What makes this solution a favorite for amateur home cooks and pro chefs alike? For one, it allows you to store knives of all shapes and sizes without worrying about the number and length of built-in slots you have in a knife block. This makes them an ideal option for people whose knife collections include a medley of santokus, cleavers, nakiris, paring knives, and boning knives—you can even store your kitchen shears on these things.

Another pro? Magnetic strips take up zero kitchen counter or drawer space (a major win in small kitchens especially). They also couldn’t be easier to clean with a quick wipe down.

The only real downside to this type of knife storage is that it’s not the most renter-friendly solution, as most models are designed to be drilled into a wall. As a workaround for those who are power-tool averse, Bon Appétit creative development director Ian Stroud tells us you can use heavy-duty Command strips to affix your magnet to the wall, but you’ll need to select adhesives with a high weight limit.

It’s also worth considering whether you want an all-metal strip or one with a wooden exterior. Wood is a softer surface than stainless steel and therefore can help protect your knives from wear caused by scraping against the strip. The downside is that not all wooden magnetic strips are created equal. Senior cooking and SEO editor Joe Sevier notes that he once bought one where the magnets were not evenly spaced throughout the length of the strip, which meant there were areas that couldn’t support the weight of his knives.

Jonathan Alden Magnetic Wooden Knife Bar

Jonathan Alden

Magnetic Wooden Knife Bar

This wood option from Jonathan Alden has a single magnetic strip running through it (to help prevent a repeat of Joe’s experience). It’s lightweight and comes in a variety of lengths, and you can choose between walnut or cherry wood.

Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar

Modern Innovations

Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar

If you’re on a budget or prefer the look of an all-metal strip, opt for the Modern Innovations Knife Bar. It’s been Ian’s model of choice for years, and performed just as well as a strip twice its price when I tested it. It comes in sizes ranging from 10″–24″ in length and will run you $16–$33, depending on which you choose.

Veark Magnetic Knife Rack

Our social media manager Emma Jacobson purchased the Veark Magnetic Rack for her partner after it took over his Instagram feed: “It’s a master class in minimalistic design… We use the rack to store anything magnetic in our kitchen, including knives, scissors, a Microplane, and our kitchen thermometer, and we hang our pots and pans off the hooks. It’s a huge space saver in our small NYC apartment.” Jacobson bought two and noted that they “Lego together,” with no hardware required aside from the screw that fastens them to the wall. You can also purchase containers and shelves that attach to the rack to store your wooden spoons, spatulas, tongs, tweezers, and more.

Magnetic knife stands

Choose this type of storage if: You’re emotionally attached to having a freestanding block