I Tested 9 Universal Knife Blocks to See If Any Were Worth the Countertop Space

Serious Eats has historically been anti-knife blocks. They eat up countertop space, their slots are too small, and they don't accommodate all the knife types we typically own. And if you get a knife block set? You’re probably getting at least a few blasé blades or ones you’ll never use. 

For all of these reasons, I typically recommend a magnetic knife strip. However, there are universal knife blocks out there: ones that, while still counter space hogs, can accommodate your own collection of knives and have (for the most part) open, magnetic sides that can handle blades of all sizes (from paring knives to cleavers). I also acknowledge that, while we prefer knife strips, some home cooks might not have the option to screw one into their kitchen wall. Or perhaps they’re looking for additional storage because, with knives—like the proverbial potato chip—you can’t have just one (or five), etc, etc.  

So, to find the best universal knife blocks, I tested nine models and evaluated their magnetic strength, capacity, stability, and more. My picks are renter-friendly, plus they'll keep your blades (and hands) safe, too.

The Tests

• Magnet Strength Test: I used a Gauss meter to measure the magnetic strength at various places on the knife block. 
• Max Capacity Test: I loaded each knife block with as many knives as it could fit (using the same order and knives from block to block) and evaluated how easy it was to add and remove the blades.
• Durability Tests: I put on and took off a chef’s knife from each block 25 times, seeing how easy it was to do so and if further use marked or scratched the block.
• Cleanup Test: I cleaned each knife block per the manufacturer’s instructions.

What We Learned

The Best Knife Blocks Had the Strongest Magnets

Magnetic Field Strength: How the Knife Blocks Measured Up
Model	Magnet Strength
360 Knife Block	23.5 mT
360KB MAX	17.42 mT
360KB	21.2 mT
Schmidt Bros Downtown Magnetic Knife Block	20.35 mT
KITCHENDAO XL Bamboo Universal Knife Block Holder	n/a
Home Kitchen Magnetic Knife Block Holder	7.55 mT
Material Knife Stand	11.5 mT
Kitchen Seven Knife Block Magnetic Knife Holder	10.45 mT
Zone Denmark Modern Danish Knife Block	n/a
Made In Knife Block	7.23 gT

To test the intensity of each block’s magnetic field, I used a Gauss meter. I’ll admit: the Gauss meter was tricky to operate, and readings jumped around a good bit depending on location. However, one thing was clear: Overwhelmingly, the best universal knife blocks had the strongest magnetic fields. For example, my favorite, the 360 Knife Block, clocked in at 23.5 mT (Tesla), whereas a poor performer measured 7.55 mT. 

The magnetic field strength had a clear practical implication: The blocks with the strongest magnets kept knives in place when the blocks spun around or were accidentally jostled, or even just when I removed a knife. The weaker magnets resulted in blades literally not adhering to the block—falling off, tilting, or knocking into one another. 

Lightweight Knife Blocks Were Problematic…and Dangerous 

My favorite knife blocks were the heaviest, with the biggest (the 360KB) clocking in at 16.61 pounds and the lightest-of-the-heaviest (the Schmidt Bros) weighing nearly seven pounds. Quite the range! However, the Schmidt Bros was still heavy enough and had a long, sturdy metal base, so it didn’t even shudder when I removed a cleaver. Lightweight knife blocks (weighing about three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half pounds) shook and even tipped over when I removed just a standard eight-inch chef’s knife. 

A Well-Made Knife Block? Shockingly Hard to Find

All I wanted, truly, was a universal knife block that: 

1. Fit a sizable number of knives (at least 10).
2. Didn’t tip over when I added or removed knives.
3. Had a strong all-over magnetic field (no magnetic dead zones where paring knives just lolled to the side).
4. Was actually easy to clean.

But, surprise, surprise: These four points eliminated five of the models I tested, and even the blocks that had designs that promised to be better! And different! Just, well, weren’t.

For example, the Zone Denmark block had hundreds of plastic straws that, according to the product listing, allowed you to drop a knife “right in, anywhere you please.” In reality, these needles scratched at my blades and swallowed small paring knives.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Universal Knife Block

The best knife blocks have strong magnetic fields and hold a variety of knives of all lengths and widths (chef’s knives, paring knives, slicing knives, cleavers, etc). They’re ultra-stable, too: they don’t shift around when you add or remove blades. Plus, they should be easy enough to clean, requiring a quick swipe of a damp cloth. 

