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The 10 Best Electric Knives Reviewed

The 10 Best Electric Knives Reviewed

Back in the 1970s, almost every couple about to get married would have an electric knife on their gift list; it was the must-have affordable kitchen gadget.

It was seen as the ideal choice for slicing meat for holiday feasts, or just for the Sunday roast.

However, back then the promise of effortless carving didn’t always live up to the reality. The early models would often tear meat rather than cut it, leaving a shredded mess on the carving dish rather than perfectly portioned slices of beef, pork or poultry.

After some failed attempts, often those early models of knives would be relegated to the back of the cupboard or the next garage sale.

With many inferior models on the market at the time, home chefs went back to tried and trusted traditional knives, some never to return to an electric knife.

But as they years have gone on the technology of electric kitchen knives has improved, to the point now they are once again a must-have, but this time it’s because of their quality and efficiency rather than the kudos of owning one.

The new electric knives no longer cause a mess by shredding the meat or break down like the original models. If you like your meat, then an electric knife has to become part of your kitchen arsenal.

What is an Electric Knife, Really?

A typical electric knife consists of a blade or blades, and a handle or body which houses the motor.

Electric knives usually have blades which are locked in place and are removable for cleaning and storage.

The reciprocating blades can be interchangeable as some manufacturers offer blades for carving, and also for cutting bread.

The motor in the handle of the knife provides power to the blade agitating it backward and forwards in a natural cutting motion.

Most electric knives on the market have a cord to draw power from a wall socket.

Some, usually more expensive models, are cordless and rely on rechargeable batteries in the handle to power the cutting motor.

electric knife uses

Modern ones come a long way from the models that first appeared almost fifty years ago.

The horror stories of poorly cut meat, shredded to less than bit size pieces are a thing of the past.

There has been a huge improvement in the design, efficiency, and practicality of electric knives.

So much so, that the top chef who years ago would look at a knife which is electric with disdain, are now embracing the technology, and are likely to have one at hand to help speed up food preparation.

Knife purists look on electric knives as a convenience item, not to be taken seriously.

However, professional cooks will tell you that electric blades can provide a level of consistency not obtained when using a hand tool.

Chefs who are in the kitchen daily preparing meat can find the constant sawing action of a hand knife tiring, and can lead to strain that can be alleviated by using an electric knife.

Powered knives e also much easier to use when dealing with tougher meats, such as wild game. Also, people who have arthritis in the wrist or hand say an electric knife turn what was once a daunting task using a hand knife, into simplicity itself.

Do I Need One?

We are not suggesting you throw out every knife you have in the kitchen and replace them with an electric knife.

Not every slicing job in the kitchen needs a powered blade. In some cases, it would be like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

However, there are some kitchen tasks where the electric knife excels, and the advantages are easy to see.

By its very nature, an electrical appliance means there is an element of time-saving in its use; this is entirely consistent with using an electric knife.

Food preparation time will be cut down when using a powered blade. Because the blade is doing the work, the cook can focus on making sure the angle and the consistency of the cut are right, it’s especially useful when working with hard-to-cut items such as vegetables like squash or some poultry.

There is also an element of time-saving using electric blades that do not need to be sharpened.

Most hand knives need to be regularly sharpened to keep an edge.

However, with the interchangeability of the blades on electric powered knives, that because almost redundant, as the better brands offer a blade for each particular cutting job.

Most people who spend time in the kitchen have stories of how they nicked themselves with a hand knife when cutting something hard or tough.

As the electric knife cuts through food with little effort, there is less chance of a nasty slip or accident.

It might surprise you to know, that the best electric knives cost less than higher quality branded kitchen knives.

Manufacturers of traditional kitchen knives often use their brand name to put a premium price tag on their products so that an electric knife can work out a lot cheaper than the manual alternative.

