Last Updated: February 2023
There are many tools that you need in the kitchen, but one of the most important tools is a good set of knives. You use them to slice, dice, chop and do so many other tasks, which is why it is important to keep your kitchen knives close at hand.
While you can certainly store your kitchen knives in a drawer, that’s not always the best option. Storing them in a drawer can potentially damage the blades, as well as the handles. As the knives are exposed to other items, including the surface of the drawer and anything else that you may store in the drawer, the blades can become dulled. Additionally, the handles can chip, peel or fray. In short, storing your kitchen knives in a drawer could potentially damage your knives and make them ineffective.
Additionally, storing your knives in a drawer may not allow you to keep them close at hand while you are prepping your food. So, what’s the solution? – A knife block!
A knife block is a tool that is specifically designed to store your sharp kitchen knives. They not only safely secure the blades, preventing the chances of injury, but a knife block will also protect the blade, allowing it to stay sharper for longer periods of time. Plus, a knife block will allow you to keep your kitchen knives safely close at hand. You can place the knife block on the countertop right next to your stove or on the countertop that you prep the most on. This means that you will have easy access to your knives when you need them; you won’t have to worry about stepping away from the area where you are working to search for a knife, and you won’t have to worry about dirtying up a cabinet pull with hands that may be mess from prep work. However, we do want to point out that there are knife blocks that are designed to be stored in a kitchen drawer. This may be a better option for you if you are limited on countertop space, or if you want to keep the surface of your counters clear.
A kitchen knife block can store various types of knives, including slicing knives, chopping knives, paring knives, steak knives, and even scissors that are intended for prepping food. There is no doubt that if you enjoy preparing food and you want to make the task of prepping easier, you are going to want to have a knife block in your kitchen.
While a knife block is certainly a handy device to have in your kitchen, finding the best one for your specific needs can be a bit challenging. Why? – Because there are so many options to choose from. While having a lot of options is a good thing, it can make the process of selecting the best knife block to suit your needs confusing and difficult.
So, how do you wade through all of the different options that are available and choose the best knife block for your needs? – By reading this buyer’s guide, of course!
In this buyer’s guide, we have provided you with a wealth of information that will make it easier for your to choose the best knife block for your needs. We discuss the different qualities that differentiate the good quality knife blocks from the poorer quality options. We also discuss the factors that you should consider when you are shopping or a knife block, the different features that they can offer, and we even share, what we think, are the best knife blocks that are currently on the market.
So, if you are ready to find the best knife block for your kitchen and make the task of prepping food a bit easier, keep on reading.
What You Need to Know About Knife Blocks
In order to choose the best knife block for your needs, the first thing you need to be able to do is differentiate between a good quality option and poorer quality options. While yes, all knife blocks are meant to safely and securely store knives, they aren’t all created the same. Yes, there are certain qualities that indicate a good quality knife block from a poorer quality option. To be able to differentiate between the two, have a look below…
THE GOOD
There are several qualities that indicate a knife block is durable, high quality and will offer you the best results.
High Quality Materials
One of the biggest qualities that indicate a knife block is high quality is the type of materials that are used to construct it. For a knife block to be durable and withstand the constant scraping of the blades against it, it has to be constructed of high quality materials.
There are various types of materials that high quality materials can be constructed out of, including:
- Cherry
- Walnut
- Bamboo
- Beechwood
Non Slip Grips
The best quality knife blocks will have non slip grips along the bottom. These grips will prevent the knife block from slipping on the countertop, which makes it more secure and safer to use.
Sturdy Construction
The best quality knife blocks will also have a sturdy construction. You want to make sure that the knife block can withstand regular use. The sturdier the knife block is, the longer it will last you, and the more safe and secure your knives will be.
THE BAD
There are also qualities that indicate a knife block is of poorer quality. If you want to ensure that you are purchasing a knife block that will safely and securely store your knives, and will keep them well protected, you want to steer clear of knife blocks that have – or that are void of – the following qualities…
No Non Slip Grips
As we mentioned above, the best knife blocks have non slip grips, which will prevent the storage device from moving about while you are using it. Poorer quality knife blocks will not offer rubber feet, and as a result, it could end up slipping and moving about while you are using it, minimizing its safety.
Poor Quality Materials
It stands to reason that poor quality knife blocks will also be constructed of poor quality materials. If the block is made of low grade materials, it certainly won’t last you long time, as it won’t be able to withstand the wear and tear caused by blades, and the strain that can be put on the device as you put weight and pressure on it while you are pulling the knives out.
