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Chopping, slicing, and carving can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an easier way to carve a Thanksgiving turkey or make your prep work almost effortless every time? Thanks to electric knives, this is now a reality, and we’re here to give you the best electric knives on the market today.
Electric knives are the perfect kitchen appliances if you want to save a lot of time while preparing your meals. Plus, you can use them for your DIY crafting activities. However, choosing the best electric knife for your specific needs can be tricky. There are many different models available nowadays, which is why we decided to do a little research. We picked the best electric knives in four different categories and composed a detailed review for each.
Don’t forget to also check our practical buying guide at the end of the article, where we share the most important factors you need to consider when shopping for an electric knife.
The Best Electric Knives
Best Overall: Hamilton Beach Electric Knife
We chose the Hamilton Beach electric knife as the best overall as it has a powerful motor, strong blade, 1-year warranty, and best of all, a fair price. Offering amazing value, Hamilton Beach is the electric knife that’s going to satisfy most people, regardless of their kitchen or crafting needs.
Pros:
The Hamilton Beach electric knife comes with a versatile, stainless steel 7.5-inch blade specifically designed to carve meats and tough pieces of bread, but it’s sturdy enough to handle a large turkey too. What’s more, you can use the blade for your DIY projects to cut foam.
The unit also comes with a stainless steel carving fork, which will make you feel like a professional. Of course, you can always use a regular dinner fork to hold the meat while carving, but a carving fork is much handier. Plus, you can wash it in the dishwasher.
On top of that, Hamilton Beach comes with a nice plastic storing case, which makes the unit even more convenient as you can easily store it in any drawer without a problem.
Cons:
Some people have noticed that the device overheats after extensive heavy use. If you’re carving a large and tough piece of meat, you might need to let the device cool off after 10 minutes or so.
Also, the device doesn’t have an on/off switch, so you need to apply constant pressure on the trigger to work. For some people, this felt tiresome and uncomfortable.
The Verdict:
All in all, the Hamilton Beach electric knife is the go-to unit for most people who want to slice and carve food or craft foam. It can handle a variety of activities, which makes it suitable for most. Plus, with its low price point, it’s pretty affordable for anyone looking for a great electric knife.
Best Quality: Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife
The Cuisinart CEK-40 electric knife is a high-end product with stainless steel blades and ergonomic design meant for precision and comfort while slicing and carving. It’s a perfect choice for people who enjoy a smooth carving experience and appreciate high powered electric knives.
Pros:
The Cuisinart CEK-40 electric knife is an amazingly powerful knife that can cut through any kind of meat or tough bread crust. The motor is 130 watts, which is higher than all the other recommendations.
While other models have one blade that can be used for multiple purposes, Cuisinart CEK-40 comes with two stainless steel blades, specifically designed for slicing and carving. One thinner blade is used to slice bread and other lighter meals, while the thicker blade is made to carve your Thanksgiving turkey like it’s butter. The blades are very sharp and powerful, so you can easily cut anything you can imagine.
You can forget about hand cramps with this model as it has an amazingly designed handle for more comfort while carving. On the handle, you’ll find a one-touch pressure-activated on/off trigger and a safety lock.
The Cuisinart CEK-40 comes with a 3-year warranty, which is more than all the other recommendations. However, carefully read the warranty before buying the product, so you’ll know exactly what is covered.
Cons:
The storage stand is a little inconvenient as it’s unstable, and there’s no place to store the cord. While for some people this has been very frustrating, others simply store the knife in plastic cases.
Also, some people have complained that the model is noisy.
The Verdict:
With 130 watts of slicing power, two specialized stainless steel blades, an ergonomically built handle, and a 3-year warranty, the Cuisinart CEK-40 stands out as the highest quality electric knife. If you don’t mind the higher-price, this model will give you a smooth carving experience.
Check out our detailed product review for the Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife if you want to find out more.
Best on a Budget: BLACK+DECKER 9-Inch Electric Carving Knife
The most surprising aspect of Black + Decker electric knife is its price, as every other feature can match or even surpass higher-end models. It’s an amazing electric knife that comes with a high-quality blade and a 2-year warranty, which truly makes it a bargain.
Pros:
The Black + Decker electric knife has long 9-inch stainless steel blades that are quite powerful and can cut bread, meat, or even fish. Most models within this price range have an around 7.8-8-inch long blade.
The unit is very easy to clean. Both blades can be removed with a push of a button and placed in the dishwasher. So, you won’t have any trouble cleaning it after craving a greasy turkey.