The advantages of using an electric knife can be summed up as follows:

Speed
Cutting up a turkey by hand can take ten minutes, using an electric knife the same job can be done in a minute. Because the blades move rapidly they achieve a faster and more regular cut.

Precision
Because electric knives can cut perfectly every time, with a little practice you will be able to cut thin slices of meat time and time again evenly.

Less strain
You use less force when using an electric knife than a manual one. The blades do the slicing without having to apply much pressure.

Economy
A best quality electric knife will cost less than premium traditional manual knives.

Cord or Cordless?

When choosing an electric knife, it’s first best to decide where and when you intend to use it.

For most people that will be in the kitchen. For others, who like to barbecue, for instance, it might be outdoors.

If you are a hunter or fisherman, and may need a powered knife with you to help cut up freshly caught fish or game.

That will assist in answering your first question of whether you need a cord or cordless knife, the tradeoff being portability vs. power.

Anything cordless means it will be running off batteries of some description, which invariably means they will drain with use.

As battery power starts to run low the power of the electric knife will reduce, making it harder to cut. If you need the flexibility of a cordless knife, then best to check the battery life, and look for one that will not drain power too quickly.

As a backup, you could purchase extra rechargeable batteries. A plug-in corded electric knife takes away all that worry, but it does mean you are umbilically linked to a power socket somewhere around your house or kitchen.

That said, make sure the power cord is long enough to reach the area where you need to do your cutting, there’s nothing more frustrating than when its just a few inches short.

However, for most people who are looking to use their knife in the kitchen, a corded appliance is their first option.

Blades

Let’s next look at what the blades are made of. Most electric knives come with stainless steel blades.

This type of steel has been used in blade making for centuries, so it is well proven.

Stainless Steel is resistant to rusting and tarnishing, and if cared for will stand the test of time.

Some newer composite substances are being used for blades, and they are beginning to appear on the market.

Most modern electric knives use two reciprocating blades for the cutting action.

Therefore with just a little pressure and guidance via the handle, the knife will smoothly slice through whatever you are cutting.

Some of the premium electric knives come with an assortment of blades for different purposes; others have them available as extras at an additional cost.

Other machines come with just one type of blade fitted as standard. In the blade kits, most feature a curving knife that can be used to cut meats and another for other kitchen cutting jobs.

A number of manufacturers offer thin blades specially designed for filleting fish.

Please see our section in regard to blade types for more information.

Handle

Getting the right handle is equally important as the right blades. The handle has to fit snugly and firmly into the hand.

As they blades move against each other, there is a deal of vibration, which can become uncomfortable if you are using the electric knife for an extended period.

Best to look for a contoured handle which fits your hand. Make sure the on-off switch and any control buttons are easily accessible.

Users agree that to get the best out of your electric knife, it has to feel right in your hand.

If you can try it out before purchasing to check the weight and balance of the knife, it will be time well spent.

Safety & Cleaning

With all electrical appliances, especially those with sharp blades, it’s important to make sure they are safe to operate.

Check that the knife has a locking trigger or a double locking mechanism to prevent children being harmed.

With all the models, the blades are detachable for cleaning and can be popped in the dishwasher after use.

The handle or body of some electric knives can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, but please check the information provided by the manufacturer beforehand.

Extras

While some manufacturers provide just a handle, cord and blade, others sell the complete package of a wooden block for storing, extra blades, multi-speed settings and other safety features.

Remember all these extras will add to the price, and not necessarily the quality of the cutting.

And when it comes to quality, manufacturers who have confidence in their product usually offer the longer warranties, so it’s often a good idea to take that into account too when choosing a new electric knife.

Electric Knife Types

If you are new to the world of electric knives then you may find yourself confused and lost when it comes to all of the different brands and features that are out there now.

As we stated earlier, electric knives provide the user with precision, removable and replaceable blades, speed, less effort, and reduce pain to the hand or wrist.

Luckily, this article will help any newcomer to know what kinds of electric knives are on the market and what features you should look out for.

