The Best & Worst Tools for Vegetable Prep | Gear Heads

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  • Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
  • The right kitchen gear can make short work of prepping vegetables. Hannah and Lisa walk you through their must-have tools for veggie prep.
    Hannah's Picks:
    Super Benriner Mandoline: cooks.io/3h0bdBV
    Oxo Good Grips Mandoline: cooks.io/3KgUAhb
    Kyocera Mandoline Slicer: cooks.io/3Ob01zf
    Oxo Good Grips 3-Blade Tabletop Spiralizer: cooks.io/3YgOl2z
    Rosle Coarse Grater: cooks.io/3Kf2gQY
    Cuisinart Box Grater: cooks.io/3Y7MUUa
    Lisa's Picks:
    Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler: cooks.io/3Qew2ZJ
    OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler: cooks.io/473dB0j
    OXO Salad Spinner: cooks.io/44G7aPe
    Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press: cooks.io/3q2JMwd
    Follow Lisa on Instagram: / lisam_atk
    Follow Hannah on Instagram: / hannah_crowley8
    ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.
    If you like us, follow us:
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 551

  • @ncooty
    @ncooty 6 місяців тому +132

    OXO's origin story is really admirable: trying to design household utensils that enable older people to live independently longer, despite mobility impairments such as arthritis. It turns out, lots of people appreciate ergonomically designed items.

    • @SliceydiceyCookingNicey
      @SliceydiceyCookingNicey 4 місяці тому +9

      OXO is one of the few companies i buy their products on sight

    • @Trenchant468
      @Trenchant468 3 місяці тому +9

      The majority of their products were first invented by Occupational Therapists hand making adaptive devices in the clinic for their patients with disabilities. These got picked up by medical device companies, and now are being widely marketed.

    • @shaliniagarwal5808
      @shaliniagarwal5808 3 місяці тому +1

      Victoronix has a great peeler too!

  • @christopherpontac7937
    @christopherpontac7937 9 місяців тому +198

    One point of correction - that Oxo mandoline *does* have a blade that you can remove, and it is hefty enough to sharpen with whatever you use for your knives. That is a great feature, and well worth highlighting.

    • @KurtisRader
      @KurtisRader 9 місяців тому +8

      Hopefully you're using a whetstone. Alternatively, 400 to 800 grit wet/dry sandpaper glued to a piece of plate glass. A lot of knife sharpeners targeted for home use are worthless.

    • @jesserodgers2812
      @jesserodgers2812 8 місяців тому +16

      The Benriner blade can also be removed and sharpened on a whetstone. Similar process to sharpening a chisel or woodworking plane.

    • @Voxphyle
      @Voxphyle 3 місяці тому

      Most people will probably ruin it if they attempt. I would, and I've had some experience sharpening. But, if someone more experienced than I is confident in their sharpening abilities, then good to know.

    • @msr1116
      @msr1116 2 місяці тому

      If there isn't one now, these companies should have an option to send in the dulled blade for expert resharpening for a fee.

  • @EAZ36588
    @EAZ36588 7 місяців тому +38

    Would be nice if you did an episode on the best oil dispensers both for pouring and spraying.

    • @msr1116
      @msr1116 2 місяці тому

      I bought an Evo non aerosol sprayer that I've been happy with. Those air pressurized misters clogged and drew in particulates that caused the oil to prematurely deteriorate.

  • @delwoodbarker
    @delwoodbarker 9 місяців тому +216

    You can lay a box grater on its side to get horizontal action. It still contains the food.

    • @k3y_sm4sh
      @k3y_sm4sh 9 місяців тому +5

      I do this all the time!!

    • @itsthepens
      @itsthepens 9 місяців тому +26

      As someone who has been cooking for thirty years with a borderline genius level IQ, how has this NEVER OCCURRED TO ME?? Thank you! It never fails to amaze me how sometimes other people have figured out something so sensible and helpful that I have been totally oblivious to 😂

    • @k3y_sm4sh
      @k3y_sm4sh 9 місяців тому +1

      @@itsthepens Bc IQ is a bs eugenicist measure

    • @MikehMike01
      @MikehMike01 9 місяців тому +6

      use a food processor

    • @k3y_sm4sh
      @k3y_sm4sh 9 місяців тому +15

      @@MikehMike01 hmm, 150$ vs 10$

  • @carolmelancon
    @carolmelancon 4 місяці тому +7

    I'm a bit of a kitchen Gear Head myself. I'm known in my family (who all enjoy cooking) for giving top kitchen items as gifts, and the Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press was one of the most popular. I was pleased this Christmas when my niece-in-law pointed out that just before coming to visit, they realized that they were happily using 5 prior gifts while cooking dinner.

