Knife blocks are available as traditional countertop designs, in-drawer and as magnetic blocks. In this article, we take an in-depth look at these main types of knife block and consider both their advantages and their disadvantages, especially in the context of child safety. We also take a look at a range of knife blocks on the market to assist you in choosing the best knife block for your kitchen. Best Pick
The Noble Home & Chef in-drawer bamboo knife block is our best pick, sealed with food grade lacquer and able to store 12 knives and a sharpening steel in a standard sized drawer.
View on Amazon Budget Pick
The Bellemain in-drawer bamboo knife block is our budget pick for storing up to 16 knives in your kitchen drawer.
View on Amazon Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Knife Blocks Product Name Grade Noble Home & Chef In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block A Bellemain 100% Pure Bamboo in Drawer Knife Block A- Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block A- Kapoosh Dice Knife Block A- Kuhn Rikon Vision Knife Block A- Wusthof 35 Slot Grand Block A Kapoosh Urban Universal Knife Block A Boker 30400 Wood Magnetic Knife Block A- Artelegno Magnetic Knife Block A- Cutlery and More 25-slot Walnut Universal Knife Block A 1. Noble Home & Chef In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features An in-drawer knife block suitable for standard sized drawers Made from MOSO bamboo, it measures 17" long, 9" wide and 2" tall and will take up to 16" long knives This has 12 slots plus a slot for a sharpening steel Has been finished with a food-safe lacquer and can be washed with soap and water
Suitable to fit in standard sized drawers, the Noble Home & Chef in-drawer bamboo knife block contains 12 knife slots and an extra slot for a sharpening steel. This block is designed to take knives edge down and the knife slots have been tested with different knife brands. The larger slots will take up to 16" long knives and these are further apart to allow for the larger handles.
Made from high grade and renewable MOSO bamboo which has been sealed with an FDA approved food-safe and water resistant lacquer, this block measures 17" long, 9" wide and 2" tall. As the bamboo is sealed, it can be washed with soap and water, but not cleaned in the dishwasher.
The odd buyer has received a block which has not been constructed properly and there can be some rough edges which may need a little attention. It can also be more awkward to remove the steak or smaller knives from the block as these sit flush to the top of the block. Pros check In-drawer block check Takes 12 knives and sharpener check Fits standard drawers check Bamboo check Lacquered Cons check Quality control may not always be the best check Some buyers have received blocks with rougher edges check It can sometimes be awkward to remove the smaller knives Check Latest Price on Amazon 2. Bellemain 100% Pure Bamboo in Drawer Knife Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features An in-drawer knife block measuring 17" long by 5.3" wide by 2" tall Constructed from MOSO bamboo it is designed to fit in standard sized drawers Able to store up to 16 knives blade edge down Can be cleaned with soap and water
Able to store up to 16 knives of different sizes blade edge down, the Bellemain in-drawer bamboo knife block fits in a standard kitchen drawer. Measuring 17" long by 5.3" wide by 2" tall, this is made from MOSO bamboo. This block can be cleaned with soap and water and should be oiled occasionally to extend its life. Some buyers have struggled to fit 16 knives into this block and like any knife block, it may not always fit all sizes or styles of knives while still allowing the drawer to close properly.
Pros check In-drawer block check Takes 16 knives check Made from bamboo check Washable Cons check May not always fit 16 knives in it check With larger knives/handles there is a risk that you may not be able to close the drawer properly check Should be oiled occasionally to maintain the bamboo Check Latest Price on Amazon 3. Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features This angled countertop knife block measures 10.2" long by 9.2" high and 4.8" wide It has 20 slots to take a variety of knives and accessories such as a sharpening steel Has rubber feet on the base to prevent it from slipping This bamboo effect block can be cleaned with a cloth
The countertop Cook N Home bamboo wood knife block contains 20 slots for holding commonly used knives, including a cleaver, a chef’s knife and accessories such as a sharpening steel up to 9" in depth. This angled block measures 10.2" long by 9.2" high and 4.8" wide and should be cleaned just by wiping over with a cloth. This block also has rubber feet on the bottom to prevent it from slipping.
Some buyers have been disappointed to find that this block is not made from natural bamboo as advertised, instead, it is a bamboo veneer, and there can be a risk of it cracking over time. Some owners have also found that the slots are not wide enough to take the larger chef’s knives. Pros check Countertop knife block check 20 slots check Bamboo check Holds knives and accessories check Has non-slip rubber feet Cons check Made of a bamboo veneer rather than solid bamboo
check Slots are not always wide enough to take larger knives
check There is a chance of it cracking over time
Check Latest Price on Amazon 4. Kapoosh Dice Knife Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features A universal countertop knife block measuring 10.5" high, 5.5" wide and 7.5" deep Can take a variety of knives with blades up to 8" long Contains patented food-grade plastic flex rods that conform to the shape of the blades The rods are top-rack dishwasher safe
The light oak wood grained Kapoosh dice knife block is a countertop knife block designed for universal knife storage. This angled rectangular block contains patented food-grade plastic flex rods that conform to the shape of and hold knives with blades up to 8" long in place. The flex rods can be removed from the block and washed on the top rack of the dishwasher.