Best Knife Blocks in 2023
As we have mentioned, there are a lot of knife blocks on the market. Having so many options can make it difficult to sort through them all and determine which one will best suit your needs, and one that is also high quality.
Since our goal is to help you find the best quality knife block, we have spent a great deal of time assessing all of the available options. We have checked out the different features and the construction, and we have also looked at the reviews offered for these products. Additionally, we have also tested out various knife blocks from various manufacturers ourselves.
After conducting extensive research, we have determined that the following knife blocks are the best that are currently available on the market.
The In Drawer Bamboo Knife Block by Shenshen Knives
If you are short on counter space or you just want to keep your countertop free of clutter, then the In Drawer Bamboo Knife Block by Shenzhen Knives is an excellent option for you.
Constructed of ecologically friendly bamboo, this knife block is built to last. It can withstand the wear and tear of regular use, and the sharpness of your knives blades. The bamboo is also resistant to bacteria, which ensures that your knives will stay healthy and clean.
This in drawer knife block is 17 inches by 5.25 inches by 2 inches in size and can safely and securely hold up to 15 knives. It will fit in most standard sized kitchen drawers. Each compartment offers enough space to accommodate the blades of knives from various manufacturers, and various types of knives, too. Plus, the combination of bamboo and the minimalist design makes this knife block sleek and attractive, making it a beautiful addition to any drawer.
The Kapoosh Urban Universal Knife Block
If you want a knife block that is as sturdy as it is attractive, than the Kapoosh Urban Universal Knife Block is an excellent option for you.
This knife block comes in brilliant colors that will add a pop of color to your kitchen counter. Color options include lime green, aqua, cherry and tangerine, you can be sure that this knife block will make a bold statement on your countertop.
The sleek design can fit on even the smallest of countertops without taking up a tremendous amount of room. And, though it is small, it still offers the plenty of space to accommodate several knives – and various types of knives, too.
The flex rod insert is removable and dishwasher safe, making it extremely easy to clean this knife block. The flex rods are also constructed of food grade plastic that won’t chip or dull your knives, yet will withstand excessive use and wear and tear. Thanks to the non skid feet, you don’t have to worry about this knife block moving about when you use it, making it a safe and secure space to store our knives.
The Boker 30402 Wood Magnetic Knife Block
For the easiest knife storage solution possible, the Booker 30402 Wood Magnetic Knife Block is, indeed, an excellent choice. It has a totally unique design that will look amazing on the counter of any kitchen.
Instead of offering individual slots to hold your knives, this knife block has seven wooden panels, which contain magnets. The magnets securely hold the knives in place on the side of the block, ensuring that they stay put and are safely put away when you aren’t using your knives.
With enough space to accommodate up to seven knives, including large knives, you will have plenty of room to store all of your kitchen knives on the Booker Wood 30402 Magnetic Knife Block.
Constructed of durable and beautiful Makassar wood, this knife block is as durable as it is aesthetically pleasing. Plus, because the knives are stored on magnetic panels instead of inside individual compartments, you can show off the beauty of your knives. Imagine what an impact this block will make when the silver blades of your knives are showcased against the dark Makassar wood.
This knife block is 11 ¼ inch high by 10 inches wide by 6 inches deep. It comes backed by a limited lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that you will be making a great investment.
The 20 Slot Bamboo Universal Knife Block by Shenzhen Knives
If you are looking for plenty of storage space, you won’t be disappointed by the 20 Slot Bamboo Universal Knife Block by Shenzhen Knives. Offering a total of 20 slots – 19 of which are for knives and one of which is for either cutlery scissors or a sharpening rod, you will have plenty of room to keep all of your cutlery neatly, securely and safely stored away on your countertop – and, of course, within close reach.
All of the slots on this knife block are wide, which allow you to fit blades of various sized and types into them. The non skid rubber feet keep will keep your countertop from being scratched and damaged by this knife block, and will also ensure that your knife block doesn’t move about when you are pulling out or putting one in.
The angled slot edges make it a lot easier to handle your knives, so you can be sure that you will be able to quickly pull them out and place them back in. Thanks to the horizontal slot layout, you will put less wear and tear on your blades when you are storing them.
Constructed of durable bamboo veneer and hardwood, you can be sure that this knife block will last a long time, and it will look beautiful on your countertop, too!
