Image: MomJunction Design Team
The right sharpener aids in a smooth sharpening of a pencil. However, you can use the best electric pencil sharpeners to make sharpening quicker and easier. Manual sharpeners may tend to over-sharpen the pencil, causing breakage. Electric pencil sharpeners are either battery-powered or used with a USB cable. In addition, they reduce the chances of creating a mess of pencil shavings since they come with attached bins. To help you choose one, we have compiled a list of some sharpeners that you can consider if you plan to buy one.
Top Picks
13 Best Electric Pencil Sharpeners
1. Best Auto-Shut:X-Acto Pencil Sharpener
X-Acto provides six slots for sharpening pencils of different sizes, making the electric sharpener suitable for all kinds of pencils, including colored pencils. The break-resistant device sharpens wood case pencils to the ideal sharpness. The fly-away cutter function ensures children’s safety because it stops sharpening the pencil after reaching the desired sharpness. The helical steel cutter can provide a sharp pencil with just one attempt. The electric classroom pencil sharpener is made of high-grade materials. The motor is designed in a way that it stops when the extra large shaving bin is removed. If you want to know more about this product, check out this video on YouTube, displaying a reviewer’s testing experience.
Pros
- Auto-shut
- Tipsaver security
- Stylish and durable
- Easy to empty
- Noiseless
Cons
- May have some after-sales issues
"As a school teacher with a busy schedule, I find this sharpener to be helpful in readying numerous pencils for my pupils with ease. I have been using it for a few weeks now, and it has held up to daily use."
Trivia2. Best Compact:Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener
Bostitch is a compact pencil sharpener designed to provide maximum efficiency in limited available space. The sharpener is equipped with MagnaSafe technology to prevent operation when removing the shaving tray. The powerful motor makes the service life of the device four times longer than ordinary sharpeners. The switch will stop operating once the tray is removed. The high-capacity tray can handle enough pencil shaves to prevent frequent cleaning. Go ahead and check out this YouTube video, showcasing a tester’s experience of how easily the sharpener can be used.
Pros
- Space-saver
- Tamper-proof
- Mess-free
- Auto-shut
- Modern design
Cons
- May get overheated
"Thanks to its spacious size, I find it a convenient choice as I don’t have to empty its shavings bin frequently. I don’t consider it night-friendly as it is not a quiet model, but this is a minor drawback, considering its other user-friendly features."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 16,458 reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Sealed:Jarlink Electric Pencil Sharpener
Jarlink is a portable electric pencil sharpener designed with a heavy-duty helical blade. When the colored or charcoal pencil is plugged in the shaving chord, it will work automatically. The sharpener works on 4AA batteries and can be charged through multiple devices such as laptops, mobile phones, or wall adapters. The shaving reservoir is large enough to hold enough shavings to prevent frequent cleaning. For the testing result of this school supply, you can check out this review video on YouTube.
Pros
- Auto-stop
- Space-saver
- Durable
- Rechargeable battery
- Sealed design
Cons
- Only one configuration
"Unlike my previous sharpener, this one remains stable, making it easy to use. Its USB cord-operated functionality allows me to conserve the batteries for outdoor use. I’ve found it useful for both lead and colored pencils."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 17,242 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
X-Acto Pencil Sharpener Best Auto-Shut | Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener Best Compact | Jarlink Electric Pencil Sharpener Best Sealed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic | Plastic | Alloy Steel, Plastic |
| Color | Black | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 9.75 x 9.25 inches | 8.38 x 4 x 4.25 inches | 5.2 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches |
| Weight | 4 Pounds. | - | - |
| Ink Color | - | Blue | - |
| Shape | - | Other | - |
| Weight | - | 0.16 ounces | 11.9 ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,041 | 16,458 | 17,242 |
| Price | $29.62 | $14.98 | $17.99 |
4. Best Heavy-Duty:Afmat Electric Pencil Sharpener
Afmat is a heavy-duty sharpener with a robust helical blade that can sharpen more than 6,000 times. This electric model has passed UL certification to ensure high quality, and its compact design does not take up much space. It can sharpen more than 200 pencils without overheating. The shaving box will automatically stop once it is removed to prevent injury.
