Best Electric Sharpener for Colored Pencils
Looking for a fast, reliable electric sharpener that handles colored pencils? This guide highlights five top picks well-suited for students, artists, teachers, and offices. Each product section notes who it’s best for, why it stands out, and any practical limitations. Use the buying guide and FAQ to compare features like sharpening speed, power options, and auto-stop safety.
Summary Table
| Product | Ideal For | Power/Operation | Sharpen Speed | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFMAT PS92 | Classrooms, offices, home studios | Plug-in | 5 sec (new), 3 sec (used) | Auto stop; large shavings box |
| Prolixity | Classrooms, teachers, students | Rechargeable USB | 3-5 sec | Three sharpening settings |
| JARLINK 8mm Sharpener | K-12, busy classrooms | AC adapter or batteries | 5-10 sec | Auto stop; anti-harm inlet |
| Bostitch Office Sharpener | Desks, deskside use | AC powered | Not specified | Stall-free motor; safety switch |
| AFMAT PS93 | Artists, 6-12mm pencils | Plug-in | 5 sec (new), 3 sec (used) | Auto stop; large shavings box |
AFMAT Auto Stop Sharpener For 6-12mm Pencils
Best for high-speed sharpening of standard No.2 and colored pencils in classrooms or busy home offices. The PS92 uses a robust motor that reduces downtime—sharpening a fresh pencil in about 5 seconds and a used pencil in about 3 seconds. It supports 6-12mm pencils, including colored options, and features auto-stop to prevent over-sharpening. The top lid and large shavings box simplify cleanup.
Who it’s best for: teachers and students who need quick, automated sharpening without desk mess. Limitations: not recommended for very soft-core pencils.
Prolixity Auto-Stop Rechargeable Sharpener
Best for classrooms that need cordless flexibility. Prolixity offers a 2000mAh rechargeable battery capable of around 600 sharpenings per full charge, with a 2.5-hour quick recharge. It sharpens 6-8mm pencils, including colored and standard wood-cased pencils, and provides three sharpening levels for control over point shape. It’s portable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Who it’s best for: educators seeking a rechargeable solution for mobile setups. Caution: not advised for ultra-soft pencils.
JARLINK 8mm Auto Stop Sharpener
Best for busy classrooms needing a solid, corded option. JARLINK sharpens most 8mm pencils, including No.2 and colored pencils, with a powerful motor and auto-stop that prevents over-sharpening. It can run on an AC adapter or four AA batteries, increasing placement options in flexible spaces. The 8mm inlet keeps tiny fingers away from the blade for safety.
Who it’s best for: schools or offices that require a reliable, versatile plug-in or battery-powered unit. Limitation: battery option requires multiple batteries for extended use.
Bostitch Office Electric Sharpener
Best for desk-heavy environments that require a stall-free, high-capacity sharpener. Bostitch emphasizes a stall-free motor and a safe design with an auto-shutoff when the shavings tray is removed. The compact footprint fits most desks without crowding, making it a reliable choice for shared workspaces where uptime matters.
Who it’s best for: classrooms and offices seeking steady performance with safety features. Caution: lack of detailed sharpening speed data may require practical testing for exact needs.
AFMAT PS93 Large-Hole Electric Sharpener
Best for artists and students using jumbo or No.2 pencils with thick cores. The PS93 handles 6-12mm pencils and features the same auto-stop mechanism to avoid over-sharpening, along with a large capacity shavings box for big jobs. It’s designed for users who want fast results without frequent emptying, especially in art rooms or studios.
Who it’s best for: artists and color-pencil enthusiasts prioritizing speed and compatibility with larger pencils. Limitation: not recommended for ultra-soft cores, similar to other AFMAT models.
Buying Guide
What should I look for in an electric sharpener for colored pencils?
- Compatibility: Check the range of pencil diameters (6-12mm is common) to ensure it handles No.2 and colored pencils.
- Sharpening speed: Faster models save time but verify if new vs. used pencils meet your expectations (some list 3-5 seconds).
- Power options: Decide between plug-in, USB-rechargeable, or battery-powered based on workspace and portability needs.
- Auto-stop feature: This minimizes waste and protects pencil cores; confirm whether it works with varied pencil types.
- Shavings capacity and cleanup: A larger tray reduces emptying frequency; look for a top-lid design for easy cleaning.
- Safety: Consider models with anti-slip bases and finger guards; auto-shutoff when not in use adds a safety layer.
Which model fits which use case?
- Best for classrooms: AFMAT PS92 or PS93 for fast batch sharpening and easy cleanup.
- Best for portability: Prolixity with USB rechargeability for on-the-go schooling or field use.
- Best for deskside reliability: Bostitch with stall-free motor and compact footprint.
- Best for heavy colored-pencil users: JARLINK or AFMAT large-hole models for thick cores.
Maintenance tips
- Empty shavings regularly to maintain efficiency and prevent jams.
- Use the correct hole size for your pencils to avoid overloading the blade.
- Keep blades clean and dry to extend sharpener life and performance.
FAQ
- Can these sharpeners handle very soft pencils? Some models advise against ultra-soft cores; check the manufacturer notes for each model.
- Do these sharpeners automatically stop when sharpening is complete? Most featured models include auto-stop to prevent over-sharpening.
- Are battery-powered options practical for classrooms? Battery models offer portability, but availability of spare batteries is a consideration for extended use.
- Is 6-12mm the only size supported? Several models cater to 6-12mm; verify exact sizes if you frequently use jumbo or No.2 pencils.
- Do these require special maintenance? Routine emptying and blade cleaning are typically sufficient for longevity.