A dull knife is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a safety hazard and a frustration in any kitchen. The right electric knife sharpener can restore your blades to their original razor-sharp glory in minutes, saving you time and the expense of professional sharpening. With so many models on the market, finding the perfect one for your needs is key to effortless meal prep.
Our expert picks for the best electric knife sharpeners are selected based on performance, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you own delicate Asian-style knives, heavy-duty chef’s knives, or a mix of everything, this roundup features a sharpener to bring back that perfect, precise edge. We have evaluated key features like diamond abrasives, angle guides, and multi-stage systems to help you make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks for Electric Knife Sharpeners
- Chef’s Choice 316 Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener
- Hamilton Beach Electric Kitchen Knife Sharpener
- Chef’sChoice Hybrid Knife Sharpeners
- KitchenIQ Angle Adjust Electric Knife Sharpener
- Villini Knife Sharpener – Fine & Coarse Grit
- EdgeKeeper Electric Knife Sharpener
- Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
- Work Sharp Professional E5 Kitchen Knife Sharpener
- Chef’sChoice 15XV EdgeSelect Professional Sharpener
- Chef’sChoice Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Sharpener
Chef’s Choice 316 Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener
This 120-watt sharpener from Chef’s Choice is engineered specifically for Asian-style knives with a 15-degree edge. Its powerful motor and precision guides ensure that you can maintain the fine, acute angle these blades require without guesswork. The two-stage system is designed for optimal results on straight-edge knives.
The first stage uses fine 100% diamond abrasive to sharpen and hone the blade, effectively removing any nicks or dullness. The second stage then employs an ultra-fine 100% diamond abrasive to strop and polish the edge, resulting in an incredibly sharp and smooth finish. This process is both efficient and gentle on your valuable cutlery.
Hamilton Beach Electric Kitchen Knife Sharpener
The Hamilton Beach sharpener offers a straightforward and effective two-stage process to restore your knives. It is built with user-friendliness in mind, featuring four automatic blade positioning guides. These guides hold your knife at the precise sharpening angle for consistent results every time, making it a great choice for beginners.
Its two stages are clearly marked: one for reshaping the blade angle and sharpening, and a second for finely finishing and honing the edge. The sharpening wheels are coated with a diamond abrasive, known for its durability and effectiveness on modern stainless steel blades. This model provides a reliable and accessible way to keep your entire knife block in top condition.
Chef’sChoice Hybrid Knife Sharpeners
This unique hybrid sharpener from Chef’s Choice combines the speed of electric sharpening with the precision of manual control. It is designed for 20-degree straight-edge and serrated knives, offering a versatile solution for a mixed cutlery collection. The hybrid design gives you more control over the sharpening process for specialized blades.
It utilizes 100% diamond abrasives and precision angle guides to ensure a perfect edge. The electric stage handles the bulk of the sharpening work quickly, while the manual option allows for targeted touch-ups on serrations or particularly stubborn spots. This flexibility makes it an excellent tool for those who want the best of both sharpening worlds.
KitchenIQ Angle Adjust Adjustable Electric Knife Sharpener
The standout feature of the KitchenIQ sharpener is its adjustable angle setting. This allows you to match the sharpening angle to the original one created by the knife manufacturer, which is crucial for maintaining the blade’s integrity and performance. It sharpens both sides of the knife simultaneously for a balanced, even edge.
This model uses diamond interlocking wheels that are designed to remove a minimal amount of metal during the sharpening process, preserving the life of your knives. It is important to note that this sharpener is not intended for use with ceramic or single-bevel knives. For standard double-bevel knives, it offers a customized and efficient sharpening experience.
Villini Knife Sharpener – Fine & Coarse Grit
The Villini Knife Sharpener is a compact and straightforward electric model designed for everyday kitchen use. It features both fine and coarse grit options, allowing you to choose the right level of abrasion for your knives. A coarse grit is ideal for repairing damaged or very dull blades, while a fine grit is perfect for routine honing and finishing.
Its simple slot design makes it easy to use, guiding the knife through the sharpening process with minimal effort. This sharpener is a practical choice for someone looking for a no-fuss appliance to maintain the edges on their most frequently used kitchen knives without a complex setup.
EdgeKeeper Electric Knife Sharpener
The EdgeKeeper sharpener is built for convenience and clean operation. Its two-stage system is designed to quickly sharpen almost any fine-edge blade, delivering professional results from the comfort of your home. The slots are engineered to position the knife at the ideal sharpening angle for effective and consistent outcomes.
A key benefit of this model is its integrated mess-reduction system. It includes a removable magnet that catches metal shavings during the sharpening process, making cleanup quick and simple. This thoughtful feature helps keep your countertop clean and maintains the sharpener’s performance over time.
Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
The Presto EverSharp is a reliable and economical choice for sharpening a wide variety of kitchen and sport knives. Its easy two-stage system is suitable for most non-serrated blades, providing a straightforward path from a dull edge to a razor-sharp one. This model has been a trusted name in home sharpening for years.
It uses Sapphirite sharpening wheels, which are engineered for durability. The first stage grinds a precisely angled edge, while the second stage fine hones and polishes it. This combination delivers a sharp, smooth edge that can handle all your cutting tasks with ease.
Work Sharp Professional Electric Culinary E5 Kitchen Knife Sharpener
The Work Sharp E5 stands out by using flexible sharpening belts, which is the same method many manufacturers use to put a factory-sharp edge on their knives. This innovative approach allows it to handle a vast range of knives, from basic cutlery to high-end exotic steels, without compromising the blade’s integrity.
