Some consumers may remember Santoku knives from their appearance in a series of infomercials touting their benefits. These knives were billed as some of the sharpest and best knives for anyone to have in their kitchen, and we’re happy to find out that those depictions are 100% true. When we got our hands on some of these knives, we became completely obsessed with their strength, sharpness, and their ability to cut through meats. So obsessed, in fact, that we just had to find the best Santoku knives currently available and write an article on them. And this article is the summation of all of our hard work. We hope that it proves useful to anyone who is looking to buy one of these knives.

List of the Best Santoku Knives

Best Overall: Sunnecko Hollow Edge 7-Inch Kitchen Knife

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Fortunately, we’re able to announce that this particular knife not only met our high expectations but actually exceeded them. That’s because this knife is made to some of the highest standards we’ve ever seen. It seems like the manufacturer has considered everything when they designed this blade.

Let’s start our review of this knife with the metal that the manufacturer uses. This is one of the few knives that we’ve seen clad with real Japanese VG-10 stainless steel—one of the highest grade stainless steels in a knife. This knife has a Rockwell Hardness of 59 to 61. This knife also has a full-tang and is perfectly balanced with a stainless steel curved and molded handle that feels good in the hand during use. As we’ve said, this knife is clade in VG-10 stainless steel that covers 36-layers of Damascus steel and creating a flowing patter of steel. These knives are corrosion resistant and durable, too.

It’s a knife that isn’t too heavy nor too light, and gives the consumer an unprecedented amount of control while they slicing, dicing and chopping with it. Another thing worth mentioning about these knives are that they have a double-bevel blade angle of 12 to 15-degrees each side, which allows it to have a razor sharp edge that can cut through just about anything. It’s also a knife that looks very good and not only makes a wonderful knife to display in any kitchen, but also makes a great knife for giving to friends and family as gifts.

What we liked about it

• Made with VG 10 stainless steel.
• Has an incredibly sharp edge.

 

Best Value: Zelite Infinity 7-Inch Comfort-Pro Santoku Knife

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When we first discovered this knife, we were looking for a Santoku knife that was durable and sharp, but one that didn’t cost a whole lot of money. We wanted a knife that was the perfect combination of performance and price. And so, when we found this knife we were very happy.

The first thing that we noticed about this knife was that it was made from a quality German high-carbon stainless steel that had a Rockwell Hardness of 56. Not quite as hard as other knives, we had tested, but certainly harder than the common chef’s knife. Because it’s so hard, this knife is capable of really obtaining and retaining a quality edge. It also means that you should be able to sharpen this knife again and again over many years. Although we can’t say that this knife was as sharp as we had hoped straight out of the box, we were able to put a nice edge on it that lived up to the Santoku reputation.

This Santoku knife has a length of approximately 12.5-inches, with a total blade length of 7-inches. This knife also had an edge sharpness of 15 to 18-degrees, a blade thickness of 2.4mm, and has a total weight of 8.9 ounces. It feels very well balanced, and we liked how it felt in our hands as well. And it also has an ABS full-tang handle that makes it very easy to use in the kitchen. All things considered, this knife is a great value Santoku knife that a lot of people are going to be proud to put into their kitchens. It’s also sure to be a knife that makes a good gift as well.

What we liked about it

• It feels like a well weighted knife.
• It feels like it will hold up to years of frequent use.

 

Best Affordable: Amazon Basics Classic 8-inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife

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It took us quite a while to find a knife made from quality materials that didn’t cost much, but once we did, we were pretty happy with it. And this is the Amazon Basics knife that we want to review right now.

This knife is approximately 13.28-inches long with a blade length of approximately 8-inches. The blade is made from high-quality stainless steel. It also has a blade that’s sharp enough for just about any cooking project. It can dice through vegetables, slice through meats and cheeses. This knife also has a Micarta handle that’s well balanced and gives the user the grip they need for cutting through onions, potatoes, and other vegetables. And because this knife has a nice edge, it can be sharpened again and again with few problems.

