Magnetic vs. Block vs. Drawer Knife Holders: Which Is Better?

 Regardless of how sharp and good your kitchen knives are, if you don't store them the right way their blades can get damaged. On the other hand, not storing them properly can pose safety risks, especially when having kids and pets. So, it goes without saying that storing them properly and out of reach of small children is one of the best ways to keep them in perfect condition. Aside from the traditional way of keeping them in the drawer, nowadays, you can also store them in two different types of holders. Choosing the right one should be mainly made after you have considered all of the offered options on the market. That way, you can compare all of them and pick the holder that best meets your needs.

What Is a Magnetic Knife Rack?

The magnetic stands and holders are one of the most beautiful and functional knife racks that can make the perfect addition to any kitchen. These magnetic holders and racks can come in different types and designs but their main goal and purpose stays the same – to allow easy access to knives without having to pull all knives out in order to see which one you need. With racks like this, all knives are carefully and separately displayed, allowing you to see them and pick the one you need without having to take out the rest.

When in the search for the right ones, make sure to look for one that is durable and long-lasting. It should also feature magnets that are durable enough to withstand daily use. Otherwise, you risk investing in a magnetic rack that will fail to hold the knives over time which can pose a danger to people in the kitchen. Speaking from a safety point of view, aside from keeping knives in place, taking out a knife from them is almost impossible for a child because the magnet is strong and will keep the knives in place.

Magnetic knife racks are aesthetically appealing and practice shows that they are one of the safest ways to keep knives, as they won't cause any damage to their blades. These magnetic holders seem to be more hygienic than any other knife blocks because they are displayed and separated one from another, leaving no space for bacteria growth. Given the fact that these racks and the knives they held are exposed to fresh air all the time, this means that they won't hold any moisture and dampness which will reduce the risk of germs. Depending on the rack/holder you plan to choose, some of them can even come with hooks which doubles the storage place for storing some other things than just knives.

What Is a Block/Stand for Knives?

Blocks for knives are usually chunky pieces made from wood that feature vertical or horizontal slots for storing knives. Depending on the model you choose, some of them come with a set of knives where each slot is specifically designed for a particular knife making it impossible to store some other type of knife. Well, this is something that a lot of people find annoying because you're limited with the storage space which can be daunting especially when cooking in a hurry and you want to leave the kitchen spotless.

Aside from wood, these holders can also be made from plastic and metal, giving you the chance to pick the model that will best meet your kitchen style and look. Given the fact that the knife blades are designed to be inserted into slots, a lot of people find them safer because there's less risk to children and pets. However, the slots are the 'ideal' place for bacteria harbour, especially if you don't pay too much attention and insert knives that aren't completely dry. Additionally, these slots are impossible to clean, especially if talking about wooden blocks, and this doesn't make them the most hygienic type of knife holder. Additionally, being designed to only fit specific knives doesn't make them the most favoured option so far.

Drawer Knife Holder

This is the oldest and most commonly used type of knife holder, until the appearance of blocks and magnetic holders. As the name suggests, these holders are designed to be inserted in a drawer and can hold several knives all at once. Usually, they have smaller slots designed to hold the knife in place. They seem to be the best solution for keeping knives away from the table and countertop which can be great especially when having curious little children who want to know everything. However, it seems that storing knives in drawers isn't the safest option for children because they can easily open the drawer and take a knife. Plus, having slots makes the holder harder to clean and reach to the inside. Additionally, storing blades in slots can certainly make them safer for storing and using, however, keeping them upside down can damage the blade. Out of all the options available on the market, it seems that the magnetic racks are amongst the most favoured, functional and commonly used models.