outstanding choice in all regards. This is one of those considerable investments that you will probably be hesitant about initially but after seeing the amazing sharpening results, you will never look back.
Key Features:
- Ultra-sharp 15 XV technology
- Advanced, patented flexible spring guides
- 3-Stage EdgeSelect system
- Flexible stropping disks
- Sharpens both straight edge and serrated blades
5. Presto 08810 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
The Presto 08810 is an electric knife sharpener that delivers professional results for those on a more limited budget. It can take care of any dull knives with powerful accuracy and efficiency. There are many features to be excited about so let’s see what are the abilities of this three-stage sharpener.
One feature worth mentioning is the adjustable blade selector which offers the optimum sharpening angles. Some knives are considerably thicker like hunting knives for example. Others are thinner so you can adapt the machine for your particular knife blade. The standard setting works well with chef’s and kitchen knives while the thin one is adequate for light blades like paring knives.
This is a reliable three-stage electric knife sharpener and the process begins by sharpening the blade with a Sapphirite coarse-grinding wheel to obtain the ideal angle. In stage two the sharpening continues but with a Sapphirite medium-grinding wheel this time to create a precision edge for your blade. In the last stage, the process is completed with an extra-fine-grit ceramic wheel that adds the finishing polish to the blade which gives it a razor-sharp edge.
Presto recommends using it for sharpening kitchen and sporting knives. Dull Santoku knives can also benefit from this treatment. In terms of loudness, this model can be considered relatively quiet compared to older models.
A very simple to use machine, even by a novice, the Presto 08810 manages to get a spot on this list because it offers decent quality at a low cost. You’ll have a hard time finding a more capable three-stages electric knife sharpener for this price. It may not be well-suited for more high-end knives but this shouldn’t be a problem because it can take care of most common household knives without issues. For a lot of people, this should be enough and if you think this product is a good match for you, you won’t be disappointed by what it can do.
Key Features:
- 3 Stage Sharpening System
- Interchangeable blade guides
- Can sharpen Santoku knives
- Sapphirite grinding wheel
- Sharpens kitchen and sport knives
- Easy to use
6. Chef’s Choice 130 Professional Knife-Sharpening Station
Another electric knife sharpener worth your attention is the Chef’s Choice 130, a professional knife-sharpening station that can handle all types of 20-degree class knives with ease. It has three stages and is capable of delivering impressive performance customized for every demanding cutting task.
Sharpening, steeling and stropping a knife is a difficult thing to do and not everyone has the experience and skill required. With a machine like this one from Chef’s Choice, you can get an extremely fine edge just like a pro and the best part is that it’s all done effortlessly.
The 130 knife sharpener is compatible with a vast range of cutting instruments including the more common household and kitchen knives as well as Santoku, pocket, and sports knives. The three-stage sharpening system offered by this unit provides any serious cook or professional chef a solid level of versatility. There are built-in precision angle guides for every stage so obtaining the right sharpness consistently is now possible.
In the first stage, rotating conical disks that contain 100% diamond abrasives sharpen the entire edge of the knife and without any worries about safety. The blade is never de-tempered and in the case of a quality knife, the life can be significantly prolonged.
The second stage is where the sharp edge is starting to develop. Thanks to the precision angle guides and a hardened miniature steel, the sharpness is taken to the next level. Microscopic serrations deliver a sharpness that rivals that from professionally steeled edges.
In the third and final stage, it makes use of an abrasive disk system to add the final touches to the sharpness and polish the edge. This can be done whenever you feel the need to maintain your blade until additional sharpening is required.
A ruggedly built machine, constructed from sturdy polymer, the Chef’s Choice 130 is designed to deliver an incredible knife sharpening experience without making any compromises on safety and durability. This has great potential and will definitely make the issue of a dull knife a thing of the past. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a premium electrical knife sharpening station.
Key Features:
- 100% diamond abrasives
- Compatible with most brands and types of knives
- Flexible stropping disk
- Angle-guides for foolproof sharpening
- Stabilizing feet
- Sturdy construction
7. Wüsthof – 3-Stage PEtec Electric Knife Sharpener
Born from a special partnership between Wusthof and Chef’s Choice, this electric knife sharpener works in three stages and thanks to the Precision Edge Technology, it can maintain a unique edge angle for any blades. If you want to keep your high-quality knives in perfect condition all the time, this machine represents a worthwhile investment.
Wusthof designed this sharpener for non-serrated edge blades, and to keep them like new, the three-stage process involves lots of fine sharpening, honing, and polishing at a 14-degree angle. In the first stage, a 100% diamond abrasive wheel carves a new edge onto the dull knife blade. After this is done, in stage two it’s time for refining the edge and for this purpose, the slot provides a finer grit diamond wheel. An advanced stropping material in stage three adds the finishing touches so that your knife’s blade is polished to a razor-sharp edge.
The Precision Edge Technology of this machine really makes a difference as the sharpener will guarantee amazing results every time. Wusthof accepts pretty much all western-styled knives and will turn them into sharp tools that you know you can depend on.
It’s important to maintain your sharpener in good condition and so it is recommended to wipe the sharpener with a damp cloth after each use. Every few months, the accumulated metal dust found on the underside of the sharpener needs to be removed and that’s all the basics.
Wusthof is a very reputable maker of high-quality German kitchen knives and this sharpener is destined for the American market as it’s manufactured by Chef’s Choice to fit the electrical standards from the United States.
Putting a new edge on an intensely used chef knife seems to be the primary purpose of this device. Lots of people say that you can’t achieve razor-sharp knives without the help of a professional but this electric knife sharpener proves that this is not true. The knives will be able to slice paper and little hair off your arm flawlessly. This machine is definitely worth the money but be careful as you can cut yourself with your sharpened knives more easily now.
