KitchenIQ 50009 Manual vs Chef'sChoice 4643 Manual Side-by-Side Comparison
The KitchenIQ 50009 and Chef'sChoice 4643 Manual Sharpener have more in common than their looks suggest. And neither performed well in our tests.
Specifications
Design
Other than the inadequate size, there’s nothing to complain about in the design of the KitchenIQ. The device is symmetrical, sturdy, and has a decent fit and finish. It’s smart, simple, versatile, and highly function-oriented.
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.
Usability
With only two sharpening slots and a basic design, it doesn’t require a high IQ to understand how the KitchenIQ works. The device’s small size may, however, mean you have to pay extra attention every time you use it or risk hurting yourself by misplacing the knife.
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.
Performance
The KitchenIQ failed the speed test and offered mediocre results in all other performance tests. Its rather small sharpening elements will sharpen your knives enough that you’ll be able to feel the difference, but not significantly. It will shave a lot of metal off your knives and leave a barely passable edge.
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.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Easy storage
- Affordable price
- Base works on both counter edge and flat surfaces
- Simple, sturdy design
- Works with 20° and 15° edges
- Compatible with serrated blades
- Grippy handle
- Neat, ergonomic overall design
- Awkward small size
- Long sharpening time
- Expensive price
- Awkward slot layout
Conclusion
The KitchenIQ 50009 and the Chef'sChoice 4643 Manual Sharpener may look completely different, but they achieved very similar ratings across the different tests we put them through.
Both devices have a strong and robust build. The KitchenIQ is a very compact sharpener that’s designed to stay securely on the edge of the countertop, while the Chef’sChoice has a more substantial size and works well on flat surfaces.
The former sharpens with tungsten carbide and ceramic blades, while the latter depends on diamond sharpening wheels.
And yet they garnered similar performance ratings, as neither went beyond average in our tests. Each took more than 3 minutes in the speed test whereas most others took less than 2 minutes and both are one notch below average in the level of sharpness achieved. Nor did they excel in edge preservation or polishing.
The choice between these two comes down to your personal preference. However, be advised there are better manual sharpeners out there, such as the Cubikook CS-T01 or the PriorityChef 2-stage sharpener.
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.
