The 9 Best Electric Knives
Editor's Notes
February 05, 2021:
We wanted to weed out some of the long-term less reliable models, so we removed one that was discontinued and hard to find, and another that got quite a few reports of lasting just one or two holiday seasons. In their place, we found the Battenfeld Technologies Bubba, one of the highest-performing cordless models on the market. It's especially nice because of the nonstick coating on the blades. For home kitchen use, the Cuisinart CEK-40 remains the most cost-effective, and the best choice for those who only need it occasionally. Alternatively, anyone who plans on using their electric carver very frequently should consider the Waring Commercial WEK200, which boasts the same high quality as many of the commercial producer's other offerings.
April 25, 2019:
Anybody who has ever been tasked with the responsibility of carving the Christmas ham or Thanksgiving turkey knows that it can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily, one of these electric knives can make that job a little easier and less time consuming. If your roasts are cooked often in your home throughout the year, you'll be best-served by a durable, high-powered model like the Waring Commercial WEK200 or American Angler Pro Sportsman's Kit. Even though this latter option is marketed for filleting fish, it actually works quite well on thick cuts of meat too. Plus, the various included blades ensures you'll always have the right one for the task at hand. The Rapala HDEFACSC is another option that comes with more than one blade and is ideal for fisherman who are always taking home a fresh catch. The Cuisinart CEK-40 made the number one spot for its balance of quality, price, and ease of use, plus it comes with an attractive wood storage block. The Nutrichef PKELKN16 is similar in form and function to the Cuisinart CEK-40, but the white housing has a greater propensity for picking up stains, which is why it didn't rank quite as high. If you don't care about longevity and just want something that will make carving this year's holiday meats easier, then the affordably-priced Hamilton Beach Carve 'n Set, MaxiMatic EK-570B Elite Cuisine, or Proctor Silex 74311 Easy Slice should serve your needs.
Not Your Average Kitchen Utensil
There are even electric knives created specifically for fisherman to quickly and easily scale and filet saltwater fish.
The electric knife is a specially designed kitchen appliance that is used for cutting various types of foods. With the right knife, you can slice and carve nearly anything you might find in your average kitchen. Many people prefer to use electric knives when they host frequent parties and often serve sliced foods such as meats, breads, and cheeses. Then there are those who only break out the electric knife for special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Even when only used a few times a year, an electric knife is a useful tool and can save a lot of time and effort during meal prep.
There are even electric knives created specifically for fisherman to quickly and easily scale and filet saltwater fish. Electric knives are stronger than the average knife and work by attaching two serrated blades to a motor and moving back and forth in a sawing motion. While most electric knives are created specifically for kitchen use, there are some that have been created for other purposes such as wood and metal cutting and sculpting polyurethane foam rubber.
Many electric knives are corded and come with attachments including carving forks. They are generally built with ergonomic handles to reduce the risk of hand and wrist fatigue while carving, and most are built for ambidextrous use.
Using an electric knife frees up a lot of time in the kitchen and greatly simplifies carving and prep time. It doesn’t require nearly the amount of physical effort as a regular knife and can cut carving time in half. Professional chefs tend to favor electric knives because creating beautiful, uniform slices is a challenge with a regular knife. An electric knife can help to create a much more attractive meal presentation.
Beyond The Thanksgiving Turkey
If you have never purchased an electric knife, you might be overwhelmed by the many options. There are a few things you should keep in mind while you're shopping.
First, take a look at the blade. This means the number of available blades and attachments as well as the length of the blade. If you are a professional chef or frequently host large dinners, purchase a knife with at least an eight-inch blade. The longer blade gives you more flexibility while cutting.
If you are in the market for the most convenience, a cordless electric knife is your best option.
Second, decide whether you want corded or cordless. If you are in the market for the most convenience, a cordless electric knife is your best option. However, these are not always as powerful as the corded knives. For frequent, extended use, a corded electric knife is the best choice. Just make sure that the cord length is compatible with your kitchen.
Third, consider the power capabilities. Any knife you buy should have at least 100 watts of power to properly cut meat. A high torque motor will be more compatible with regular use and stand up to carving an entire turkey.
Next, check your knife for durability. This can be difficult to do if you can’t actually use the knife before you buy it. However, you can check customer and professional reviews and ensure that the knife you purchase has a long-term warranty. An indication of a durable product is when the manufacturer stands behind it.
Finally, and as we are sure you already know, consider your budget. If you are only planning to use your electric knife a couple of times a year, it is probably unnecessary to invest in a high-end electric chef’s knife. However, if you are a professional chef or spend a large amount of time preparing high-quality meals, shelling out a little extra cash in the beginning might save you in the long run.
A Brief History of the Electric Knife
Electric knives dipped in popularity after the 1970s but are steadily becoming more popular again among consumers who value more convenience in the kitchen. Their invention is often credited to Jerome L. Murray, but there were several patents filed beforehand including one by Clem E. Kosterman in 1939.
Electric knives dipped in popularity after the 1970s but are steadily becoming more popular again among consumers who value more convenience in the kitchen.
Knives themselves have been in use for over two million years. It is clear from [Oldowan](hhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Oldowan-industry) history that early man fashioned knives from bone, rock, obsidian, and flint. The knife is the first tool to be used by humans and is still one of the most useful.
The knife evolved as man evolved and was eventually fashioned from a wider range of materials including steel, ceramics, copper, bronze, and titanium. Various cultures around the world each created their own type of knife, and some even used them in their religious and spiritual rituals.
Thanks to the constant use of new materials and evolving technology, there are now many types of knives in existence. From hunting knives to switchblades to utensils, the knife is used for a wide variety of tasks in various professions and recreational activities. There are even knives specifically weighted for use in knife throwing competitions.
You would be hard pressed to walk into any kitchen and not find at least three different types of knives used for food prep. You will often find a bread knife, a carving knife, and a paring knife. You are also likely to find a set of butter knives and possibly even steak knives. With the addition of the electric knife, the list of available kitchen knives is nearly endless. Regardless of its preferred use, the knife continues to be an important part of everyday life around the world.