Key Features:
- Precision Edge Technology
- 3-stage electric knife sharpener
- 100% diamond abrasive wheel
- Advanced stropping material
- Sharpens at 14-degrees
8. Chef’s Choice 220 Hybrid 2 Stage Knife Sharpener
If you prefer hybrid knife sharpeners, the Chef’s Choice 220 is a very interesting option for sharpening various 20-degree class straight edge blades and serrated knives. The CrissCross technology is present in this model and the two stages should take care of all your sharpening needs without any problems.
While the manual stage focuses on honing, the primary stage is the electric stage which takes care of the sharpening. When you combine both stages, the final result is a strong and durable arch-shaped edge. To obtain that, only 100% diamond abrasive wheels are used for each stage. In the second stage, the manual one, obtaining the super-sharp polished edge is possible due to the micron size diamond abrasives. This machine has great sharpening potential as it can keep the edge in shape virtually indefinitely.
Thanks to the CrissCross technology which delivers that powerful bite in terms of sharpness, you can say goodbye to dull old blades that can barely cut butter. Taking the guesswork out of this task, the sharpening wheels are capable of sharpening into and out of the edge at the same time for quick and superior results.
The Hybrid 220 works well with a nice range of knives including straight and serrated models but it should be compatible with sports knives or pocket knives. It’s pretty much safe for all quality knives and especially recommended for household and kitchen blades but it doesn’t work with scissors.
It’s not easy to justify a big expense for an electric knife sharpener when all you need to do is to correct and maintain the edges of your favorite knives and not much else. For those not willing to spend too much, the Chef’s Choice 220 Hybrid is a very balanced choice offering decent features and solid performance for its price.
Key Features:
- Hybrid technology, electric and manual sharpening
- 2 stages
- Works with straight or serrated knives
- 100% diamond abrasive wheels
- Criss-Cross technology
9. Chef’s Choice 250 Hybrid Diamond Hone 3 Stage Knife Sharpener
Chef’s Choice is one of the best options for anyone in the market for a quality knife sharpener that’s electrically-powered. This model is a three-stage sharpening machine using advanced Hybrid technology, combining both electric stages with a manual one to quickly apply a super sharp edge to almost any knife blade.
Ideal for pretty much all quality 20-degree class knives, the 250 can handle various types of blades including those from serrated and fine edge knives. Kitchen and household knives aren’t left out and even sports and pocket knives can benefit from a brand new edge.
To create a triple-bevel edge, Chef’s Choice integrated three successive stages. The first two are electric and make use of gritty diamond abrasives which take care of the shaping job as well as the sharpening of the first two edge bevels. In the final stage, which is done manually, the blade gets honed and polished with ultra-fine diamonds and the resulting edge is stronger and more durable compared to the classic V-shaped or hollow ground edges. The edge shows some solid hints of razor-sharpness.
What’s great about having a manual stage, is that it can be used anytime without the need for power. You can polish a sharpened edge from time to time to keep the knife in good shape without having to constantly power up the machine.
If you follow the directions carefully and with some extra patience, you can get your knives sharper than ever with this machine. The Chef’s Choice 250 Hybrid is an excellent choice for a broad range of knives and this three-step process is all you need to nicely sharpen the blades. At this price, it’s quite difficult to find a better electric knife sharpener with 3 stages than this one. If you want to bring back to life some dull knives, this is a recommended option.
Key Features:
- 3 stage hybrid technology
- Sharpens straight, serrated, kitchen, sporting, and pocket knives
- Ultra-thin diamond abrasives
- For 20-degree class knives
10. Shenzhen Knives Electric Diamond Knife Sharpener for Ceramic and Stainless Steel Knives
We’re all familiar with the messy experience of trying to cut vegetables, meat, and bread with a dull kitchen knife. The obvious solution is to throw the old blade away but what if you could breathe some new life on its edge? With the help of an innovative electric knife sharpener like this model from Shenzhen Knives, you can bring back the original sharpness quickly and efficiently.
This is a highly compact electric knife sharpener with enough power to handle most ceramic and stainless steel kitchen knives. Thanks to a diamond grinding stone coupled with the universal knife guide slots, your blade will be sharpened and honed in no time and with solid precision.
Every sharpener worth its cost must have a good diamond wheel. This model from Shenzhen offers a consistent level of sharpness for your blades, from tip to handle. Chips of up to 1 mm can be eliminated from any ceramic blade with amazing speed.
This unit features two sharpening settings, fine and coarse. You can use the right one for your knife, for sharpening dull and rough stainless steel variants or ceramic ones. It uses a two-stage sharpening process for honing the blade until it creates a very fine edge. To add some more convenience, the cartridge of the diamond wheel, as well as the cover, can be removed to facilitate the cleaning process. Ensuring consistent and precise sharpening over time is important and for this reason, these components can also be replaced.
This diamond wheel doesn’t have a very big lifetime, typically not lasting more than one year. It depends on how much do you use it though. As this is a low-cost machine, it’s intended for reasonably active cooks without many high-end needs or premium knives.
As it sharpens at 18 and 20-degree angles, the Shenzhen Knives electric knife sharpener is not a well-suited product for professional chefs with more delicate knives but it’s not intended for that. It does a solid job for any household or kitchen knife and for its price, it offers enough quality and reliability to consider it for your next purchase.
Key Features:
- Two settings for the grinding stone: coarse and fine
- Universal Knife Guide Slot
- Two-Stage Sharpening Process
- Removable diamond wheel cartridge
- Diamond Wheel Precision Sharpening