Vegetable slicers: types and subtleties of choice

Vegetables and fruits in salads should be not only tasty, but also beautifully cut so that it looks aesthetically attractive. Not everyone can beautifully and evenly cut vegetables, deftly wielding a knife, and it takes a lot of time and effort to prepare. For a modern person who appreciates every minute, a vegetable cutter can be a great help.

Any vegetable slicer is a device that allows you to cut vegetables of any configuration in a short period of time. The shape of the cut depends on the special nozzles, inside which are sharp knives. Bars, cubes, spirals, thin circles and a small shredder look very beautiful, and you can cut them using a vegetable cutter quite quickly.

Depending on the method of driving the device, mechanical and electrical vegetable slicers are distinguished. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and therefore the choice of a device depends on many factors. Mechanical devices for cutting vegetables, as a rule, are compact in size and do not need to be connected to an electrical outlet.

Therefore, they can be used not only in the apartment or house, but also taken with you to a picnic or used in the country, where electricity outages often happen. Caring for them is quite simple, after using the nozzle you can only rinse with water, which, of course, is a big plus in the absence of hot water at home. Mechanical types of vegetable cutters, unlike electrical appliances, Can be washed in the dishwasher, and this greatly facilitates the work of any person involved in cooking.

Mechanical devices differ from each other in form and principle of operation.

The simplest in form and operation is, of course, vinaigrette vegetable cutter, consisting of a metal plate with a certain shape of the holes and a plastic or metal case that performs a supporting function. In order to cut the product into even cubes, you must first attach it to the grid, and only then push it. In some cases, the products will have to be cut into small slices beforehand, which is not very convenient.

There are varieties with a similar principle of sale. The metal plate can be removable, and there can be several with different shapes of holes suitable for cutting into cubes, circles and slices. For convenience, containers and vegetable holders may be present on some models.

A more perfect type of mechanical vegetable slicer is device with a V-shaped knife in a plastic case. She will perfectly cope not only with boiled, but also raw vegetables. The principle of its work is quite simple, you just need to attach the product to the surface, press a little, and make a sliding movement down. Such vegetable cutters in a set, as a rule, contain holders that perform a barrier function between the fingers and sharp knives. Such vegetable cutters have removable metal plates, as a rule, there are several types of them in the set, which allows you to cut the product not only into familiar cubes, but also into slices, straws and even a spiral.

Vegetable slicer according to the principle of operation, it is a bit like a peeler, one movement and a thin, almost transparent, slice is cut off. But there is a difference between them. With the help of a peeler, it will not be possible to give a certain shape to the product, it can only be cut into thin shapeless ribbons. And with the help of a slicer, vegetables and fruits can be not only finely chopped, but also give them the shape of a straw, circle or plate.

It differs somewhat in form and principle of operation from previous types spiral vegetable cutter. In form, the device resembles an hourglass, and in principle, it resembles a pencil sharpener. In order to cut vegetables with it, you need to insert the product, and holding it with one hand, crank. It is inexpensive and quite easy to operate and maintain.

A better model among mechanical types is manual mini-harvester. Most often, it has a removable thicket and removable plates or nozzles with knives. The principle of operation of such a mini-harvester is similar to the operation of a manual coffee grinder. Depending on the type and location of the nozzles, a conventional mechanical combine and a rotary model are distinguished.

A conventional mechanical harvester grinds products placed in a container by means of nozzles attached to a handle. The shape of the knives depends on the specific model and manufacturer.

Multifunctional rotary vegetable slicer is a universal kitchen appliance. She has a variety of nozzles, due to which she not only grinds and gives the desired shape to vegetables and fruits, but can, depending on the model and manufacturer, squeeze the juice and beat eggs. Not only cubes and cubes can be obtained using this unit, but more interesting slices in shape.

Electric vegetable cutters differ from mechanical ones by the presence of a motor, with the help of which the nozzles rotate, and the vegetables pressed to their surface, regardless of their density, are quickly cut into cubes, straws, circles or spirals.

Electric models save time and effort, which is especially important when processing a large number of products. They are convenient, and most importantly, safe to use, cutting into sharp knives is impossible, since direct contact with the knives is excluded. But there are also disadvantages. It is impossible to wash the appliance completely, since the electrical component will come into disrepair from contact with water, but numerous nozzles and removable parts can be washed. It is more convenient to use such vegetable cutters only in the stationary kitchen.

There are three varieties of electric vegetable slicers: classic, automatic and food processor.

• Classic views are the best option for home use. Models are, as a rule, compact in size, they do not make much noise during the cutting process, they rarely break, possessing good performance and a relatively low price. The number of nozzles depends on the specific manufacturer. The devices are quite simple to operate, so you can cut cubes, slices and chips from vegetables and fruits in a matter of minutes.