Pros
- High efficiency
- Sealed design
- Auto-stop
- Durable
- Safe to use
Cons
- Noisy
"I give this model a thumbs-up for its durable build. It delivers perfectly sharp pencils with fine tips and zero wooden splinters. I have also used it with my charcoal pencils, and I am happy to state that it works well with these too."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 12,700 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
Did you know?5. Best Noiseless:Linkyo Electric Pencil Sharpener Pro
The Linkyo electric office and home pencil sharpener is an excellent choice as it has a powerful motor that promotes a fast and efficient sharpening performance. Its auto-stop technology ensures it powers down when the pencil is sharp enough. The sharpener has a durable and heavy-duty zinc-alloy blade, and the large shavings bin holds up to 100 pencil shavings. Besides, its compact design makes it easy to store and the quality features make it an excellent choice.
Pros
- Adjustable for six sizes of pencil
- Noiseless motor
- Offers powerful performance
- Quick sharpening
- Tested and verified by UL safety standards
Cons
- May not be compatible with oil- and grease-based pencils
"This versatile option has helped streamline my creative pursuits, as it readies my sketching pencils in a jiffy, regardless of their size. It is not whisper-quiet and is a bit on the bulky side, but its reliability and simple-to-use mechanism make it a winner for me."
6. Best Lightweight:Powerme Electric Pencil Sharpener
Powerme is designed with high-quality materials and is a perfect electric sharpener for commercial and personal use. The sharpener uses heavy-duty stainless steel helical blades, which can sharpen up to 3,000 rounds. Fast, powerful, and efficient, it takes only three seconds to sharpen each pencil. The rotating spiral drill design ensures sharp tips, and the compact size makes this battery-operated pencil sharpener easy to carry.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable pencil sharpener blade
- Easy to clean
- Auto-stop
- Kids friendly
Cons
- Battery compartment difficult to close
"Here’s what’s commendable about this gadget—it sharpens even my soft wax-based pencils without ruining them. It's also quite portable—I can easily carry it to my art classes."
7. Best Sleek:Mr. Pen Electric Pencil Sharpener
If you are looking for a professional-grade pencil sharpener, then opt for Mr. Pen’s electric pencil sharpener designed to make pencil sharpening a breeze. Its sleek design makes it suitable for desks and tables of a variety of sizes, and the powerful motor helps you sharpen regular as well as professional drawing pencils. You can choose from the three sharpening modes to sharpen your pencils to a blunt, sharp, or medium tip. Additionally, this desk pencil sharpener includes a high-capacity tray, ensuring a mess-free sharpening experience.
Pros
- Auto-stop mechanism
- Includes a USB cable and adaptor
- Portable
- Stall-free operation
Cons
- Motor might be loud
- Might jam if pencils are not inserted properly
"It is usefully unique as it allows me to choose the sharpness level of the tip. This is a blessing for me when it comes to using a pencil on tracing paper. The clear body lets me empty the shavings promptly."
Quick fact8. Best Speed:Jarlink Heavy-Duty Electric Pencil Sharpener
The Jarlink electric pencil sharpener is a high-quality, compact device designed to quickly and efficiently sharpen most types of pencil that measure six to eight millimeters. It features a durable stainless steel blade and a powerful motor capable of sharpening up to 6000 times. Its auto-stop function ensures the pencils are safely and accurately sharpened every time, reducing the chances of breakage.
Pros
- Sharpens within three to five seconds
- Convenient long power cord
- Non-slip pads at the base
- Serves as a home and office pencil sharpener
Cons
- Some may find it bulky
- May make a humming noise upon applying too much pressure
"I am amazed by its speed. It indeed yields me pencils with pointed tips within seconds. And although slightly noisy, its consistent performance makes it a reliable product for me."
