Yes, an electric knife is an excellent tool for cutting bread. The rapidly vibrating serrated blades slice cleanly through soft, fluffy loaves without crushing them, and easily power through hard, crusty artisan or sourdough crusts.
Carving electric knives are built for power and control. These are ideal for slicing through large, dense cuts of meat such as turkey, roast beef or ham, or can be used to slice through crusty breads.
The Black+ Decker 9-inch ComfortGrip is the best overall electric bread knife, celebrated for its comfortable design and quiet motor. If you want a complete setup, the Cuisinart Electric Knife Set is a premium alternative that includes a designated bread blade and a wood storage block.
The best knife for cutting bread is a long, serrated bread knife. The saw-like teeth grip hard crusts and slice cleanly through without squishing or tearing the delicate, soft interior (crumb).
Blades: Most electric knives use dual, serrated stainless steel blades that move back and forth next to each other to create clean, even cuts without the elbow grease.
For the most part, folks have simply reverted to traditional methods of carving meat — perhaps due to the improved quality of knives as well as the many types of knives available — but for a time, they were the toast of the town. That said, they are still out there, and the technology has improved.
Yes, you can sharpen electric knife serrated blades. While the serrations make them harder to sharpen than flat blades, you can restore their edge by honing the flat side of the blade with a stone, using a tapered rod in the valleys of the serrations, or using specific electric sharpeners.
A $450 serrated knife may slice a loaf just as cleanly as one that costs less than $50. But the benefits of the more lavish blade—quality, ergonomics, sheer prettiness—might make it worth the expense.
Many home bakers struggle with the difficulty of slicing their freshly baked bread. It's a common pain point that deserves some attention! The electric knife offers a straightforward solution, allowing home chefs to enjoy their delicious sourdough without the hassle.
A bread knife is most commonly referred to as a serrated knife, serrated slicing knife, or bread slicer.
It is an ideal choice for those seeking durability and versatility without overspending. Compared to traditional carving knives, electric knives, especially models like the Cordless Carve offer greater speed, consistency and ease.
WinnerBlack + Decker ComfortGrip 9" Electric Knife
Our top performer carved meat with ease and sliced crusty bread better than most of the other knives, but what really set it apart were its noise level and its comfortable handle.
Key Differences Between a Slicing Knife and a Bread Knife
Slicing knives tend to be more flexible, which makes them great for maneuvering around meats and achieving even cuts. Bread knives are more rigid to maintain the strength needed to saw through thick crusts.
The Mighty Carver is a Perfect Knife for Bread
The ease and accuracy of cutting bread with a Mighty Carver makes it a pleasure to own. Pick one up now to use for the holidays and all-year round. Every occasion is the perfect time to get out your Mighty Carver.
Three foundational knives handle 90% of culinary tasks: a Chef's Knife, a Paring Knife, and a Serrated Bread Knife. Together, this trio covers everything from heavy chopping to delicate peeling.
Yes, if you eat crusty bread, bagels, or soft fruits like tomatoes, a bread knife is highly recommended. Because of their serrated teeth, they act like a saw to slice through tough rinds or delicate pastries without squishing them.
The ideal bread knife depends on your budget, but expert testing and user consensus point to three absolute winners: the budget-friendly Mercer Culinary Millennia, the ultra-sharp Tojiro Bread Slicer, and the premium Wüsthof Classic.
Breadmakers saw a massive surge in the 1990s but fell out of favor for several reasons:
America banned sliced bread in 1943 as a wartime conservation measure during World War II. The ban, which only lasted about two months, was implemented to save valuable wax paper and alloyed steel.
Then I learned how the world's best chefs use theirs. Turns out, a bread knife is one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen. Gordon Ramsay uses it for pineapples and large fruits — the serrated blade glides through tough skin without crushing the soft flesh inside. Heston Blumenthal slices tomatoes with it.
To choose the best bread knife, prioritize a blade that is 9 to 10 inches long with large, deep serrations. Look for a rigid blade made of high-carbon stainless steel and an ergonomic handle with plenty of knuckle clearance.
When you use any electric carving knife, whether it's straight edged or serrated, it will eventually go dull. This also applies to electric and manual blades. There's just no getting away from the fact that you have to maintain your blades to ensure a sharp knife.
In the sharpening phase, we do not recommend any current WD-40® Brand Products although some may be used later for storage & protection. For sharpening stones the lubrication can come from water or oil.
Steak knives are serrated primarily to compensate for dulling and to make sawing through tough meat easier. The jagged teeth create concentrated pressure points that pierce hard crusts, while the recessed "valleys" are protected from scraping against hard ceramic plates, keeping the blade functional over time.