If there was any complaint we had about this Amazon Basics knife, it’s the fact that it doesn’t hold its edge as long we would’ve liked. Don’t get us wrong, the blade is sharp right out of the box, and the blade cuts well when it is sharp. However, for some reason, it tends to dull quickly and this requires the user having to sharpen it more frequently. We found that this knife needed to be sharpened almost twice as much as some of the premium knives we used. It’s not a big deal for some people, but it can be frustrating to have to keep sharpening your knife, just to keep it in good working condition.

What we liked about it

• Has a nice weight and balance to it.
• Doesn’t cost a fortune.

The Home Chef’s Guide to Santoku Knives

As you can see from our reviews, Santoku knives are some of the best kitchen knives a person could own. They can slice, dice and chop better than the standard chef knife and are generally easier for inexperienced cooks to use. And when they’re in the hands of an experienced chef, they’re nothing short of miraculous. Unfortunately, not a whole lot of people are familiar with these types of knives, so we decided that we would spend some time writing about them.

The Difference Between Santoku Knives & Chef Knives

The first thing that we would like to discuss is the differences between Santoku knives and chef knives. Although some people seem to think that these two types of kitchen knives are interchangeable, that’s not the case and there are some very distinct differences between these two types of knives. Let’s find out the main differences, so our readers can determine if these knives are right for them.

Chef Knives

Suited For: Disjointing meat, Dicing or chopping meats and cheeses, chopping vegetables, Slicing cheese.

Santoku Knives

Suited For: Slicing or dicing meats and cheeses, slicing or dicing vegetables, mincing herbs, Creating fine or intricate slices.

Keeping A Santoku Knife Sharp

The next thing we would like to discuss is maintaining the edge of a Santoku knife. Unlike chef knives, you can sharpen Santoku knives with a sharpening steel. That’s because they have thinner blades that are durable but more flexible than the blades found on chef’s knives. Therefore, you must take great pains to sharpen these knives properly. Since not everyone knows how to sharpen these knives, we thought that we would add a section on maintaining your Santoku blades in this guide.

Step One: Obtain And Soak a Whetstone

The first step in sharpening a Santoku knife is to obtain the best quality sharpening stone available and then soaking that whetstone in water according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once you soak the whetstone in water for the allotted amount of time, you can then remove it and proceed to step two.

Step Two: Sharpen The Knife on the Whetstone

The next step is to sharpen the blade. Tilting the knife at the proper angle, run it up and down the whetstone in a smooth, controlled fashion. Make sure to cover the length of the entire blade from the start of the handle to the edge. If the knife is beveled, make sure to repeat the process on the other side. Always be sure to start the sharpening process with the whetstone’s coarser side and then transition to the finer side to put a fine edge on the blade. After sharpening, thoroughly wash and dry the knife to remove any residue leftover from the sharpening process.

Keeping A Santoku Knife in Good Condition

Before we exit this article, we would like to talk about how the consumer should maintain their Santoku knife to keep it working smoothly for many years to come. Too many people run out and buy great knives, only to use them it in the wrong way or in a way that ruins the blade. If you take the time to buy the best Santoku knife available, then you should take the steps to keep it in good condition. At least, that’s how we feel about it. To help our readers keep their blades in good condition, we’ve included the following tips. We hope they prove useful to all of our readers.

Tips For Maintaining a Santoku Knife:

With so many uses, scissors are an essential tool to have around your home. It doesn’t matter if you need something to use around the kitchen or to cut down twigs in the garden, finding a pair of hard-wearing scissor will make a big difference to your day to day life.

The better products should be comfortable to hold, be sharp enough to fit your purpose and last a long time. Finding scissors that fit this isn’t as easy as you might think which is why we have compiled our list of the best scissors available. Each product is made from quality materials and comes with a proven reputation.

List of the Best Scissors

Best Value: Fiskars 12-94518697WJ The Original Orange Handled Scissors

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For a multipurpose scissor that is great value, Fiskars offers this 8-inch bright orange colored product. They are the sort of scissors that everyone should have as they make light work of getting through fabric, silk, paper, you name it! The stainless steel blades stay sharp for a long time thanks to the precision ground edge but can be easily sharpened.

