TechJunkie is a BOX20 Media Company

Home Reviews Electronics Sharpen Your Pencils With the Best Electric Pencil Sharpeners

TechJunkie Expert Recommendations

Sharpen Your Pencils With the Best Electric Pencil Sharpeners

TechJunkie is supported by our readers. When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Read More.

Sharpen Your Pencils With the Best Electric Pencil Sharpeners

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.

Buying Guide: Electric Pencil Sharpeners

You know that feeling when you’re sketching or writing and the tip becomes dull? You’re just starting to get into the groove and now you have to dig out the pencil sharpener. When you finally find one, you start turning the pencil in the sharpener and hear that dreaded snap. The easiest way to minimize the chances of lead breakage and take the frustration out of this scene is by using an electric pencil sharpener. Not only does it provide quicker and more consistent sharpening results, but it’s also more gentle on your hands. Plus, you’ll save time because electric sharpeners speed up the sharpening process. We hate to break it to you but not all-electric models are made the same. If you buy a low-quality product, you’ll get chipped pencil ends with broken lead. But don’t worry, we’ve done thorough research and reviewed some of the top electric pencil sharpeners of 2023 that deliver sharp, pointy ends without chipping your precious pencils.

Benefits of Having an Electric Pencil Sharpener

An electric pencil sharpener can swiftly sharpen your pencil with little work on your part and is electrically powered. Simply place the pencil into the sharpener and the motor will mechanically move it against the blade for you, allowing you to quickly achieve the correct sharpness. An electric pencil sharpener is useful for anyone who frequently uses pencils; even pencil-only artists can benefit from an electric model. For those who have arthritis or other hand disorders, an electric pencil sharpener is an excellent solution.

How to Choose an Electric Pencil Sharpener

Power supply

Electric pencil sharpeners that run on batteries are incredibly compact, making them perfect for carrying from home to school or the office. They usually lack the same power as plug-in devices, which limits how rapidly they can sharpen pencils. The use of plug-in electric pencil sharpeners on desks or in offices is limited since they must be used close to an outlet or a computer with a USB connection. Most sharpeners have a bigger motor, they sharpen more rapidly, and you don’t have to be concerned about running out of batteries whenever you need to sharpen a pencil.

Noise level

The majority of electric pencil sharpeners create some noise when in use, which can be annoying in a work or study area. Choose a version with a quieter function if you want to use the sharpener somewhere where the noise can potentially be distracting. 

Pencil size

There are many different sizes of pencils, so it’s critical that any electric pencil sharpener you select can fit the pencils that you use. Pick an electric pencil sharpener that has an adjustable wheel so you can alter the size of the aperture for the pencil if you want the greatest adaptability. This feature is perfect for the classroom because it can often handle up to six different pencil sizes.

Sharpening angle

You can change the sharpening angle on some electric pencil sharpeners to ensure that your pencils are as fine as you want them to be. Some models also allow you to avoid the lead splitting during sharpening by adjusting the angle.

Features of a Quality Electric Pencil Sharpener

Speed

There isn’t much of a variation in the speed of electric pencil sharpeners — they all operate quite swiftly. But, you should get a heavy-duty or professional sharpener if you need to use your pencil sharpener in a classroom where many children will use it daily. These electric pencil sharpeners usually feature powerful motors, allowing them to sharpen more pencils quickly.

Shavings container

Every electric pencil sharpener has some sort of bucket or container for collecting the pencil shavings as you sharpen them. It’s necessary to routinely empty this container since most models will shut off when the container is completely full.

Blade replacements

The typical wear and tear of the blade can affect the efficacy of an electric pencil sharpener. You should quickly swap out the blade on some models, ensuring that the sharpener continues to function flawlessly. Keep in mind that some electric pencil sharpeners don’t offer blade replacements, so if the blade becomes worn out you’ll need to buy a new sharpener.

01 JARLINK Electric Pencil Sharpener

The JARLINK Electric Pencil Sharpener makes quick work of even the dullest pencils, giving you sharp, pointed tips with little effort on your part. If you’re a fan of quick, hands-off performance, this heavy-duty electric sharpener offers quicker and more reliable sharpening results. This electric pencil sharpener operates on AA batteries or you can directly plug it into an AC outlet to power up and sharpen your pencils on the go. 

With its helical blade and auto-stop feature, you can sharpen your dullest pencils in just five to 10 seconds. It also comes with a safety feature that keeps the device from turning on when the lid is open, protecting your curious kids and pets. All these features make this electric pencil sharpener the best overall on the list.

