Thanksgiving turkey isn’t finished when it comes out of the oven—before anyone can dig in, it must be carved. While a quality chef’s knife can do the trick, if you want something with a little more power, you can’t beat one of the best electric knives. Featuring two serrated blades that saw back and forth, electric knives make quick, clean work of slicing through everything from roasts to crusty bread. For precise and comfortable cutting, our favorite is the Black+Decker Electric Carving Knife, but any of the electric knives on this list are more than worth the cupboard space.

The electric knife from Black+Decker is the best you can buy, thanks to its stainless steel blades ... [+] and ergonomic handle. Horizontal Slicing Machine For Sponge

Whereas electric knives in years past were often loud, imprecise and bulky, modern models are quiet and ergonomic—and most importantly, capable of producing accurate cuts. Plus, they’re versatile. Though electric knives are often associated with Thanksgiving, quality options are great for filleting fish, carving prime rib, and slicing soft loaves of bread with ease. That said, some are better at certain tasks at others, which is why it’s important to consider how you’ll typically use the knife before you start shopping.

Below, here are our top picks to buy in 2022.

Blade material: Stainless Steel | Corded: Yes

Black + Decker’s 120-volt electric knife saws quickly and cleanly through turkey, ham, steaks, bread and even foam. It’s also straightforward and painless to use, thanks to its ergonomic handle that lessens hand and wrist fatigue. And when you’re finished slicing, the stainless steel blades are easy to remove and dishwasher safe for simple cleanup. With more than 10,000 positive reviews on Amazon, the electric knife is a certified crowd favorite.

Blade material: Stainless Steel | Corded: Yes

Whether you want thinly sliced tomatoes for a salad or a handsomely carved Christmas ham, Proctor Silex’s electric knife can deliver the goods—and at a very reasonable price. The serrated blades offer precision while the lightweight, contoured handle makes this electric knife a cinch to hold and use. Plus, the extra long cord lets you easily navigate around turkeys and other larger roasts if you’re carving on a crowded table or countertop.

Blade material: Stainless Steel | Corded: No

Free yourself from extra cords in the kitchen or at the table with Elite Gourmet’s rechargeable, cordless electric knife. This knife charges especially quickly (only 90 minutes for 70 minutes of continuous use), and includes two sets of serrated blades that can slice everything from turkey to hard cheeses to vegetables with equal ease.

Blade material: Stainless Steel | Corded: Yes

End a successful day on the water (or at the supermarket fish counter) with Mister Twister’s electric knife. The extra sharp stainless steel blade is specially designed to cleanly fillet fish (though it also works for slicing bread, brisket and other kitchen jobs), and the powerful motor is built to last. Meanwhile, the lightweight, contoured handle keeps hands and wrists comfortable, even when working with larger catches.

Blade material: Stainless Steel | Corded: Yes

Hamilton Beach’s electric knife is versatile—it comes with a stainless steel fork that helps grip turkey or other meats while you slice—but works especially well with bread. Thanks to its sharp micro-serrated blades, this pick can slice everything from crisp baguettes to squishy loaves of white bread without impacting their texture. The blades are also removable, making clean up simple, and the knife comes with a carrying case for easy storage.

Blade material: Stainless Steel | Corded: Yes

For an electric knife that comes with functional bells and whistles, this set from Cuisinart delivers. In addition to the stainless steel knife, it includes a carving fork and a storage tray to keep the pieces neatly together when not in use—and that’s not all. It also comes with a bamboo cutting board, providing you a sturdy surface to slice your turkey, roast or bread. Plus, the knife’s quick-release blade is dishwasher safe, which simplifies cleanup. 

There are a few factors to keep in mind when buying an electric knife, including all of the following:

The price for electric knives ranges from around $15 to $50 for higher-end models and sets. When purchasing an electric knife, think about what you will use it for and how often you plan to use it. If your carving needs are limited to Thanksgiving turkey, you might not need to buy the most expensive model. But if you will use your electric knife often throughout the year - whether for cutting homemade bread, filleting whole fish, or cleanly slicing racks of ribs - consider splurging for the more durable and expensive models.

Electric knives are traditionally made with two connected, serrated blades that move in opposite directions to create a sawing motion that easily cuts through food without having to push down. The blades are almost always serrated to help facilitate even cutting, and made of stainless steel.

Horizontal And Vertical Blade Foam Cutting Machine Nearly every electric knife on the market today comes with some form of locking system, that ensures the knife will not accidentally turn on. For the safest cutting at home, make sure your electric knife includes on of these systems. When using your knife at home, use clean, dry hands as water or oil can make the handles slippery and more difficult to operate safely.