Technological advancements have taken us from lengthy and tiresome manual knife sharpening using various other types of knife sharpeners to the automated method of using electric knife sharpeners. An electric knife sharpener will grind automatically. This is a huge advantage in terms of speed and precision. It can take under a minute to make a razor-sharp edge and around two minutes to sharpen a blunt one!
Technological advancements have taken us from lengthy and tiresome manual knife sharpening using various other types of knife sharpeners to the automated method of using electric knife sharpeners. An electric knife sharpener will grind automatically. This is a huge advantage in terms of speed and precision. It can take under a minute to make a razor-sharp edge and around two minutes to sharpen a blunt one!
Electric sharpeners are great for kitchen cutlery, but some also work with any knife, scissors, and even with garden tools. Depending on their make, these will come with different features and can be very different from one another. We’ve carefully picked 6 of the most popular such devices. Among these, you will find the best electric knife sharpener to suit your needs. Know what you pay for!
We picked models which are fast, reliable, and prolong the life of your knives. Others will eat up too much of the blade, for example. We’ve also focused on the different types of sharpening discs, along with the systems that hold the blades at the proper angle. Further, we will discuss the advantages an electric knife sharpener has over the other types.
Why Opt for an Electric Knife Sharpener?
Choosing an electric device to sharpen blades which may sound so restrictive. Should you trust an automated process to do exactly the job you need? After all, you’ve seen so many experts using conventional tools to sharpen up a blade. That could be more customizable. Whetstones and similar tools let the person be in control. However, an electric knife sharpener has a series of advantages. A lot more people can use these. Novice users have no reason to fear them.
- Good for beginners. Let’s admit it, people who have never or rarely sharpened a knife don’t have the skill. It takes knowledge and a lot of practice to form the skill. Inexperienced individuals could actually ruin their knives, if not injure themselves. Electric sharpeners have blade guides and fixed angles. Thus you won’t go wrong. No skills are required if you purchase a good model. This system will ensure a consistent sharpening angle. There are solid angle guides for that.
- Good for pros. When you are a professional and always deal with knives, there is a lot of sharpening work to do. Would you prefer to spend hours doing this? Or would you like to use a quick-acting device to sharpen all the blades within minutes? Professionals resort to electric sharpeners, too, because it’s so quick and easy. Also, they are impressed with the results. There are such devices with extra polishing features for a flawless finish.
- No guesswork. As mentioned, an electrical sharpener has blade guides. These help you position the blade correctly. The hardest part about sharpening knives has always been getting the angle correctly. The trouble is now eliminated. With most models, you just put the blade in and turn on the machine. Some give you the option of selecting the angle. Thus, you will be able to restore the edge of more than just one type of knife.
- Speed and precision. The process is automated, and everything is perfectly calculated. Your knives are sharpened with amazing precision. Moreover, the mechanism inside makes it all really quick. Such devices have abrasive belts that can move at an adjusted speed.
- More features in one device. When you go for non-automated sharpening tools, you will not use one for all the knives. Each type of blade has different requirements. Electric sharpeners, however, can cater to these varied types. You will use them on straight and serrated edges, on European, American, and Japanese knives, and even on scissors and other tools. Some have multiple slots; others have angle options that allow customization.
The following is a listing of the best electric knife sharpener you can find on Amazon. You can now compare these top choices and match them to your specific needs.
Our Top 6 Picks for the Title of Best Electric Knife Sharpener
Chef’s Choice 1520 AngleSelect
[amazon box=”B001CA5LZ6″]
The 1520 is the most versatile knife sharpener you will come around. It was created for European, American, and Japanese knives altogether. This means it offers multiple angle options. Chef’s Choice brand is a powerhouse in itself. The AngleSelect device is a diamond hone electric sharpener, thus using diamond abrasive discs. There are 2 sharpening stages – a coarse and a fine one, plus a polishing stage (stage 3). Use stage 1 on dull knives and not on other types. Stage 3 can be used with serrated knives. 1520 can also sharpen knives to double-beveled edges. The machine is a robust and durable one and may be the best electric knife sharpener to restore your entire collection. It works with kitchen cutlery, serrated blades, sporting and survival knives, butchery ones, and even pocket knives. Chef’s Choice 1520 found its place on this list of top electric knife sharpeners without competition.
