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OK, so you bought some new kitchen knives. Perhaps you treated yourself to some paring knives, too, that — gasp — actually got you excited about working on your knife skills. So then, where’s one to put all these slicers and dicers? The answer: A knife block. Preferably one that’s long-lasting, doesn’t take up a ton of room, and doesn’t dull your knives to boot.
Below, we found the best knife holders you can buy online, whether you’re seeking an in-drawer organizer, countertop knife block, or magnetic knife holder. Keep reading to scope out our top picks.
Best Knife Holders
- Best In-Drawer: Homemaid Living Bamboo In-Drawer Knife Block
- In-Drawer Runner-Up: Joseph Joseph Drawer Store Knife Organizer
- Best Magnetic: Material The Stand
- Magnetic Runner-Up: Marcellin Magnetic Acacia Knife Block
- Best Compact: KitchenDAO Deluxe Universal Knife Block
- Best Set: The Pioneer Woman Signature 14-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
- For the Modernist: Kuhn Rikon Vision Knife Block
- For Misen Fans: Misen Knife Storage Block
What to Consider
When buying a knife block, there are several things to keep in mind. First, you want to think about your kitchen’s design (read: current clutter factor) and storage options, like if you have real estate for a standard knife block on your counter, or if you prefer more out-of-the-way solutions, like a wall-hung magnetic knife strip or in-drawer storage.
Then, decide on the material. We personally love how nice a wooden knife block looks in the kitchen, while a transparent holder can also make for a pretty display, with the bonus of being able to see exactly what you’re grabbing at a glance.
Next is price. Knife holders tend to cost around $30 to $100, though if high-quality knives are included, or the knife holder is crafted from a piece of wood by hand, they can set you back more. Blocks with knives included are typically more expensive, though several budget knife blocks and sets are on the market from well-known reliable brands. (If you’re loyal to a certain knife brand, you may be able to buy specific blocks that are custom-designed to fit the company’s knives, such as in our picks from Misen and Material below.)
Lastly, think about your personal cooking needs. If you pretty much stick to the same chef’s knife and paring knife 90% of the time, and just occasionally use that one serrated bread knife you love plus that one pair of kitchen shears, you probably don’t need a holder that can hug 15 or more tools.
How We Chose
To narrow down our list, we conducted plenty of hands-on testing in our own Manhattan kitchen. We wanted knife holders that looked visually pleasing but also weren’t too unwieldy or cumbersome as to infringe on counter space during use.
We also read countless reviews on sites like Amazon and Walmart and reviewed specs sheets, comparing several of our top contenders for affordability, extra features (like a slot for your honing steel), and durability. Of course, we wanted to select knife holders to fit a variety of consumers’ needs, so we made sure the final running included magnetic knife blocks, in-drawer knife holders, and conventional blocks, to give options for all kinds of cooks.
1
Best In-Drawer
Homemaid Living Homemaid Living Bamboo In-Drawer Knife Block
1
Best In-Drawer
Homemaid Living Homemaid Living Bamboo In-Drawer Knife Block
Now 16% Off
Pros
Great design- Lifetime replacement guarantee
- Space-saver
Cons
- Certain knives may be tough to fit
- Can make small drawers feel cramped
Key Specs
- Includes: Block
- Dimensions: 17 x 7 x 2 inches
- Storage: In-drawer
- Holds: 14 knives, 1 sharpener
There’s a host of reasons this handsome bamboo knife block is our numero uno. First, how many times do you have to move around that container of cherry tomatoes to get to your prep area? If you’re anything like us (hint: the answer is “always”), you’ll appreciate this smartly designed block that fits inside almost any kitchen drawer, freeing up precious counter space for prep work and appliances.
Second, we love that this holds up to 14 knives of various sizes and even has a slot for a knife sharpener. Having undergone testing with several major knife brands, you can rest assured that your set will fit in this handy block, and we also appreciate that the eco-friendly, water-resistant bamboo vessel is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
Another feature we love? Unlike others, this block securely keeps knives in place so they don’t slide around nor prevent your drawer from closing smoothly.
Bonus: Homemaid Living is so confident you’ll love this drawer insert that they’ll buy it back from you if, at any point, you decide you no longer love it.
More: Best Electric Knives Perfect for Carving
2
In-Drawer Runner-Up
Joseph Joseph Joseph Joseph Drawer Store Knife Organizer
2
In-Drawer Runner-Up
Joseph Joseph Joseph Joseph Drawer Store Knife Organizer
Pros
- Suitable for knives of various sizes
- Space-saver
Cons
- Can make small drawers feel cramped
Key Specs
- Includes: Holder
- Dimensions: 14.55 x 5.51 x 2.91 inches
- Storage: In-drawer
- Holds: 9 knives
Another great in-drawer option, this Amazon’s Choice knife holder lets you stash up to nine knives safely with a smart two-tier layout and nonslip feet to keep it firmly in place. Easily put on your counter while cooking, the topmost tier holds smaller knives while the lower tier holds larger ones, making it easy to stay organized.
P.S. If you’re a fan of this knife organizer, you may want to consider Joseph Joseph’s cutlery organizer, too.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Made with sustainably harvested wood
Cons
- Might not be the safest if you have kids
Key Specs
- Includes: Block
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 4 inches (the metal base is 4 inches deep)
- Storage: Counter
- Holds: 8 knives
Crafted from FSC-certified walnut or beech, this knife block is an aesthete’s dream. Personally, we think this minimalist design works just as well in a modern kitchen as it does in a more classic one, and the hidden magnets make for a compact kitchen workhorse, keeping your knives at easy access.
