Vegetable cutters: types and subtleties of choice

Vegetables and fruits in salads should not only be tasty, but also beautifully sliced ​​to make it look aesthetically appealing. Beautifully and smoothly chop vegetables, deftly wielding a knife, can not everyone, and the time and effort on the design takes a lot. For the modern man, who appreciates every minute, a vegetable cutter can be a great help.

Any vegetable cutter is a device that allows cutting 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 small shredder look very nice, and you can cut them quickly with the help of a vegetable cutter.

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

Therefore, they can be used not only in an apartment or house, but also to carry with them on a picnic or to use at the cottage, where electricity interruptions often occur. Care of them is quite simple, after using the nozzle, you can only rinse with water, which is undoubtedly 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 engaged in cooking.

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

The simplest in form and operation is, of course, vegetable cutting machine, consisting of a metal plate with a certain shape of holes and a plastic or metal body that performs the carrier 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, products will have to be pre-cut into small slices, which is not very convenient.

On sale there are varieties with a similar principle of operation. The metal plate may be removable, and there may be several of them with different shape of holes suitable for cutting into cubes, circles and slices. For convenience, some models may contain containers and holders for vegetables.

A more advanced type of mechanical vegetable cutter is device with a V-shaped knife in a plastic case. It will perfectly cope not only with boiled, but also raw vegetables. Its principle of operation 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 the set, as a rule, have holders that perform the barrier function between the fingers and sharp knives. In such vegetable cutters, metal plates are removable, there are usually several types of them in the set, which allows you to cut the product not only with familiar cubes, but also slices, straws and even a spiral.

Vegetable Slicer according to the principle of operation, it resembles a little peeler, one movement and a thin, almost transparent, slice is cut off. But there is a difference between them. With the help of a vegetable peeler, it will not be possible to give a certain shape to the product; it can cut only with thin shapeless ribbons. And with the help of a slicer, vegetables and fruits can not only be thinly sliced, but also shaped into straws, a circle or a plate.

Somewhat different in form and principle of operation from previous species. spiral vegetable cutter. The shape of the device resembles an hourglass, and the principle of action is a pencil sharpener. In order to chop vegetables with it, you need to insert the product, and holding it with one hand, turn. It is inexpensive and quite easy to operate and maintain.

A more advanced 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-combine is similar to the work of a manual coffee grinder. Depending on the type and location of the nozzles, a common mechanical combine and a rotor model are distinguished.

The usual mechanical combine crushes the products placed in the container at the expense of the nozzles attached to the handle. The shape of the knives depends on the specific model and manufacturer.

Multifunctional rotary vegetable cutter is a universal kitchen fixture. She has many different nozzles, due to which she not only crushes and gives the desired shape to vegetables and fruits, but can, depending on the model and manufacturer, squeeze the juice and beat the eggs. Not only cubes and cubes can be obtained with the help of this unit, but more interesting in shape slices.

Electric vegetable cutters are different from the mechanical presence of a motorby means of which the nozzles rotate, and the vegetables pressed to their surface, regardless of their density, are rather quickly cut into cubes, straws, circles, or spirals.

Electric models save time and effort, which is especially important when processing large quantities of products. They are convenient, and most importantly, safe to use, it is impossible to cut yourself with sharp knives, since direct contact with the knives is excluded. But there are also disadvantages. It is impossible to completely wash the device, as the electrical component from contact with water, of course, will become unusable, but numerous attachments and removable parts can be easily washed. It is more convenient to use such vegetable cutters only in the stationary kitchen.

There are three types of electric vegetable cutters: classical, automatic and food processor.

• Classic views are the best option for home use. Models have, as a rule, compact dimensions, do not make a lot of noise during the cutting process, they rarely break, possessing at the same time 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 in comparison with classical options. In addition to various nozzles that allow you to cut vegetables of different shapes, most models have a function that allows you to grind meat. In addition, some models have a nozzle that allows shred the cabbage in thin and narrow slices. Such devices are compact, durable and have high performance. Their cost is somewhat higher than that of classic vegetable cutters, but they also perform more functions.

• Food processor (or electric multi-cutter) is one of the most expensive, but also the most functional types of electric cutters. Many nozzles allow you to cope with the cutting of products of any type. The device will cut with beautiful slices and hard carrots, and soft watery tomatoes. In addition, a food processor is capable of processing 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 devices 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 casing can only be wiped with a damp cloth, and the nozzles, due to their complex construction, cannot always be thoroughly cleaned of residual food.

Someone gives preference to mechanical vegetable cutters, someone likes electric types more, but in this and in another case there are winners, whose popularity does not have to be doubted. Most affordable and compact in size vegetable cutter Fissman. Despite its small size (13x7), it is convenient to use.

With this device you can decorate any dish, because thin narrow strips can be bent and twisted in different directions. This is facilitated by interchangeable nozzles with razor-sharp knives. There is always a plastic pusher included, so the fingers will be safe.

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

The device itself not only has a compact size, but still quite light, since the case is made of plastic, inside which there is space for storing numerous attachments.

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

• the nozzles allowing to cut vegetables and fruit in the most different ways;
• 2 graters;
• a container that serves not only as a receiver during cutting, but as a storage of sliced ​​products;
• cover-plunger with self-cleaning blade button;
• cover for food storage;
• vegetable peeler.

