Magnetic Knife Strips: Check These 4 Things Before You Buy
A magnetic knife strip is a bar with magnets that fixes to a wall so knives hang flat against it. IKEA notes that "Magnetic knife racks preserve the edges on your knives since they don't scrape together in a drawer." A strip only works well if there is clear wall space, it is long enough, it is fixed properly and the magnets hold your heaviest knife. Use these checks before choosing one. This guide is a planning aid, not a compatibility guarantee.
Jump to the products to check against this list (affiliate links)
Download the original checklist image
1. Wall space
Measure the clear wall width and the height between the worktop and any wall cupboards, and check what is below, such as the hob or sink. IKEA's HULTARP rack is 38 cm long and its KUNGSFORS rack 56 cm; a reviewer on IKEA's UK page found KUNGSFORS "too long for what I wanted", and another wrote: "I use these inside my kitchen cupboard doors".
2. Knives and length
Lay your knives side by side with a gap between them and measure the total; add room for scissors or a sharpening steel. The strips we checked come 33 or 38 cm long, or 31.5, 36.6, 41.5 or 46.4 cm (sold as 12 to 18 inches). A reviewer on IKEA's UK page said HULTARP has "tiny magnets that are spaced out so the knives 'jump' from one position to another".
3. Fixing
IKEA says of HULTARP: "Screws for wall mounting sold separately." A reviewer on IKEA's UK page hoped to use command strips but found "the back only has two small contact points so you can only really use screws". One strip we checked says "Attach the screws included, and install it on the wall"; the other says it "Supports both drilled and non-drilled installation". Check what the wall is made of first.
4. Magnet hold
A reviewer on IKEA's UK page wrote that KUNGSFORS "couldn't hold some of the heavier knives". Neither AliExpress listing we checked gives a holding figure: one shows "NEODYMIUM POWERED" on its images and the other lists "Built-in high-strength magnets". Hang your heaviest knife first and check it does not slide.
Before you order
Keep the clear wall width and height, the total width of your knives and the wall type next to the strip's length, fixings included and any holding figure. After fitting, hang your heaviest knife and check that it stays put. If a figure is missing, ask the seller.
Products to check against this list
The links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are as listed by the seller on the date shown; we have not measured, tested or approved these products for your space.
- Magnetic knife strip with screws and wall plugs, 33 or 38 cm. Seller-listed: Options: 33 x 4.8 cm or 38 x 4.8 cm. Images: 'Attach the screws included, and install it on the wall'; 2 screws and 2 wall plugs shown; 'NEODYMIUM POWERED'. Holding force not listed. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
- Aluminium magnetic knife strip, 12 to 18 inch, drilled or no-drill fixing. Seller-listed: Sizes: 31.5, 36.6, 41.5 or 46.4 x 4.5 x 1.8 cm (12/14/16/18 inches). Text: 'Aluminum Alloy + Magnet + Plastic'; 'Supports both drilled and non-drilled installation'; accessory pack included. Holding force not listed. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
Your fit worksheet
Use centimetres or inches consistently. These cells are intentionally unfilled: we have not measured your space or approved a product for it.
| Check | Your space or equipment | Product requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall space | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Knives and length | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Fixing | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Magnet hold | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
Reference and evidence limits
Retailer example: IKEA HULTARP magnetic knife rack, Ireland listing.
The linked retailer page and its public customer feedback supplied research leads, not independent performance evidence. Comments can reflect individual experiences. We have not independently reproduced them or verified compatibility, stock, price, load limits or current numerical specifications. Check the product page and instructions for your market before buying. Source reviewed on 2026-09-29.