The Chef’s Choice Twin Rotary Electric Knife Sharpener is a multi-tasking marvel. It sharpens straight, serrated knives and then polishes them for a pristine edge. With this clever machine in your kitchen, all your knives will easily pass the tomato test. We like the size and shape of this sharpener. It is small enough to pop in a drawer but big enough to get a proper hold of it as you sharpen. It also has a non-slip base, so it won’t slide around, leaving you free to get the perfect sharpening angle. This affordable steel is brilliant value; it is beautifully made, effective and has a handy hanging hook so it can be neatly stored close to your kitchen workspace. It also comes with a three-year guarantee. Consider the cut of the blades you’re interested in sharpening. Be sure that the sharpener you’re eyeing can accommodate those scissor blades or serrated knives, for example.

Finding the products that will make the lives of parents easier is important to Gemma. She loves the research and detective work that goes into our best buy lists.Sharpening a knife blade removes tiny bits of metal, and those will need to be removed from the sharpener once in a while. Many models have a compartment in the bottom to collect metal filings, which you can simply dump into the trash and wipe clean with a wet cloth. (If there's no compartment, turn the unit over and lightly tap to get the filings out.) You can also clean the abrasive parts with a cloth or a soft brush dampened with water; make sure to let everything dry completely before using again. Unless the directions say otherwise, it's not a good idea to use soap or any kind of oil to clean a knife sharpener, as you can damage the abrasive. Carrie Honaker, who updated this roundup, is a food writer who has wielded many knives over the years. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she knows the importance of caring for your knives to maintain steady, sharp edges. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast.

With this sharpener from MARKKEER, all you really need to know about it is really in the name. Both professional and multifunctional refer to the quality and the versatility of this tool. Starting with the latter, the model comes equipped with 4 slots. Ease of use: Manual V and electric knife sharpeners are the easiest to use; they have guides to help you achieve the correct angle for optimum sharpening. Whetstones give you the most control; some find the process meditative and satisfying. However, it does take practice!

How we chose our recommendations

How well the sharpened knives performed: We examined their ability to slice through paper, tomatoes, and carrots both before and after sharpening. For models that claim to accommodate serrated knives, we tested their slicing performance using a baguette. Choosing a manual or electric sharpener depends on personal preference and budget. Higher-end electric sharpeners can be pricey, while cost-effective manual sharpeners can produce excellent results. Consider how likely you are to use the sharpener, and don’t be afraid to spring for a more costly model if it means you’re more likely to maintain your knives! What you generally get out of a tool like that is a number of different crannies. Naturally, at least one of those is always there for scissors sharpening, while others will offer you coarse, medium, fine, or even ultra-fine grinding for your knives and shears.