With a comfortable handle that has been tailored to fit the hand and give it full control, it helps to improve accuracy and straight lines. What a lot of people will find most appealing is the lifetime warranty – just one of the reasons they have sold over a billion units.

What we liked about it

• Great value
• Stays sharp for a long time
• Cuts through a variety of materials

Best Affordable: Scotch Precision Scissor, 8-Inches

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It is likely that you or someone you know has had a pair of Scotch brand scissors at some point. They are great for cutting different types of paper, photos, fabrics, and beyond and are made from stainless steel.

The blades stay sharp for longer than you might expect for a product in the price bracket but they can be a little harder to sharpen than other brands. They come with a lifetime warranty and have a cutting action that is best described as smooth. It doesn’t matter if you are left or right-handed as they are designed for anyone to use

What we liked about it

• Reliable scissors for everyday use
• Good for right and left handed people
• Lifetime warranty
• Good value

Best Multipack: AmazonBasics Multipurpose Office Scissors

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These are ideal for anyone who needs to kit out their home with a few pairs of scissors to keep in different rooms. Not only do you get 3 pairs at a reasonable price, but the quality is good as well. They’re not going to be good for cutting tough fabrics or denim but you will find that for cutting photos, paper, cardboard and other materials around the house, they are an excellent option.

The soft grip handles are comfortable for both left and right-handers because the blades are fused with titanium they should stay sharp for around 100,000 cuts.

What we liked about it

• Good value multipack
• Comfortable to use
• Stays sharp for 100,000 cuts

Best All-round Scissors: Kai 5210 8-inch Dressmaking Shears

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Not for everyone but certainly a sharp and useful tool, these dressmaking shears are great for cutting through a variety of materials without a problem, leaving them tear-free. One of the best all-round scissors that are made from stainless steel and vanadium. You can change the tension and the comfortable handles feel strong.

They are the sort of scissors that lasts a long time, partly because of the quality build but also because the blades can be removed for easy sharpening. Despite being 8-inch scissors they are not heavy or bulky so are fine for using on any task making them the sort of product that every home should have.

What we liked about it

• Quality materials used
• Can be sharpened easily
• Very sharp

Best Kitchen Scissors: OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen & Herbs Scissors

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These quality scissors are marketed towards being used in the kitchen but are good for getting through cardboard and twine as well as meat. Great for fine cutting herbs the grips feature a cushioned pad to increase the users’ comfort and absorbs pressure when cutting.

The blades actually come far apart to make them easy to clean individually which makes them good for using with food. With a herb stripper for removing tough stems, they make a neat addition to any budding chef or someone who just wants to make certain parts of cooking a little easier. The micro-serrated blades stay sharp for a long time so you can use them to prepare thousands of dishes.

What we liked about it

• Cushioned grips for extra comfort
• Great for removing stems from herbs
• Easy to clean

Best For Cutting Meat: Mitsumoto Sakari Japanese Kitchen Scissors

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Another contender for the best kitchen scissors, these are impressive from their simple yet comfortable design and quality materials. The stainless steel blades stay sharp for a long time and the large handles that have a square type shape but make it easy to cut through tough meats.

After using them you can throw them in the dishwasher so clean up is easy and a lot of people comment on their durability. They feel sturdy and for many households, they are a reliable pair of kitchen shears.

What we liked about it

• Quality materials
• Comfortable handles

Scissors Guide

A pair of scissors is the kind of everyday tool we take for granted. The problem is, a lot of people buy a cheap pair and wonder why it takes so long to cut through plastic, or that they break before you would expect them to.

This is why we have created the following buyer’s guide, to make sure your new purchase is a good one that lasts a long time.

What To Look For In A Pair Of Scissors

Quality Blades

The first thing anyone should check for are quality blades. The stainless steel types are great for multiple purposes and clean well so they can be used with food. Others will be titanium coated and stay sharp for a long time.

Easy To Sharpen

Cheaper scissors might not be so easy to sharpen which is a problem since they are also the scissors that tend to go blunt a lot faster. The better products will be easy to loosen the blades to separate them which makes sharpening safer and more convenient.