  • @ailsarobertson5965
    @ailsarobertson5965 9 місяців тому +17

    I have that salad spinner and I had no idea the top half opened like that for cleaning and drying! Another reason I love these videos!

  • @ros8986
    @ros8986 9 місяців тому +48

    I find storing greens in my salad spinner in the fridge keeps them crisp for at least a week, up to 10 days.

    • @robertamckeon5082
      @robertamckeon5082 9 місяців тому +4

      I love my OXO salad spinner!

    • @ros8986
      @ros8986 9 місяців тому +6

      @@robertamckeon5082 they come in two sizes - I have the small one I use for herbs and green onions - takes up much less room in fridge

    • @tapp3r109
      @tapp3r109 9 місяців тому +5

      Damn how big is your fridge if you can store a freaking salad spinner in it :D

    • @ros8986
      @ros8986 9 місяців тому +3

      @@tapp3r109 not large but we there are only two of us and we don't pack a lot in it. FYI - Ikea 365 snaplid rectangular containers are great for efficient food storage, they stack securely and hold way more than they look like they wood.

  • @RomantiCynic
    @RomantiCynic 9 місяців тому +11

    Another unsung benefit of the Kuhn-Rikon garlic press is that it functions as a steel soap when you wash it. No gralic smell left on your hands after you wash it!

    • @KN-xl6lw
      @KN-xl6lw 9 місяців тому +1

      A stainless steel spoon does the exact same thing 😅

    • @RomantiCynic
      @RomantiCynic 9 місяців тому +3

      @@KN-xl6lw Very true! However, I'm washing the garlic press after using it and so it's nice not to have to dive into the drawer for a steel utensil with garlicky hands 😜

  • @uweschroeder
    @uweschroeder 9 місяців тому +49

    That garlic press is really solid. Had it for several years and it has another bonus you didn't mention: it's solid enough to press ginger. Just pop in a slice of ginger, press, done. Really useful when you need finely grated ginger but you don't want to get a grater out and you need the garlic press anyways. So it's not limited to garlic.
    I used to have a salad spinner but it's a unitasker with little use in my kitchen so it went to goodwill. I just shake the lettuce out and that's good enough. I just make the dressing a little more concentrated and the extra water won't do any harm. I only want things in my kitchen that I actually use - everything else has to go. I'm not wasting storage space on unused items.
    PS: I would never buy a kitchen tool with a rubbery handle or made from plastic when there's a stainless version of it. All those rubbery grips decay after a while and turn sticky because the plastic dissolves and hard plastics don't do well in a dishwasher for too long because they turn brittle. A tool made from solid stainless steel like that garlic press can handle a dishwasher indefinitely, so it's a much better investment.

    • @TracyKMainwaring
      @TracyKMainwaring 9 місяців тому +7

      a salad spinner can also be used to spin dry hand wash items

    • @uweschroeder
      @uweschroeder 9 місяців тому +3

      @@TracyKMainwaring If you have them, yes. We don't. We don't buy anything that needs ironing or doesn't go into a washer/dryer cycle. We much rather spend the saved time cooking and eating good stuff 🙂

    • @lotus45
      @lotus45 9 місяців тому +1

      @@TracyKMainwaring Great tip-- thanks!

  • @isweartofuckinggod
    @isweartofuckinggod 9 місяців тому +19

    I have a big food processor and I set aside a day to do large batches of veggie prep for the entire week. It takes less than an hour and I eat so much more veggies when it's as simple as grabbing a handful and throwing it in whatever I'm making.

