Every experienced chef, domestic or professional, understands the need to keep all the useful artillery within reach.
Kitchen knives are especially critical at every stage of the cooking process, and you don’t want to dash to the knife block at the back of the kitchen or stretch to reach the cabinet above the countertop. A magnetic knife bar can be conveniently installed on the kitchen wall within arm’s reach. This makes it both easy to reach and safe for the kitchen occupants.
To figure out which magnetic kitchen bar is perfect for your kitchen, think about the number of knives you have and how long you’ll want the bar to be. Also consider whether you want the material to be stainless steel, aluminum, or any other material with a thin magnetic strip over it. There are several options to meet any interior décor requirement of any kitchen, and most models are strong enough to hold several knives, including the heavier
chef’s knife.
Now, why magnetic knife bars? We all know quality knives can last your entire lifetime if you take good care of them. One mistake people make is storing knives in drawers instead of good-quality magnetic knife bars or knife blocks. Knives kept in a drawer pose two problems: one, the blades knock and scratch against each other, hence compromising the sharpness and durability of the blades due to the frequent need for sharpening. Two, the knives pose a risk of injury to the user as you’ll be forced to fumble through the drawer looking for a particular knife. A magnetic knife bar offers clear visibility and maintains the knives in proper working condition.
Another important factor to consider is the cutting surface. Many people make the mistake of cutting against hard ceramic countertops that damage the blades quickly and render your knives inefficient, especially for sets that can’t be re-sharpened. Be sure to use a quality
cutting board to safeguard the blades.
We highly encourage you to go through the various features to look for when shopping for a magnetic knife bar before delving into our individual reviews. So, read on!
Price
If you’re still wondering whether you can afford a magnetic knife bar, we’re happy to say: you certainly can! A good-quality magnetic knife bar will cost you as low as $8 up to about $40 for high-end models. Of course, the prices vary based on the length of the strip and the material it’s made of. Although it’s still possible to find cheaper magnetic knife bars out there, we strongly discourage you from such due to quality concerns. You definitely don’t want a strip that can’t hold heavier knives or lets them fall off at will. That’s both inconvenient and dangerous to the kitchen occupants, especially if you have kids around.
Features
Now, let’s look at the important features to look for when shopping for a magnetic knife bar:
- Material – Most magnetic knife bars are made of stainless steel, but these are generally cheaper variants which may not be quite secure. A hardwood magnetic knife bar offers much better performance, since it is made with powerful rare earth magnets that hold your knives more securely. You can choose from different hardwood types that suit your kitchen décor. The strength of the magnet used on the bar is critical since you don’t want your knives to fall off easily. Again, the wooden surface offers better protection for the knife blades and doesn’t leave any scratches.
- Size – Since magnetic knife holders will be used to hold various cutlery apart from knives, you need to consider an appropriate size for your needs. The length of the strip can range from 10 to 20 inches but, if you need other options, you can find customized lengths.
- Fasteners – Some magnetic knife bars require screws or fasteners, while other types allow you to simply stick the bar to the wall with glue. Depending on the nature of your kitchen walls, for instance, if you adore your tiles and don’t want to drill holes in them, you can pick models that you can attach with glue. Other models require fastening with larger screws.
Construction and Design
All magnetic knife bars are not made equal. Each model comes with its unique features, design, style, and size. The design you choose will depend on the style of your kitchen. Go with the most suitable variant; the options are endless. Whether it’s a plastic, steel, or wooden surface, you’ll find a decent style that matches your interior décor. However, many people consider wooden models more modern and stylish.
Now, a magnetic knife bar can be designed for the refrigerator, the wall, or the drawer. Many people assume that all magnetic knife holders are one-sided and only hold your knives or metallic kitchen accessories. With a refrigerator model, you can attach your magnetic knife bar to any metallic surface on one side and use the other side to attach your knives and kitchen accessories. This can be great if you need your knives right on the refrigerator.
Other magnetic knife bars are designed for the wall. They can be fixed to the wall close to your cooking area for ease of reach. With this model, you don’t need to keep your knives in drawers or drive nails into the wall to hang your knives. That’s quite an old-school method!
The third option is a magnetic knife bar for the drawer. If you’re in an environment where you need to keep your knives hidden from children, hanging your knives on the wall can be dangerous. Magnetic knife bars for drawers allow you to securely store your knives while still being able to reach them without fumbling through your cabinet. Other people prefer using such models to stick their knives on the boat or yacht to keep the knives from rolling off and damaging items or posing danger when the boat is on the move.
Performance and Ease of Use
When you find the right magnetic knife bar, using it shouldn’t be a problem. However, you need to ensure that the model is appropriate for the position or environment where you’re going to stick it. For instance, find out if you’re going to stick your strip above the sink, behind the stove, underneath cabinets, inside drawers, inside a cabinet door, or on the refrigerator.
Secondly, find out how much space you have, how many knives you own, and of course, how the unit will blend in with the rest of your kitchen décor. Typically, a 20-inch magnetic knife bar will accommodate about 8 to 10 kitchen knives, while a smaller strip of 10 inches will comfortably hold 5 knives. If you have bigger knives such as cleavers, or you’re planning to hang other utensils, consider longer strips for convenience.
Finally, in terms of materials, if you adore your utensils and want your knives to last longer, consider hardwood magnetic knife bars, which are gentler on the knife blades and minimize scratches.
