A knife block on the counter takes up room that most kitchens would rather spend on a cutting board, a molcajete or a bowl of limes. An in-drawer knife block moves the knives out of the way and keeps every edge in its own slot, so blades are not rattling against each other or against the can opener. In a restaurant line the knives live in a rack or on a magnet strip; at home, a good drawer insert is usually the tidiest answer.
The catch is fit. A drawer organizer that is too long will not let the drawer close, one that is too tall will catch on the counter above, and a slot that is too short leaves the tip of a chef’s knife exposed. This guide compares seven in-drawer knife blocks in wood, bamboo and plastic, with the slot counts, blade lengths and dimensions each maker or listing states, so you can measure once and buy the right one.
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Quick verdict: which drawer knife block to buy
For most kitchens, the best knife block drawer insert is the Wüsthof 15-Slot In-Drawer Knife Tray: a beech insert with seven slots for blades up to 8 inches and eight for smaller knives, as long as your drawer is at least 17.25 inches deep. If your knives are thin Japanese blades, the Shun 7-Slot Drawer Knife Tray is cut for them; if you want a tray you can wash, the OXO Good Grips Compact Knife Drawer Organizer lifts out.
Below, the five standouts side by side, then all seven organizers in full.
Five drawer knife blocks compared
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of kitchen, with the slot counts and sizes each maker or listing states. All seven organizers are reviewed in full below.
| Drawer organizer | Best for | Slots | Size | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wüsthof 15-Slot In-Drawer Knife TrayBest overall
|
Large knife collections | 15 (7 large, 8 small) | 16.75 x 8 x 1.75 in | View on Amazon |
Shun 7-Slot Drawer Knife Tray, BeechwoodBest for Japanese knives
|
Thin Japanese blades | 7 plus a honing steel | 17 x 5 x 2.4 in | View on Amazon |
Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Knife Organizer, CompactBest two-tier
|
Narrow drawers | 9, blades up to 9 in | 15.5 x 5.5 x 3 in | View on Amazon |
| Full sets with blades up to 8 inches | 15 (13 knives plus a steel) | Not stated | View on Amazon | |
OXO Good Grips Compact Knife Drawer OrganizerEasiest to clean
|
A tray you can lift out and wash | 5 small and 4 large | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Slots and sizes are as stated by each maker or listing; measure your drawer before you buy.
Our picks for the best knife block drawer
These seven organizers cover the three materials you will find, beechwood, bamboo and plastic, in sizes from a seven-slot tray to a sixteen-knife block. Some are cut for a specific brand’s knives, some are universal. Each pick lists the slot sizes the maker gives, explains who it suits, and names one honest reason to skip it. If you are still choosing the knives themselves, start with our guide to the best knife set.
1. Wüsthof 15-Slot In-Drawer Knife Tray – Room for Fifteen Knives
Wüsthof’s tray holds a full home set with room to spare. The listing describes a beech drawer insert with space for up to 15 knives: seven larger knives of up to 8 inches and eight smaller knives. The slots hold the knives firmly in position, Wüsthof says, which keeps blades from being jarred or bumped when the drawer opens and closes.
It needs room. Cutlery and More, a knife retailer, lists the tray at 16.75 by 8 by 1.75 inches and says it needs a drawer at least 17.25 inches deep from front to back; it also gives the large-slot limit as a 9-inch blade, an inch more than the Amazon listing states. Go by the smaller figure and check your longest knife before buying. The same retailer lists it as solid beechwood, made in China.
Wüsthof does not give care instructions or warranty terms for the tray on the listing. As with any beech insert, keep it dry and wipe out crumbs before they collect at the bottom of the slots.
Why we like it
- Fifteen slots, the most of the wooden trays here
- Seven large slots for a full set of long knives
- Low 1.75-inch profile, per Cutlery and More
- Solid beechwood
Key specifications
| Model | 2159621501 |
|---|---|
| Material | Beech |
| Slots | 15 (7 large, 8 small) |
| Fits blade lengths | Large slots up to 8 in (listing) |
| Dimensions | 16.75 x 8 x 1.75 in (retailer); needs 17.25 in drawer depth |
| Non-slip | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits most home cooks, including those who have outgrown a basic set and want every knife, including a full row of steak knives, in one drawer.