  • @jaungiga
    @jaungiga 9 місяців тому +48

    Here in Argentina few years ago a large supermarket chain imported from China a paddle grater that had stamped teeth which were also grinded to maximize sharpness. That thing still eats through hard cheeses and vegetables like a champ. The downside is the obvious one: the grater is like a small mandoline in disguise and it will take chunks out of your knuckles if you're not careful enough

    • @ohnoyce
      @ohnoyce 9 місяців тому +10

      Have lovingly referred to my box grater as the knuckle buster for decades! 😂

    • @sociopathmercenary
      @sociopathmercenary 9 місяців тому +3

      Sounds like I need one of these for my feet lol

    • @ohnoyce
      @ohnoyce 9 місяців тому

      @@sociopathmercenary ew 😬 😂

    • @mjremy2605
      @mjremy2605 9 місяців тому +1

      MANDOLIN - musical instrument like a banjo.
      MANDOLINE - grater/ slicer

    • @jaungiga
      @jaungiga 9 місяців тому +2

      @@mjremy2605 Yeah, you're right. My phone's default language is Spanish so it autocorrects words with a close spelling to their Spanish counterparts ("mandolin" is our word for mandoline). I usually reread my comments before posting but I didn't do it this time. I'm gonna edit the mistake out. Thanks for the correction

  • @timprice1742
    @timprice1742 9 місяців тому +32

    This is a great video for me, as I have essential tremors. That makes chopping things by knife tedious at best, and dangerous at worst. Appreciate the thought that went into this.

    • @lynnstlaurent6789
      @lynnstlaurent6789 9 місяців тому +9

      Oh wow, it's unusual to meet another one of us in the wild. I switched to the y-peeler when my tremor developed. I definitely need to update my grater and I am going to consider the one I can put over an bowl.

  • @richardgrier8968
    @richardgrier8968 9 місяців тому +30

    Ikea has a great steel garlic press for $7. The garlic goes in a small, stainless steel, removeable cylinder, which makes cleaning easy. It's easy to use and indestructible.

    • @domagojbatinic1526
      @domagojbatinic1526 9 місяців тому +3

      from IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL collection?

    • @mehere8299
      @mehere8299 9 місяців тому +3

      @@domagojbatinic1526Koncis. I have the same one and it's the most useful press I’ve owned.

    • @jefftitterington7600
      @jefftitterington7600 9 місяців тому +5

      $45 USD for a garlic press? Um, no. IKEA, here I come.

    • @richardgrier8968
      @richardgrier8968 9 місяців тому +2

      @@jefftitterington7600 If that IKEA one didn't exist, I might go the $45 job because I find them indispensable and I'm sick of buying ones that don't work or break.

    • @richardgrier8968
      @richardgrier8968 9 місяців тому +2

      @@domagojbatinic1526 I used to have that one. It's also indestructible (under normal circumstances - I dropped mine into the garbage disposal, destroying both), and it opens up so cleaning is super easy. When I went to replace it, I couldn't find it, so I got the Koncis. Can't go wrong with either.

  • @yesimarabbit
    @yesimarabbit 9 місяців тому +36

    I have issues with using my hands and sometimes I just can't grip a knife safely so I use a vegetable chopper occasionally and I think it's a great option for home cooks.

    • @Aelffwynn
      @Aelffwynn 9 місяців тому +3

      I bought a slap chop once and it worked terribly + made cleaning harder, but I'm glad there are decent quality ones available for you! Do you find cleaning it is alright?

    • @lorie4913
      @lorie4913 9 місяців тому +3

      Arthritis and carple tunnel are a cooks' worst nightmare. 😮

    • @msambly5310
      @msambly5310 7 місяців тому +1

      @@Aelffwynn I use a Pampered Chef "slap chopper" and it is very easy to clean and it performs fantastically. I use it for mincing onions, herbs, etc. for soups and sauces, and raisins and nuts for other applications. I have not experienced any of the issues shown with the TV Slap Chopper. I know I already said it but it is easy to clean. It disassembles and assembles quickly and all the parts wash off with water.

  • @mitsurugi52
    @mitsurugi52 9 місяців тому +21

    Thank you for validating my bulk garlic peeling technique. I'm so tired of all these food youtubers dissing the thing I've been doing for 15+ years for making big batches of pasta sauce, toum, etc. as unworkable.
    I found a flat square or rectangle-shaped container works best because with round containers, some of the cloves just spin around rather than impact the container sides. And metal or hard plastic tend to work more consistently than glass/Pyrex containers, though they all do work.

  • @gcvrsa
    @gcvrsa 9 місяців тому +83

    Most reviewers will tell you the original Benriner (ben-ree-ner, it's Japanese) is better than the Super Benriner, because even though it is smaller, the blade angle is more acute, so it slices easier. The Benriner blades absolutely CAN be removed for sharpening. There's a reason the Benriner is the top-rated mandoline in the industry.