To be honest, there are not many different types of electric knives out there. You mainly have two choices to choose from—an electric carving knife and an electric fillet knife.

Most of these sets come with interchangeable blades for use on different foods.

However, you also have choices on whether or not you want a cordless or one with a cord (see our Cord or Cordless section above).

Electric Carving Knife

These knives are mostly popular during Thanksgiving because they are excellent to use to carve a turkey.

But you can definitely use this knife all year long on other types of meats as well.

When purchasing one, you will need to look at what kinds of blades come with it. If you are buying a carving knife, it is recommended that the blade is long for carving meats and shorter blades are useful for foods such as bread and vegetables.

Electric Fillet Knife

When you are looking for a good filleting knife, you should search for a blade that is non-corrosive, as well as strong and durable.

Generally, these blades are stainless steel. Another thing to look into is a blade that allows the user to use with tight angles.

The size of your blade should at least be seven inches long; however, this solely depends on the meat you are filleting.

You also want to consider a comfortable handle because this will provide the user with control.

Features Worth Considering

Many electronic knives come with features for you to choose from. Here is a look at 3 of the most important features to consider.

Cordless or Cord

As we already discussed in our Cord or Cordless section, with a cordless model, you have to worry about the battery running out of juice.

You also have to worry about when the battery starts running low because the electric knife will not cut as well since it needs power.

This fact can make a cord electric knife more appealing, however the cord can keep you from being able to move appropriately.

Another disadvantage to this type of knife is that, depending on which model you have, you can also be sacrificing power with a cord electric knife.

Fortunately, for those who are indecisive, you can have the best of both worlds because there are models out there that allow you to switch between cordless and cord mode.

Cord Length and Battery Life

If you decide that a corded one for you, then you will want to consider the length of the cord to make sure that it is suitable for your needs.

However, if you do decide on a cordless model, then you will want to make sure that you know how long of a battery life it has.

Material

The blade material is a crucial part of an electric blade because this is the part of the knife that takes the hit when it comes to work.

A stainless steel blade is the most popular choice because it is capable of staying up to par for a long time as well as rust and tarnish resistant.

Electric Knife Accessories

Below you will find a list of handy accessories that can be found for any electric knife:

Replacement Blades

You can find replacement blades for any model or brand name electric knife you may own. This is because old blades become dull and worn out. With replacement blades, you can keep your knife working like new. Depending on which model you may have, you can find carving blades, bread blades, and fillet blades. You may also be able to find certain sizes or blade weights you are looking for.

Chargers

If you just so happen to break, misplace, or just want a spare handy, you can find a charger for your specific electric knife. You can search for universal chargers that fit any model or you can go straight to the source by ordering one from the manufacturer’s website or Amazon.

If you use your electric knife regularly, then you may want to consider keeping an extra charger on hand because it is a crucial necessity for your electric knife in order to charge the lithium battery that powers it.

Cases

There are numerous cases for electric knives that can be found. Some products will come with their own cases. However, if your specific model did not come with one or you are looking for a new one, then there are plenty that can be found. Cases range from your simple storage needs to ones that you can easily travel with.

You can find one that is a carrying case that features comfort grips, designated interior spots for each tool, and snaps tightly shut to prevent spillage. However, it is important to note that if your case comes with designated spots for certain tools then you may want to look closely at which model the case may be for. Generally these cases were designed to fit a certain electric knife model.

Batteries

You can find replacement batteries for your electric knife on Amazon or your manufacturer’s website.  Whether you just find yourself wanting a spare or need one as a replacement, you will never want to run out of power. Avert this situation by charging one battery while the other is in use. Do not let your knife run out of power if you use it regularly!

You can also find that certain manufacturer’s sell a combo that include both the charger and battery.

Thickness Adjustment Guide

Some electric knives provide a thickness adjustment guide that allows you to consistently slice the perfect thickness of meat each time.