The Premio Modern Knife Block
For a totally unique looking knife block, consider the Premio Modern Knife Block. It offers a cylindrical design that is completely modern and will make a true statement on your kitchen counter.
Constructed of a special blend of materials, the Premio Modern Knife Block is durable and strong. It will surely stand up to the excessive wear and tear that the blades of your knives will put on it. The matte black exterior is stylish, yet understated.
With a dual layer wave slot design, your knives will be kept safe and secure, and they will also be kept sharper for longer periods of time. That’s because the blades will easily slide in and out of the knife block, without causing any abrasion from the sides, thus, no rubbing or chipping.
This knife block offers space to accommodate up to 12 knives of various types, and from various manufacturers, including paring knives, vegetable knives and even steak knives. Backed by a lifetime warranty, should anything happen to the knife block, or if you are not happy for any reason, the manufacturer will either supply you with a new one, or will refund your money. Now, that’s an investment that you can count on!
Our Consumer Guide to Kitchen Knife Block
The purpose of this buyer’s guide is to provide you with all of the information that you need to know to purchase the best knife block for your needs. While we are confident that the knife blocks we have selected and included in this guide are the best that we have found, we do realize that they may not fit your needs. If you do find that you are going to be shopping for an alternative option, we want to make sure that you are well informed so that you can make the best decision possible.
In this portion of our buyer’s guide, we will discuss everything you need to know to purchase the best kitchen knife block. We review the different types of knife blocks, the factors that you should consider when you are shopping for one of these storage options, and a number of other things, too.
What is a Knife Block?
A knife block, as the name suggest, is a ‘block,’ or a storage item, that is specially designed to hold knives. The purpose of this tool is to provide you with a space where you can securely store your knives, preventing them from being damaged, keeping them neat and orderly, and ensuring that they are where you need them, when you need them.
Types of Kitchen Knife Blocks
Kitchen knife blocks can be differentiated based on where they are meant to be stored. There are two different types of kitchen knife blocks:
- The In Drawer Kitchen Knife Block – As you could probably assume, this type of knife block is designed to be stored inside a kitchen drawer. It sits on the bottom of the drawer, and features separate slates that are intended to hold individual knives. They keep the blades separate, so as to avoid rubbing and abrasion that could possible dully them or cause other damage. They also keep you protected, as the blades are neatly tucked away in the slots. The main advantage of this type of knife block is that you will be able to keep your knives neatly tucked away inside a drawer. On the downside, you will still have to open up the drawer, which could prove to be a hassle, especially if you are in the middle of prepping food.
- The Countertop Knife Block – The countertop knife block is designed to be placed on a kitchen counter. It sits upright or on a vertical slant, and the knives are usually inserted into individual slates. Do note that there are countertop knife blocks that do not have individual slots, but rather the blades of the knives are secured to the block via magnetic strips. The primary advantage of a countertop knife bock is that you will have your knives out and ready to use when you need them. On the downside, it will take up room on your countertop, which may not be a good option for you, especially if you are limited on space.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Kitchen Knife Block
There are a number of factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a kitchen knife block. Some of these factors include the size of the block, the number of knives it can accommodate, and the cost. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to choose the best knife block for your specific needs.
The Size of the Knife Block
One of the most important factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a knife block is the size of this storage device. You want to make sure that it offers enough space to accommodate all of the knives that you want to store in it, and you also want to make sure that it will fit within the space where you plan on using it. Knife blocks come in various sizes, so make sure you pay attention to the size to ensure that you purchase an option that will work the best for you.
The Design of the Knife Block
You should also consider whether you want the knife block to be used in a drawer or on your countertop. As we discussed above, if you are short on counter space or you want to keep your counters free from clutter, an in drawer option will work better for you. If, however, you want to display your knives and keep them within close reach, a countertop knife block will be a better choice for you.
The Look of the Knife Block
You should also consider the actual look of the knife block. You want to purchase something that will work with the design of your kitchen, especially if you are going to be choosing a countertop option. Knife blocks can be wood, or they can be constructed of other materials, such as food grade plastic. They come in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you will definitely be able to find an option that will work with the look of your kitchen.
The Cost of the Knife Block
You should also keep in mind the cost of the knife block. These devices do vary in price, so make sure that you pay attention to the cost. Generally, larger knife blocks that offer more space, and those that are constructed of the highest quality materials will be the most expensive. Make sure you set a budget before you start shopping so you can avoid spending more than you are comfortable with.