    • @jonslg240
      @jonslg240 9 місяців тому +5

      Thank you because I am looking to get a mandolin here soon, and this is awesome advice!
      Here's a little from me: A Betty crocker vertical ("thin" style not "wide" style)) peeler is awesome and I got mine from the 99c store about 6 years ago, which made it extra awesome.
      It's still super sharp to this day, it's "eye" remover (let's be honest, rot remover lol) is nice and wide and super sharp somehow even though it's plastic..
      And I 100% recommend you try getting one for $1 before you try the rest.
      I still can't believe how awesome it is to this very day. Thought it would last 6mo not 6 years.

    • @derekp6636
      @derekp6636 9 місяців тому +4

      just PLEASE use the finger guard.....I took one to a professional kitchen and watched 2 guys leave with fingers missing tips.....I prefer the slicing blade inside the food processor if it works for the application...

    • @mtncreekdawn
      @mtncreekdawn 9 місяців тому +12

      IMO, cut-resistant gloves are far superior to any mandolinee's cutting guard. The gloves are useful when washing up as well; no worries about soapy knives or food processor blades slipping!

    • @derekp6636
      @derekp6636 9 місяців тому +5

      @@mtncreekdawn good idea, maybe use both if you are uncoordinated!

    • @jesserodgers2812
      @jesserodgers2812 8 місяців тому +3

      +1 on this advice. The mini Benriner is great, small to store but big enough for 95%+ of what I want to slice. And yes, the blade comes out easily with a screwdriver (two philips #2 screws) and can be sharpened easily on a whetstone. It's similar to sharpening a chisel or woodworking plane blade, although I recommend wearing the same cut-resistant glove because the small blade can be hard to grip.

  • @dawnmichelle4403
    @dawnmichelle4403 9 місяців тому +22

    Love my little, Oxo slap chop! It enables me to chop garlic and nuts as fine as I want very easily. Those of us who need a little assistance in the kitchen appreciate it! And it's not hard to clean at all. Just pops apart and goes in the dishwasher.

    • @rebekahk5329
      @rebekahk5329 9 місяців тому +4

      It's the only way I chop nuts - so fast and good results.

    • @fabe61
      @fabe61 9 місяців тому +3

      If you have issues with your hands or general motor skills, I get why those things exist, but otherwise, a rock chop with a chefs knife will do the job very quickly. The fact that slap choppers can cut faster is made completely redundant by the fact that it then needs cleaning and drying, and it's even slower if you need to chop a larger quantity of stuff than will fit under it.

    • @StormStep
      @StormStep 6 місяців тому +3

      I feel like it's the kind of tool that is very helpful for certain things, just maybe not what they were using it for.

    • @Yavieriel
      @Yavieriel 6 місяців тому +3

      Yes exactly. I have the OXO slap chop and use it exclusively for nuts, seeds, and dried fruits like raisins. Anything that's too small to hold onto easily and prone to go flying when the knife makes contact. I would never use it for vegetables but it does have its uses.
      @fabe61 I don't have any trouble with my hands or motor skills, but I've yet to find a way to use a chef's knife to chop walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, or other very small hard items that is both safe for my fingers and doesn't make a mess. The slap chop does a great job and goes in the dishwasher when I'm done with it.

  • @barbking286
    @barbking286 4 місяці тому +3

    Graters, I have both. A box and hand held. I use each one for specific purposes and functions. All great tips & ideas. Thank you

  • @puppiesgoesrawr
    @puppiesgoesrawr 9 місяців тому +12

    A tip for people who's thinking of getting a garlic press: a grater will do the same job of a garlic press, and it'll do the same with other spices too like ginger, tumeric, candlenut.

    • @mehere8299
      @mehere8299 9 місяців тому +3

      Most readers here do not have access to fresh turmeric or "candlenut", whatever that is, and aren’t going to cause themselves pain or get blood in their food by shredding their fingers off trying to shred garlic with a grater. Cut it out with the appliance shaming.

    • @igzkzftfjztdfjz
      @igzkzftfjztdfjz 9 місяців тому +11

      It's not that deep. OP meant well and I think some people could like grating better (people like me - I don't like to use a garlic press for some reason)

    • @dustygrrl
      @dustygrrl 8 місяців тому +1

      I have got into the habit of using a grater for garlic as well.