Size

The most common sizes for household scissors tend to be 7 to 9 inches. This gives you plenty of room for most standard hand sizes so you can hold them in comfort. Then, there is the blade length. If you want it to get through cardboard with ease, they need to have the scope to get through without having to make small cuts all the way through.

Comfortable Handles

If you are using them for longer periods or have a particularly tough material to cut through, you need to make sure you have a comfortable handle. Some are just grippy whilst others are made from softer materials but above all, they need to be sturdy to ensure you are safe when using the scissors.

Value

This will depend on how much. your budget stretches to but also how often you will use the scissors. If you think you will use them regularly, but only for random household needs then you might not need such an expensive pair. Those who want a pair of kitchen scissors that can also be used on other materials will want to invest in a higher quality pair.

Whatever your budget or use, there are plenty of options.

Rust Resistant

Some products come with a special coating on the blades and all metal parts to ensure they are protected from rusting. This is more important if you wash them in the dishwasher frequently and for anyone who uses them in the kitchen.

Warranty

Some of the best scissors on the market come with a warranty and others a lifetime guarantee. This is impressive since scissors should last a long time but of course, aren’t indestructible. If you are spending money on a more expensive pair then this can be a sensible thing to look out for but since most pairs will last for years, it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

Suitable For Right/Left-Handed

A lot of scissors are fine to be used by both left and right-handed people so if you are one of the (approximately) 10% of people who are left-handed, then this is certainly something to look out for. Most products will tell you this in their description so check before buying.

Common Types of Scissors

Not all scissors are built the same, and sometimes that’s for a good reason. The following are some of the common types of scissors and their uses.

Safety – As the name suggests, these scissors are safe for young hands to use and are usually smaller to fit them right. The blades are not as sharp as other types and the tips are coated with plastic. Expect bright colors to please young minds and you might even find them made of plastic.

Office Scissors – A basic pair that are common in workplaces and homes around the world. Known for being a multipurpose product with a straight blade that does require regular sharpening because they are used so often.

Fabric Scissors – It isn’t just dressmakers that like to use these sharp and often relatively long scissors. They are popular in homes because they tend to have sharper blades so make light work of random materials and uses. A good pair to have around.

Nurse Scissors – As you may have guessed, these are common in the medical world and give you a long handle but a short blade. One blade will have a pointed tab at the bottom to help it lift a bandage or clothing to cut through in an emergency.

Kitchen Shears – These are made a little different and are designed to be able to get through slippery meats but also trim herbs at the same time.

Do I Have To Choose Between Sharpness and Precision?

In most cases, the two go hand in hand. This means the sharper the blade is, the easier it will stay precise. When you can’t cut in one motion without having to readjust because it catches on the fabric or tears, it can lead to errors and makes it hard to cut in a straight line.

The main take out here – the sharper the better.

How To Prevent Scissors From Rusting

To prolong the lifespan of a quality pair of scissors, apply a little machine oil to prevent rusting. Rub it over the blades with a cloth. The same can be done on the pivot point if the scissors are starting to become bothersome to open and close as a little oil can help to loosen things up a bit.

Wipe your scissors after every use, especially if you are cutting materials that leave a residue on the blade.

It doesn’t matter what type of knife you need to sharpen – a quality sharpening stone is convenient and can be used on just about any blade. The uses don’t stop there so it can be an important tool to have around. The better products are so convenient they can be taken on a camping trip without weighing you down.

However, some are just made to be a bit higher in quality than others which is why it is difficult to know what the best sharpening stones should look like. To help clear a few things up, and make this purchase a simple one, we have created our list of the best available products. Any of these will help you take your blades from dull to as good as new.

List of the Best Sharpening Stones

Editor’s Choice: Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone

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This is not only one of the best sharpening stones available, but it seems to be one of the most popular products around. It is hard to find anyone who has anything bad to say about it which is a testament to the build quality and materials. Not only does it come with a dual-sided whetstone that has different grit ratings of 1,000 and 6,000 to help you to sharpen then polish the blade, but it also has a bamboo base.

This is what helps to keep it in place thanks to the non-slip material. With an angle guide included, it is durable and known for lasting a long time so use it on your hunting knife, pocket knife, cleaver knife, sushi knife, steak knife, and just about any other type of blade.

