Vegetable slicers: types and subtleties of choice

Vegetables and fruits in salads should not only be tasty, but also beautifully cut to make them look aesthetically pleasing. Not everyone can cut vegetables beautifully and evenly, skillfully wielding a knife, and it takes a lot of time and effort to decorate. For a modern person who appreciates every minute, a vegetable cutter can be an excellent help.

Any vegetable cutter 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 attachments, inside of which there are sharp knives. Bars, cubes, spirals, thin circles and a small shredder look very beautiful, and you can cut them with a vegetable cutter quite quickly.

Depending on the method of operating the device, a distinction is made between mechanical and electrical vegetable cutters. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and therefore the choice of this or that device depends on many factors. Mechanical vegetable cutters are generally compact and do not need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Therefore, they can be used not only in an apartment or house, but also taken with you to a picnic or used in the country, where power outages occur frequently. Caring for them is quite simple, after using the nozzle you can only rinse it with water, which is undoubtedly a big plus in the absence of hot water at home. Mechanical types of vegetable cutters, in contrast to 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, vegetable cutter-vinaigrette, consisting of a metal plate with a certain shape of holes and a plastic or metal body 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 press. In some cases, the food will have to be pre-cut into small slices, which is not very convenient.

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

A more advanced type of mechanical vegetable cutter is device with a V-shaped knife in a plastic case... She will do an excellent job not only with boiled, but also raw vegetables. The principle of its operation is quite simple, you just need to apply the product to the surface, press a little, and make a sliding motion down... These vegetable cutters usually have holders that perform a 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 kit, which allows you to cut the product not only into usual cubes, but also into slices, straws and even a spiral.

Vegetable slicer according to the principle of work, it is a bit like a vegetable peeler, one movement and a thin, almost transparent, slice is cut off. But there is also 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 cut into thin shapeless ribbons. And with the help of a slicer, vegetables and fruits can not only be cut into thin slices, but also shaped into strips, circles or plates.

Slightly different in form and principle of action from previous types spiral vegetable cutter. In shape, the device resembles an hourglass, and in principle of operation - a pencil sharpener. In order to cut vegetables with it, it is necessary to insert the product, and hold it with one hand, turn... It is inexpensive and quite easy to operate and maintain.

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

A conventional mechanical harvester chops food placed in a container using attachments attached to the handle. The shape of the knives depends on the specific model and manufacturer.

Multifunctional rotary vegetable cutter is a versatile kitchen appliance. She has a lot of different attachments, due to which she not only grinds and gives the desired shape to vegetables and fruits, but can also squeeze juice and beat eggs, depending on the model and manufacturer. Not only cubes and cubes can be obtained with this apparatus, 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 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 on sharp knives, since direct contact with the knives is excluded. But there are also disadvantages. It is impossible to completely wash the device, since the electrical component from contact with water will naturally become unusable, but numerous attachments and removable parts can be washed. It is more convenient to use such vegetable cutters only in a stationary kitchen.

There are three types of electric vegetable cutter: classic, automatic and food processor.

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

• Automatic models vegetable cutters are more productive than the classic options. In addition to various attachments that allow you to cut vegetables of different shapes, most models have a function thanks to which you can grind meat. In addition, some models have an attachment that allows you to shred cabbage into 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 also perform more functions.

• Food processor (or electric multi-cutter) is one of the most expensive, but also the most functional types of electric type vegetable cutters. A variety of attachments allow you to cope with cutting any type of food. The device will cut into beautiful slices both hard carrots and soft watery tomatoes. In addition, a food processor is able to process food much faster than other types of vegetable cutters, which 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 attachments are stored directly in the vegetable cutter itself, which is very convenient. The only thing that's difficult is cleaning up, the body can only be wiped off with a damp cloth, and the nozzles, due to their complex design, cannot always be thoroughly rinsed from product residues.

Someone prefers mechanical vegetable cutters, someone likes electric types more, but in both cases there are winners, whose popularity is beyond doubt. Most affordable and compact in size vegetable cutter Fissman. Despite its small size (13x7), it is easy 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 attachments with razor-sharp knives. There is always a plastic pusher included in the kit, so your fingers will be safe.

Not the last place in the ranking is occupied by such a model as a universal vegetable grater Multi-Function Slicer... This multi-slicer is a compact device with a replaceable set of attachments that can be used to shape not only vegetables, fruits, but also sausages and cheeses. The blades in the attachments are made of stainless steel, so they will last a long time.

The device itself is not only compact in size, but also quite lightweight, since the body is made of plastic, inside which there is a place for storing numerous attachments.