  • @dawnkindnesscountsmost5991
    @dawnkindnesscountsmost5991 9 місяців тому +5

    The slap chop has always reminded me of the nut copper my mom had in the 70s. I don't know what brand it was; it had a thick glass jar, metal lid that screwed onto the jar, and a metal chopper with spring action. It worked by repeatedly pressing the top of the chopper, or slapping it over & over, and Mom let us kids "go to town" chopping nuts with it. Her homemade chocolate chip cookies with chopped walnuts, that stayed soft in the cookie jar, were soooooo delicious! Her nut copper could have been a wedding gift in 1966, but I don't know for sure.

    • @uweschroeder
      @uweschroeder 9 місяців тому

      Zyliss. At least that's what it was in Europe. They had that Zick Zick Zyliss commercial representing the punching down on it. Worked just as miserable in the 70s. My mom tossed it after a while.

    • @joannsteinly5325
      @joannsteinly5325 4 місяці тому +1

      My grandmother had this, too! I had it for awhile, but lost it somewhere along the way. I really miss that chopper.

    • @rodgerbenson4319
      @rodgerbenson4319 Місяць тому +1

      @@uweschroeder We just dug out ours and used it to chop carrots for a carrot salad. We think it was a wedding present, we will be married 51 years in August

    • @uweschroeder
      @uweschroeder Місяць тому

      @@rodgerbenson4319 Congratulations! That's a very long time. We're only at 28 years (35 living together). Still some years to go to get to 51 and I doubt we'll get that old (I'd have to make it well into my 80s to get there - we'll see).
      Since you must be a bit older to be married that long, you should be using a kitchen machine for shredding carrots. So much easier on the joints... I'm just using a box grater since a portion for 2 people is only like 3 carrots (shredded, with a little sour cream, lemon juice salt and pepper makes a great carrot salad when you let it sit for an hour and suck the juices out of the carrots)

  • @tootswoots
    @tootswoots 9 місяців тому +9

    The "Salad Scissors" were a GREAT laugh. The monstrous lettuce indeed, loved the video of the Franken-tomato and carrots. Great job ladies!

  • @maryriley7816
    @maryriley7816 9 місяців тому +1

    Oh I was so hoping for a machine that will chop kale for salad, what works best to prevent bruising but is quick? Thank you thank you so much.

  • @davidnorris8852
    @davidnorris8852 9 місяців тому +6

    Gearheads is my fav!!! I got my mom some your recommendations for Christmas. She has never been happier with a pair of tongs. And we've tried sooo many over the years. THANK YOU!!!

  • @hoilst265
    @hoilst265 9 місяців тому +18

    Those Kyoceras at $30 or so are a treasure. Same with Hanna, I got it because it's so simple, easy to use, and clean and store. The Kyocera's ceramic blade stays sharper for longer than any steel-bladed ones in the same range. EDIT: And because it's ceramic you CAN just shove it in the dishwasher, since the blade is non-reactive.

    • @amyschneidhorst1384
      @amyschneidhorst1384 9 місяців тому +2

      I love my ceramic knife but wish you didn't have to send it back to the manufacturer to sharpen it. A very infrequent probelem.

    • @hoilst265
      @hoilst265 9 місяців тому +2

      @@amyschneidhorst1384 You could do it with a set of diamond plates, or diamond honing rod. I've got a cheap Aldi one I ran over my diamond hone, and it was taking ceramic off. But the brittleness is a problem - there's zero flex, unlike steel, so it's easy to chip and shatter.

    • @Aelffwynn
      @Aelffwynn 9 місяців тому +3

      ​@@hoilst265that's why I'll never buy a ceramic knife. Got a few as gifts and they are SO fragile. Appreciate the good points but I don't mind hand washing and drying my knives.

  • @reginakrystyn
    @reginakrystyn 9 місяців тому +2

    LOVE the book announcement!!!!!

  • @lotmom
    @lotmom 9 місяців тому +2

    Im loving the long form videos being back! Keep them up!

  • @erickim3891
    @erickim3891 9 місяців тому +2

    This is one of my favorite series ever!

  • @ronaldkragnes4656
    @ronaldkragnes4656 9 місяців тому +1

    You guys rock. I find myself taking notes during your videos.

  • @erikfreitas7045
    @erikfreitas7045 9 місяців тому +5

    Great video as always Hannah and Lisa!