This block stores up to eight knives between the two sides, and the construction ensures the block won’t dull your knife blades.
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4
Magnetic Runner-Up
Marcellin Marcellin Magnetic Acacia Knife Block
4
Magnetic Runner-Up
Marcellin Marcellin Magnetic Acacia Knife Block
Pros
- Sturdy
- Can double as a bookend for cookbooks
Cons
- Might not be the safest if you have kids
Key Specs
- Includes: Block
- Dimensions: 9.75 x 9.75 x 2.75 inches
- Storage: Counter
- Holds: 14 knives
Another magnetic knife block that’s both visually attractive and practical, we love this compact option, especially for tight kitchen quarters (Ed’s tip: It can double as a bookend for any cookbooks lying around).
Crafted from beautiful matte acacia wood and outfitted with industrial-strength neodymium magnets, rest assured this knife block will sit securely on your counter sans sliding.
Holding up to seven knives on each side, its arc shape lets you fan your blade handles out so you can make the most of the space, as well as keep your knives on display in a safer fashion and ensure that the block conveys more “artistic statement” (versus, um, “messy display”).
5
Best Compact
KitchenDAO KitchenDAO Deluxe Universal Knife Block
Pros
- Fits many types of knives
- Space-saver
Cons
- Can’t view knives at a glance
Key Specs
- Includes: Block
- Dimensions: 5.6 x 5.6 x 9.1 inches
- Storage: Counter
- Holds: 15 knives plus kitchen shears, honing steel
Another bamboo option, this one’s for you if you don’t have much countertop to spare but like keeping your knives out of a drawer. In addition to being a nice space-saver, its standout traits are its patented double-deck system, parallel slots, and “universal” storage design that allows you to store any knife up to 8.6 inches anywhere in the block, rather than having to match them up to specific slots.
With room for up to 15 knives, the drain holes and anti-slip base are also nice features, as is the space allotted for a pair of kitchen scissors and honing steel.
6
Best Set
The Pioneer Woman The Pioneer Woman Signature 14-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
6
Best Set
The Pioneer Woman The Pioneer Woman Signature 14-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
Pros
- Affordable
- Fun colors
Cons
- Serious home cooks may want higher quality knives
Key Specs
- Includes: Block and knife set with 8-inch chef knife; 8-inch bread knife; 6.5-inch signature Nakiri knife; 5-inch utility knife; 3.5-inch paring knife; 3.5-inch bird's beak knife; 6 steak knives; kitchen shears
- Dimensions: 14.33 x 5.31 x 8.66 inches
- Storage: Counter
Ready to embrace your inner Ree Drummond in the kitchen? $69 gets you a knife block and a whole host of awesome knives, housed in an acacia wood storage block, all of which come in floral, linen (off-white), red, or teal.
With an average rating of 4.5 stars, this superb — and super pretty! — knife block set features blades made from specially formulated, high-alloy steel designed for strength, durability, and precision cutting.
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7
For the Modernist
Kuhn Rikon Kuhn Rikon Vision Knife Block
7
For the Modernist
Kuhn Rikon Kuhn Rikon Vision Knife Block
Pros
- Blades are visible for easy reference
- Safer storage if you have kids
Cons
- Some users report wobbly slats
Key Specs
- Includes: Block
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 3 x 8.5 inches
- Storage: Counter
- Holds: 18
Want a block that isn’t wood? We love this eye-catching transparent knife block which can hold up to 18 knives of your choice, with blades up to 8 inches long. Whereas some regular knife blocks can dull your knives, this option keeps your blades sharp and separated.
The vessel also ensures that sharp tips aren’t left exposed to your digits and the flexible inlay can be removed as needed for cleaning. It’s fun, affordable, and functional — what’s not to love?
8
For Misen Fans
Misen Misen Knife Storage Block
8
For Misen Fans
Misen Misen Knife Storage Block
Pros
- Slim-profile design
- Sturdy
Cons
- Only holds up to five knives
Key Specs
- Includes: Block
- Dimensions: 12 x 3.75 x 6.75 inches
- Storage: Counter
- Holds: 5
The Misen Knife Block currently has a waitlist of over 3,000, and once you get your hands on this wonderful storage block, you’ll quickly understand why.
For one thing, it’s made from high-quality wood — either ash or walnut — making it durable and safe for your knife blades. For another, it keeps a small footprint on your counter but still holds up to five Misen knives, plus a pair of kitchen shears.
If you can’t get enough of your Misen tools, treat yourself to this gorgeous block that offers a 60-day test drive with free returns if you’re not satisfied.
Perri O. Blumberg
Perri is a New York City-born and -based writer; she holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Columbia University and is also a culinary school graduate of the plant-based Natural Gourmet Institute, which is now the Natural Gourmet Center at the Institute of Culinary Education. Her work has appeared in the New York Post, Men's Journal, Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Insider.com, Architectural Digest, Southern Living, and more. She's probably seen Dave Matthews Band in your hometown, and she'll never turn down a bloody mary. Learn more at VeganWhenSober.com.