9. Best Horizontal Design:Westcott Compact Electric Pencil Sharpener
Keep your pencils sharp and ready to use with this compact electric sharpener by Westcott. Its horizontal design and single-hole dial make it easy to use and access. It is considered the best-in-class for its exceptional low-noise performance. This durable electric model for pencil sharpener features high-quality and sharp stainless steel helical blades, and the easy-grip handle and on/off switch offers maximum control over the sharpening process.
Pros
- Compact design
- Has a large shavings reservoir
- Features an eight-tooth helical blade
- Suitable for large to standard size pencils
Cons
- Might be smaller than expected
- Blades may need replacing on heavy use
"I am impressed with its powerful performance. The auto-stop mechanism makes it so simple to use that even my older child can use it independently without feeling intimidated. I consider it a perfect candidate for regular home use."
10. Best Non-Slip:School Smart Vertical Pencil Sharpener
The unique and versatile School Smart single-hole vertical electric pencil sharpener makes the task of sharpening easy. It can sharpen lead or colored pencils, making it an ideal art pencil sharpener. The heavy-duty motor with a helical steel blade makes it an effective sharpener, offering faster sharpening. Its design is sturdy and non-slip.
Pros
- Auto-stop
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Large shaving reservoir
Cons
- Can be noisy
"I can confidently speak about its solid performance because it does not falter or heat up even when I use it for bulk sharpening. It won’t run until the shaving container is secured correctly, which I consider a handy feature."
11. Best With Multiple Power Sources:Arteza Electric Pencil Sharpener
Arteza’s electric pencil sharpener is the perfect executive office supply for teachers, artists, or anyone who needs a quiet pencil sharpener to sharpen their pencils quickly and easily. This dual-hole sharpener can hold 6-8mm and 9-12mm diameter pencils. It has multiple power sources and can be operated by batteries, USB charging, and adapter charging for your convenience.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Non-skid rubber pads on the base
- Quiet motor
- Auto-stop function
Cons
- Battery compartment may not be easy to close
"Compact-sized and battery-equipped, I can vouch for its travel-friendly convenience. It sharpens almost all my colored pencils with perfection. I’d recommend holding it firmly when operating it."
12. Best Innovative:Staedtler 512 F Double Hole Pencil Sharpener
The Staedtler double sharpening hole pencil sharpener is an innovative and easy-to-use sharpener designed to sharpen standard size pencils. The sharpener features two holes, one for 8.2 mm pencils and another for 10.2 mm pencils, ensuring you can sharpen a variety of pencil sizes. This high-quality pencil sharpener features sharp metal blades that offer precise and faster sharpening of pencils. It also has a lid with a protective safety lock and shavings container that help prevent creating a mess when sharpening. Moreover, as it doesn’t require plugging in, it makes a hassle-free time-saving solution for you to use anytime anywhere.
Pros
- Hand-held portable design
- 30-degree sharpening angle
- Suitable for makeup pencils as well
- Anti-spillage design
- Reliable safety features
- Affordable pencil sharpener
Cons
- May not yield consistently long lead points
- May require practice to use it for makeup pencils
"Sharp tips without breakage—this is the guarantee this efficient tool offers me. It works well with regular and thicker pencils, which I find helpful. I also find it easy to clean, as its tray detaches without any hassle."
13. Best Durable:Cnasa Electric Pencil Sharpener
Cnasa is an easy-to-use pencil sharpener, suitable for regular and colored pencils. It is equipped with a powerful motor and can be powered by a USB cord or 2AA batteries. You can charge the batteries with a power bank, laptops, and other USB devices. The automatic stop function prevents this wireless handheld pencil sharpener from functioning once the shaving box is removed.
Pros
- Kids friendly
- Easy to clean
- Safe operation
- Durable
- Giftable colored pencil sharpener
Cons
- Sensitive to pressure
"I like this small unit because it fits my child’s school bag without occupying much space. She does need my help with discarding the shavings, but the convenience it offers her is notewort"
How To Choose The Right Electric Pencil Sharpener?