Skip it if your drawer is shallower than 17.25 inches front to back: the tray will not fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fifteen slots
- Seven long slots
- Low profile
Cons
- Needs a deep drawer
- Blade-length figures differ between sources
- No warranty stated
2. Shun 7-Slot Drawer Knife Tray, Beechwood – Slots Sized for Thin Blades
Japanese knives are thinner than German ones, and a slot cut for a heavy Western blade can let a thin one wobble. Shun’s tray is designed for in-drawer storage of Shun cutlery, according to Kai USA, Shun’s parent company, and it is the only organizer here whose maker publishes the size of every slot.
Kai lists four slots at 0.19 inches wide by 11.4 inches long and three slots at 0.11 inches wide by 6.6 inches long, plus a space for a honing steel. Overall it is 17 by 5 by 2.4 inches and weighs 3.5 pounds. Kai is candid that because handle widths differ, not every knife will fit, and asks buyers to treat the slot sizes as a general guide. The four long slots will take a chef’s knife, a slicer and a bread knife; the three narrow ones suit a paring knife or a petty knife.
Kai describes the beechwood as easy care and says the color varies naturally. It lists China as the country of origin and a 90-day warranty on its own site, while the Amazon listing says limited lifetime; go by the shorter term.
Why we like it
- Every slot size published by the maker
- Long slots up to 11.4 inches
- Separate space for a honing steel
- Narrow 5-inch width
Key specifications
| Model | DM0857 |
|---|---|
| Material | Beechwood |
| Slots | 7 plus honing steel space |
| Fits blade lengths | 4 slots 11.4 in long, 3 slots 6.6 in long |
| Dimensions | 17 x 5 x 2.4 in (3.5 lb) |
| Non-slip | Not stated |
| Care | “Easy-care” beechwood; no method given |
| Warranty | 90 days (Kai USA) |
Why we recommend it
It suits owners of a few good Japanese knives who want slots that match thin blades, with the steel kept alongside.
Skip it if you have more than seven knives, or wide-handled Western knives: Kai itself warns that some handles will not fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Published slot dimensions
- Long slots for 10-inch blades
- Honing steel space
Cons
- Only seven knives
- 2.4 inches tall, the tallest wooden tray here
- Short 90-day warranty
3. OXO Good Grips Compact Knife Drawer Organizer – Removable Tray for Cleaning
Wooden blocks are hard to clean inside the slots, and crumbs and onion skin find their way into every drawer. OXO’s answer is a removable tray: the slotted insert lifts out of its base, so you can wash it properly. The listing describes designated slots for up to five small knives and four large knives.
Square corners let it sit flush against the sides of a drawer without gaps, OXO says, and non-slip feet keep the organizer in place as the drawer moves. It comes in white and gray. Being compact, it is a good match for a starter set or for a second drawer near the stove, where you keep a paring knife, a utility knife and a chef’s knife for everyday salsa and pico de gallo prep.
OXO’s listing does not state the organizer’s dimensions, its material or the longest blade that fits, so measure your largest knife and your drawer against the product photos before you order. It is covered by the OXO Better Guarantee, under which OXO offers a repair or replacement if you have a problem with the product.
Why we like it
- Removable tray for thorough cleaning
- Non-slip feet
- Square corners sit flush in the drawer
- OXO Better Guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | 13322300 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Slots | 9 (5 small, 4 large) |
| Fits blade lengths | Not stated |
| Dimensions | Not stated on the listing |
| Non-slip | Yes, non-slip feet |
| Care | Removable tray for cleaning |
| Warranty | OXO Better Guarantee |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want an organizer they can actually wash, and a compact one for a small knife collection.