This block stands 10.5" high, 5.5" wide and 7.5" deep, and blades can be inserted anywhere in the block and at a variety of angles. The design of this also means it can take more knives than standard knife blocks which have pre-marked slots. This comes with a one year limited warranty.
Over time, the flex rods can become bent or get pushed down towards the base which makes it difficult to insert knives and although the rods are dishwasher safe, it is not always easy to clean and put back together. Pros check Countertop knife block check Universal storage check Stores knives up to 8" long check Food-grade flex rods check One year warranty
Cons check The rods become bent or pushed down over time check Not always easy to clean Check Latest Price on Amazon 5. Kuhn Rikon Vision Knife Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features Countertop knife block made from transparent plastic measuring 8.25" wide by 8.5" high by 2.75" deep Has a flexible inlay to store knives and shears up to 8" long The base is weighted to prevent to block from tipping This block can be dismantled for cleaning
The Kuhn Rikon Vision knife block is a transparent countertop knife block with a flexible inlay which can take different sizes of knives and shears up to 8" in length. The inlay can be removed to clean the block and the base of the block is weighted to prevent the block from tipping over. This measures 8.25" wide by 8.5" high by 2.75" deep.
The odd buyer has commented that the flexible inlay is not as heavy duty as expected and if this block does get knocked over, there is a risk of the plastic cracking. Although the inlay holds larger knives in place well; smaller knives can slide about as there is not enough tension in the inlay to hold them in place straight. Pros check Countertop block check Transparent check Takes knives/shears up to 8" long check Weighted base check Dismantles to clean Cons check There is some risk of damage to the plastic if the clock is tipped over check The inlay does not hold smaller knives in place as well check Some buyers consider the inlay could be heavier duty than it is Check Latest Price on Amazon 6. Wusthof 35 Slot Grand Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features A countertop knife block containing 35 storage slots This will store up to nine chef’s knives, 14 other knives, a pair of kitchen shears, a cleaver, meat fork and sharpening steel Made from natural wood it measures approximately 13" long by 7.75" wide and 10.4" high Has non-slip rubber feet to prevent slipping and provide stability
Made from natural wood, the Wusthof grand block has 35 slots to store a variety of knives and other accessories. This countertop block will store up to nine different chef’s knives (including those with wide blades), eight steak knives and 14 other knives, as well as space for a cleaver, meat fork, kitchen shears and a sharpening steel.
This wooden block also has four rubber feet to prevent it from slipping and provide stability and it measures approximately 13" long by 7.75" wide and 10.4" high, although this larger block may not fit your smaller knives quite as well as it does larger ones.
Some buyers have received this block damaged and have been unsure as to whether this damage is from manufacturing or poor packing for shipping, and there may be some other minor quality control issues. There can also be some confusion as to whether this block is covered by the manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty. Pros
check Countertop block check 35 slot check Natural wood check Non-slip rubber feet Cons check Uncertainty as to whether this comes with a lifetime limited warranty from Wusthof check There can be some minor quality control issues check Smaller knives may not fit in this block as well as larger knives Check Latest Price on Amazon 7. Kapoosh Urban Universal Knife Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features An aqua blue colored contemporary and universal knife block This slimline design measures 9" long by 9" high by 2" wide and can hold blades up to 8" long Contains food-grade flex rods that shape to blades and will not chip or dull them The flex rod insert can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher
The Kapoosh Urban knife block is a contemporary design in aqua blue color. This slimline block measures 9" long by 9" high by 2" wide and will store blades of up to 8" long. This knife block is a universal block and contains food-grade flex rod inserts that conform to the shape of the blade and will not dull or chip the edge. The flex rod insert is also removeable and can be cleaned on the top rack of the dishwasher. This block also has non-slip rubber feet for safety.