Even if you haven’t used an electric knife before, you shouldn’t worry, as the Black + Decker model is very safe and easy to use. Simply click the blades into the handle, plug in the device, and you’re good to go. Just, don’t forget, you need to hold the safety lock pressed or otherwise it won’t work.
Cons:
Some people have reported problems with the safety lock – so it could be uncomfortable or impractical to hold it pressed while working for some people.
The Verdict:
If we’re talking about affordability, the Black + Decker electric knife really shines. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty, which makes this deal a true steal! The unit has a long stainless steel blade, which is also dishwasher safe. All in all, the device is very powerful, easy-to-use, and easy-to-clean.
We also have a detailed product review for the Black+Decker 9-inch Electric Knife, where you can learn a lot more about this product.
Best For Fish: American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife
American Angler PRO is an electric blade of the highest quality designed to meet the needs of sportsmen and professional cooks. This electric blade will make your life much easier if you’re a fisherman or have a restaurant. It comes with five blades, all designed to cut different kinds of fish.
Pros:
If you’re a sportsman who wants some high-power knife to cut fillet with ease, the 110-Volt American Angler PRO would be a smart choice. The PRO series has twice more torque than any other “Heavy-Duty” Electrif Filleting Knife, which means even big bones won’t stop you from cutting your meal.
Maybe the most impressive of all are the five stainless steel blades that are included with this product. You’ll get a 10-inch saltwater blade, a 5.5-inch curved tip blade, an 8-inch curved tip blade, a 10-inch heavy-duty shark blade, and an 8-inch heavy-duty shark blade.
The unit comes with safety gloves and a storing case to keep all of the blades in one place, so you won’t need to buy additional accessories.
Finally, the model doesn’t disappoint with its durability as it’s backed with a 2-year limited warranty.
Cons:
Some people have noted that the device gets hot after extensive use, so you’ll probably need to make pauses and let it cool off for a few minutes if you’re working with a large food quantity.
Another drawback is the on/off button, which is a little too close to the knife. If you’re cutting from a tricky angle, the fish matter can come in contact with the button and make it sticky and hard to push.
The Verdict:
The American Angler PRO is a specialized electric knife meant for cutting fish, and it’s our top pick in this category as it comes with five amazing blades and a powerful motor that won’t leave you hanging in the middle of your work. So, if you’re looking for an electric knife for cutting fish, this is your best option.
Conclusion:
The Hamilton Beach electric knife is our best overall pick as it’s one of the most versatile, high-quality electric knives that are also affordable and convenient. You can use the knife for light slicing or carving heavy meat like turkey and beef, as well as to cut foam for your crafting activities. It surpassed our expectations, so we can safely say the unit is a great choice for most people.
Our best quality pick is the Cuisinart CEK-40, as it proved to be the most powerful, sharp, and ergonomically designed device with a 3-year warranty. The two specialized blades make it even more attractive for cooking enthusiasts as they know that one blade can’t cut different textures with the same efficiency.
However, the Cuisinart CEK-40 is not affordable for most people, which is where the Black + Decker model shines. It’s a very good knife with a long, stainless steel blade and convenient features that make it very easy-to-use and clean.
Finally, we have the professional American Angler PRO model as the perfect pick for sportsmen, fishermen, and everyone else who wants an electric knife for cutting fish. It’s a very powerful model with five specialized blades, so you can cut anything from saltwater fish to sharks. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty, which is quite impressive.
Everything You Need To Know About Electric Knives
Electric knives work a lot like hand mixers. Most devices have two blades that lock into the machine. The blades may also lock with each other for an added level of security. Once properly installed, these knives then rapidly move back and forth, often with a serrated edge, and all you’ve got to do is point the knife in the right direction, and you’re ready to go!
If you plan on slicing bread more often than slicing a turkey or whole poultry products, then you’ll want to look for an electric knife that offers a smoother cutting surface. These smoother knives create extremely clean slices through a fresh loaf of bread while keeping your hands out of the way when steam erupts from a hot loaf.
Fishermen aren’t left out from the electric knife market either. Fillet knives of up to 7.5 inches are available on Amazon right now and offer you a cordless alternative so you can clean your fish on site instead of having to wait to bring them home. Look for knives that have special fillet options, like the American Angler PRO we recommend, so you can get the intricate, precise cuts that you need to get the job done correctly.