Skip it if you need to know exact dimensions before buying: the listing does not give them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Washable removable tray
- Stays put on non-slip feet
- Repair-or-replace guarantee
Cons
- Size and blade limit not stated
- Only four large slots
- Material not stated
4. Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Knife Organizer, Compact – Two Tiers in a Narrow Footprint
Joseph Joseph stacks knives in two tiers instead of laying them side by side. The top tier holds the small knives and the lower tier the large ones, so nine knives fit in a strip just 5.5 inches wide. The listing gives the dimensions as 15.5 by 5.5 by 3 inches and says it takes blades up to 9 inches long.
The trade-off is height. Joseph Joseph says the drawer needs to be at least 3 inches high inside, which rules out some shallow top drawers under a counter lip. In a standard cutlery drawer it leaves the rest of the space free for spatulas, tongs and the tortilla warmer. Non-slip feet keep it from sliding.
Care is simple: wash and dry by hand, per the listing. Joseph Joseph states a one-year guarantee. The listing does not name the plastic used.
Why we like it
- Nine knives in a 5.5-inch-wide footprint
- Blades up to 9 inches
- Non-slip feet
- Clear minimum drawer height: 3 inches
Key specifications
| Model | 85120 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Slots | 9, in two tiers |
| Fits blade lengths | Up to 9 in |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 5.5 x 3 in |
| Non-slip | Yes, non-slip feet |
| Care | Hand wash and dry |
| Warranty | 1-year guarantee |
Why we recommend it
It suits kitchens with a narrow drawer that still need room for a full small set of knives.
Skip it if your drawer is shallow: it needs 3 inches of clear height, more than any wooden tray here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very narrow for nine knives
- Stated blade limit and drawer height
- Non-slip feet
Cons
- Tallest organizer here
- Blades over 9 inches will not fit
- Plastic type not stated
5. madesmart Classic In-Drawer Knife Mat, 11 Knives – Even Slots on a Soft-Grip Base
madesmart makes drawer organizers rather than knives, and this mat takes a universal approach. Instead of long and short slots, it has eleven even spaces, so you can put any knife anywhere. A non-slip, soft-grip lining on the base stops it sliding around the drawer.
The listing gives the size as 15 by 8 by 2 inches and says it fits most standard kitchen drawers. It is made from BPA-free plastic, according to madesmart. Eleven even spaces work well for a mixed collection: a couple of chef’s knives, a serrated tomato knife, a boning knife and a row of steak knives for carne asada night.
The listing does not state a maximum blade length, care instructions or a warranty. A plastic mat can go in the sink for a wash, but check with madesmart before putting it in a dishwasher, as the listing does not say.
Why we like it
- Eleven even spaces, no fixed long or short slots
- Non-slip, soft-grip base lining
- 15 x 8 x 2 inches
- BPA-free plastic, per madesmart
Key specifications
| Model | 28002 |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free plastic, soft-grip lining |
| Slots | 11 even spaces |
| Fits blade lengths | Not stated |
| Dimensions | 15 x 8 x 2 in |
| Non-slip | Yes, lined base |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks with a mixed set of knives who want a flexible, non-slip mat rather than a fixed wooden layout.
Skip it if you need a stated blade limit before you buy: madesmart does not give one, so measure your longest knife against the 15-inch mat.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Any knife in any slot
- Non-slip lining
- Low 2-inch height
Cons
- Blade limit not stated
- No care or warranty information
- Plastic look is not for everyone
6. Cangshan In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Organizer, 15 Slots – Slots Named for Each Knife
This is the bamboo option built around a full knife collection. Cangshan cuts 15 slots into a bamboo tray and says it organizes up to 13 knives and one honing steel. The listing spells out the fit: a 2.75-inch peeling knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 5-inch santoku, six 5-inch steak knives and a 6-inch boning knife, plus an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch bread knife and an 8-inch honing steel.