The flex rods can become bent over time which can make it more difficult for them to hold the knives in place. The rods can also be looser around the top of the block which means they will not hold smaller knives as securely as the larger ones. Pros check Universal knife block check Flex rod storage check Contemporary design check Slimline Cons
check The flex rods are prone to bending over time and with use check May not hold smaller knives as well as the rods can become looser around the top of the block Check Latest Price on Amazon 8. Boker Magnetic Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features A countertop magnetic block measuring 11.25" by 10" wide and 6" deep Comprises seven panels which are black colored wood Will hold seven knives, including larger knives Has a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer
The Boker magnetic block (30400) is a countertop block comprising seven wooden panels which contain magnets to allow knives to stick to the side of the block. This black block can hold seven knives, including larger ones, and measures 11.25" by 10" wide and 6" deep. This also comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Knives can only be placed around the front of the block which does limit its storage capacity and some owners have found that the block scratches easily and when it is scratched, the color underneath the black finish can show through.
Some buyers have also noted that the magnets appear to be placed centrally on each panel which means each knife has to be placed carefully and centrally when returned to the block. Pros check Magnetic block check Countertop check Wooden check Holds seven knives check Lifetime limited warranty Cons check This can only hold seven knives around its outer due to magnet placement check The black finish of the block can scratch easily check Extra care is needed when replacing knives to ensure they attach properly to the magnetic area Check Latest Price on Amazon 9. Artelegno Magnetic Knife Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features A magnetic countertop knife block designed and made in Italy Measuring 9.84" by 4.9" by 8.25" it contains five ‘layers’ and can store 10 knives up to 11.6" in length Produced from sustainably harvested beechwood through green friendly manufacturing processes Is finished with a stain resistant and food-safe lacquer
The countertop Artelegno magnetic block is designed and made in Italy by green-friendly manufacturing processes. Made from sustainably harvested solid beechwood which is finished with a food-safe and stain resistant lacquer, this angled knife block measures 9.84" by 4.9" by 8.25" and it comprises five ‘layers’ and positions for ten knives up to 11.6".
The odd buyer has found this block can be too top heavy and more at risk of tipping if used to store heavier knives. It will only also store ten knives maximum as the magnets just run down each side of the layers. Pros check Magnetic block check Countertop check Holds 10 knives check Made in Italy check Green manufacturing check Sustainable beechwood Cons check There is more risk of this tipping if used to hold larger/heavier knives check This can only store 10 knives due to the position of the magnets Check Latest Price on Amazon 10. Cutlery and More 25-slot Walnut Universal Knife Block View on Amazon Highlighted Features A universal knife block to store 14 knives, eight steak knives, shears, carving knife/fork and sharpening steel Made from solid wood with a real walnut wood veneer This angled block measures 12.5" deep by 9.75" high by 6.5" deep Has rubber feet to prevent it from slipping on the countertop
Containing 14 universal knife slots, the Cutlery and More walnut angled knife block is made from solid wood with a real walnut wood veneer. This block also has a slot for a sharpening steel, kitchen shears, carving knife and fork and eight slots for steak knives.
It measures 12.5" deep by 9.75" high by 6.5" deep and has rubber feet to prevent any slipping on the countertop. Some buyers have been disappointed with quality of the finish of this block, especially where the slots have been drilled out and have found that these can be on the rough side. Pros check Countertop knife block check Universal check Solid wood check 22 knife slots plus accessory slots check Non-slip rubber feet Cons check Some owners have found the finish of this block to be less than ideal check The wood around the slots may also need some fine sanding or finishing Check Latest Price on Amazon Things to Consider Before Buying A Knife Block
Keeping knives in the drawer with other silverware not only increases the risk of blunting or even damaging the blades, but of also catching your fingers when you are taking things out of the drawer. Using a knife block keeps your knives all together and is a key way to help keep knives away from small and inquisitive fingers.
Safety of The In-Drawer Knife Block
In-drawer knife blocks are usually designed to fit into a standard kitchen drawer. An in-drawer knife block contains individual and different sized slots for knives. Most of these store the knives cutting edge down for extra safety, although some designs will store them blade edge up to minimize damage to the blade edge.
If you do have younger kids at home, then a blade edge down in-drawer block can be safer when used in combination with a suitable drawer child lock, locking hasp or padlock.
Advantages and Disadvantages of The Countertop Knife Block
Often made from natural or synthetic woods, the countertop knife block contains measured slots to take particular sized knives. You may want to take some time and measurements before buying a new block to make sure that as many of your knives – if not all of them – will fit in the new block.
Some countertop blocks will also have slots for additional tools such as poultry shears and sharpening steel, which means you can keep them all together.
If a countertop block is wood, then it can be difficult to select the right knife when you are using it; especially if your knives have the same handles because they are made by the same manufacturer and have similar sized handles.
Traditional wooden countertop blocks are also difficult to clean and there can be the chance of moisture building up inside the block which can then cause mold to grow in the slots. Storing a wooden block away from direct heat and moisture sources such as the stovetop and sink can help reduce moisture build up, as can making sure your knives are always thoroughly dry before returning them to the block.
