How To Choose The Best Knife Block In 2017?
The Best Knife Block is an essential kitchen item for maintaining the sharpness and the overall quality of knives. This tool keeps knives well organized and makes them accessible whenever you want to use them. They also provide a safer way of storing knives than when you place them in a drawer.
If you are searching for the Best Knife Block in 2017, I will have you sorted in this article. I have provided tips on how to choose the Best Knife Block and featured 5 best products you can consider purchasing. Read on to learn more.
Rank | Image | Product Name | Our Score | |
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1 | 4.6 /5 | |||
2 | 4.7 /5 | |||
3 | 4.4 /5 | |||
4 | 4.6 /5 | |||
5 | 4.7 /5 |
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Choosing The Best Knife Block-What To Look For
There are several tips you need to keep in mind when searching for the Best Knife Block for your kitchen. I have explained them in detail below.
Material
Most Knife Blocks available on the market today are crafted from wood or steel. However, you can find some that are made of acrylic or plastic. I prefer Knife Blocks made of steel or wood because of their aesthetic quality. I have one unit that is made of bamboo and it provides a more traditional look in my kitchen. If you prefer a modern and a sleeker look, you can go for Knife Blocks made of stainless steel.
Size
Size is also another factor to look for in a Knife Block. They are available in different sizes so you will need to pick one that does not consume a lot of space on your kitchen countertop. To pick one with the best size, you need to measure the space between the bottom and top of your kitchen countertop.
Knife Slots
You must consider the number of kitchen slots the Knife Block has before purchase. You must also factor in the number and type of knives you plan to store on the block you want to buy. If you don’t have any idea of the number of slots you will need, it is advisable to go for Knife Blocks with several slots just in case.
Type Of Knives
You should also consider the type of knives you want to hold using your Knife Block. At the very low, choose a Knife Block that can hold three essential knives which include chef's knife, utility knife, and paring knife. You might have a number of more specialized knives which you normally use in your kitchen. If you want to store such kinds of knives, look for a unit that can house them.
You may be interested in The Best Kitchen Knives, Butcher Knives, Fillet Knife,.. for your cooking needs.
Knife Block Set Vs Global Knife Blocks
When you are searching for the Best Knife Block to purchase for your kitchen, should also decide between Knife block set (one with knives) and global Knife Blocks (one without knives). The latter are convenient when you don’t know the size of your existing knives or when you have knives with badly shaped blades.
Special Features
Whenever you are in the market to purchase a Knife Block, just keep in mind that there are models with extra features such as a slot for kitchen shears, a swivel, and small drawers. Purchase this type of Knife Blocks if you think you will need these extra features.
Blades
If you are planning to invest in a Knife Block with knives, the knife blades is another important factor you need to consider. A knife with a sharp blade will offer you good services for a longer period. There is no point to invest your hard earned cash in a Knife Block set with knives that you are not going to use.
Myself I like knives that have been forged from single pieces of high-carbon stainless steel because they are sharp and hold an edge for several years. Another benefit of forged knives is that they are rust free and do not react with acidic foods.
You can also go for Knife Block with knives that are made of laminated blades. These kinds of blades are made of a piece of high-carbon steel placed between two layers of softer stainless steels. They are sharper but more brittle compared to forged knives.
I won’t advise you to purchase ones with stamped steel blades because they are flimsy and turns dull after a few days of use.
You may need the a sharpening steel or a sharpening stone for your kitchen to sharpen blunt blades.
The Handles
Still, if you want to purchase Knife Blocks with knives, a handle is also another thing you should keep in mind. The most important thing to look for in knife handles is a full tang. This is the part of the knife blade that serves as the core of the handle.
I prefer full tang knives because they are well balanced, strong and more durable. I don’t like partial tang knives because they are slightly heavy and prone to breakage.
The best handles are the one made from woods combined with hard resins and molded rubbers because they provide excellent grip, are sanitary and durable. You can also choose one with stainless steel or plastic handles, but many chefs will tell you that they are slippery, especially when they are wet.
How To Build A Knife Block
This is a YouTube Video with a detailed guide on how to build a Knife Block at home using the readily available materials.
My Top 5 Recommendations
I’m finally ready to take you through my popular choices for Knife Blocks without knives you can consider purchasing in 2017. There are dozens of these products on the market but I have featured only the best five products based on their number of reviews and overall rating on Amazon. Read on to learn more.
1. Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block
If you are looking for a Knife Block without knives, the Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block might be a good option for you. This Knife Block is made of high-quality bamboo material so it provides a more traditional look in my kitchen. This material is also hard and therefore can stay for several decades without being affected by termites.
It comes with 19 slots which you can use to store your most common used kitchen knives. You can use some slots of this kitchen block to store sharpening steel and kitchen scissors. Each slot has its own width allowing you keep different knives.