What we liked about it

• Two grit ratings of 1,000 and 6,000
• Sturdy bamboo base
• Includes angle guide
• Easy to use
• Non-slip base

Best Affordable: Lansky Puck – Dual Grit Multi-Purpose Sharpener

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The contoured shape of this puck design sharpening stone makes it easy to get a dull knife back to a former glory and is a favorite of many. It can be used on a variety of blades, even ax’s despite being small in size. This is actually one of the major benefits of using this sharpening stone – it fits into your pocket nicely and is easy to grip in your palm so you can stay safe when using it.

The design is great because it offers both a coarse grit of 120 for sharpening tools and blades, then a medium grot of 280 to polish so you’ll only need this one neat sharpening stone for all your needs. If you had to pick a downside then it would be that it doesn’t come with a base but there is little else to fault here.

What we liked about it

• Dual grit for shaping and polish
• Can sharpen a variety of blades
• Easy to hold

Best For Versatility: DMT W6EFC Three 6-Inch Diamond Whetstone Models

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In a way, this neatly packaged product looks so good it would make a great gift but if you need a quality sharpening stone for yourself, then it is worth looking at. There are three different stones included which have their own uses so you can move between the coarse whetstone to restore a dull blade and make it sharper, a fine whetstone to keep the blade extra sharp or the extra-fine whetstone that will help to polish the blade.

The quality is in the mono-crystalline diamond surfaces making them durable so you know they will last a long time. You don’t have to use water to get the benefits and never need to keep oil around and make a mess.

What we liked about it

• Quality whetstone material
• 3 sharpening options
• Makes a great gift
• Can be used dry
• Grit rating of 325, 600, & 100

Best For Convenience: Dan’s Whetstone Company (Ultra Fine) Pocket Knife Sharpening Stone

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Being able to take your sharpening stone anywhere is a big plus so when you see the quality as well as the convenient size of this ultra-fine product, it’s hard to not be impressed. It is the go-to sharpening stone of many professionals including chefs and woodworkers because of its quality and are quarried in central Arkansas, in the Ouachita Mountains.

With an incredibly hard surface and a grit range of 5,000 – 8,000, it comes with an eye-catching leather pouch that makes it easy to keep in your pocket and prevents any mess. The best way to use them is alongside a honing oil to prevent clogging only using light pressure.

What we liked about it

• Quality whetstone
• Leather pouch is well made
• Grit range of 5,000 – 8,000

Best With Pouch: Fallkniven CC4 Ceramic Whetstone Sharpener W/Leather Pouch

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The slick design of this whetstone sharpener is what first catches the eye and the leather pouch only adds to the appeal. Anyone looking for an easy to use sharpening stone will appreciate the fact that you do not need to apply lubrication before using this product.

Made from synthetic materials it has a dual-sided sharpening surface that includes one white side of 2,000 grit ceramic stone that is super fine for a smooth finish after you have sharpened on the darker 1,000 grit side made of synthetic sapphires. Although you don’t need to use oil or water to use this stone sharpener, it is never a bad idea to give them a clean now and then after using this neat whetstone.

What we liked about it

• No lubrication required
• Dual grit sides of 1,000 & 2,000
• Compact and comes with leather pouch

Best Tri-Hone: Smith’s TRI-6 Arkansas TRI-HONE Sharpening Stones System

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When you need to sharpen different blades you need a variety of stone options and this is exactly what you get with this product. You can choose from any of the rotating sides that range from 400, 600, 1,000 & 1,200 grit and because it comes with a mini bench it is one of the most convenient ways of sharpening a blade.

The non-slip base makes it safe by keeping it sturdy and it is easy to switch between the stones because of the different colors. There is a sharpening angle guide to make sure you get the exact angle you need as well as an oil trough that is built into the device to make sure clean up is as easy as sharpening.

What we liked about it

• Wide grit range
• Easy to use
• Sharpening angle guide

Sharpening Stone Guide

No matter what type of blade you own, there will come a point where you can no longer work with it until you have a sharpening stone. They are simple so you would imagine that it is easy to find a quality product right? Well, this isn’t always the case which is why it is important to make sure you know what to expect from a sharpening stone.