Magnetic knife bars are ideal for kitchens with limited counter and drawer space by providing an unobtrusive storage option for your knives, while keeping them within your reach. Some magnetic bars are even great for holding keys and light tools in a workshop or garage. Now that you’re equipped with the requisite information on what to look for in a magnetic knife bar, it’s time to dive into our top picks and grab a model that suits your style and budget.
Features
WooDsom uses high-quality, natural wood to make different tools for home and office use. Their products range from magnetic knife strips, to pizza cutters, to cooking tongs, to dog brushes, and office memo holders. WooDsom’s magnetic knife strips are a perfect addition to any space where magnetic organization and storage are desired.
Free up your counter space and ditch that knife block that you have been holding on to for ages, by getting the WooDsom Powerful Magnetic Knife Holder. Made from real wood, this knife holder comes with solid mounting holes that hold it firmly to a cabinet or wall. The package also includes a mounting kit to allow easy installation onto a cabinet or drywall. It comes with the necessary hardware as well as an instruction manual.
With the ability to choose from 12-inches, all the way up to 36-inches, the WooDsom Powerful Magnetic Knife Holder gives you a large surface area to hold your kitchen tools. The best part is that this holder does not have any dead magnetic zones, so you get to use the whole thing! The magnet is strong enough to keep all your tools in place but not so strong as to make it strenuous to get them off. Even your large knives will be held securely without any concern of them falling. And, you get to choose the type of material that appeals to you the most. Go for walnut, maple, oak, cherry, hickory, purple heart, wenge, or birdseye maple.
Features
Founded in 1973 by CEO Gunner Lie, Norpro is a leading distributor of unique kitchenware. By traveling worldwide to learn about emerging trends, the company is able to create innovative, cutting-edge products backed by the latest technology. Manufactured with superior craftsmanship and high-quality materials, Norpro products reflect the highest quality and value.
Storing your sharp butcher, chef, and other knives in a drawer is not only dangerous to you, but also makes it hard for you to get the particular knife you need at a particular time. With the ability to hold up to eight large chef’s knives, the Norpro Magnetic Knife Tool Bar will provide an excellent alternative to storing your kitchen tools in knife blocks or drawers. It is also ideal for hanging metal tools, scissors, keys, and office and craft supplies, making it a perfect addition for the office, kitchen, garage, or workshop.
Measuring 12" x 2" x 1", the Norpro Magnetic Knife Tool Bar is easy to install and comes with installation screws. The holder comes in three different sizes – 12 inches, 18 inches, and 24 inches.
Features
Estilo is ready to grace your kitchen with elegant-looking storage and organization sets, including magnetic knife strips, kitchen utensils and gadgets, iced beverage dispensers, serving trays, serving bowls, divided serving trays, and beer brewing bottles. Designed by home improvement enthusiasts and professionals, Estilo products come with quality that is trusted by customers around the world.
It is time to do away with the good old knife block and find a more organized and convenient way to store your kitchen knives. A good-quality magnetic knife holder will not only keep your knives neat and away from children’s reach, but also preserve them and keep them sharp. The Estilo Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar features a strong magnetic surface, while still maintaining an easy and quick release. This knife bar is excellent for your kitchen, garage, laundry room, or office, and can be used to store any metal object. Measuring 15 3/4 inches, this bar offers you a large surface area to store up to 12 chef’s knives. It is, therefore, a space saver, as you wouldn’t need a lot of counter space.
The Estilo Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar comes in a high-quality, stainless steel satin finish that will definitely add elegance and class to your space. It is easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware.
Features
RSVP is an independently held corporation that has been providing high-quality kitchen products and cooking appliances since 1984. The company has corporate offices in Seattle, Washington, making it strategically placed to serve clients from across the globe. With a highly experienced staff, RSVP is suited to create innovative products, including the “Nutty Squirrel Nutcracker,” “Onion Goggles Onion,” and “Dill Spice Spoons.”
The RSVP Silicone Magnetic Knife Bar has been crafted by a complementary cast of characters at the company, who love food, nature, animals, laughter, and family time enjoyment. With this bar, you can keep your knives, scissors, and other kitchen tools and accessories conveniently within reach. The 10-inch holder is made with silicon exterior with a strong, full surface magnet to hold items securely to the bar.
The bar also comes with mounting hardware for more convenience. You can find this model in black or red, and the product comes with a custom RSVP color box.
Features
IKEA is dedicated to creating a better everyday life for their clients across the globe. The company has been on the forefront of producing well-designed, functional kitchen appliances and home furnishing products at prices that are affordable to many. This is achieved by combining quality, function, value, and design, while keeping sustainability in mind.
The IKEA Grundtal Magnetic Knife Rack is inspired by restaurant kitchen setups, where every item has its place. The Grundtal series is designed to keep items off your countertop but right at your fingertips. It’s made with durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel.
The knife rack makes it easy for every chef to keep all the different kinds of knives at the fingertips while preserving the edges of the knives, since they don’t knock and scrape against each other in the drawer. Additionally, the set adds a decorative touch to the kitchen décor by fastening the unit to the kitchen walls. Just be sure to use the right fastener for your type of wall.
Space is valuable in any kitchen setup. You want to move around easily but still manage to reach your valuable accessories, such as knives, whenever you need them. The best magnetic knife bars can hold knives of various sizes and shapes without occupying limited drawer and counter space. We are glad to have played a part in your quest to find an ideal magnetic knife bar for your kitchen. Feel free to check out other fabulous options from these brands if our picks didn’t match your style.
