If you cook at home even a little, you know how fast counters get crowded. Coffee makers, cutting boards, and appliances eat up space, and then there’s the giant knife block parked permanently by the stove.
Knife blocks dull blades, are tough to clean, and waste space you could put to better use. That’s why more home cooks are upgrading to magnetic wall racks, and IKEA’s $20 KUNGSFORS is one of the sleekest, most affordable options out there.
KUNGSFORS Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Rack, $20 at IKEA
IKEA’s KUNGSFORS looks minimal, but it’s built to do a lot of heavy lifting. The 22-inch stainless steel bar hides a heavy-duty magnet that grips knives, shears, and metal utensils without slipping. Mount it on your backsplash or a free stretch of wall, and suddenly your blades are right where you need them—no digging in drawers, no oversized block hogging prime counter space.
The stainless finish matches just about any kitchen setup, from modern to industrial, and it’s simple to keep clean. A quick wipe-down and you’re done. Strong enough to hold everything from a paring knife to a full chef’s blade, the KUNGSFORS feels like it should cost more than twenty bucks.
Why It’s Smarter Than a Knife Block
That bulky block sitting on your counter is doing more harm than good. Every time you slide a knife in and out, the wood can dull the blade. The deep slots are tough to clean, making them a perfect hideout for bacteria. And unless you’re working the line in a restaurant, you don’t need the full set of knives those blocks usually require.
A wall-mounted rack like the KUNGSFORS solves all of it. Your knives stay sharper, they’re easier to grab mid-recipe, and you get back a chunk of counter space for your coffee grinder, blender, or just some breathing room. It looks good, too. Instead of a clunky wood block, you’ve got a clean strip of steel and your knives lined up like pro gear in plain sight.
Related: IKEA’s $30 Lamplig Cutting Board Gives You More Counter Space
Mounting Made Easy
The KUNGSFORS is built like a tank, but that means it needs a solid mount. IKEA leaves the hardware up to you, so grab wall anchors or hit a stud to make sure it stays locked in. Once it’s up, the stainless bar sits clean and flush enough to look sharp against your backsplash.
Reviewers say it’s strong enough to hold a whole arsenal of chef’s knives, scissors, and even small tools. Just don’t expect to move it around without patching holes—this is a permanent upgrade, not a renter-friendly fix.
A magnetic rack like the KUNGSFORS is about making your kitchen work better for you. It frees up space, keeps your knives sharper, and puts the tools you actually use front and center. It’s a small upgrade that pays off every time you cook, and at twenty bucks, it’s hard to argue with the value.
Related: IKEA’s $20 KONCIS Roasting Pan Lets You Cook Meat and Sides At the Same Time
