Chef's Choice 4643 vs. Mueller 4-Stage Manual Sharpener Side-by-Side Comparison
We compare the Chef’s Choice 4643 3-stage vs. the Mueller 4-stage manual sharpener in all performance parameters. Here are the details.
Specifications
Design
This is the aspect where the Chef’s Choice 4643 really lives up to the brand’s reputation. The sharpener is well-built, ergonomic, and a delight to work with.
Despite its affordable price, the Muller 4-stage sharpener has a strong, solid build, substantial abrasives, and tightly-fitting parts. It has a nice fit and finish and a spacious grip that’s comfortable to the touch. However, a lower working section would offer better control and stability.
Usability
The Chef’s Choice 4643 is one of the safest and most comfortable sharpeners to use. Just make sure you do not sharpen in the wrong slot.
Though the Mueller is a bit tall, it offers decent balance and stability. Its large size and substantial abrasives give you a lot of confidence when sharpening. The slot layout could be improved, in our opinion, but it doesn’t pose much of a problem in terms of usability.
Performance
The Chef’s Choice 4643 gave a subpar performance both in speed and sharpness level. It did not shave off too much steel, but it did not really do anything to the knife’s primary edge either.
It won’t make your knife razor-sharp, but the Mueller takes little time getting a dull edge ready for common cutting tasks in the kitchen. Contrary to its twin, the Longzon, however, it eats away the blade and leaves a rough, uneven edge.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Works with 20° and 15° edges
- Compatible with serrated blades
- Grippy handle
- Neat, ergonomic overall design
- Strong construction, pretty coloring
- Quick sharpening
- Scissor slot
- Ease of use
- Expensive price
- Awkward slot layout
- High center of gravity
- Harsh on the knife edge
Conclusion
The Chef’s Choice 4643 may be double the price of the Mueller 4-stage sharpener but our test results revealed the latter to be the more effective one.
The Chef’s Choice 4643 has a great design. Though lightweight, it sports four rubber feet that keep it well balanced and in place during the hardest pulls. In terms of stability, the Mueller is okay but it does depend on its heavy weight and the tall body doesn’t particularly help either.
That being said, the Mueller fared much better in speed and sharpness. The Chef’s Choice 4643’s unconventional disc design, while performing well at preserving knife material, couldn’t bring a keen edge to it.
Behind the Comparison
Anh Ngo is a writer with 9 years experience at different media outlets, covering from public news and events to product testing and analysis. At HealthyKitchen101, she works across different departments, communicating closely with its network of writers, editors, and health, tech, and search engine experts to provide a meaningful and pleasant reading experience for visitors.
Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.
