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Tips For Lubricating Your Electric Knife’s Key Components

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Electric knives operate quite differently from manual knives and therefore require different maintenance and care. Where to lubricate an electric knife may not be immediately obvious, but you can follow our guide to get the job done!

The parts of an electric knife that the user can lubricate are the blade, pivot point, and the gears that drive the blades. The choice of oil is important because the knife will come into contact with food. Food-grade oils are recommended but may need to be reapplied more frequently than other oils.

We will discuss why lubrication is important for electric knives, which parts of the knife need to be lubricated, what types of lubricants are recommended, and how to properly lubricate an electric knife.

If you are interested in checking out the best lubricant for your electric knives we recommend and use you can find it by clicking here (Amazon link).

Best Way To Lubricate An Electric Knife

What Part Of An Electric Knife Should Be Lubricated?
Best Way To Lubricate An Electric Knife

Electric knives are best described as kitchen appliances rather than kitchen utensils and should be treated differently from normal knives.

Like any kitchen appliance, electric knives require proper maintenance to perform at their best. One important aspect of electric knife maintenance is lubrication.

Why Lubrication Is Important For Electric Knives

Lubricating an electric knife is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps reduce friction between the moving parts of the knife.

The knife can become stiff and difficult to use without proper lubrication, making meal preparation a frustrating experience.

Friction can also result in wear and tear on the knife’s components, shortening its lifespan and requiring costly repairs or replacements.

Lubrication also helps protect the electric knife from rust and corrosion. An electric knife’s blade and other metal components are susceptible to moisture and other elements that can cause rust to form.

A lubricant can act as a barrier between the metal and the environment, helping prevent rust and corrosion.

Lastly, lubrication can help improve the safety of using an electric knife. A well-lubricated knife will operate more smoothly, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Safety must always be the top priority when using an electric knife, and lubrication can help ensure the knife operates safely and efficiently.

Lubrication is a crucial aspect of electric knife maintenance that can help prolong the knife’s lifespan, improve its performance, and enhance safety in the kitchen.

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What Part Of An Electric Knife Needs To Be Lubricated?

What Part Of An Electric Knife Needs To Be Lubricated?
What Part Of An Electric Knife Needs To Be Lubricated?

Now that you know why lubricating an electric knife is important, you need to know which parts of the appliance should be lubricated.

An electric knife, or electric carving knife as it is sometimes called, has two blades, usually with serrated edges. The blades are clipped together to prevent them from separating during cutting.

The shafts of the blades are inserted into the machine, where the motor rapidly pushes each blade forward and backward to create a sawing action with both blades.

This sawing action and the sharp serrated edge of the blades cause the electric knife to slice through the food.

As you can imagine, with the blades clipped together and rapidly moving back and forth, it is important to keep them well-lubricated. However, these are not the only components of the electric knife that require lubrication.

The parts of the electric knife that should be lubricated are as follows.

  • Blade. The blade is the most important part of an electric knife and should be lubricated regularly. Lubricating the blade will ensure it moves smoothly and prevents it from becoming dull quickly.
  • Pivot points. Pivot points are the points at which the blade and the handle of the electric knife meet. These points are subject to a lot of wear and tear and can become stiff over time. Lubricating the pivot points will ensure they move smoothly and help prevent the blade from binding.
  • Motor. The motor is the heart of the electric knife, and it’s important to keep it lubricated to ensure it runs smoothly. The motor usually requires a specific type of lubricant and specialist knowledge of electric motors. This component is generally not serviceable by the user, so seek professional help if you suspect the motor requires lubrication.
  • Gears. Electric knives have gears that help power the blade. Over time, these gears can become clogged, worn, or damaged. Lubricating the gears can help reduce friction and wear, extending the knife’s lifespan.

Lubricating the pivot points and the gears may require the removal of the outer covers of the electric knife. Always ensure the knife is unplugged from the electrical outlet before removing the covers to lubricate the internal parts.

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Types Of Lubricants For Electric Knives

Choosing the right lubricant for your electric knife ensures optimal performance and longevity. Several lubricants are suitable for electric knives, each with pros and cons.

The best lubricant to use is the one recommended by the manufacturer, but I have listed some oils you can consider for various parts of the knife.

Oil-Based Lubricants For Electric Knives

Oil-based lubricants are the most common type used for electric knives. They are made from natural or synthetic oils, effectively reducing friction and preventing rust. However, oil-based lubricants can attract dust and debris, which can cause more wear and tear on the knife’s components over time.

Oil-based lubricants are also generally not food-safe, so they should not be used on parts of the knife that will contact food.

The gears and the pivot point where the blades enter the electric knife are the places on the knife where oil-based lubricants can be used.

Silicone-Based Lubricants For Electric Knives

Silicone-based lubricants are a popular alternative choice for electric knives because they do not attract dust and debris like oil-based lubricants.

They are also effective at reducing friction and preventing rust. However, they can be more expensive than oil-based lubricants and may require more frequent reapplication.

Not all silicone-based lubricants are food-safe, so you must check the instructions and directions on the lubricant to ensure that food-grade options are used, especially on the blade.

Food-Grade Lubricants For Electric Knives

Food-Grade Lubricants For Electric Knives
Food-Grade Lubricants For Electric Knives

Food-grade lubricants are specially formulated for use in the food industry and are safe for use on electric knives, especially the blades.

They are non-toxic and odorless, making them a great choice as they will not change the flavor of the food. However, they can be more expensive than other lubricants and may be less effective at reducing friction than other types.

I recommend using a food-safe lubricant (Amazon link) on the blade, such as mineral oil, and a food-safe silicone-based lubricant on the pivot point and the gears in the electric knife.

BTW: If you are interested in buying the best cutting board, you can find our recommendations below:

  • The best overall: Virginia Kitchen Boys Cutting Board (Amazon link). This fantastic cutting board is made from sustainable walnut wood from the United States and brings almost perfect safety when cutting with your knives.
  • Alternative: Yoshihiro Cutting Board (Amazon link). Professional traditional Japanese cutting board that chefs around the world use.
  • Cheaper option: Shun Cultery Cutting Board (Amazon link). Another Japanese cutting board stands out, especially for its simplicity and affordable price.

How To Lubricate An Electric Knife

Now that you know the importance of lubrication, which parts of your electric knife need to be lubricated, and the types of lubricants available, it’s time to learn how to lubricate your electric knife.

  • Clean the knife. Before lubricating your electric knife, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. Remove any food debris or residue from the blade and other components using a damp cloth.
  • Apply the lubricant. Apply a small amount of the appropriate lubricant to the blade, pivot points, and gears. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of lubricant to use.
  • Spread the lubricant. Use a clean cloth or your finger to spread the lubricant evenly over the surfaces of the components. Take care not to use too much lubricant, as this can attract dust and debris and cause more wear and tear over time.
  • Wipe off excess. After spreading the lubricant, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess. This will help prevent the knife from becoming too slippery and reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
  • Reapply as needed. Depending on how often you use your electric knife, you may need to reapply lubricant every few weeks or months. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended frequency of lubrication.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a lubricant that is safe for use on your knife’s components.

Conclusion

Lubricating your electric knife is essential in maintaining its performance and longevity. By lubricating the blade, pivot points, and gears, you can reduce friction, prevent wear and tear, and ensure that your knife operates smoothly and safely.

When choosing a lubricant, consider the best type for your knife’s components and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and reapplication. With proper lubrication and maintenance, your electric knife can serve you well for years.

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