• Auto Models vegetable cutters are more productive compared to the classic options. In addition to various nozzles that allow you to cut vegetables of various shapes, most models have a function due to which you can grind meat. In addition, some models have a nozzle that allows shredding cabbage in thin and narrow slices. Such devices are compact, durable and have high performance. Their cost is slightly higher than that of classic vegetable cutters, but they perform more functions.

• Food processor (or electric multi-cutting) is one of the most expensive, but also the most functional types of vegetable cutters of the electric type. Many nozzles allow you to cope with the cutting of products of any type. The device will cut beautiful carrots and soft watery tomatoes into beautiful slices. In addition, the food processor is able to process products much faster than other types of vegetable cutters, and this is important if you have to cook for a large number of people.

Of course, such appliances take up more space on the kitchen table during cooking and in the drawer during storage. But for most models, the nozzles are stored directly in the vegetable cutter itself, which is very convenient. The only thing that causes difficulty is cleaning, the body can only be wiped with a damp cloth, and the nozzles cannot always be washed thoroughly from product residues due to the complex design.

Someone prefers mechanical vegetable cutters, someone prefers electric types, but in both cases there are winners, whose popularity has no doubt. The most affordable and compact in size vegetable cutter Fissman. Despite its small size (13x7), it is convenient to operate.

With this device you can decorate any dish, because thin narrow strips can be bent and twisted in different directions. Interchangeable nozzles with razor sharp knives contribute to this. There is always a plastic pusher in the kit, so your fingers will be safe.

Not the last place in the ranking is occupied by such a model as universal Multi-Function Slicer vegetable cutter. This multislicer is a compact device with a replaceable set of nozzles, with which you can shape not only vegetables, fruits, but also sausages, cheeses. The blades in the nozzles are made of stainless steel, so they will last a long time.

The device itself is not only compact in size, but still quite lightweight, since the case is made of plastic, inside which there is room for storing numerous nozzles.

Mechanical vegetable cutter Nicer Dicer Plus at a cost slightly higher than previous models, but its functionality is better. Included are:

• nozzles that allow you to cut vegetables and fruits in a variety of ways;
• 2 graters;
• a container that serves not only as a receiver during slicing, but as a storage of chopped products;
• pusher cover with a button for self-cleaning blades;
• food storage lid;
• peeler.

A little smaller vegetable cutter 5 in 1 Nicer Dicer Quik. Although it differs from the previous model in very compact dimensions, but this baby is no less functional. Cubes, straws and slices can be obtained with one click, and from the receiving container they can immediately be moved to a salad bowl or to a pan

Vegetable cutter Dekok UKA-1321 by the principle of work is very similar to the previous model. For cutting, food is placed on the wire rack and the lid is closed. Distinctive features of vegetable cutters are:

• comfortable and fairly roomy case made of shockproof plastic;
• stainless steel nozzles;
• compact size and attractive appearance.

Inexpensive reliable and well-established vegetable slicer-rotating slicer from the company Moulinex. The light and convenient model is equipped with several knife disks that are inserted into special mounts on the inside of the vegetable cutter. Rotating the handle, you can chop both raw and boiled vegetables, as well as chop cabbage and cheese. To store space a lot is not needed, the legs are folded.

Vegetable slicer-chopper works by the principle of rotation Wellberg 9549 WB. With its help, you can not only chop vegetables, but also dry lettuce leaves (an additional container is included in the kit), separate the protein from the yolk (the separator is located on the lid) and use a special nozzle to beat the protein. It is convenient to use such a grinder, the legs of the platform on which the container is rubberized and well fix it on the surface. The container itself is easily removed at the touch of a button.

German vegetable cutter Borner classic sold in stores at an average price. It consists of a V-shaped frame, a fruit holder and various inserts for cutting. It is functional, durable, easy to care for and easy to operate.

A more advanced model from this company is Borner Prima Lux. The structure additionally includes a stand for nozzles, and the number of nozzles themselves is increased to 5 pcs. In order to change the nozzle, you only need to press the button on the case. In addition to storing nozzles, the container can also be used as a stand for the kit.

Vegetable cutter Spiralizer 8 in 1 differs from previous models not only in large sizes, but in functionality. With its help, you can not only give the familiar shape to vegetables, but also decorate any dish, because in the cutting kit there are 4 different nozzles with sharp blades. But that's not all, the kit includes a nozzle for squeezing juice from citrus fruits, so there is no need to buy a juicer. It is absolutely safe to use it, as the pusher-holder excludes contact with knives.

An overview of electric vegetable cutters should begin with the cheapest model Scarlet SC-KP45S01. It is compact, reliable, stable and has a low power (200V). Two types of nozzles in the kit allow you to quickly cope with the cutting of vegetables, and one is specially designed for rubbing chocolate. The negative aspects of use include the difficulty of washing nozzles.

