X-ACTO Powerhouse Electric Pencil Sharpener with SafeStart Motor: Electronic Sharpener for Pencils, Black & Clear
$33.99
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This electric pencil sharpener has garnered mixed feedback from guests, with many praising its speed and efficiency in sharpening both regular and colored pencils. Guests appreciate its quiet operation and easy-to-empty shavings container, making it suitable for classrooms and home use. However, some guests have experienced issues with durability and jamming, leading to disappointment. Overall, it offers a modern design and reliable performance for those who need a dependable sharpener.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
3.7 out of 5 stars with 85 reviews
quality: 1.86 out of 5
value: 1.81 out of 5
23% would recommend
26 recommendations
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
19 February, 2026
Do Not Buy
It worked for 2 pencils before it jammed. Never worked again. NOT office friendly - VERY loud. Would not buy!
1 reply from X-ACTO team - 1 month ago
Hello, We’re very sorry to hear about your experience and that’s definitely not the performance we expect from our sharpeners. If the unit jammed after just a couple of pencils, there may be a blockage in the cutting mechanism. In many cases, carefully unplugging the sharpener and gently removing any visible debris from the blade area (without inserting fingers into the mechanism) can help restore function. Emptying the shavings bin fully and ensuring it’s seated correctly is also important, as the unit will not operate properly if the bin isn’t aligned. If you need our assistance, please reach out to our Exacto Care team via official website X-Acto "Contact Us". We’re available Mon.-Fri. 9am – 8pm Eastern Time. Thank you! X-Acto Consumer Care
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
3 January, 2026Verified purchase
Broke instantly.
Broke after literally 1/2 a use. So disappointing.
1 reply from X-ACTO team - 3 months ago
Hello. Thank you for sharing your experience with the X-ACTO Powerhouse Electric Pencil Sharpener with SafeStart® Motor. We’re sorry to hear that the unit stopped working after such limited use, this is certainly disappointing and not the level of quality we expect. The SafeStart® Motor is designed to engage only when the shavings bin is properly seated, so ensuring the bin is fully aligned and securely in place may help if the sharpener appears unresponsive. Using standard wooden pencils and avoiding excessive pressure can also help maintain proper operation. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and encourage you to contact us directly so we can assist with a resolution. Please reach out to us via our Contact Us form on our website. We’re available Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5pm Eastern Time. Thank you! X-ACTO® Consumer Care
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
14 December, 2025
Sharpener does not work
Sharpener does not work! Just purchased this and it cannot sharpen a single pencil. It grinds away but seems to jam instantly. Does not even seem to allow any pencils to be inserted deeply enough to work. Will be returning asap.
1 reply from X-ACTO team - 3 months ago
Hello. Thank you for sharing your experience with the X-ACTO Powerhouse Electric Pencil Sharpener with SafeStart® Motor. We’re sorry to hear that the sharpener did not function properly right out of the box, this is certainly frustrating and not the experience we want for our customers. The SafeStart® Motor is designed to operate only when the shavings bin is fully and correctly seated, so we recommend double-checking that the bin is securely aligned and clicked into place. Using standard-sized wooden pencils and inserting them gently without applying pressure may also help prevent jamming. We appreciate your feedback and understand your decision to return the item. Your feedback will be shared with the appropriate team. If you’d like further assistance, please reach out to us via our Contact Us form on our website. We’re available Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5pm Eastern Time. Thank you! X-ACTO® Consumer Care
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
2 November, 2025Verified purchase
Jams Constantly!
After purchasing I tried to sharpen my set of 24 colored pencils and I lost count of how many times it jammed! I'm an elementary teacher and have never had a pencil sharpener work as poorly as this one. I returned it and will be looking elsewhere.
1 reply from X-ACTO team - 4 months ago
Hello. Thank you for sharing your experience with the X-ACTO Powerhouse Electric Pencil Sharpener. It’s disappointing to hear that the sharpener jammed repeatedly while you were working through your set of colored pencils. We understand how important dependable performance is, especially in a classroom setting. Your feedback is appreciated and will be shared with the appropriate team for review. If you require any assistance, please reach out to us via our Contact Us form on our website. We’re available Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5pm Eastern Time. Thank you! XACTO® Consumer Care
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
28 June, 2025Verified purchase
Not worth the money
This is the worst pencil sharpener I have ever bought. I am a teacher and it did not last 10 pencils before it stopped working. Returning immediately!!!!
1 out of 5 stars
27 November, 2024
originally posted on schoolspecialty.com
Expensive and low quality, not a heavy duty.