That list is the point: you can check your own set against it before you buy. It stops at 8 inches, so if you own a 10-inch chef’s knife, do not assume it will fit.
The listing does not give the tray’s dimensions, care instructions or a warranty, and it tells you to measure your drawer’s interior and clearance first. Bamboo boards and blocks generally want hand washing and an occasional wipe of food-safe oil; see the care section below.
Why we like it
- 15 slots: up to 13 knives and a honing steel
- Listing names the knife sizes it takes
- Room for six steak knives
- Bamboo tray
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Material | Bamboo |
| Slots | 15 (up to 13 knives and one honing steel) |
| Fits blade lengths | Up to 8 in. (listing) |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Non-slip | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits households with a full set and a row of steak knives, all 8 inches or shorter, who want to know the fit before they buy.
Skip it if you own knives longer than 8 inches: the listing names no slot for them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Thirteen knives plus a honing steel
- Knife sizes named in the listing
- Bamboo tray
Cons
- Dimensions not stated
- No slot named above 8 inches
- No care or warranty information
7. Bambüsi 16-Slot In-Drawer Knife Block, Bamboo – Narrow Bamboo with Clear Fit Rules
Bambüsi’s block fits sixteen slots into a strip only 5.3 inches wide, 17 inches long and 2 inches tall. It uses two slot widths, 4 mm and 3 mm, for thicker and thinner blades, and the listing says it takes chef’s, bread, santoku, carving, utility, paring and steak knives, in stainless or ceramic.
What we like most is that Bambüsi is honest about fit. The listing says a 17-inch drawer will hold 11 knives while a 22-inch drawer fits all 16, and reminds you to leave room above the 2-inch base for the handles. Every blade points down into its own slot, so the edge stays covered and you grab the handle without touching steel. The block is a single piece joined with wood dowels, weighs 2.5 pounds and needs no assembly.
Care is spelled out: do not put it in the dishwasher, wipe it with a damp cloth, and rub it with food-safe mineral oil now and then to keep it looking new. The listing does not state a warranty.
Why we like it
- Sixteen slots in a 5.3-inch-wide block
- Two slot widths, 4 mm and 3 mm
- Clear drawer-length guidance from the maker
- Simple care: damp cloth, occasional mineral oil
Key specifications
| Model | BEL-KH |
|---|---|
| Material | Bamboo, dowel-joined |
| Slots | 16 (4 mm and 3 mm widths) |
| Fits blade lengths | Not stated; 11 knives fit a 17 in drawer, 16 a 22 in drawer |
| Dimensions | 17 x 5.3 x 2 in (2.5 lb) |
| Non-slip | Not stated |
| Care | Wipe damp; mineral oil now and then; no dishwasher |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks with a narrow drawer and a mix of knives who want bamboo and clear guidance on what will fit.
Skip it if your drawer is only 17 inches deep and you need all sixteen slots: the maker says you will fit eleven.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Narrow for its slot count
- Honest fit guidance
- Stated care routine
Cons
- All sixteen slots need a 22-inch drawer
- No warranty stated
- Needs occasional oiling
How to choose a knife block for a drawer
An in-drawer block is a simple object, but it has to fit three measurements at once: the drawer, the knives and the handles. These are the factors that matter.
1. Drawer depth, front to back
Measure the inside of the drawer from the front panel to the back, not the cabinet. Most blocks here are 15.5 to 17 inches long, and Cutlery and More says the Wüsthof tray needs 17.25 inches. If the block is longer than the drawer, the drawer will not close.
2. Drawer height and handle clearance
The block sits on the drawer floor and the handles rest on top of it, so the real height is the block plus a handle. The wooden trays are 1.75 to 2.4 inches tall; the Joseph Joseph needs 3 inches of clear height. Close the drawer slowly the first time and check that no handle catches on the counter lip or the drawer above.
3. Slot length against your longest knife
Measure the blade, not the whole knife, from the tip to where it meets the handle. Shun’s long slots take up to 11.4 inches, Joseph Joseph’s 9 and the Wüsthof listing says 8. A 10-inch bread knife or a long slicer is the usual problem; a tip sticking out of the end of a slot is exactly what a drawer block is meant to prevent.