Unfortunately this piece can wear over time and become damaged, so a replacement for this part may be inevitable.

Carving Forks

Some electric knife sets come with a carving fork. If you happen to have bought one that did not come with one, then you will be able to purchase one from just about anywhere.

Carving forks are actually pretty common and help you support the meat that you are carving.

This tool is especially helpful when it comes to electric knives. They can help prevent you from nicking your fingers while you are cutting or filleting.

Safety Measures

Safety starts when you come to buy your electric knife. If the knife is not comfortable in the hand, or too heavy, then it will be difficult to control and could lead to slips and accidents.

First, check that the electric knife you are buying is right for you, and is light enough to control easily.

Once you have got your new electric knife read the instructions carefully, as they will give you specific safety advice relating to the model you have just purchased.

When using your electric knife to cut meat, grease, and oil from the food could find itself on the handle, which may make it harder to grip.

Good models come with a grease guard which stops this sort of thing happening. they have been described as scaled down versions of chainsaws, and need similar safeguards.

All good brands come with an automatic lock down system, where the device will switch itself off when not in use.

The user, therefore, has to engage a button or switch to power the electric knife and letting go of the switch will automatically turn it off.

The power cable should also be waterproof, and meet US or EU safety standards, details of which are in the accompanying instructions.

All knives are sharp and can inflict injury if not handled in the correct manner.

Electric knives, because of their rapid motion, are even more dangerous when not handled properly, so it is important always to take all the necessary precautions to stop anything getting in the way of the knife that you do not intend to cut.

Review Criteria

It has been important when considering our ten best electric knives to make sure the machines are made from high-quality materials.

Of all the culinary gadgets, electric knives are probably one of the most underrated, as it should be regarded as a precision tool like any other kitchen knife.

An electric knife should last years even though it is one of the less expensive kitchen purchases, so durability is a factor taken into consideration.

We have made sure that the electric knives reviewed are easy to use and safe to handle in the kitchen.

Even though an electric knife is one of the simpler kitchen tools, it is import to make sure it is easy to strip down for cleaning after use.

FAQs

Q: How to clean an electric knife

If you want to get the best out of your electric knife, then it is important you clean it properly.

This will ensure it lasts a long time, and prevent any contamination from blades. If food debris is stuck to the blades, the best method is to clean them up by hand. Always remove the blades from the handle before cleaning or soaking.

Most blades are dishwasher safe. Once the blades are clean and dry, they can be reattached to the handle and stored away for next time.

Q: Can I sharpen the blades?

Yes, if they are straight blades you can sharpen them with a sharpener. If the blades are serrated, you can use a simple sharpening steel. Only sharpen the knife once it’s cleaned.

Q: Should I choose a Cordless or a Corded One?

There is no doubt a cordless electric knife is more convenient than a corded, but there are drawbacks too.

If you are intending to curve or cut a lot with the knife then being plugged into an electricity supply will give you peace of mind.

This is a simple hand tool, and with a cordless version, there is not a lot of space for a battery.

As such, it is not going to last a long time. On the other hand, a corded electric knife will be able to run and run and run. So if you are looking for sustained, reliable cutting power go for a corded electric knife.

Q: How good is it at cutting?

The small electric motor powering the blades means they are moving much faster than you could do manually.

Therefore the cutting is more rapid and places less strain on the user. Because you don’t have to put work into the cutting, you can be more precise, and therefore cut your meat, bread, or vegetables thinner saving waste.

Compared to the electric knives that first came onto the market decades ago there is no comparison with their modern equivalents.

The newer models are provided with durable and sharp blades, made of much higher quality materials. The precision of the cutting is considerably improved too.

This tool is an actual labor saving device, which should be in every kitchen cupboard.

Whichever electric kitchen knife you choose, you will need to make sure that it is suitable to your own needs and you feel comfortable using it.

It is also good to remember that the more blades you have, the more versatile your knife will be.

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