The better products tick certain boxes and to help you make a sensible decision, we have created the following buyer’s guide to keep your mind and your blades sharp.

What To Look For In Sharpening Stones

Natural Materials

These are better wearing and of a higher quality but do come at a price. Most people tend to think it is worth the investment as they allow you to create a sharper edge in your blades. One of the most common and popular natural stones is Arkansas stone. Otherwise known as novaculite it is one of the toughest stones and well suited to particularly dull blades.

Dual Grits

If you don’t buy a sharpening stone with dual grits you might need to buy more than one. This is because the dual sides often come with a low grit level and a high one. These are used to sharpen then polish the blade so having everything you need in one stone is preferrable.

Sturdy Base

Not all sharpening stones come with a sturdy base but it can make sharpening safe and easier for some people. The alternative is to hold the stone in your hand whilst sharpening and although an experienced might use this method, it is not for everyone. A sharpening stone that fits into a non-slip base will help to make the process easier.

Multiple Uses

Because a lot of people want to sharpen multiple knives, the sharpening stone needs to be versatile. There is no point in buying a compact product that can’t be used on your kitchen knives or other blades after you’ve used it to sharpen your pocket knife.

Size

When it comes to a sharpening stone, size matters. You need it to be wide enough to accommodate your blade with ample room. Check the size of the blade you are looking to sharpen or consider the other tools you might want to use it for before purchasing. After you have the right one, use long, slow motions to pass the blade over and let the stone do all the hard work.

Value

The best thing about a sharpening stone is that because they are simple devices, it doesn’t cost a lot of money to get a quality product. However, a sharpening stone is only worth buying if it has the quality to sharpen a blade in just a few strokes, and lasts a long time.

What Grit Is Best For A Sharpening Stone?

This depends on the stage you are at as those who want to sharpen a blunt or dull blade will need to use a coarser stone which means a lower grit. When it comes to polishing, the higher grit levels help you to create the perfect finish. Use a grit level of around 300 – 400 to sharpen and 1,000 and above to polish.

Oil Vs Water

To stop particles from building up on the blade and getting in the way of where the stone needs to sharpen, a lot of people use a lubricant. Various oils are popular and some people even use household items such as baby oil to keep the area clear from debris.

Water is also commonly used and some stones make it a requirement. This means soaking the stone for a while (usually no more than 10 minutes) before using but this variety of sharpening stones tends to wear a lot faster. Still, they will often be cheaper than other types and when looking for a sharpening stone you can use in the field, it is a lot easier to get your hands on some water than oil.

Ceramic Sharpening Stones

These are becoming more and more common in kitchens and other professional places because they are convenient to use. Because they do not require water they are good for those who need to sharpen on the go so a chef can get back to their meal prep with a razor sharp knife.

You’ll find them in a variety of grits and made with aluminum oxide.

Bench Stone Vs Pocket Stone

As you might expect, a bench stone has a larger surface and is better suited to bigger blades. They’re not as convenient as a pocket stone but because of the added weight, they tend to be sturdier.

The benefit of using a pocket stone is that it is easily portable so is great for taking into the field but it is hard to maintain a constant angle compared to a bench stone.

What Is The Best Sharpening Stone For A Beginner?

When it comes to handling knives, a beginner should use a sharpening stone that keeps things simple. This means you will want a stone that is easy to handle and doesn’t require lubrication.

If you have to constantly stay on top of flattening or soaking the stone you might lose patience with it and use it less often than you should. When you know what you are doing, it can be a good time to change to a more advanced stone that requires some maintenance, but it isn’t necessary.

What Is A Whetstone?

Whetstone or water stone is just another name for a sharpening stone. They can sharpen a variety of blades and tools so anything from a pair of scissors to razors can benefit from a whetstone.

Whatever you want to call it, if you have tools and blades that you use often, you can preserve their lifespan by keeping them sharp. With an effective whetstone or sharpening stone, you can keep them in great condition for some time.

If you’re looking for a pocket knife sharpener then check out my reviews and tips on this article.

