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Everyone who spends a bit of time in the kitchen knows already there is a knife for each type of food. When it comes to fruits, you can handle them with pretty much any knife, but then, certain fruits can become a nightmare without the right tools. This is when the grapefruit knife kicks in. If you are sick and tired of splashing your kitchen walls or perhaps leaving plenty of grapefruit on the actual peel, choosing one of these tools will guarantee a perfect result.
Deciding on the best grapefruit knife is not that easy though. There are, indeed, a few good options out there, but it pays off researching them without making a final decision. Here is everything you need to know about grapefruit knives, as well as the top-rated products on the market – with specifications, pluses, and minuses.
About Grapefruit Knives
The grapefruit knife is self-explanatory. It is specifically designed to cut grapefruit. However, it can be used for other small tasks involving other fruits and vegetables as well. The knife is relatively small and barely has a few inches in length. Its main role is not to cut the actual fruit – yet it is just as efficient at doing it. Instead, it is meant to separate the rim from the actual edge. It is practically a peeling tool.
The knife comes with a small blade, which is also curved. The curvature is meant to work on the curves of the grapefruit. Other than that, it is also serrated to ensure an easy peeling operation.
Furthermore, some grapefruit knives are slightly different. They come with two short twin blades – about 0.03 inches apart. They are serrated and their main role is to separate sections from the membrane between them.
You can also find grapefruit knives that incorporate both styles. They come with a handle in the middle and blades on each side of the handle. No matter which type you choose, the final result will be flawless. You will get an intact fruit whose sections lift out without too much hassle. It is important to know that grapefruit knives are different from grapefruit spoons – each tool has its own specific purpose.
Now that you know a bit about grapefruit knives, what are the best options in commerce and why?
2024’s 5 Best Grapefruit Knives
Pampered Chef Grapefruit Knife
Versatile applications – The Pampered Chef grapefruit knife is designed with versatility in mind. Unlike other specialized grapefruit knives, this one has a more diversified purpose. It will not just slice the fruit and it will not just section it. Instead, it does both. You can also use this knife for other similar fruits and vegetables, yet it is specifically made for grapefruits.
Easy to use – You do not have to be a genius to use this grapefruit knife. In fact, you will get along with it after a few tries – even if you have never used one before. Its blade can cut a grapefruit in half with no issues at all. Then, you can use the curved tip to separate the flesh from the rind without wasting anything. Not only is it easy to use, but it is also extremely precise and efficient.
Superior blade – The unit comes with more blades. Altogether, it measures 5.5 inches. On one side of the handle, you have two twin serrated blades very close one to another. On the other end of the handle, there is a curved tip – ideal for separating the flesh from the rind. All blades are made of stainless steel, which will never rust or corrode when in touch with the acidic grapefruit.
Care and maintenance – Unlike other specialized knives, the Pampered Chef grapefruit knife is dishwasher safe. However, some experts still recommend washing it manually to maintain its sharpness. Other than that, the package also includes a protective storage cover. While rust-resistant, you should still let the knife dry before storing it in this cover.
Pros
- Versatile operation
- Easy to hold and use
- Durable and sharp blades
- Can be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Comes with a protective cover for storage
Cons
- Can get dull if cleaned in a dishwasher
Messermeister Pro-Touch Grapefruit Knife
Purpose and design – Messermeister’s best grapefruit knife is specifically built to separate the pulp part of the grapefruit from the rind without any waste at all. It is also great to slice the grapefruit without splashing everything around you. In terms of design, you can choose between two different colors – black and red. The handle is the only element that will be different when you pick the design – blade, and quality will be the same.
Superior blade – The quality of a blade defines the quality of a knife. At this point, there is not much to worry about. This knife comes with a thick gauge 18 8 stainless steel. It is less likely to bend or deform. It is also rust and corrosion-resistant. The blade measures four inches, meaning you can also access hard to reach bits at the bottom of the grapefruit without too much work.
Excellent handle – Whether you are left or right-handed, this knife allows ambidextrous uses. The knife is symmetrically built and the blade is serrated on both edges. Other than that, the handle ensures a soft grip. It feels comfortable and it is less likely to slip out of your hands, even if they get sweaty or wet from the leaking grapefruit. The handle has a lanyard hole and is about the same size as the blade.
Care and maintenance – There is not much to care about when it comes to maintenance. While the grapefruit is a highly acidic fruit, the blade is made of stainless steel, which can resist rust and corrosion anyway. It is highly recommended to wash the knife after each use though. Also, do it manually, rather than in a dishwasher. Dishwashers tend to dull blades.
Pros
- Suitable for both left and right-handed people
- Durable and efficient blade
- Soft nonslip handle
- Available in a few different colors
- Great value for money
Cons
- Unpacking the knife could be a challenge, as some cards are stuck to it and may need a screwdriver to be removed
Better Houseware Grapefruit Knife
Excellent value for money – Better Houseware’s best grapefruit knife is built with value for money in mind. It costs less than a couple of grapefruit and will provide many years of regular use at maximum efficiency. A bit of creativity will make this knife quite versatile as well. It can be used for other similar fruits, given the unusual shape of its blade. Other than that, it is only available in one style – black handle and a silver blade.
Great blade – The blade has a slightly unusual shape. Not only will it allow you to cut through grapefruit, but the angle tip is the element that makes the difference. It will separate the membrane from the pulp with literally no issue at all. The blade is serrated on both sides. It is made of stainless steel, which means it will resist corrosion and rust – no issues with the acidic grapefruit. The blade is about four inches in length.
