Blenders are indispensable kitchen appliances used to puree and mix foods. However, over time the cutting blades can become dull, resulting in poorly chopped ingredients. Many people wonder if using a knife sharpener to sharpen blender blades is effective or if it will damage the blades.
The Importance of Sharp Blender Blades
Sharp blender blades are essential for proper blending and mixing. Dull blades can’t effectively cut and process foods, leaving chunks and uneven textures in blended drinks and purees. Blunt blades may also cause the motor to work harder, potentially shortening the lifespan of your blender.
Some signs your blender blades need sharpening include:
- Food is unevenly chopped with large chunks left behind
- Ingredients get stuck under blades while blending
- Blender motor seems to struggle and sounds strained
- Blending takes much longer than usual
- Blender jars vibrate excessively while blending
Sharpening the blades restores cutting efficiency so your blender can smoothly process ingredients again.
Risks of Using a Knife Sharpener on Blender Blades
While using a knife sharpener may seem like an easy fix for dull blender blades, there are some risks to consider:
- Overheating the metal – Friction from sharpening can cause the blades to overheat and lose temper. This leads to softer, weaker metal that won’t hold an edge.
- Removing too much metal – Sharpeners cut off thin layers of metal to create a new edge. Taking off too much metal can compromise the strength and longevity of blender blades.
- Damaging the edge – Blender blades have a specific beveled shape. The wrong sharpening angle can round off the edge or leave them jagged.
- Uneven sharpening – Sharpeners often remove more metal from one side or area leading to uneven blades.
Using the wrong type of knife sharpener also poses risks. Grinders that create sparks by removing significant metal should never be used. Handheld or pull-through sharpeners may not sharpen each blade evenly.
Choosing the Right Knife Sharpener
While risks exist, it is possible to safely sharpen blender blades with the right knife sharpener and technique. The key is using sharpeners designed for fine edged blades. Ideal options include:
- Whetstones – These traditional sharpening stones come in grades from coarse to extremely fine. The fine stones can precisely sharpen each blade.
- Ceramic rods – Ceramic sharpening rods don’t cut deeply into metal but can realign and polish the edge.
- Diamond rods – Diamond sharpeners also lightly hone the edge without removing lots of metal.
- Electric sharpeners – Quality electric sharpeners with diamond abrasives or flexible stropping discs can sharpen blender blades with care.
Avoid grinders or cheap pull-through sharpeners with coarsely gritted wheels. Look for tools designed to sharpen razor edges.
How to Sharpen Blender Blades with a Knife Sharpener
Follow these steps to carefully sharpen dull blender blades using a whetstone, ceramic rod or similar sharpener:
- Disassemble the blender and remove blades to access edges.
- Clean blades thoroughly with soap and water.
- Examine current blade angle and shape.
- Secure sharpener on a steady surface.
- Hold blade edge at its existing angle against the stone.
- Draw blades across stone using even, gentle pressure.
- Sharpen all edges and repeat as needed until original bevel is restored.
- Rinse blades and check for burrs, smoothing any out with fine grit stone.
- Reassemble blades carefully in blender.
Take care not to overheat, round off the edge or scratch the surface. Test blend small batches of ice or frozen ingredients to check sharpness before tackling larger recipes.
Professional Blender Blade Sharpening Services
For best results, consider using professional blender blade sharpening services. Reputable shops have specialized equipment to sharpen all blades uniformly while retaining optimal edge geometry and temper. Benefits include:
- Precision sharpening that evenly sharpens every blade.
- Maintains correct blade angles.
- Prevents overheating that damages temper.
- Conforms to original blade shape.
- Removes minimal metal to extend blade life.
- Polishes and smoothes edge.
- Typically costs $10-20 for basic blade sharpening.
Professional sharpening helps blender blades stay sharp 4-6 times longer than DIY methods. Look for sharpening services at reputable kitchen and knife stores or specialty sharpeners.
Should You Sharpen Blender Blades Yourself?
While it’s possible to sharpen your own blender blades, the risks and difficulty make professional sharpening a better choice in most cases. Advantages of professional sharpening include:
| Professional Sharpening | DIY Sharpening |
|---|---|
| – Evenly sharpens all blades | – Often sharpens unevenly |
| – Maintains optimal geometry | – May alter blade angle |
| – Prevents overheating | – Risk of overheating and losing temper |
| – Minimal metal removal | – Removes more metal than needed |
| – Smooths edge and blends scratches | – May leave scratches or burs |
| – Sharpens to as-new condition | – Difficult to restore like-new sharpness |
| – Longer lasting sharpness | – Edge dulls faster |
| – Typically costs $10-20 | – Requires buying sharpening tools |
For most people, professional sharpening provides the best, most cost-effective way to keep blender blades factory-sharp. However, with the right tools and care, DIY sharpening can also work.
Maintaining Sharp Blender Blades
To maximize the lifespan of sharp blender blades:
- Avoid cutting hard, dense foods that quickly dull edges like ice, frozen foods, nuts, and coffee beans.
- Don’t let blades scrape against glass, pottery or bowls.
- Hand wash blades to prevent damage from dishwasher chemical and heat.
- Store blender with jar upside down so moisture doesn’t collect on blades.
- Sharpen blades every 1-2 years with regular use.
- Replace heavily worn blades that can’t be sharpened.
With proper care and sharpening, blender blades can last over 5 years. Learn the signs of dull blades and sharpen as needed to keep your blender running smoothly.
Conclusion
Sharpening blender blades with a knife sharpener is possible but has risks of overheating, uneven sharpening and altering blade geometry. Professional sharpening services are best for restoring optimal sharpness and edge life. With the right tools and careful technique, DIY sharpening can also work to refresh dull blender blades. Maintain blades by avoiding abrasive foods, washing carefully and sharpening every 1-2 years.
