The three Greatest Knife Blocks of 2024, Examined & Reviewed

To check the depth of every block’s magnetic discipline, we used a Gauss meter. We’ll admit: the Gauss meter was tough to function and readings jumped round a great bit relying on location. Nevertheless, one factor was clear: Overwhelmingly, the perfect common knife blocks had the strongest magnetic fields. For instance, our favourite, the 360 Knife Block, clocked in at 23.5 mT (Tesla), whereas a poor performer measured 7.55 mT. 

The magnetic discipline power had a transparent sensible implication: The blocks with the strongest magnets saved knives in place when the blocks spun round or had been unintentionally jostled and even simply once we eliminated a knife. The weaker magnets resulted in blades actually not adhering to the block—falling off, tilting, or knocking into each other. 

Light-weight Knife Blocks Have been Problematic…and Harmful 

Our favourite knife blocks had been the heaviest, with the most important (the 360 KB) clocking in at 16.61 kilos and the lightest-of-the-heaviest (the Schmidt Bros) weighing almost seven kilos. Fairly the vary! Nevertheless, the Schmidt Bros was heavy sufficient and had an extended, sturdy steel base, so it didn’t even shudder once we eliminated a cleaver. Light-weight knife blocks (weighing about three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half kilos) shook and even tipped over once we eliminated even simply a regular 8-inch chef’s knife. 

A Effectively-Made Knife Block? Shockingly Arduous to Discover

All we needed, really, was a common knife block that: 

1. Match a large quantity of knives (at the least 10).
2. Didn’t tip over once we added or eliminated knives.
3. Had a powerful all-over magnetic discipline (no magnetic useless zones the place paring knives simply lolled to the facet).
4. Was really simple to wash.

However, shock, shock: These 4 factors eradicated 5 of the fashions we examined, and a few had designs that promised to be higher! And totally different! However, nicely, weren’t.

For instance, the Zone Denmark block had tons of of plastic straws that, in response to the product itemizing, allowed you to drop a knife “proper in, anyplace you please.” In actuality, these needles scratched at our blades and swallowed small paring knives.

The Standards: What to Search for in a Common Knife Block

The perfect knife blocks have robust magnetic fields and maintain quite a lot of knives of all lengths and widths (chef’s knives, paring knives, slicing knives, cleavers, and many others). They’re ultra-stable, too: they don’t shift round once you add or take away blades. Plus, they need to be simple sufficient to wash, requiring a fast swipe of a humid fabric. 

Our Favourite Common Knife Blocks

What we appreciated: With a design that rotates 360 levels—permitting you to simply entry any knife—and a super-heavy flared base, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a extra secure knife block. It had one of many strongest magnetic fields and knives felt safe wherever we put them.

What we didn’t like: The flared base signifies that longer blades, like a slicing knife, stick up a little bit extra. They nonetheless match, although. After all, it’s costly—but it surely’s additionally handmade and manufactured in America.

Key Specs

• Supplies: Bamboo (out there in different supplies)
• Dimensions: 11 x 7.25 inches
• Weight: 14 kilos
• Care directions: Wipe clear with a humid fabric and dry; replenish as wanted with food-grade mineral oil

What we appreciated: Much like our total prime choose however with barely wider sides, no flared base, and a shorter stature, this secure block had the second strongest magnetic discipline of the lot. It seamlessly rotated 360 levels, too, and higher accommodated longer knives. For these with decrease cupboards that need a rotating knife block, it is a nice choice.

What we didn’t like: This was the heaviest knife block we examined and was more durable to maneuver. It’s additionally costly.

Key Specs

• Supplies: Bamboo (out there in different supplies)
• Dimensions: 10.25 x 8.15 inches
• Weight: 16.61 kilos
• Care directions: Wipe clear with a humid fabric and dry; replenish as wanted with food-grade mineral oil

What we appreciated: With two acrylic panes that sandwich an acacia knife block, this mannequin held 11 knives and did so nicely. It was secure, had a powerful magnetic discipline (not as robust because the 360 fashions above, however shut), and was a protected choice. With the acrylic buffer, it by no means felt like a knife may very well be unintentionally bumped and fall off the block. 

What we didn’t like: As a result of there’s a skinny house between the panes and the block, you needed to be exact about the way you inserted knives. The block scratched a bit throughout our sturdiness take a look at and when you can unscrew and take away the panes to deep-clean issues, that is tedious.

Key Specs

• Supplies: Acacia, acrylic, chrome steel
• Dimensions: 9.25 x 3.5 x 13.5 inches
• Weight: 6.87 kilos
• Care directions: Wipe down the outside; take away acrylic panes to wash the block

The Competitors 

FAQs

Does a knife block harm knives?

When used with care, none of our successful knife blocks will trigger harm to knives. However be cautious any design that causes friction towards the blades. The Zone Denmark holder, for instance, had many plastic straws that scraped towards the steel, inflicting marks and dings. Naked steel knife holders may cause rust if moist knives are affixed to them.

What number of knives does a knife block maintain?

It will depend on the block in query and the dimensions of the knives, after all, however our winners can all comfortably maintain at the least 10 knives.

How do you clear a knife block? 

Most knife blocks solely require you to wipe down their exteriors with a humid fabric. 

Are knife blocks sanitary? 

The knife blocks we advocate have open sides that may be wiped down, which makes them simple to wash (and maintain sanitary).

Can you set a wood knife block within the dishwasher? 

No, you shouldn’t put a wood knife block (or something wood) within the dishwasher. This can trigger it to warp and crack—no good.

Why We are the Consultants

• Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the senior commerce editor at Severe Eats. She’s labored for the location for greater than two years and has reviewed air fryers, Ooni ovens, and extra.
• Riddley beforehand labored at America’s Take a look at Kitchen and has been reviewing gear for almost six years.
• For this assessment, we examined 9 knife blocks. We evaluated their magnet power, capability, stability, and extra.