Comfortable handle – While the blade makes the difference in a knife, the handle is not to be overlooked either. It is ergonomic and made of nylon, meaning it will last for ages. It is comfortable to hold and it has a slight hand guard protection. While not really textured, it actually features a nonslip grip, so the grapefruit juice will not make it slip. The handle is similar to the blade in length – around four inches.
Care and maintenance – Unlike other similar knives, this one does not come with a sheath or a cover. However, it is easy to look after. While rated to be dishwasher safe, it is still recommended to clean it manually or the blade might go dull. Other than that, stainless steel does not really require maintenance at all.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Suitable for both left and right-handed users
- Easy to use
- Comfortable ergonomic handle with a nonslip surface
- Easy to look after
Cons
- Not the sharpest grapefruit knife in the world, but it can still do a very good job
Norpro Grapefruit Knife
Squirt free operation – Bringing excellent value for money, this knife ensures a squirt free operation that will not splash everything in your kitchen. Forget about the juicy mess – you can now cut and peel as many grapefruits as you want cleanly and efficiently. Given the serrations, Norpro’s best grapefruit knife will also be able to cut other fruits and vegetables – relatively small cuts though.
Quality blade – The knife comes with more blades. It has a handle in the middle and blades on each side. You have two twin blades on one side and another blade on the other side. The twin blades separate the fruit from all the membranes on the inside. The other blade is slightly curved and it separates the rind from the flesh. Altogether, the knife measures 8.75 inches and each blade is about 2.5 inches in length. Blades are made of stainless steel – rust and corrosion-resistant.
Great handle – The handle makes the operation fairly simple. It is larger than the blades, so it ensures a good hold without strain or the risk to cut yourself. It is ergonomic and while not textured, it is less likely to slip out of your hand. Given the design of the knife, it can be used by both left and right-handed people with no issues at all.
Easy maintenance – Using the knife is fairly simple, while the serrations make the whole operation a breeze. However, you want to maintain its sharpness for as long as possible. From this point of view, while rated to be dishwasher safe, you should clean it manually to avoid dulling the blades. Other than that, the stainless steel will never face any issues with rust and corrosion.
Pros
- The handle is larger than average for a comfortable use
- Multiple blades for everything that is involved with cutting a grapefruit
- Slightly curved blade to ensure a good operation
- Excellent value for money
- Easy to look after
Cons
- Given the short blades, it is not really able to cut a large grapefruit in half
Chef Craft 21525 Grapefruit Knife
Versatile application – Chef Craft has designed a classic knife designed to make grapefruit cutting a breeze. It is not a sophisticated type with a series of blades. Instead, it is traditional and features one blade only. Given the design of the knife and the blade, it can be used for other fruits and vegetables too – especially when it comes to nice cuts that involve splashing fluids everywhere.
Quality blade – The blade measures 3.5 inches in length, meaning it is longer than other alternatives in this segment. The blade has two edges – both serrated. It also has a slight curve towards the tip, which is mostly used to section the fruit based on its curves. It is made of stainless steel, so rust and corrosion will never be an issue, no matter how often you use the knife.
Comfortable handle – The handle is just as important in a knife. Chef Craft has taken the handle a bit further. Instead of plastic or other materials, the manufacturer has brought in a wooden handle. It is double riveted for stability. It fits comfortably in your hand and it is less likely to slip out. It is only available in one design – the natural brown appearance of wood.
Care and maintenance – There is not much to be concerned about, but just stick to common sense. For instance, you should wash the knife after each use. Clean the knife manually. Dishwashers can alter its design, but they may also dull the blades. Since they are serrated and difficult to sharpen, you want this knife to stay sharp for as long as possible.
Pros
- Comes with a comfortable nonslip handle
- Rust and corrosion-resistant blade
- Good size for other fruits and vegetables too
- Easy to use with no experience at all
- Easy to look after
Cons
- Must be cleaned manually – no dishwashers
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get rid of the membrane in a grapefruit?
Many grapefruit knives are designed to cut the membrane off. It has a slightly bitter taste and its texture is a bit unusual, so most people try to get rid of it. However, the membrane has lots of nutrients. More importantly, a medium grapefruit has almost three grams of soluble fiber – pectin. Most of it is in the membrane, so eating the membrane will provide a bunch of extra nutrients.
Is a grapefruit knife better than a grapefruit spoon?
From many points of view, it is. The spoon is easy to use – cut through the grapefruit until you reach the bottom and scoop the flesh out. The knife allows a more civilized operation that will not put too much pressure on the flesh. While a spoon can get the job done, it will still cause some mess – fluids everywhere and ripped flesh. The knife reduces the fluid mess and provides a cleaner result.
Should I get one, two, or three blades?
Some grapefruit knives come with one blade – serrated and slightly curved to go by the curves of the fruit. Some others come with two twin blades as well, suitable to cut the flesh and help you get rid of the membrane if you dislike it. Other knives come with all three knives.
Choosing the right design is a matter of personal preference. It also depends on whether or not you want to eat the healthy, but slightly bitter membrane.
Conclusion
Deciding on the best grapefruit knife is not hard when you do your homework, but it could still be a little challenging. There are more types of grapefruit knives out there and they come with different blades and styles. Think about your preferences – do you want the membrane? Do you want to be able to cut the whole grapefruit in half too? Know what you want and making a decision will be a breeze.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.
