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KitchenIQ 50009 2-Stage vs. Mueller 4-Stage Manual Sharpener Side-by-Side Comparison

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KitchenIQ 50009

$9.22 from Amazon

Mueller 4-Stage

Check Price on Amazon
KitchenIQ 50009 2-Stage vs. Mueller 4-Stage Manual Sharpener: Side-by-Side Comparison

Overall Verdict

The KitchenIQ 50009 and the Mueller 4-stage manual sharpeners are both decently built devices, and they differ as much in functionality as their looks suggest.

The KitchenIQ 50009 features a small, compact body with an ‘edge grip’ base that allows it to attach firmly to the edge of your countertop when sharpening. Its working section sports tungsten carbide blades for sharpening and ceramic rods for honing. 

Unfortunately, probably due to their modest sizes, these abrasives didn’t perform very well in our tests: They removed a lot of knife material but took way too much time to sharpen. The sharpness level was mediocre, though serviceable. The knife edge was left with more deformities than typically expected.

Despite having three sharpening slots for knives, the Mueller wasn’t any kinder to the edge; however, it sharpened faster and more effectively. With its large, ergonomic handle, the sharpener is easier and safer to work with. We didn’t test the scissor slot, but it can be handy for those who use kitchen shears.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Easy storage
  • Affordable price 
  • Base works on both counter edge and flat surfaces 
  • Simple, sturdy design
  • Strong construction, pretty coloring
  • Quick sharpening
  • Scissor slot
  • Ease of use
  • Awkward small size
  • Long sharpening time
  • High center of gravity
  • Harsh on the knife edge

Key Specs

Stages
2
3
Scissor sharpener
No
Yes
Abrasives
Tungsten carbide, ceramic
Diamond, tungsten carbide, ceramic
Grit size
Coarse, Fine
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Dimensions
L3.7 x W2.1 x H1.8 inches
L9.3 x W1.8 x H3.1 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$10.67
$12.35
$9.22 at Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
4.3
6.7

Sharpening Time to Cut a Lemon

1.0
8.8
Sharpening Time
3 minutes 35 seconds
1 minute 15 seconds
Cutting Feel
Swift and smooth
Swift and smooth

Material Retention

6.0
5.0
Top view of a bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the KitchenIQ sharpener
Top view of a bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the KitchenIQ sharpener
Metal residue on the abrasive slots on the KitchenIQ knife 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

6.0
8.0
Sharpening Time
6 minutes
6 minutes
Sharpness Level
7 (ripe tomatoes, 1 swipe)
8 (Chicken breast with skin, 1 swipe)

Edge Smoothness

6.5
4.0
Close up view of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the KitchenIQ 50009
Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and knife edge after sharpening with the Mueller knife sharpener

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.1
9.1

In the Box

The KitchenIQ 50009 sharpener on its side next to its package
The Mueller 4-stage knife sharpener lying next to its package box, user guide, and promotion leaflets

Dimensions

The KitchenIQ 50009 handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions
The Mueller handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions.
Length
3.7" (9.4 cm)
9.3" (23.6 cm)
Width
2.0" (5.1 cm)
1.8" (4.6 cm)
Height
1.8" (4.6 cm)
3.1" (7.9 cm)
Weight
2.0 oz (57 g)
8.6 oz (244 g)

Build Quality

8.7
9.1
The KitchenIQ Edge Grip knife sharpener in an open hand
The Mueller sharpener standing on a surface

Working Section

The Kitchen IQ’s working section, with a Coarse slot and a Fine slot
The Kitchen IQ’s working section, with a Coarse slot and a Fine slot
The KitchenIQ’s working section from above
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, Fine
Sharpen (slot 1, 2, 3), Hone (slot 4)
Abrasive
Tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods
Tungsten carbide blades, diamond rods, ceramic rods
Mechanism
Pull through
Pull through
Sharpening Angle
20 degrees
20 degree

Base

KitchenIQ 50009 Base
The Mueller sharpener lying on a surface with its base in full view
Material
Silicone
ABS plastic
Feet Type
Edge gripper
Anti-slip rubber pads

Grip

6.5
9.0
The grip of the KitchenIQ edge grip sharpener
The grip of the Mueller steel knife sharpener and part of its body
Material
Silicone
ABS plastic and rubber

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.2
8.2

Slot Arrangement

7.0
7.0
The working section on the KitchenIQ 50009, with one Coarse slot and one Fine slot
The working section on the Mueller handheld sharpener, with 1 slot for scissors and slots 2, 3, 4 for knives

Insertion

7.0
9.0
A knife being sharpened with the KitchenIQ, the sharpener being held in one hand
Top view of a kitchen knife in one of the Mueller’s abrasive slots, the sharpener being held by one hand

Pulling Through

7.0
7.5
2 hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Mueller sharpener

Stability on a Clean Surface

10
8.5
Two hands holding and sharpening a knife with the KitchenIQ on a countertop edge
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

7.0
8.0
Two hands holding and sharpening a knife with the KitchenIQ on a salt-sprinkled countertop
A kitchen knife being sharpened with the Mueller sharpener on a countertop sprinkled with salt particles