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

Vegetable Cutter Dekok UKA-1321 on the principle of operation is very similar to the previous model. For cutting products put on the grill and close the lid. Distinctive features of the vegetable cutter are:

• comfortable and quite roomy case of impact-resistant plastic;
• nozzles from stainless steel;
• compact size and attractive look.

Inexpensive reliable and well-proven vegetable slicer-rotating slicer from the company Moulinex. The light and comfortable model is equipped with several knife discs that fit into special mounts on the inside of the vegetable cutter. Rotating the handle, you can cut both raw and boiled vegetables, as well as chop cabbage and cheese. There is not much to store space, the legs fold up.

By the principle of rotation, the vegetable cutter-chopper works 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 white from the yolk (the separator is located on the lid) and beat the white with a special nozzle. It is convenient to use such a grinder, the feet of the platform on which the container stands are rubberized and fix it well on the surface. The container itself is easily removed with one click on the button.

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

A more advanced model from this company is Borner Prima Lux. The composition additionally includes a stand for nozzles, and the number of nozzles themselves is increased to 5 pcs. In order to change the nozzle you just need to press a 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 size, but in functionality. With its help, you can not only give the usual shape to vegetables, but also decorate any dish, because there are 4 different tips with sharp blades in the kit for cutting. But that's not all, there is a nozzle for squeezing juice out of citrus, so there is no need to buy a juicer. To use it is absolutely safe, as the pusher-holder prevents contact with the knives.

Review electric vegetable cutters should start with the most inexpensive 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 cutting vegetables, and one is specifically designed for chocolate rubbing. Negative points of use include the difficulty of washing nozzles.

Not less popular is a small, light (weight 1 kg), but quite effective Phillips HR 1388 model. The vegetable cutter (or as it is also called the multi-cutter) is equipped with 5 nozzles with stainless steel blades that can easily cope with hard vegetables, cutting them into straws, circles and thin slices. It is easy to use and maintain, the nozzles can be washed both manually and in the dishwasher. Among the shortcomings can be called:

• lack of storage for nozzles;
• no bowl for receiving food;
• no dicing;
• the container for sliced ​​products should be rounded.

Very decent design for compact multi-cutters from Chinese manufacturers. Redmond RKA-FP4. It works very quickly, it takes literally a few seconds to prepare a large dish. Nozzles, and they are included in the kit 4 types, cope well with products of any density. The built-in protection protects the vegetable cutter from overheating, which undoubtedly prolongs the service life of the device. The disadvantages include:

• lack of nozzles for cutting cubes;
• small power;
• There is no container for assembling chopped products.

Multi-cutter Maxwell MW-1303 G although it works in one mode, but it copes with cutting products quite quickly. The kit includes 6 nozzles with which you can chop, chop and grate any vegetables into slices of different thickness and size. It is incredibly convenient to use it, the upper chamber for receiving food is quite voluminous, so there is no need to chop vegetables before loading, there is no need to select a container for receiving sliced ​​food, any shape will do.

Vegetable cutter is small, therefore it will not take much storage space, and the nozzles are stored in the outlet, folded into each other, which is very convenient. Among the shortcomings: the lack of nozzles for cutting cubes and complex cleaning of a transparent hole at the exit.

Compact size and low power of a vegetable cutter from a French manufacturer Moulinex DJ 7535. Several nozzles with different hole shapes allow you to quickly and accurately cut not only vegetables, but also chop cheese. The small-sized vegetable cutter takes up very little space, the nozzles are stored in a special compartment. It has only one drawback: with prolonged use, the case may be heated.

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 housing and nozzles. Nozzles, and their 5 pcs. in the set, they differ from each other not only in the shape of the holes, but also in color. For their placement does not require a separate place, they are all 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 cutter - a thing, of course, necessary in the house, because without it is unlikely to quickly cook many dishes. In order not to regret the wasted money It is worth considering in advance which model is best to buy, 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 purchase a mechanical model. But if with the help of a vegetable cutter you intend to do billets or just cook a lot and often, then the best choice is, of course, the electric version.

The choice of configuration depends on your preferences. 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. Also note that not all models have a nozzle for dicing, often used for salad and salad, so when buying, pay attention to the complete set of the model you like.

Particular attention should be paid to removable knives and other optional items included in the kit. Of course, it is best to opt for models for which the replacement of blunted 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 high-grade steel, but must also be self-sharpening.

It is preferable to buy vegetable cutters, in which the storage of nozzles does not require the allocation of a separate place. Ideal if the nozzle 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 cutter, you should pay attention to such a small, but very important detail, like rubberized legs. After all, the stability of the vegetable cutter depends on their availability.

Perhaps not everyone who buys a vegetable cutter will have a collector to collect residues, but this thing is certainly useful. Thanks to her, the remnants, and they are almost always present, will not clog the nozzles, which means that the operation of the device for their extraction will not often have to be stopped.

Another important nuance that is worth paying attention to when buying a vegetable cutter is power button. In some electrical devices, it has to be held by hand, as it operates in a pulsed mode. In other models, it is fixed, and there may be two modes. Which model is more convenient to use - you decide.

Before buying, most people always read reviews.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 bought a mechanical or electrical model of a vegetable cutter are very pleased. And this is not surprising, because cooking becomes not only faster, but also safer.

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

On how to properly use a vegetable cutter, see the following video.