Best knife sharpeners (2026): electric and manual picks
At a glance
| Model | Best for | Key specs |
|---|---|---|
| Chef'sChoice Trizor XV (15XV) | fast, consistent results | Electric, three stages, fixed 15-degree edge, diamond abrasives |
| Chef'sChoice 1520 | owners of both Asian and European knives | Electric, sharpens at 15 or 20 degrees |
| Work Sharp Culinary E2 | smaller kitchens and budgets | Compact electric sharpener with a timer and a manual slot |
| Chef'sChoice Pronto Diamond Hone | a drawer-sized manual option | Manual pull-through, diamond abrasives |
What to look for
- Angle. Many modern chef's knives are sharpened to about 15 degrees per side; some European knives use 20. Choose a sharpener that matches your knives.
- Electric or manual. Electric sharpeners are faster and can repair badly dulled or chipped blades. Manual pull-through sharpeners are cheaper and fit in a drawer.
- Serrated blades. Check whether the polishing stage handles serrated knives.
- Whetstones give the most control but take practice.
Chef'sChoice Trizor XV (15XV)
Best for: fast, consistent results
Key specs: Electric, three stages, fixed 15-degree edge, diamond abrasives
Wirecutter has recommended it since 2016, and America's Test Kitchen calls it its winning electric sharpener. Consumer Reports notes the final stage also suits serrated knives.
Chef'sChoice 1520
Best for: owners of both Asian and European knives
Key specs: Electric, sharpens at 15 or 20 degrees
Wirecutter's other top pick. It produced edges as keen as the Trizor and lets you choose the angle.
Work Sharp Culinary E2
Best for: smaller kitchens and budgets
Key specs: Compact electric sharpener with a timer and a manual slot
Wirecutter's budget pick. It is slower and less powerful than the Chef'sChoice models. Epicurious likes how easy it is to use.
Chef'sChoice Pronto Diamond Hone
Best for: a drawer-sized manual option
Key specs: Manual pull-through, diamond abrasives
America's Test Kitchen's winning manual sharpener. It restores dull blades but can't fix seriously damaged knives.
Who can skip it
If your knives are expensive Japanese single-bevel blades, a professional sharpening service or whetstones may suit you better than any pull-through sharpener.
Sources
- Wirecutter (The New York Times): The best knife sharpeners
- America's Test Kitchen: Which knife sharpener is right for you
- Consumer Reports: Chef's Choice 15XV review
- Epicurious: Best knife sharpener
Sources checked 15 October 2026.
Model names and specifications vary by country. Check the listing for the exact model number, voltage and plug type for where you live.