Best Overall
Utoplike Kitchen Knife Drawer Organizer
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Of all the equipment in your kitchen, knives are the ones that should absolutely be stored properly. The best way to do this is with a knife holder. Instead of dumping all of your knives in a drawer to hanging them on the wall, safely storing your knives in a knife holder will keep them away from childrens' reach. They also do a great job in decluttering messy kitchens, and will certainly make prep time more efficient. To get started, we've tested the best knife holders on the market, and can safely say that the Utoplike Kitchen Knife Drawer Organizer is our favorite of the bunch. To learn more about knife holders, read our full buying guide below!
Knife Holders: A Buyer’s Guide
A knife holder is a basic choice for keeping the knives sharp and tidy, and it may be as stylish as it is utilitarian. Are you looking for a bamboo block that is good for the environment or a stylish stainless steel style holder? Is a vertical design with a compact size required for your kitchen, or can you go for a larger style that easily angles the knife grips? It can be difficult to find the proper knife holder to complement your collection of knives! Certain designs, however, are generic and can fit nearly all blade sizes and shapes. Some are magnetic and function in the same way as magnetized knife sheets. This section covers all of the elements that go into selecting your ideal knife holder.
Why Knife Holders Are Essential
If you bought your knives separately, as many knife enthusiasts do, you might not have gotten a knife holder with them, as is usual with many sets. Knife holders protect your knife’s blades and secure them while also providing simple reach to your equipment. When you find the right one, it could be the last knife holder you ever purchase. They are, obviously, not for everybody. If you have small kids who are naturally interested in things, you can put them somewhere out of sight or out of access. The purpose of a knife holder, on the other hand, is to give you convenient access to your blades. In that scenario, keeping your knives in a cabinet might be the best option. However, store them in such a way that their edges do not make contact with each other. Knife holders might be inconvenient in tiny kitchens where countertop space is limited. There are magnetic knife line holders out there though. They work great in kitchens and are much easier to maintain!
Different Types of Knife Holders
Most knife holders contain slots that can accept knives of varying sizes. These also restrict the number of knives that can be stored in your knife holder. Since these holders are restrictive, it’s best if you can find one that matches your demands! Before purchasing a knife holder, accurately measure your blades and match their size to the holes on the holder.
Universal knife holders
Plastic filaments that can support any knife shape are commonly used in universal knife holders. There is no definite restriction to the number of knives these holders can accommodate because there are no specified locations for each knife. The only limitation is the amount of space provided by the holder. However, razor-sharp blades may cause harm to these plastic filaments. Furthermore, this form lacks the symmetry and traditional appearance of standard slot holders.
If you choose to go with a universal knife holder, it's essential that it's designed to hold the different types of knives you have. For example, bread knives, filet knives, butcher knives, etc.
Magnetic knife holders
Magnetic knife holders look like magnetic strips and use strong magnets to keep knives in position. Since these layouts are usually more costly, they are also easier to maintain and enable you to plainly view your knives - no more repeatedly taking out the incorrect knife!
Materials Used To Make Knife Holders
Knife blocks are traditionally made of wood, however, the latest models use a variety of materials.
Plastic
Plastic knife blocks can be made with slots or with universal designs. Since these are inexpensive, they are not the most long-lasting.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel knife holders are more elegant and refined than plastic versions, as well as slightly more resistant. Since steel does not retain moisture, they are simpler to maintain than wood holders. But, in many situations, the slots may be made of plastic or steel – plastic is prone to wear, while steel may cause harm to your knives.
Bamboo/Wooden
Bamboo or other less expensive wood can be used to make knife holders. If you are looking for an environmentally sustainable style, consider whether a holder is entirely bamboo or consists of bamboo crepes and a wooden foundation.
Some Factors to Consider While Buying a Knife Holder
Design and angle
The basic option is a diagonal layout, which places the grips at a convenient angle for simple removal. These models, though, often have a wider base and require extra room. Vertical designs are typically preferable in kitchens with minimal storage space. They do, however, require additional vertical space to completely lift the blades out. If your cupboards are drooping, you might just have to draw your knife holder out each and every time you would like to retrieve a knife. By calculating the size of your biggest knife paired with the height of the knife holder, you can simply calculate whether you would have enough space.
The angle of the knife
The slope of the knife slots can affect how you retrieve your knives and how much damage the blades receive. Since the edges of your knives will not rest on the gaps, horizontal options protect them. But, because there is no apparent direction for keeping knives, they can be slightly riskier. When withdrawing knives, vertical slots provide a more natural movement. But, if you do not withdraw the blades gently, they will rub against the lower part of the gaps and that will affect the sharpness of the blades. It is worth noting that with vertical knife holders, the slot position is irrelevant because the holder may be rotated.
Slots for self-sharpening
More premium knife holders may contain porcelain, "self-sharpening" grooves that can really polish your knife blades as you withdraw or place them, instead of dulling them. You may not really need this functionality if you own a knife sharpener. Even though it can help to hone your knives, it is not a substitute for a competent knife sharpener.
Price Range of Knife Holders
Inexpensive
Given the low price, entry-level knife holders range from $15 to $30 and come in a variety of shapes and materials. Vertical, diagonal, universal, and magnetic forms are also present. The biggest distinctions are in the material grade and storing space, as these are often shorter knife holders with inferior adhesives that may break out across time.
Mid-range
Knife holders cost $30 to $60 and are typically constructed of high-quality elements such as solid bamboo or stainless steel. Many versions in this price range may come equipped with built-in knife sharpeners.
Expensive
Knife holders priced between $60 and $120 typically have unique designs and are made of high-quality components.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Utoplike Kitchen Knife Drawer Organizer
- Most Affordable: Modern Innovations Magnetic Knife Bar
- Eco-Friendly: Noble Home & Chef In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block
- Best Design: Fomidao Magnetic Knife Holder Stainless Steel
- Best Value: Fomidao Double Side 304 Stainless Steel Knife
Reviews
Most Affordable
Modern Innovations Magnetic Knife Bar
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Eco-Friendly
Noble Home & Chef In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block
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Best Design
Fomidao Magnetic Knife Holder Stainless Steel
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Best Value
Fomidao Double Side 304 Stainless Steel Knife
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FAQs
Do knife holders cause harm to ceramic knives?
A smartly-designed knife holder is a perfectly fine option for ceramic knives. However, a badly designed one can damage the pointy tip and sharpness of your ceramic knife on each pull.
When should you wash a knife holder?
To minimize bacterial accumulation, wash your knife holder properly once a month, regardless of the type!
Should I buy the knives first, or the knife holder?
When necessary, purchase knives first and then find a holder for them afterward. You do not want unarmored blades clanking around in your cabinet but you don’t want to end up with a wrong knife holder either.