No less popular is small, light (weight 1 kg), but quite effective Model Phillips HR 1388. The vegetable cutter (or as it is also called a multi-cutter) is equipped with 5 nozzles with stainless steel blades that can easily cope with solid vegetables by cutting straws, circles and thin slices from them. It is easy to use and care, nozzles can be washed both manually and in the dishwasher. Among the disadvantages are:

• lack of storage capacity for nozzles;
• there is no bowl for receiving food;
• no dice;
• the container for sliced ​​products must have a rounded shape.

A very decent design for a compact multisection from Chinese manufacturers Redmond RKA-FP4. It works very quickly, it takes literally seconds to prepare a large dish. Nozzles, and they come with 4 types, do a good job with products of any density. The built-in protection protects the vegetable cutter from overheating, which undoubtedly extends the life of the device. The disadvantages include:

• lack of a nozzle for cutting into cubes;
• low power;
• no container for assembling chopped products.

Multisection Maxwell MW-1303 G although it works in one mode, it copes with cutting food quite quickly. The kit includes 6 nozzles, with which you can chop, chop and grate any vegetables into slices of different thicknesses and sizes. It is incredibly convenient to use, the upper chamber for receiving food is quite voluminous, so you do not need to grind vegetables before loading, you do not need to pick up a container for receiving chopped products, any shape will do.

The vegetable cutter is small, therefore a lot of storage space is not required, and the nozzles are stored in the outlet, folded into each other, which is very convenient. Among the shortcomings: the lack of a nozzle for cutting cubes and the difficult cleaning of the transparent opening at the exit.

Compact size and low power in a vegetable cutter from a French manufacturer Moulinex DJ 7535. Several nozzles with different shapes of holes allow you to quickly and accurately cut not only vegetables, but also chop the cheese. A miniaturized vegetable cutter takes up very little space; the nozzles are stored in a special compartment. She has one drawback: with prolonged use, heating the case is possible.

More advanced models from the same manufacturer Moulinex DJ 9008 and Moulinex Fresh Express Cube. Creative design, thoughtful management, high power and high-quality material for the manufacture of the body and nozzles. Nozzles, and there are 5 of them. included, differ from each other not only in the shape of the holes, but also in color. Their placement does not require a separate place, all of them are perfectly stored in a special compartment fixed in the vegetable cutter itself.

The negative aspects include the high cost and complexity of washing nozzles.

Vegetable slicer is a thing undoubtedly needed in the house, because without it it is unlikely that you can quickly cook many dishes. In order not to regret the wasted money It’s worth considering in advance which model is best to purchase, and how much you are willing to spend on it.

If the budget for the purchase of a vegetable cutter is small, and there are problems with electricity or the sockets in the kitchen are not located in a very convenient place, then you should buy a mechanical model. But if with the help of a vegetable cutter you intend to make preparations or just cook a lot and often, then the best choice is, of course, the electric option.

The choice of equipment depends on your preference. Of course, the more nozzles, the better. But not every nozzle you will use regularly, so it is best to give preference to the model with the nozzles you need. Keep in mind that not all models have a nozzle for dicing, often used for salad and vinaigrette, so when buying, pay attention to the configuration of the model you like.

Particular attention should be paid to removable knives and other additional items included in the kit. Of course, it is best to opt for models for which replacement of blunt knives, broken nozzles and cracked containers is provided. But still it is worth paying attention to the models where the knives are not only made of stainless steel, but must also be self-sharpening.

It is preferable to buy vegetable cutters, in which storage of nozzles does not require the allocation of a separate place. Ideally, if nozzles and other additional elements will be stored directly inside the unit.

This is especially true for small kitchens and for families with small children. Regardless of whether you prefer a mechanical or electric vegetable slicer, you should pay attention to such a small, but very important detail, like rubberized legs. After all, it is precisely on their presence that the stability of the vegetable slicer depends.

Perhaps it is not important for every person who purchases a vegetable cutter to have a collector to collect residues, but this thing is certainly useful. Thanks to it, the residues, and they are almost always present, will not clog the nozzles, which means that the device will not have to be stopped often to remove them.

Another important nuance that you should pay attention to when buying a vegetable cutter is power button. In some electrical appliances, you have to hold it with your hand, since it works in a pulsed mode. In other models, it is fixed, and there can be two modes. Which model is more convenient in operation is up to you.

Most people always read reviews before buying. And this is right, because it is in the reviews that ordinary people always describe how the device works and what difficulties may arise during operation. Most people who have bought a mechanical or electric model of a vegetable cutter are very satisfied. And this is not surprising, because cooking is becoming not only faster, but also safer.

Buyers note that mechanical vegetable slicers are no worse than electric ones and are more suitable for those who cook infrequently and in small portions. Electric models are also liked by those who work on blanks and like to cook a lot. Some buyers are inclined to believe that for convenience it’s good to have two models of vegetable cutters at once, since one is more suitable for cutting boiled vegetables and small portions, and the other helps out in case of festive feasts and copes with hard vegetables perfectly.

On how to use the vegetable cutter correctly, see the next video.