4. Slot count and spacing
Count your knives, including steak knives and the honing steel, then add two. Fixed long and short slots (Wüsthof, Shun) keep a set neatly organized; even spacing (madesmart) or two slot widths (Bambüsi) are more forgiving of a mixed collection. Thick German blades need wider slots than thin Japanese ones.
5. Wood, bamboo or plastic
Beech and bamboo look good and are firm, but they need hand cleaning and, for bamboo, the occasional wipe of oil. Plastic organizers from OXO, Joseph Joseph and madesmart add non-slip feet or linings, and OXO’s tray lifts out to wash. If your drawer gets crumbs, washable matters more than looks.
Keeping a drawer block clean and the blades safe
Whatever block you choose, put knives away clean and completely dry: a damp blade in a closed wooden slot is an invitation for spots and smells. Bambüsi’s care advice is a good general rule for wood and bamboo: wipe with a damp cloth, keep it out of the dishwasher, and rub in a little food-safe mineral oil now and then. For the oils and creams makers recommend for wooden kitchen tools, our best cutting board guide covers care in more detail.
Every few months, take the knives out, turn the block upside down over the sink and tap out what has collected in the slots. For plastic organizers, the OXO tray lifts out for washing and Joseph Joseph says to wash and dry by hand.
How we chose these seven drawer organizers
We started from what a busy kitchen needs from knife storage: every edge covered, every knife easy to grab, and nothing that jams a drawer. We then looked for in-drawer blocks sold on Amazon in the United States from identifiable makers, covering beechwood, bamboo and plastic, small and large, and checked each one’s stock with Amazon’s product data before writing. Slot counts, blade lengths, sizes and care come from the maker’s website or the Amazon listing; where a figure came from a retailer such as Cutlery and More, we say so, and where nothing is published we write “not stated”. We did not use these organizers for this guide, and we have not cited published equipment reviews because we did not read any for these models. We left out several unbranded bamboo blocks whose listings were near-identical.
Drawer knife block questions, answered
What is the best knife block for a drawer?
For most kitchens, the Wüsthof 15-Slot In-Drawer Knife Tray, if your drawer is at least 17.25 inches deep. Choose the Shun 7-slot tray for thin Japanese knives and the OXO organizer for a tray you can wash.
Are in-drawer knife blocks better than countertop blocks?
They save counter space and keep knives out of sight and out of reach of small hands when the drawer is closed. A countertop block is quicker to grab from and does not use up a drawer. Both protect the edges, which a loose drawer of knives does not.
Do drawer knife blocks dull knives?
A well-made slot holds the blade still so the edge does not knock against other metal, which is the main way knives get dulled in a drawer. Wüsthof says its slots prevent wear from jarring and bumping. Always slide the knife in and out along the spine side rather than dragging the edge.
Will my knife brand fit any drawer block?
Usually, if the blade is within the slot length and the slot is wide enough. Kai notes that handle widths vary, so not every knife will fit its Shun tray. Thick forged German blades are the most likely to be tight in narrow slots.
How many slots do I need?
Count every knife you own, including steak knives and a honing steel, and add a couple for knives you will buy later. A set with six steak knives needs the Wüsthof 15 or a 16-slot bamboo block.
Our pick for a clear counter
Buy the Wüsthof 15-slot tray if you want a low beech insert that holds a typical home set with room to grow. Choose the Shun 7-slot tray for Japanese knives, and the OXO organizer if you want a tray you can lift out and wash. Before you order, measure the drawer three ways and your longest blade once.
Still choosing the knives that go in it? Our guides to the best knife set and the best chef knife compare the blades themselves, and our guide to Mexican cooking tools covers the rest of the prep kit.
Related guide: Best knife guards.
And if you would rather leave the knife work to someone else tonight, see the menu or call to order.