We 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. They have slots that are too small and don’t accommodate various knife types. And if you get a knife block set? Woof, you’ll probably buy a few blasé blades or ones you’ll never use. 

For all of these reasons, we 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).

We 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, you know, knives, the proverbial potato chip, you can’t have just one (or five), etc, etc.  

So, to find the best universal knife blocks, we tested nine models—priced from $25 to $350—and evaluated their magnetic strength, capacity, stability, and more. 

The Tests

• Magnet Strength Test: We used a Gauss meter to measure the magnetic strength at various places on the knife block. 
• Max Capacity Test: We 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: We 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: We cleaned each knife block per the manufacturer’s instructions.

What We Learned

The Best Knife Blocks Had the Strongest Magnets

To test the intensity of each block’s magnetic field, we used a Gauss meter. We’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, our 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 we 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 

Our favorite knife blocks were the heaviest, with the biggest (the 360 KB) 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 heavy enough and had a long, sturdy metal base, so it didn’t even shudder when we removed a cleaver. Lightweight knife blocks (weighing about three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half pounds) shook and even tipped over when we removed even just a standard 8-inch chef’s knife. 

A Well-Made Knife Block? Shockingly Hard to Find

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

1. Fit a sizable amount of knives (at least 10).
2. Didn’t tip over when we 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 we tested, and some had designs that promised to be better! And different! But, 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 our 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 Universal Knife Blocks

The Best Universal Knife Block

360 Knife Block

$375 at Amazon View on 360knifeblock.com

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 we 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

The Best Shorter Universal Knife Block

360 Knife Block 360KB Knife Block

$295 at Amazon View on 360knifeblock.com

What we liked: Similar to our 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 we 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

The Best Safety Universal Knife Block

Schmidt Bros. Downtown Magnetic Knife Block

$125 at Amazon $125 at Sur La Table $125 at Crate & Barrel

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 our durability test and while you can unscrew and remove the panes to deep-clean things, this is tedious.

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, we 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. 
• Home Kitchen Magnetic Knife Block Holder: Also unstable, we can’t recommend this model.
• Material Knife Stand: This was another tippy knife block. It shook, it shimmied, it scared us. 
• Kitchen Seven Knife Block Magnetic Knife Holder: When we tried to remove a cleaver, the whole knife block almost flipped over.
• 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).  
• Made In Knife Block: This knife block was unstable and half of one side was a magnetic dead zone: Our chef’s knife fell off of 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 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 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.

How do you clean a knife block? 

Most knife blocks only require you to wipe down their exteriors with a damp cloth. 

Are knife blocks sanitary? 

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

Can you put a wooden knife block in the dishwasher? 

No, you shouldn’t put a wooden knife block (or anything wooden) in the dishwasher. This will cause it to warp and crack—no good.

Why We're the Experts

• Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the senior commerce editor 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, we tested nine knife blocks. We evaluated their magnet strength, capacity, stability, and more.