Pros

  • Can run on battery and AC power
  • Auto-stop feature protects pencil core
  • Easy-to-clean, detachable design

Cons

  • Replacing the cap is a bit difficult
JARLINK Electric Pencil Sharpener

02 POWERME Electric Pencil Sharpener

If you’re looking for a lightweight, compact, and well-designed sharpener for your little ones, the POWERME Electric Pencil Sharpener is ideal for all-around use. It’s perfectly portable and runs on four AA batteries, so you don’t have to worry about finding a wall outlet to power it. This electric sharpener features a heavy-duty, rotating helical blade that sharpens your pencil in just three seconds, giving you a perfect tip to work with.

This electric sharpener comes with an auto-jam release system, so whenever your pencil gets stuck in it, just push down on it to release the pencil. It’s suitable for number two and colored pencils and stands the test of time while withstanding up to 3,000 sharpening rounds.

Pros

  • Transparent shaving reservoir prevents mess
  • Durable, easy-to-sharpen stainless steel blade 
  • Rotating blade offers perfect tip every time

Cons

  • Battery compartment is hard to open
POWERME Electric Pencil Sharpener

03 Bostitch Electric Pencil Sharpener

While the Bostitch Electric Pencil Sharpener doesn’t excel at anything in particular, it comes at an affordable price. This wired pencil sharpener is made of high-quality, hardened steel, making it durable and longer-lasting. It’s also small and lightweight so you can just stash it in your bag and take it with you anywhere.

This sharpener has a built-in, high-capacity shaving tray that’s extremely easy to clean and the safety switch stops the device from operating when the reservoir is out, preventing your fingers from getting cut. It’s also equipped with HHC cutter technology, making it durable enough to stand the test of time and extending the sharpener’s life four times.

Pros

  • Backed by a seven year warranty
  • Comes in a space-saving design
  • Powerful motor operates stall-free

Cons

  • Screwdriver required to open the shaving tray
Bostitch Electric Pencil Sharpener

04 X-Acto Electric Pencil Sharpener

For teachers who don’t want their students to wait to sharpen their pencils while making a long queue that snakes around the room, the X-Acto Electric Pencil Sharpener is ideal. While it’s designed specifically for the classroom, you can also use it in your office or at home if you often sharpen your pencils in bulk. It comes with six pencil holes of different sizes, allowing six students to sharpen their pencils simultaneously. 

The small, suctioned feet of this pencil sharpener keep it in an upright position and prevent it from tipping over while it sharpens away. The auto-reset feature keeps the device from overheating under heavy use and the powerful motor doesn’t make much noise, making it ideal for offices and classrooms.

Pros

  • Break-resistant to produce sharp tips
  • Fly-away cutter keeps it from oversharpening
  • Extra-large shaving bin reduces mess

Cons

  • A bit bulky for some
X-Acto Electric Pencil Sharpener

05 AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener

No matter what you need a pencil sharpener for, you won’t be disappointed in the AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener. With its upgraded stronger motor and heavy-duty blade, this electric sharpener can efficiently last more than 10,000 sharpening cycles and gives you a perfectly sharpened top in just three to five seconds. 

This faster, more durable sharpener is good enough to sharpen around 200 pencils at a time because it features a stronger blade and a more powerful motor. You can also use it for colored pencils! This electric pencil sharpener starts sharpening the pencil automatically when you insert it in. As an added bonus, it comes with two safety features: it stops working when you take the shaving box out and it stops sharpening when the device is overheating.

Pros

  • Features non-skid foot pads for stability
  • Bigger alloy blade lasts longer
  • Auto start and off feature ensures safety

Cons

  • A bit heavier than other options
AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener

People Also Asked

Can I sharpen my electric pencil sharpeneru2019s blade at home?

Absolutely. You need to unscrew the blade, take it out, and sharpen it with a sharpening stone to keep it in pristine condition.

How long will my electric pencil sharpener last?

The motor’s quality, usage, and blade material affect the lifespan of an electric pencil sharpener. It typically lasts for at least five years and heavy-duty variants have a 10-year or more lifespan.

Can I sharpen colored pencils with an electric sharpener?

Yes, but we recommend getting a sharpener that’s specifically designed for colored pencils.

Alex Baum

Jul 29, 2022

37 Articles Published

Our Process & Method

We're not just tech junkies, but we're also tech experts. Each and every "Best of.." list on TechJunkie is curated by our content-area subject matter experts to provide a well-rounded, unbiased perspective to help and inform you, our reader. Our lists are constantly reviewed and updated, so you can be sure you're reading relevant and up to date information.

Drift Off to Dreamland With the Best Bluetooth Sleep Masks

Read More

More