Wusthof 3 Stage
[amazon box=”B00005MEGJ”]
Wusthof is a traditional, good-fame German manufacturer. The company still adheres to the highest standards. Its 3-stage sharpener is firstly remarked through its triple-stage system. Then, it achieves the 14-degree PEtec – combined, resulting in a 28-degree edge. This actually represents the original manufacturer’s angle. As a blade passes through the 3 stages, it becomes like new and is also polished. Stage 1 uses the 100% diamond abrasive that works with a dull edge; stage 2 uses finer diamonds, while stage 3 is for polishing. The latter works well with serrated knives. We advise maximum caution because the result is ultra-sharpness.
Presto 08800 EverSharp
[amazon box=”B00006IUWM”]
EverSharp is our recommendation if you are looking for a cheaper yet still very reliable knife sharpener. It is small and compact. The device features two stages. Also, it comes with a 2-year warranty. The result is excellent: thin and sharp edges that last. Thus, it makes it a good product, though not necessarily fit for professionals. The sharpening wheels are made of Sapphire and last long. There are blade guides to hold the knife at the proper angle. Moreover, it has suction cups to secure it and a good system for removing metallic residue. This Presto sharpener works with high-carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy. If you are careful about each type and give enough time when needed, the blade comes out just right. You can use it on a serrated edge, but it will sharpen just one side. In all cases, don’t press the blades hard – no pressure is required.
KitchenIQ 50142 Pro Ceramic
[amazon box=”B003JN6MJS”]
The Pro Ceramic Edge Gourmet Electric Knife and Scissors Sharpener features both manual and electrical features. As a novelty, it uses alumina ceramic wheels. This means it’s capable of removing very little material from a blade. In turn, this translates into a longer life for your knives. Also, when compared to what other devices deliver, this one makes a very smooth and sharp edge. The ceramic wheels interlock to sharp with great precision. Moreover, there are 2 manual finish slots. One has carbide blades to match the angle, and the other one features ceramic stones fit for a serrated blade. Control is enhanced by a rubber hand grip, and the feet are also made of rubber. The sharpener comes with a brush for cleaning the ceramic wheels.
McGowan DiamondStone
[amazon box=”B0002KSR7G”]
If it’s to be quick and easy, then it’s the McGowan knife sharpener. It features one sharpening stage and, therefore, will not be as effective as the two- or three-stage types. Still, it has ceramic wheels with diamonds on them. You pass the blade through the slot and get it out. It will not be polished but well sharpened. What’s best about it is that it’s appropriate for users with no skills whatsoever. The device can handle a 20-degree angle, making it appropriate for European knives. It’s so easy to use and perfect for the average knife user.
Chef’s Choice 320 Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener
[amazon box=”B00005KJWZ”]
First of all, do not be misguided by the name. Although it says “Chef’s,” it is of use to everyone – outdoors people included. How does this one compare to the other options? For the first stage, it used 100% diamond-coated discs. Stage 2 employs patented polishing disks. It incorporates elastomeric strings for keeping the blades at the right angle. When knives aren’t too dull, it’s enough to pass them through the polish stage only. Also, this device realigns and sharpens serrated blades. The manufacturer produced a system that takes off as little material as possible. Thus, it is regarded as an economical solution. It doesn’t matter whether you have expensive or inexpensive knives. All will benefit from professional treatment. It is mostly due to the innovative stropping technology. The high-precision angle guides ensure perfect positioning.
Final Words
We have observed popular releases from reputable brands. All these six final choices can represent your best bet. It depends on the knives you own, your skill, and the expectations you have. Assess your needs and decide which one is more appropriate. All versions have passed rigorous quality tests. Moreover, these have gotten numerous positive reviews from customers all over the world. Having this list, you won’t have to get confused by the many sharpening options available.
Tell us which one of the six you choose as the best electric knife sharpener for you. Have some questions/remarks? Drop a comment below and let us know.