Slicing a tomato with a dull knife is frustrating. You press harder, and instead of a clean slice, you squash it. Worse, dull knives are more dangerous because they slip. If you’re like me who loves cooking but hates sharpening . then the Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener might be the quick fix you’ve been waiting for.
In this review, I’ll walk you through everything from unboxing to performance tests. You’ll learn what it does well, what to watch out for, and who it’s best suited for.
What is the Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener?
The Presto 08800 EverSharp is a compact, two-stage electric knife sharpener designed for non-serrated kitchen and sport knives. It uses Sapphirite grinding wheels, the same hard material used in professional sharpening shops.
Key Specs:
- Voltage: 120V AC
- Weight: 2.95 lbs
- Material: Plastic body, Sapphirite wheels
- Size: 9.9″L x 7.2″W x 4.8″H
Who Should Use the Presto EverSharp?
Honestly, this sharpener is great for:
- Home cooks who want sharp knives without much effort
- Beginners who don’t know sharpening angles
- Busy families looking for quick kitchen solutions
- Budget buyers who want quality under $40
Not ideal for:
- Professional chefs
- Japanese knives with 15° angles
- Fully serrated or electric knives
See Our Full Guide Best Knife Sharpeners (2025) Real Tests & Reviews for Home Cooks
Unboxing and First Use: What to Expect
Is It Easy to Set Up?
Absolutely. I just pulled it out of the box, plugged it in, and it was ready. No complicated setup or tools.Just plug and play. Even my neighbor, who’s not tech-savvy, had no trouble.
First Impressions and Build
Here’s the thing . I expected the plastic to feel cheap, but it actually held up better than expected. It’s light but surprisingly sturdy. Once placed on the counter, the non-slip suction cup base kept it rock solid . even when I applied pressure during sharpening.
See Our Full Guide To The Best ELectric Carving Knife Tested And Review
What’s Included in the Box?
- Presto EverSharp unit
- Instruction manual
That’s it. No fancy accessories, but honestly, you don’t need them.
How Does the Presto EverSharp Sharpen Knives?
A Simple 2-Stage Process
- Stage 1 – Coarse Grinding: The Sapphirite wheel reshapes a dull edge.
- Stage 2 – Fine Honing: Polishes the edge for razor sharpness.
Each stage has two slots. You draw the blade through each slot slowly 2–3 times. The blade guides hold your knife at the correct angle (around 20°), so there’s no guesswork.
How Long Does It Take?
It took me less than 2 minutes to bring a dull 8-inch chef’s knife back to life. I tested it right after slicing a butternut squash, and the difference was night and day.
Knife Compatibility and Performance Results
Best Knives to Use With This Sharpener
- Chef’s knives
- Utility knives
- Paring knives
- Hunting or sport knives
Works with stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy blades.
What It Doesn’t Handle
- Fully serrated knives
- Japanese knives with 15° bevels
- Ceramic blades
- Scissors
Performance Results
I ran my old chef’s knife through the sharpener ,it hadn’t been touched in months. After just 3 passes in each slot, it cut through a ripe tomato with zero resistance. I also tried it on a hunting knife that couldn’t even cut paper. Now it glides through cardboard.
How Loud Is It and Is It Safe to Use?
Noise Level
It’s about as loud as a slow blender. Not annoying, but not silent either. I could still talk to someone while sharpening.
Safety Features
- Enclosed sharpening wheels (no risk of touching abrasives)
- Suction cup base for stability
- Blade guides to prevent mistakes
Cleaning and Maintenance
There are two small trays underneath that catch metal shavings. I pull them out and wipe the unit with a cloth after every few uses.
Durability & Warranty
I’ve been using mine weekly for three months. It still works like day one. For everyday kitchen use, it’s dependable. Comes with a 1-year limited warranty too.
How Does It Compare to Other Electric Knife Sharpeners?
| Feature | Presto EverSharp | Narcissus Sharpener | Northmas Sharpener | Meistermade Pro |
| Stages | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Abrasive Material | Sapphirite | Stainless Steel | Plastic | 100% Diamond |
| Serrated Knife Support | Limited | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Price | ~$37 | ~$34 | ~$25 | ~$59 |
| Build Quality | Basic | Metal | Plastic | Premium |
| Adjustable Angle? | No | No | No | No |
View Presto 08800 EverSharp Amazon
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Pros
- Very easy to use (perfect for beginners)
- Works fast . sharpens a knife in under 2 minutes
- Compact and fits in kitchen drawers
- Built-in guides prevent angle errors
Cons
- Not for serrated or Japanese-style knives
- Plastic body feels basic
- Only one fixed sharpening angle
What Do Users Say? How Does It Work
When I review a product,I don’t share personal experience . I also research and analyse other users’ reviews and ratings. what actually they faces.With 18,000+ reviews and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, this sharpener clearly has a loyal fanbase.
One reviewer even wrote, “It brought my 10-year-old knives back from the dead.” I felt the same . My backup chef’s knife now cuts like it did when new. So think, what you are getting
View Presto 08800 EverSharp Amazon
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
If you’re tired of dull knives and want a quick, affordable solution, the Presto 08800 EverSharp is a smart pick. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done for everyday kitchen use.
In my experience, it’s best for beginners, seniors, and anyone who wants sharp knives without mastering sharpening skills.
My Rating: 4.5 / 5
FAQs
1. Can I use this on Japanese knives with a 15° edge?
No. This sharpener uses a fixed 20° angle, not suitable for most Japanese knives.
2. How often should I sharpen my knives?
Every 1–2 months for regular use, or when the blade feels dull.
3. Does it work on scissors or cleavers?
No. It’s designed for straight-edged, non-serrated knives only.
4. Is it safe for elderly users?
Yes. There’s no guesswork or pressure required . very beginner-friendly.
5. How do I clean it?
Just empty the metal filings tray and wipe it with a cloth.