It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing outside, there is always a need for an ice cube in a drink. Even when the weather is cold, you never know when you might need to out ice on a child’s wound or in a cocktail when entertaining. The best ice cube trays are not made the same as the cheaper options and it is important to find one that is easy to get the cubes out of.

This is easier said than done and many of the better products have other conveniences. Still, to make sure you find a product that ticks all the right boxes, and make life a little easier, we have created the following list of the best ice cube trays.

List of the Best Ice Cube Trays

Editor’s Choice: OXO Good Grips Covered Ice Cube Tray

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A favorite in many freezers around the world, OXO are known for making quality products which means this should come as no surprise. Their covered ice cube trays are great for stacking multiple trays at one time so you can save space and not affect the water before it freezes. The covers also keeps everything fresh so if you are freezing meats or anything with a strong odor, the ice will not absorb any of it.

The rounded shape of the ice cubes are important as this makes them easier to remove and the quality materials are also dishwasher safe to keep everything hygienic. You get two in a pack to add to the value and when you are transferring the tray with fresh water, you’ll be thankful for the lids as they stop you from spilling the contents.

What we liked about it

• Good value
• Lid keeps everything hygienic
• Rounded shape
• Stackable

Best Flexible: Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Mold Trays

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These BPA-free silicon ice cube trays not only look great but are easy to use. A lot of people comment on the perfect cube design as it is something you don’t always get from an ice mold and the super flexible silicon makes it easy to push the cubes out without worrying about breaking any plastics.

The quality of the multiple colors is great and they won’t fade over time, instead, they maintain their vibrancy and are dishwasher safe. They come in a set of two and make 15 perfect cubes in each one. The food-grade silicon is durable and will never crack or shard so are considered safer to use than a lot of the alternatives.

What we liked about it

• Great color options
• Big cubes
• Easy to remove cubes

Best Affordable: Airabc Ice Cube Trays 4 Pack

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known for being easy to release, this 4-pack of ice cube trays represents great value. They allow you to stockpile the ice in your freezer so when you are entertaining, you aren’t caught short. The lid is easy to attach and remove which makes it easy to transport the fresh water from the tap to the freezer without worrying about spillages.

The silicon material moves easily so you can push out the ice without worrying about breaking the ice cube tray in half. They don’t stick to the surface of the freezer and can be put in the dishwasher to make them easy to clean. The lids make them stackable which is ideal when you are using all 4 and with 14 cubes in a tray you are getting a good amount for when the summer months kick in.

What we liked about it

• Good value
• Easy to remove the cubes
• Don’t stick to the freezer

Best Novelty: Ice Cube Trays Diamond Ice Cube Molds

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Putting the fun into entertaining these unique diamond shaped ice molds are great for breaking the ice at a party! The BPA-free molds come with a funnel to make it easy to pour the water in and once they have frozen, they are easy to remove thanks to the flexible silicone.

They look great and dilute slowly and can be put through the dishwasher and with a removable lid, they keep out doors and prevent spills. The diamonds are small but look great, an excellent novelty ice cube tray.

What we liked about it

• Unique diamond shape
• Easy to remove
• Comes with funnel

Best Ice Ball Mold: Silicone Ice Sphere Molds

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These silicone molds might look like a novelty, with their perfect sphere ice but they are built to last and have a unique design. The large ball shapes keep drinks cooler for longer and are ideal for whiskey drinkers, making it an excellent gift. It comes with inverts to make it easy to remove the ball once the water has frozen and the two you get in a pack are stackable to create more space.

The BPA-free materials feel quality and once you see the sphere in a cup, you’ll see why so many people say it impresses their guests. The 2 inch balls create less dilution and the eye-catching red design of the mold are dishwasher safe making them easy to clean.

What we liked about it

• Unique design
• Easy to clean
• Good value compared to the competition

Best Variety: Ice Cube Trays Silicone Set of 2

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The appeal with this purchase is being able to choose from a sphere ice ball and a perfect cube. Both are reliable and easy to remove from the food-grade silicone trays and the slick black design looks good. The molds are BPA-free making them safe to use and make large pieces of ice every time which means they don’t dilute so quickly.