A wooden countertop block, or any other type of wooden knife block can cause some blunting of knives over time. Each time you take a knife out and return it to the block, the cutting edge runs over the wooden surface. To try to avoid this, when you take and replace a knife in the block, keep the backside or spine of the knife pressed against the wood rather than the cutting edge of the blade.
Some countertop blocks are made from clear plastic or acrylic, and these types of block make it easy for you to select the correct knife, as well as suiting more contemporary kitchens.
If you own a knife set from a particular manufacturer then it is worth checking if that manufacturer also makes knife blocks and as these are often sized to take the knives manufactured by that company.
Other types of universal countertop knife blocks are those which contain flex rods or thin polypropylene strands. These blocks can store any type or size of knife – up to the manufacturer’s recommended length – and unlike other types of knife block, you can also use these to store ceramic knives. When you insert a knife into one of these types of block, the flex rods part and bend to hold the blade in place.
These blocks are often made from wood or synthetic materials and can be taken apart so you can clean the flex rods, although over time, the rods will bend and can break which means it becomes harder to insert knives.
Countertop blocks can be on the larger side and as they are often diagonally spaced to allow you to remove knives easily, they can take up a lot of countertop space, although the design of angled blocks means you can place the block in a locked high wall cabinet away from kids - while still allowing you to take knives out and replace them safely.
Those blocks with top slots do not take up as much room as angled blocks and also keep the handles higher and away from younger family members, although there can still be the risk of them reaching for the block and managing to tip it over. These top slot styles are more difficult to store in a high cupboard as you will need to take the block out to remove and replace the knives.
The Magnetic Knife Block
Often made from wood or synthetic materials a magnetic knife block is ideal for storing knives as well as other metal kitchen utensils. Magnetic blocks are available as countertop blocks and as wall mounted blocks or strips. For a wall mounted magnetic block, you will need suitable wall space available for this type of block.
Magnetic blocks contain strong magnets or magnetic strips which allow the steel blade to firmly attach to the block. One advantage of magnetic blocks is that you can always see every part of the knife, so you always get the one you want. This is also a problem though with kids around, as if they reach to touch a knife on a magnetic block there is a much greater risk that they will cut themselves, or even, that they can fully dislodge the knife from the block.
Because blocks are often fully magnetized, there is some freedom as to exactly where on the block you place your knives and when selecting a magnetic block, it should be strong enough to hold the knives to the block but should not ‘snap’ the knife to it when you place it on the block. If the magnets are too strong, there is more risk of chipping the blade. When you place a knife on a magnetic strip, you should also ensure the spine of the blade hits the magnetic block first rather than the cutting edge.
When you want to remove a knife from a magnetic block, just hold the handle, twist and pull it away from the block, taking care not to dislodge any knives next to it. Magnetic blocks may put pressure on the tang of a knife when you remove it from the block, so if your knife does not have a tang the magnets can cause some extra stress to the stability of the knife over time.
Magnetic blocks are sometimes made of metal, but a metal block could cause scratches to the side of the blade compared to wood, which will not damage a blade.
Magnetic blocks are usually easy to maintain. They do not collect grime or food debris in the way that a traditional block can, and they just need wiping over with a damp cloth. If a magnetic block is natural wood, an occasional oiling with a food safe oil (such as olive oil) will revive the wood.
Magnetic blocks cannot be used for ceramic knives - even the handles have been metalized for safety - as the magnetic attraction is not strong enough to hold a ceramic knife.
Magnetic blocks are never the best solution when there are kids in the house, unless placed in a suitable cupboard which is mounted high and/or has a suitable lock on it.
A magnetic block or rack may be handy on the countertop when preparing food though. Placed at the back of the countertop or on the wall, a magnetic block can be used as a temporary hold for a knife for the few seconds that you need to put it down for while adding food to the pan. This may be safer than leaving it on the cutting board and in reach of small fingers.
Some magnetic knife blocks and wooden blocks are also under-cabinet blocks. These attach as a cubby underneath an upper kitchen cabinet. Like any under-cabinet fittings, you do need the clearance under the cupboard to be able to take the knives out and replace them safely. These types of block do not usually come with child-proof fittings, but you may be able to attach one to it.
Conclusion
This article has reviewed the different types of knife block available as well as considering which are the safer options when there are children in the home. Unfortunately, no knife block is ever fully child-proof, but a combination of the right block along with child locks and storage height, can help keep knives out of reach of curious fingers.
We hope that you have enjoyed this article and that you can now choose the safest and the best knife block for your home – whether you prefer an in-drawer design, the strength of a magnetic block, or the traditional wooden block.
The post The 10 Best Knife Block for Safer Knife Storage appeared first on Food Shark Marfa .
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