There are 8 similar sized slots in the lower portion which are perfect for steak knife size. The top portion has five slots of different sizes and two slots for storing scissors and sheers.
Pros
- Crafted from hard and durable bamboo.
- Several slots for storing different knife sizes.
- Include slots for storing scissors and sheers.
- Easier to carry and store.
- Lightweight Knife Block.
Cons
- Can have cracks when not rinsed properly or soaked in water.
- Not purely made of bamboo.
- Does not have knife size variation.
2. Premio Universal Stainless Steel Knife Holder
If you are sick of wooden Knife Blocks, you should consider Premio Universal Stainless Steel Knife Holder. Most knife blocks have a rectangular or square shape but this model has a cylindrical shape which makes it a little bit unique.
You can use this Knife Block to hold different sizes of knives including a utility knife, paring knife, vegetable knife, chef knife, carving knife, a steak knife, and a cleaver. The only downside of this model is that you will need to insert several knives in order for it to stand upright.
This knife holder is crafted from a special blend of materials for stability and strength, with a high-quality coating that offers a comfortable grip and an elegant appearance. The unit’s stainless steel exterior is not only rust-free and scratch free but also blends well with other kitchen appliances.
Pros
- Easy to hand wash.
- Can accommodate differently sized knives.
- Has a unique and stylish cylindrical design.
- Very light weight.
Cons
- Easy to hand wash.
- Can accommodate differently sized knives.
- Has a unique and stylish cylindrical design.
- Very light weight.
3. Kapoosh Batonnet Knife Block
If you are searching for a Knife Block to store unusually shaped knives then this model is for you. Kapoosh Batonnet Knife Block is a universal knife block that will allow you to store different types of knives regardless size or shape.
Most Knife Block comes with built-in slots but this model is quite different. It features rubberized flex rods which allow different types of knives to fit in it. These rods can fit knives with blades up to five and eight inches long. Another thing that makes this option different from other blocks is that it is dishwasher safe.
It features a patented flex rod technology which supports the shape of each knife and holds it firmly in place.
Pros
- Can accommodate kitchen sears.
- Can accommodate knives of all shapes and sizes.
- Block is dishwasher safe.
- Prevents knives from getting surface scratches.
- Doesn’t have uneven knife slot issues.
Cons
- Cannot accommodate long knives.
- Tall build so does not fit under a cabinet.
- Isn’t stable enough to hold heavy knives.
4. Kuhn Rikon Knife Block
Kuhn Rikon Knife Block is one of the cookware tool designed to make cooking easier, faster and more enjoyable. This clear Knife Block showcases knife blades for quick selection. It also comes with a flexible inlay that allows you to store knives of different sizes and a rubber designed to keep the Knife Block in place.
This Knife Block from Kuhn Rikon can accommodate different knife blades up to 8 inches long. You can also adjust it to carry any kitchen knife. Another interesting feature of this block is the flexible blade separation feature which keeps the knife blades protected.
Measuring 8.5 inches by 2.75 inches by 8.25 inches, this rectangular Knife Block takes up less space over the countertop. You can place it anywhere you want without any worry of occupying valuable spaces.
It is equipped with rubber feet whose function is to keep the block in place and protect countertops from scratches.
Pros
- Rubber feet for stability.
- Can fit steak knives, pairing knives, and chef knives.
- Removable inlay and bottom for easy cleaning.
- Clear block makes blade choice easy.
- Space saving design.
- Easily hand washed.
Cons
- Doesn’t fit cleavers.
- Doesn't fit thick knives.
- Cannot accommodate long knives, kitchen sears or many knives.
5. Wüsthof 17-Slot Acacia Knife Block
If you are looking for another option for a wooden Knife Block, Wüsthof - 17-Slot Acacia Knife Block might be a good choice for you. This unit is designed from high-quality wood so you can comfortably display it on your kitchen countertop.
This Knife Block comes with 17 slots where you can easily store different types of knives without any worrying of tipping over. It also has non-skid rubber feet which make it a little safer than most blocks in the market.
Pros
- A balanced unit that can hold several knives without tipping over.
- Made of durable material that can last for several years
- Classic looking wooden design
- Very firmly in place
- Can accommodate long knives
Cons
- Can have ugly wood stains if not properly handled
- Gives off a strong varnish smell
- Can take a lot of counter space
The Best Knife Block Is:
The Wüsthof 17-Slot Acacia Knife Block is a clear winner among the Knife Blocks I have reviewed above. This Knife Block comes with more features that appeal to me most. It has a classic wooden design, a sturdy build and can hold many knives of different sizes and shapes. The Knife Block even has spaces for holding sharpening steel, kitchen sears, and a cleaver; something you can get from most blocks on the market.
However, if you are allergic to wooden Knife Blocks, this option might not be good for you. Here, you can go for Kuhn Rikon Knife Block or any other Knife Block with material other than wood.
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