Our Favorite Knife Blocks

What we liked: With a design that rotates 360 degrees—allowing you to easily access any knife—and a super-heavy flared base, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more stable knife block. It had one of the strongest magnetic fields, and knives felt secure wherever I put them.

What we didn’t like: The flared base means that longer blades, like a slicing knife, stick up a little more. They still fit, though. Of course, it’s expensive—but it’s also handmade and manufactured in America.

Key Specs

• Materials: Bamboo (available in other materials)
• Dimensions: 11 x 7.25 inches
• Weight: 14 pounds
• Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry; replenish as needed with food-grade mineral oil

What we liked: Similar to my overall top pick but with slightly wider sides, no flared base, and a shorter stature, this stable block had the second strongest magnetic field of the lot. It seamlessly rotated 360 degrees, too, and better accommodated longer knives. For those with lower cabinets that want a rotating knife block, this is a great option.

What we didn’t like: This was the heaviest knife block I tested and was harder to maneuver. It’s also expensive.

Key Specs

• Materials: Bamboo (available in other materials)
• Dimensions: 10.25 x 8.15 inches
• Weight: 16.61 pounds
• Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry; replenish as needed with food-grade mineral oil

What we liked: With two acrylic panes that sandwich an acacia knife block, this model held 11 knives and did so well. It was stable, had a strong magnetic field (not as strong as the 360 models above, but close), and was a safe option. With the acrylic buffer, it never felt like a knife could be accidentally bumped and fall off the block. 

What we didn’t like: Because there’s a thin space between the panes and the block, you had to be precise about how you inserted knives. The block scratched a bit during the durability test, and while you can unscrew and remove the panes to deep-clean things, that process is tedious. The availability of the acacia version I tested has been somewhat spotty on Amazon, though you can still find it on other retailers. For more reliably in-stock options, check out the black or honeycomb-patterned versions.

Key Specs

• Materials: Acacia, acrylic, stainless steel
• Dimensions: 9.25 x 3.5 x 13.5 inches
• Weight: 6.87 pounds
• Care instructions: Wipe down the exterior; remove acrylic panes to clean the block

The Competition 

• 360KB MAX: The knife block is tall and has slots on the top for additional storage. However, unless you have high (or no) overhead cabinets, it may well be too tall. If you’re buying it, I just suggest measuring your space first.
• KITCHENDAO XL Bamboo Universal Knife Block Holder: Allegedly universal, the plastic slots of this model did not fit a cleaver. It was also lightweight and far too unstable. 
• Aomiesen Home Kitchen Magnetic Knife Block Holder: Also unstable, I can’t recommend this model.
• Material Knife Stand: This was another tippy knife block. It shook, it shimmied, it scared me. 
• Zone Denmark Modern Danish Knife Block: The plastic needles swallowed smaller knives, and the block had a small capacity (it could only fit five knives).  It's no longer available.
• Kitchen Seven Knife Block Magnetic Knife Holder: When I tried to remove a cleaver, the whole knife block almost flipped over. It's been unavailable for a while, too.
• Made In Knife Block: This knife block was unstable, and half of one side was a magnetic dead zone: My chef’s knife fell off it repeatedly.

FAQs

Does a knife block damage knives?

When used with care, none of our winning knife blocks will cause damage to knives. But be wary of any design that causes friction against the blades. The Zone Denmark holder, for example, had many plastic straws that scraped against the metal, causing marks and dings. Bare metal knife holders can also cause rust if wet knives are affixed to them.

How many knives does a knife block hold?

It depends on the block in question and the size of the knives, of course, but our winners can all comfortably hold at least 10 knives.

Are knife blocks sanitary? 

The knife blocks we recommend have open sides that can be wiped down, which makes them easy to keep clean.

Why We're the Experts

• Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the associate editorial director at Serious Eats. She's worked for the site for more than two years and has reviewed air fryers, Ooni ovens, and more.
• Riddley previously worked at America's Test Kitchen and has been reviewing equipment for nearly six years.
• For this review, she tested nine knife blocks. Riddley evaluated their magnet strength, capacity, stability, and more.