It features fast, pre-programmed sharpening cycles that take the guesswork out of the process. With three settings to shape, sharpen, or hone your knives, you can select the right intensity for the blade’s condition. The sharpener automatically turns off at the end of the cycle and can also be used for kitchen scissors and poultry shears, adding to its versatility.
Chef’sChoice 15XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
This professional-grade, three-stage sharpener is designed to convert the traditional 20-degree edges of household knives into high-performance 15-degree edges. The Trizor XV edge is known for its exceptional sharpness and durability, making it a favorite among cooking enthusiasts. It works on both straight-edge and serrated blades.
The sharpener utilizes 100% diamond abrasives in the first two stages to sharpen and refine the edge. The advanced third stage is a patented stropping stage that polishes the edge to a mirror finish, resulting in a remarkably sharp and long-lasting blade. Flexible spring guides automatically adjust to control the sharpening angle for precise results.
Chef’sChoice Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Sharpener
The Chef’sChoice Trizor XV EdgeSelect is a flagship model renowned for creating an incredibly sharp and durable 15-degree edge. This sharpener is engineered for those who demand the highest level of performance from their cutlery, effectively transforming standard knives into precision tools. Its multi-stage process is designed for both sharpening and polishing.
Like its sibling model, it employs 100% diamond abrasives and a sophisticated stropping system to achieve a razor-sharp, polished edge. The precision angle guides ensure consistency, while the powerful motor handles the sharpening process efficiently. It is a top-tier choice for serious home cooks and professionals alike who want to maximize their knives’ potential.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Knife Sharpener
I know how frustrating it is to struggle with a dull knife. An electric sharpener is a fantastic solution, but with so many models, picking the right one can be confusing. I’ve spent a lot of time testing and researching these machines, and I want to help you understand the key features so you can make a smart choice for your kitchen.
First, consider the sharpening stages. Most quality sharpeners have two or three slots. A two-stage system typically includes a coarse abrasive for repairing damaged edges and a fine abrasive for honing and polishing. A three-stage system adds an extra-fine polishing stage, which gives you an incredibly sharp, smooth, and durable edge. For most home cooks, a two-stage sharpener is perfectly adequate. If you’re a serious enthusiast or use high-end chef’s knives frequently, the third stage is a nice upgrade.
Next, think about the types of knives you own. Standard sharpeners are designed for typical kitchen knives with straight edges, like chef’s knives, paring knives, and santokus. If you have serrated knives, you’ll need to check if the model has a dedicated slot or attachment for them; many do not. Some advanced models also offer guides for sharpening hunting and pocket knives, which is a great bonus if you need that versatility.
Motor power and guide systems are crucial for consistency and safety. A motor with enough power will work smoothly without straining. More importantly, look for a sharpener with a strong, automatic guide system. These guides clamp onto the blade’s heel and pull the knife through the sharpening slots at the perfect, pre-set angle. This takes all the guesswork out of the process and prevents you from damaging your blades by holding them at the wrong angle. Manual pull-through systems are cheaper but require a much steadier hand.
Finally, don’t overlook ease of use and cleaning. A non-slip base is essential for safety and stability during use. I also prefer models with clear visual and audio indicators that tell me when the sharpening cycle for a stage is complete. For cleaning, look for removable abrasive stages that can be easily tapped out over a trash can. Some even have permanent diamond abrasive disks that never need replacing, which is a great low-maintenance feature. By focusing on these aspects, you can find one of the best electric knife sharpeners that fits your needs and keeps your blades in top condition.
FAQ
Are electric knife sharpeners bad for your knives?
This is a common concern. The short answer is that a good quality electric sharpener is not bad for your knives. The issue arises with poorly designed, cheap models that use harsh, low-quality abrasives and lack a proper guide system. These can remove too much metal too quickly or create an inconsistent edge angle, which can shorten your knife’s lifespan. A well-made electric sharpener with a guided system and diamond or quality ceramic abrasives is a safe and effective tool that will maintain your knives properly.
How often should I sharpen my knives with an electric sharpener?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on how often you cook and what you’re cutting. As a general rule, for a home cook who uses their knives a few times a week, a full sharpening session every 2 to 3 months is usually sufficient. If you cook daily or work with hard vegetables and proteins, you might need to do it monthly. The best approach is to pay attention to performance. If your knife starts to slip on tomato skins or requires more pressure to cut, it’s time for a sharpening.
Can I use an electric sharpener on Japanese knives?
You need to be very careful here. Many traditional Japanese knives, especially those made from very hard steel like SG2 or ZDP-189, are ground to a much finer and often different angle than typical Western knives. Using a standard electric sharpener set for a 20-degree angle can damage a knife designed for a 15-degree angle. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific knife. Some advanced electric sharpeners have adjustable angle guides, making them more suitable for a wider range of blades, including some Japanese styles.
What is the difference between sharpening and honing?
This is a key distinction. Sharpening is the process of actually removing metal from the blade to create a new, sharp edge. This is what an electric sharpener does. Honing, on the other hand, is a maintenance step. A honing steel realigns the microscopic teeth on the blade’s edge that get bent out of place during use. It doesn’t remove metal. You should hone your knives frequently—even every time you use them—but you only need to sharpen them when honing no longer restores the edge.
Do electric knife sharpeners work on serrated blades?
Most standard electric sharpeners do not work on serrated knives. The sharpening mechanism is designed for straight edges and cannot fit into the small, curved gullets of a serrated blade. However, some specialized models do include a separate attachment or a dedicated stage for serrations. If you have serrated knives you want to maintain, you must specifically look for this feature when shopping for one of the 10 best electric knife sharpeners.