Safety And Efficiency While Cutting
The best electric knives also have safety features that make it difficult for children to use them, even if they find the appliance in the kitchen. Many of these safety features involve a locking trigger or a double trigger. Double-check what kind of safety feature you’re getting before you purchase the knife, so you get one that works with your grip. Some double trigger electric knives are difficult to use unless you’ve got big hands, so keep that in mind as you shop.
You’ll also want to look for an appliance that is able to keep the knife blades tightly together during the cutting process. You can do a lot of damage to animal protein and the knife itself when food ingredients get stuck between the blades of the knife as they are rapidly moving.
If you are getting an electric knife that plugs into an outlet, you’ll want to look for two additional options that will enhance your safety: a swivel cord and a length of cord that’s at least 3 feet long, if not longer. One of the most common mistakes that people encounter with this kitchen appliance is an electrical cord they catch while they are carving or slicing. This presents an obvious electrocution hazard that is completely avoidable with appliances that have these two additional, yet still optional features. Cordless knives, of course, eliminate that hazard altogether!
Additional Features
If you are pursuing a cordless knife, then make sure to check the reputation of the batteries that come with the product. You’ll also want to make sure you fully charge the batteries before using the knife for the first time as otherwise you may ruin the batteries and this may not be covered by a typical limited manufacturer’s warranty.
The release buttons for this appliance are also something to think about as you’re shopping for a new appliance. Most knives have a push-button release on the sides of the device right near the front, but not all of them. Some are placed on the top of the appliance, and others are placed on the bottom. For best results, go with a design you’re most comfortable using that won’t feed your greasy hands toward the blades if you feel the appliance slipping.
Blade size is often the final consideration of shoppers looking at electric knives. Most knives come with a 7-inch blade, although some are longer and some are shorter. A common ploy by some less reputable manufacturers is to measure the blade from the tip, past the tang, and to the end that locks into the knife. This often adds 4 inches or more to the “length” of the blade as a marketing point but doesn’t give you any practical use.
What Are the Advantages of a Good Electric Knife?
When you own an electric knife, it’s all about speed and the quality of the cut. Because the knife is doing the slicing work for you, your attention should be focused on the placement of the cut itself. This leads to better consistency with hard-to-cut items, like poultry that has been baked whole, breaking down raw meats, or cutting through hard fruits or vegetables like squash.
The second advantage is related to its power. Electric knives are a necessity for some people because of common grip problems. With very little effort, a person afflicted with debilitating arthritis and other medical issues can still keep their independence thanks to the power behind the two blades that work in conjunction with each other. Even without medical issues, owning this kitchen appliance is more than a convenience when it comes to carving a turkey, prepping potatoes, or slicing a loaf of home-baked bread.
The final advantage of this appliance is the price. Even top-of-the-line electric knives are often priced less than a mid-range quality traditional kitchen knife. Many of them don’t need regular sharpening, and their serrated blades make quick cuts of anything put before them. As long as you keep your fingers clear of the blade (and the cord for plug-in models), you’ll have one of the most useful appliances invented for the kitchen.
How To Find the Best Electric Knife?
The best electric knives are going to work for you on a daily basis with very little maintenance. Although most of them are pretty basic in their design, there are a few features that make some models stand out from the rest.
Multiple speeds
For those extra tough food items, you may wish to consider an electric knife that has variable speed controls so you can decrease or increase the speed of the blade as needed during the prep or serving process.
Stainless steel blades
You’ll want to look for high-quality stainless steel blades that won’t tarnish or warp over time. Because most designs involve two interlocking blades that work together, any blade warping can create an unsafe appliance.
Versatility
When you buy an electric knife, the general assumption is that you’ll be using it for a variety of foods. Plus, some people buy electric knives for their crafting activities, like cutting foam. When investing in an electric knife, make sure to buy a model that has a blade designed for multiple purposes, or comes with more blades. Some blades are more suitable for slicing bread and veggies because they have a smoother surface. However, tougher meat products, like turkey or whole chicken, are better carved with a serrated knife.
Before You Go
We hope this article helped you find the best electric knife for your specific needs and preferences. Whether you want an affordable yet high-quality blade, convenient and versatile, or a fillet knife, we’ve got you covered. However, if you still can’t decide, feel free to follow the links and check out detailed specifications, prices, and customer reviews of each product.
We also have many more product reviews, product guides, and even recipes on our blog, so visit us to make sure your kitchen is well equipped.
Want to see our favorite electric knives one more time before you go? Here they are!
Amazon product information last updated on March 24, 2022. Images, prices and links from Amazon Product Advertising API.
