How to maintain an electric knife sharpener ? Full Guide

A clean, well-kept electric knife sharpener keeps your knives sharp and safe. I’ve used many types, from basic models to top brands like Chef’s Choice and Work Sharp knife systems. With good care, your sharpening tool can work well for many years.

Many people buy a good sharpener but forget to take care of it. This guide will show you how to keep your sharpening machine in top shape. When your sharpener works well, your kitchen knives will stay sharp, making cooking easier and safer.

Know Your Sharpener

Electric knife sharpeners come in many types. Most use spinning wheels or belts to sharpen blades. These wheels have different grits – rough to smooth – to fix dull edges and make them shine.

Some brands like Chef Schoice use diamond bits. The Work Sharp knife system uses belts instead. The more you know about your tool, the better you can care for it.

Main parts in most electric sharpeners:

• Wheels or belts that sharpen
• Motor
• Guides for the knife
• Outer case
• Tray that catches metal bits

Each part needs care. For example, a Wusthof sharpener has guides that must stay clean so your chef knife sharpens right.

Easy Cleaning Steps

Quick Daily Clean

After each use:

1. Unplug the sharpener for safety
2. Wipe the outside with a dry cloth
3. Brush away metal bits from slots
4. Turn it over and tap gently to shake out loose bits

This quick step keeps your sharpening tool ready to use.

Monthly Deep Clean

Once a month:

1. Unplug and take apart any parts that come off
2. Empty the tray that catches metal bits
3. Use a small brush to clean tight spots
4. Blow out stuck bits with canned air
5. Wipe all parts with a barely damp cloth
6. Let it dry fully before putting it back together

Many Sharp Culinary and Chef’s Choice models have trays you can remove for easy cleaning. Check your manual for steps for your best knife sharpener.

Smart Care Tips

Check Often

Every few months, look for:

• Worn wheels or belts
• Loose screws
• Frayed cords
• Strange sounds
• Crooked guides

Finding problems early keeps your kitchen knives safe and your sharpener working right.

Oil When Needed

Some sharpeners need oil on moving parts. The Chef’s Choice manual will tell you if yours does. Never put oil on the wheels or belts – it will ruin them.

If your model needs oil:

1. Use only the oil type they suggest
2. Put tiny drops only where told
3. Wipe off any extra oil

Store It Right

Where you keep your sharpening machine matters:

• Keep it dry
• Put it where it won’t fall
• Don’t pull the cord tight
• Use a cover if your kitchen gets dusty

Good storage helps your Work Sharp knife sharpener last longer.

Fixing Common Problems

When It’s Not Working Right

If your sharpener isn’t working well, check:

• Is it plugged in tight?
• Are the slots clogged?
• Are the wheels worn out?
• Is the motor too hot?
• Are the guides bent?

If your Chef’s Choice makes odd noises, it might need cleaning or have a loose part. Unplug, check all parts, and clean it before you try again.

Quick Fixes

You can fix many issues:

• Clogged slots? Use air or a brush
• Uneven sharpening? Clean the guides
• Burning smell? Turn it off and let it cool

The best electric sharpeners are made to last, but they need this basic care.

When to Get Help

Some problems need expert help:

• Sparks or cord damage
• Motor not working or still smelling hot after cooling
• Broken parts inside
• Damaged wheels that need new ones

Call the maker if your sharpening system is still under warranty. Brands like Wusthof and Chef Schoice often help fix their products.

Make Your Sharpener Last

Use It Right

How you use your sharpening machine affects how long it lasts:

1. Follow the guide for how fast to pull knives through
2. Don’t push down hard
3. Clean knives before sharpening
4. Let the motor rest if doing lots of knives
5. Use the right setting for how dull your knife is

Good form helps both your knives and sharpener last longer.

Care Schedule

Try this simple care plan:

• After each use: Quick wipe down
• Weekly: Empty trays
• Monthly: Deep clean
• Every 3 months: Full check
• Yearly: See if parts need replacing

This care keeps your chef knife and other kitchen knives sharp for years.

Finding New Parts

Even the best knife sharpeners need new parts sometimes:

• Wheels or belts wear down
• Springs and guides can break
• Power switches may stop working

Many makers sell new parts. Fixing your sharpener is often much cheaper than buying a new one.

Wrap-Up

Taking care of your electric knife sharpener is easy but vital. Clean it often, store it right, and use it with care. This will keep your sharpening machine working well for a long time.

A well-kept sharpener means your kitchen knives will always be ready for cooking. Sharp knives make cooking safer and more fun.

Remember:

• Clean after use
• Check for worn parts often
• Follow the maker’s tips
• Fix small problems fast

With these simple steps, your Wusthof, Chef’s Choice, or Work Sharp knife sharpener will keep your chef knife and all your kitchen knives sharp and ready to use.