Mechanical vegetable cutter Nicer dicer plus the cost is slightly higher than the previous models, but its functionality is also better. The set includes:

• attachments 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 for sliced ​​products;
• cover-pusher with a button for self-cleaning of the blades;
• lid for storing food;
• peeler.

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

Vegetable cutter Dekok UKA-1321 the principle of operation is very similar to the previous model. For slicing, place the food on the wire rack and close the lid. Distinctive features of the vegetable cutter are:

• comfortable and quite roomy body made of impact-resistant plastic;
• stainless steel nozzles;
• compact size and attractive appearance.

Inexpensive reliable and well-proven vegetable cutter-rotating slicer from the company Moulinex. The lightweight and convenient model is equipped with several knife discs that are inserted into special mounts on the inside of the vegetable cutter. By turning the handle, you can cut both raw and boiled vegetables, as well as chop cabbage and cheese. You don't need much space for storing, the legs fold down.

The vegetable cutter-shredder works according to 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 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 legs of the platform on which the container stands are rubberized and fix it well 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. Consists of a V-frame, a fruit holder and various slicing inserts. It is functional, durable, easy to clean and easy to use.

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 has been increased to 5 pcs. In order to change the attachment, you just need to press the button on the body. In addition to storing attachments, 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 in the cutting kit there are 4 different attachments 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, since the pusher-holder excludes contact with knives.

An overview of 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 attachments in the kit allow you to quickly cope with cutting vegetables, and one is specially designed for grating chocolate. The negative aspects of use include the difficulty of washing the attachments.

No less popular is a small, lightweight (weight 1 kg), but quite effective model Phillips HR 1388. The vegetable cutter (or as it is also called the multi-cutter) is equipped with 5 attachments with stainless steel blades, which can easily cope with hard vegetables, cutting them into strips, circles and thin slices. It is easy to use and care for, the attachments can be washed both by hand and in the dishwasher. Among the disadvantages are:

• lack of capacity for storing nozzles;
• no bowl for receiving food;
• no dicing;
• the container for chopped food must have a rounded shape.

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

• lack of a nozzle for cutting into cubes;
• low power;
• there is no container for assembling sliced ​​products.

Multi-cut Maxwell MW-1303 G although it works in one mode, it copes with cutting food quite quickly. The set includes 6 attachments, with which you can chop, cut 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 select a container for receiving chopped food, any shape will do.

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

Compact size and low power in a vegetable cutter from a French manufacturer Moulinex DJ 7535... Several attachments with different hole shapes allow you to quickly and efficiently cut not only vegetables, but also chop cheese. The miniature vegetable cutter takes up very little space, the attachments are stored in a special compartment. She has only one drawback: with prolonged use, the case may heat up.

More advanced models from the same manufacturer Moulinex DJ 9008 and Moulinex Fresh Express Cube... Creative design, thoughtful control, high power and high-quality material for the body and attachments. Nozzles, and there are 5 of them. included, differ from each other not only in the shape of the holes, but also in color. They do not require a separate place to place them, 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 cleaning the nozzles.

A vegetable cutter is undoubtedly a necessary thing in the house, because without it it is unlikely that it will be possible to quickly cook many dishes. In order not to regret wasted money it is worth considering in advance which model is better 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 it is worth purchasing a mechanical model. But if with the help of a vegetable cutter you intend to make preparations or simply cook a lot and often, then the best choice is, of course, the electric option.

The choice of a complete set depends on your preferences. Of course, the more attachments the better. But you will not use every attachment regularly, so it is best to give preference to the model with the attachments you need. Also keep in mind that not all models have a dicing attachment, which is often used for salad and vinaigrette, so when buying, pay attention to the package bundle of the model you like.

Particular attention should be paid to the removable knives and other accessories included in the kit. Of course, it is best to opt for models for which dull knives, broken attachments and cracked containers can be replaced. Still, it is worth paying attention to models where the knives are not only made of high quality steel, but also have to be self-sharpening.

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

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 the rubberized legs. After all, the stability of the vegetable cutter depends on their presence.

Perhaps not for everyone who buys a vegetable cutter it will be essential to have a collector for collecting 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 operation of the device will not have to be often stopped 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 to use is up to you.

Most people always read reviews before buying. And this is correct, 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 buy a mechanical or electric model of a vegetable cutter are very satisfied. And this is not surprising, because cooking is not only faster, but also safer.

Buyers note 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 are liked by those who are engaged in blanks and love to cook a lot. Some buyers are inclined to believe that, for convenience, it is not bad 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 holiday feasts and does an excellent job with solid vegetables.

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