7 Knife Sharpeners for Easier Slicing and Dicing

A quality set of kitchen knives is essential for any home cook. But even if you've made the investment, over time, knives dull and become less effective. If you can't slice through an onion or chop up a tomato as easily as you once could, it may be time to invest in a knife sharpener.

"Knife sharpeners should be among the first items on any chef or home cook's shopping list," says chef Melissa Collins, manager at Perfect Brew. "A dull knife doesn't cut through food smoothly—this not only wastes precious time but also results in safety risks. When the edge of your blade is sharp, it's less likely to slip as you press it down to cut."

There are two types of knife sharpeners: manual and electric. Manual sharpeners tend to be cheaper, and many experienced chefs prefer them because they offer better control, yet they do take a bit of practice to use effectively. Electric sharpeners are simpler to use and usually just require a couple of strikes through the sharpener, but they can be more expensive and even damage some knives if not used properly.

To help you find the right one, we're sharing some of the best knife sharpeners on the market.