I bought it because it said it is a heavy duty sharpener. I am a teacher and I was very disappointed, this is an expensive product and it broke the first semester I used it. I am not sure what is wrong with it, it spins but doesn't sharp the pencil, if I press a little more to see if that will work it stops spinning. I wanted to return it but I don't have the receipt anymore.
1 reply from Maureen team - 1 year ago
Thanks for leaving your review. We have reached out to gather more details and offer assistance. Please check your email and respond so that we can resolve this issue for you. We appreciate your business!
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
14 August, 2024Verified purchase
X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener
Terrible pencil sharpener! It jams and stops as soon and the pencil hits the blades. There is no way I can use this in my class. Terrible quality for the price.
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
6 August, 2024Verified purchase
Not a fan.
Very finicky… the pencils almost have to be at an angle and then you have to rotate it to get all sides sharp…. If it doesn’t break the lead off. Bought one at Sam’s for half the price and it works great.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
21 March, 2024Verified purchase
Broke immediately
I bought this for my classroom since our last sharpener broke. Had it in my classroom for 10 minutes and the blades stopped working. Now we're back to having no classroom sharpener.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
2 December, 2023
Poor quality sharpener
Like others have noted, this sharpener worked for a week, then jammed completely. I wish I had read reviews before purchase. I will be returning it today.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
30 November, 2023Verified purchase
Pencil
Good quality product.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
30 March, 2023
Horrible
Impossible to clear jams! Waste of money.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
10 February, 2023Verified purchase
My school needs to buy these sharpeners
I like that it sharpens quickly and the shavings case has a lock. It was difficult to open so it shows me that I don’t have to worry about my student spilling shaving all over the room.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
6 January, 2023
Complete Garbage
I just got this home and the sharpener doesn't even spin. The motor just runs like a worthless piece of junk. So frustrating. This is suppose to be commercial-grade. What a joke. I'm a homeschool mom who uses pencils all the time. so incredibly disappointing. Find another brand. Retunring this as soon as I can. And wishing I could rate this ZERO stars.
1 reply from Sandy Laval team - 3 years ago
Hell, Redheadedreader. We apologize for any inconvenience if your newly purchased X-ACTO Powerhouse Electric Pencil Sharpener are not working. We'll be more than happy to address this issue. Please contact us directly, we are looking forward to hear from you!
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
30 November, 2022Verified purchase
Broke easily
Broke after the third pencil
1 reply from Sandy Laval team - 3 years ago
Hello, Mamma bear34. Thanks for sharing your feedback with X-ACTO Powerhouse Electric Pencil Sharpener, and sorry to hear if they get broken after sharpening third pencil. We would be happy to resolve this issue with you. Please contact us directly.
1 out of 5 stars
19 October, 2022
originally posted on schoolspecialty.com
Inferior
The description claims “Heavy Duty” let me tell you from first hand experience this is exactly the opposite. Motor disconnected from grinder because of tiny plastic parts. Terrible my expensive for such a low quality item.
1 reply from Ashley team - 3 years ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We've forwarded your issue to our Product Management Team, and they’re looking into it. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Our Customer Care Team will be in touch. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please visit our Customer Care portal at https://help.schoolspecialty.com.
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
1 September, 2022Verified purchase
Stopped working after three months
It worked well for just over three months. The warranty is for 90 days, and of course it stopped working - like many others have noted - just after the warranty expired.
1 reply from Sandy Laval team - 4 years ago
Hi, we apologize for the inconvenience that your Powerhouse Electric Sharpener suddenly stops working. We'd like to address this concern and be resolved. Please contact us directly at 1-800-879-4868 / Mon - Fri, 9AM - 5PM E.T.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
29 August, 2022
Awful
It was a spectacular machine for the 1 day that it worked.
1 reply from Sandy Laval team - 4 years ago
Hi, Katie. We apologize seeing this kind of experience as your X-ACTO Powerhouse Electric Sharpener suddenly stops working upon normal usage. We'd like resolve and help you. Please contact us directly at 1-800-879-4868 / Mon - Fri, 9AM - 5PM E.T.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
30 March, 2022Verified purchase
Love This Thing!
Sharpened Every Pencil/colored Pencil In The House In Under 15 Minutes With No Trouble At All. (We're Talking Hundreds)
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
9 March, 2022Verified purchase
Hard pass
Much like the other reviews, it worked (sort of, would not sharpen pencils on center) for a couple weeks and then the gears disengaged from the blades. Was a waste of money.
1 reply from Sandy Laval team - 4 years ago
Hi, Kate. Thank you for sharing your review for X-ACTO Powerhouse Electric Pencil Sharpener, and sorry to hear that the gears of your sharpener disengaged from the blades. To have this resolved, please contact X-ACTO directly. We look forward to assisting you.