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Kitchellence 3-Stage vs Mueller 4-Stage Sharpener Side-by-Side Comparison

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Kitchellence 3-Stage vs Mueller 4-Stage Sharpener: Edge Integrity vs. Speed

Overall Verdict

The Kitchellence 3-stage and the Mueller 4-stage sharpeners are well-built devices. The former has a solid construction with a nice finish while the latter has a sizable body with an extra slot for shears and scissors.

Both would benefit from a lower working section, though the Kitchellence does better in terms of balance, thanks to a metal plate near the base that adds weight and stabilizes it.

The Mueller can sharpen faster and to a higher level of sharpness. The Kitchellence, on the other hand, is much gentler to the edge. 

Your choice between the two thus comes down to what your priority is: If you don't mind spending more time to get a smoother edge, get the Kitchellence. If speed is important, go with the Mueller.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to use, intuitive design
  • Soft, comfortable finish
  • Extra weight near the base for stability
  • Affordable price
  • Included glove for added safety
  • Strong construction, pretty coloring
  • Quick sharpening
  • Scissor slot
  • Ease of use
  • Tapered base 
  • Awkward base pad
  • High center of gravity
  • Harsh on the knife edge

Key Specs

Stages
3
3
Scissor sharpener
No
Yes
Abrasives
diamond, tungsten carbide, ceramic
Diamond, tungsten carbide, ceramic
Grit size
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Dimensions
L8.1 x W1.8 x H3.0 inches
L9.3 x W1.8 x H3.1 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$22.80
$12.35

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.9
6.7

Sharpening Time to Cut a Lemon

4.8
8.8
Sharpening Time
2m 05s
1 minute 15 seconds
Cutting Feel
Swift and smooth
Swift and smooth

Material Retention

9.0
5.0
Medal residue on two abrasive slots on the Kitchellence knife sharpener
Medal residue on two abrasive slots on the Kitchellence knife sharpener
A bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the base of the Kitchellence sharpener
Metal sharpening residue in a bowl
Metal sharpening residue in a bowl
Medal dust on the abrasive slots of the Mueller steel knife sharpener
Sharpening Time
1 minute
1 minute
Target Sharpness

Maximum Sharpness Achieved

7.0
8.0
Sharpening Time
6 minutes
6 minutes
Sharpness Level
8
8 (Chicken breast with skin, 1 swipe)

Edge Smoothness

7.7
4.0
Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the Kitchellence 3-stage knife sharpener
Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and knife edge after sharpening with the Mueller knife sharpener

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.2
9.1

In the Box

The Kitchellence knife sharpener, its package box, instruction manual, and included safety glove
The Mueller 4-stage knife sharpener lying next to its package box, user guide, and promotion leaflets

Dimensions

The Kitchellence knife sharpener and arrows and figures showing its dimensions
The Mueller handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions.
Length
8.1" (20.6 cm)
9.3" (23.6 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.6 cm)
1.8" (4.6 cm)
Height
3.0" (7.6 cm)
3.1" (7.9 cm)
Weight
6.4 oz (181 g)
8.6 oz (244 g)

Build Quality

9.3
9.1
The base and separated working section of the Kitchellence, and a glove, all on a cutting board
The Mueller sharpener standing on a surface

Working Section

The working section of the Kitchellence with 3 abrasive slots on a frame and part of its handle and base
The working section of the Mueller with 4 abrasive slots on a frame and part of its handle and base
The working section of the Mueller with 4 abrasive slots on a frame and part of its handle and base
Top view of the abrasive slots of the Mueller handheld sharpener, with scissor slot, tungsten blades, diamond rods, and ceramic rods
Levels of Sharpening
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Sharpen (slot 1, 2, 3), Hone (slot 4)
Abrasive
Diamond rods, tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods
Tungsten carbide blades, diamond rods, ceramic rods
Mechanism
Pull-through
Pull through
Sharpening Angle
20 degrees
20 degree

Base

The Kitchellence 3-stage sharpener lying upside down, its base and base pads in full view
The Mueller sharpener lying on a surface with its base in full view
Material
ABS plastic
ABS plastic
Feet Type
non-slip rubber base
Anti-slip rubber pads

Grip

9.0
9.0
The grip of the Kitchellence sharpener and part of its base and abrasives.
The grip of the Mueller steel knife sharpener and part of its body
Material
ABS plastic
ABS plastic and rubber

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.1
8.2

Slot Arrangement

10
7.0
The working section on the Kitchellence, with 3 slots featuring diamond rods, tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods
The working section on the Mueller handheld sharpener, with 1 slot for scissors and slots 2, 3, 4 for knives

Insertion

9.0
9.0
Top view of two hands sharpening a knife with the Kitchellence on cutting board, lemon and tomato slices in background
Top view of a kitchen knife in one of the Mueller’s abrasive slots, the sharpener being held by one hand

Pulling Through

9.5
7.5
2 hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Mueller sharpener

Stability on a Clean Surface

9.0
8.5
a person wearing a glove in one hand sharpening a kitchen knife with the Kitchellence on a countertopa person wearing a glove in one hand sharpening a kitchen knife with the Kitchellence on a countertop
1 hand holding a knife and sharpening it with the Mueller on a countertop, the Mueller held in another hand

Stability on a Wet and Dirty Surface

7.5
8.0
a person wearing a glove in one hand sharpening a kitchen knife with the Kitchellence on a salt-sprinkled countertop
A kitchen knife being sharpened with the Mueller sharpener on a countertop sprinkled with salt particles