Most automatic pencil sharpeners typically perform the same task. However, certain functions can distinguish a particular model from others. Here is a list of the factors to consider when buying an electric pencil sharpener:
- Features: The automatic stop feature allows the blades to stop immediately once the reservoir is removed, preventing excess sharpening of the pencil. Choose an electric sharpener with reliable safety features to ensure safe use.
- Shaving bin: A sharpener with an extra large shaving bin is convenient and prevents frequent cleaning and reduces clutter.
- Pencil size: Electric sharpeners are designed to sharpen standard pencils with a diameter of about six millimeters. However, various models are designed to accommodate larger or thicker pencil sizes. Choose the model that suits your requirement.
- Power source: Most pencil sharpeners need to be plugged into a wall outlet. Some sharpeners are battery-operated, while other sharpeners can be operated by batteries and power. Battery-powered sharpeners need to be continuously charged, so it is best to choose a battery with dual functions.
- Noise level: A sharpener that produces noise may distract the classroom. Choose a sharpener that is noise-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an electric pencil sharpener designed for heavy-duty use?
Most sharpeners are not ideal for heavy use. If you are looking for such a model, choose a mode specially marked for heavy use.
2. Can I sharpen colored pencils in an electric pencil sharpener?
Yes, most electric sharpeners can sharpen colored and regular pencils.
3. How many batteries do electric pencil sharpeners need?
Electric pencil sharpeners usually require two to four AA batteries.
4. Are electric sharpeners noisy?
It depends on the model. If the motor is powerful and the body is light, the sharpener may generate noise. Most are designed to minimize noise.
5. Are electric pencil sharpeners better than manual ones?
Electric sharpeners have an edge over manual ones as they offer the following advantages:
- They sharpen faster, hence saving time and effort
- They bestow the pencils a fine point and smooth edges
- They can accommodate pencils of different shapes and widths
- They are mess-free as they collect the shavings in a separate compartment
6. Why does my electric pencil sharpener only sharpen one side?
It could be happening due to any of the following reasons:
- Using the wrong hole, which doesn’t accommodate the pencil adequately (if applicable)
- Holding or pressing the pencil with too much force
- Holding or pressing a stubborn pencil too lightly
- The graphite core is set off-centered in the wood
- Worn-out internal gear of the sharpener
7. Why do pencils break when sharpening?
Excessive pressure and oversharpening are the primary reasons pencil tips break while sharpening with a manual sharpener. An electric sharpener can reduce such instances as, most of the time, they come with an auto-shut mechanism. This stops the machine from sharpening as soon as the pencil is sharpened to its optimum level.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our team has curated this list of the best electric pencil sharpeners based on user reviews and product descriptions posted on several e-commerce websites. A buying guide is also included, which offers all the important product specifications to help you make the right choice. We have also offered some information on the pros and cons of each product and the features you should consider to choose the right one.
The Bottom Line
Manual pencil sharpeners often have certain flaws that result in over-sharpening or tip breakage. Thus, you need the best electric sharpeners that reduce the mess of sharpening and give you an accurate pencil point for a smooth writing or drawing experience. These devices are handy for students, teachers, artists, and carpenters. While making the purchase, consider the size, features, power source, and shaving bin. Also, pick the one that is durable, compact, and easy to use and clean. Our top choices for you would be the break-resistant X-Acto Pencil Sharpener with six slots for various pencil sizes, the Bostitch Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener for its unique MagnaSafe technology and durable motor, and the Jarlink Electric Pencil Sharpener for its portability and easy charge design.
Infographic: How To Use An Electric Pencil Sharpener Properly?
Electric pencil sharpeners are convenient and efficient tools that provide quick and precise sharpening for pencils, saving time and effort while ensuring a sharp point every time. However, using them properly is crucial for safety and optimal performance. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to use electric pencil sharpeners correctly.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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