The soft design of the trays makes it easy for you to remove the ice once it has frozen and you don’t have to worry about brittle plastic because of the flexible material. They have a wide range of uses with everything from popsicles to fruit jellies and offer you a way of creating unique ice that will turn a few heads when entertaining.

What we liked about it

• Cubed and spherical ice
• Easy to remove
• BPA-free silicone

Ice Cube Tray Guide

They might seem like something that is hard to get wrong but ice cube trays have come a long way. Now, you can get them in sorts of shapes and sizes, differing materials and added features. A lot of people just want volume, but it is not always easy to find a product that will last a long time.

To help clarify some of the things you should consider when buying ice cube trays, we have created the following guide to make this purchase an easy one.

What To Look For In Ice Cube Trays

Capacity

This will be less important to those who want to pick up a novelty ice cube tray but if you are thinking about that party you have lined up, the more ice cubes you can make the better. There are some products with a capacity of over 50 per tray whilst some people prefer bigger cubes. That brings us to…

Cube Size

Larger ice cubes have many advantages. Not only do they dilute slower, keeping your drink stronger and tasting better but you don’t need to remove as many at a time. The larger cubes often mean you only need one per drink.

Easy Removal

When it comes to ice cube trays, the biggest convenience is in how easy they are to remove. Silicone ice cube trays are often best for this although some plastic options have silicone bases to help you push the ice out easily. Be careful when using a plastic ice cube tray as they can be brittle and will often crack or break when bent.

Lids

Not everyone will have used an ice cube tray with a lid before but the benefits are what make them so popular. Not only does it make it easier to transport the tray from the sink to the freezer without spilling but once sealed, they prevent odors from getting into the ice. This means it doesn’t matter what you put in the freezer, they will keep the ice fresh.

On top of this, ice cube trays with lids are stackable so you can save on space and fit more into your freezer.

Fun

This isn’t for everyone although they do make great gifts, a novelty ice cube tray adds a bit of fun to a drink. You can get them in a variety of designs from perfect spheres to diamonds. The main compromise with these is volume as you usually only get 4 – 6 shapes per pack.

With unique shapes, it is often good to make sure they come with a funnel as there will be a small hole to pour into.

Scent-Free

Some ice cube trays look appealing on paper but when it comes to using them, they can leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Sometimes, it is best to avoid disreputable brands because the materials they use aren’t food grade or safe.

Even the safer materials can need a good cleaning before they are used for the first time to make sure you don’t experience a strong taste in your drink.

Safe Materials

Because most ice cube trays tend to be made from some form of plastic of silicone, it is important to make sure they are BPA-free and food-grade. This will stop you from absorbing harmful chemicals and is especially important when preparing drinks for younger members of your household.

Some products are known for being cheaply made which will often mean you will have to buy new ones before to long. Both plastic and silicone tend to be durable if you use them properly although some companies tend to scrimp on quality materials – avoid these!

Big Ice Vs Small Ice

When it comes to drinks, the bigger the ice cube the better. This is why you will often see some of the hip bars in town using spherical shapes and large ones at that. Not only do they dilute slower but they keep your drink cooler for longer.

This is the main benefit with larger ice cubes but it does mean you need a lot more trays when entertaining. There is something to be said for smaller cubes and getting lots of them when you have guests.

Plastic Vs Silicone Ice Cube Trays

This is one of the main decisions you will have to make but they both have their benefits. A lot of people like the easy of silicone as they are more flexible, often making it easier to remove the ice.

Plastic tends to be cheaper meaning you can get better value although the risk of breaking them is higher so try to avoid twisting a plastic ice cube tray. However, you don’t often get a lid with silicone options which can make it harder to avoid spillages.

Different Uses For Ice Cube Trays

One of the best things about buying a new ice cube tray is the number of options you get. They have many uses beyond ice and can be used to freeze stock, popsicles, alcoholic drinks, juice, smoothies, fresh herbs, baby food, caramelized onions, and loads more.

With so many shapes and sizes, quantities and materials, it can be hard to find a quality product. Stick to the above and you’ll get your hands on an ice cube tray that lasts for many years.