  • @gretchenjustice1903
    @gretchenjustice1903 9 місяців тому +1

    Thanks ladies. Very helpful content.

  • @mregg-gy7jg
    @mregg-gy7jg 9 місяців тому +2

    I have a wrist injury that flares up and makes it hard to chop sometimes- I have no idea why I never thought of using a mandoline! Looking forward to picking one up soon 😊

  • @floief
    @floief 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you! Been looking for a new garlic press and a carbon steel peeler. Just ordered both!

  • @maryannequinn3465
    @maryannequinn3465 9 місяців тому +24

    I love to watch you program because I check to see which tool I should get next (or get rid of). Thanks for all the help!

  • @janetg2508
    @janetg2508 9 місяців тому +2

    Very informative video. Nicely done ladies.

  • @pamelasim3840
    @pamelasim3840 9 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for another great video! It seems like OXO is a consistent winner in so many different categories! Thanks for the great info! Always appreciated!

  • @NolaDeb
    @NolaDeb 9 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for sharing. I am a Gadget Queen! The first things I replaced after a flood and my Favorite Kitchen Gadgets are:
    ⭐ OXO Salad Spinner
    ⭐ Börner Mandoline
    ⭐ Slitree Y-Shaped Peeler.
    📍My Mom had a Y Shaped peeler in the 1960's. Only it had a U-Shaped handle. Much easier to grip in your hand, than the long Y Shape.

  • @rachelmiller8323
    @rachelmiller8323 9 місяців тому +2

    I would like to know which more affordable garlic press you recommend. $45.95 is quite pricy!

  • @youtubehandol
    @youtubehandol 9 місяців тому +3

    I have a y shaped peeler that actually came free with my set of pans purchase. The blade is actually SERATED and my goodness it's a joy to use.

  • @annieclaire2348
    @annieclaire2348 9 місяців тому +3

    Hello Hannah and Lisa! Love this new kitchen tools video! Love ALL your kitchen equipment videos. Your book looks really interesting. Thank you! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
    I have a box style grater that I bought from IKEA a few years ago. It grates in BOTH directions! It only has a coarse side and and a fine side but it also has an acrylic insert that catches the grated food. It can be used upright but is easier to use lying down and it has rubber grips to stop it moving. I find grating up and down the slope is really easy and fast. It's like a blend of the two you demonstrated. It is a fantastic tool adn by far the best grater I have ever used - and I'm 68, so I have used a few good and a few dodgy graters over the years. I don't even know if IKEA still make them. I hope so!

  • @andyb1368
    @andyb1368 9 місяців тому +2

    Regarding graters, I have a box grater with a rubber base, but I lay it on its side and thus use it more like a paddle grater. I loved the tips on garlic. I had no idea that one could put garlic with the skin still on into a garlic press. I will be looking forward to trying that out next week and saving some prep time. Next time I make spaghetti sauce which involves numerous cloves of garlic, I will be interested to try out the shake-in-a-jar trick.

  • @Psykel
    @Psykel 9 місяців тому +12

    I bought a Benriner mandolin a month or so ago, the top-of-the-line model with the specialty blades. Best kitchen thingy I’ve bought in years! Not only is it awesome to use; the blade can be replaced or sharpened too!

    • @mjremy2605
      @mjremy2605 9 місяців тому

      MANDOLIN - musical instrument like a banjo.
      MANDOLINE - grater/ slicer

    • @Psykel
      @Psykel 9 місяців тому +7

      @@mjremy2605 They’re both spelled ”mandolin” in my native Swedish, so excuse me for being multi-lingual.

    • @hand__banana
      @hand__banana 9 місяців тому +4

      @@Psykel he's been going through correcting other multi lingual commenters (Spanish auto-correct keyboard claimed another commenter). Nothing quite as cringeworthy as obviously monolingual spelling pedants.

    • @Psykel
      @Psykel 9 місяців тому +5

      @@hand__banana Yeah, gotta love the know-it-all dudes who will only ever know english. And here I am, some chump who speaks four and understands another four.

  • @Wharfrat254
    @Wharfrat254 7 місяців тому +2

    Thanks guys for a great channel! You have streamlined my cooking… again thanks!

  • @debbiewedoe2564
    @debbiewedoe2564 9 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for all the excellent tips. Love it.

  • @nancykostecki2303
    @nancykostecki2303 9 місяців тому +2

    Love my box grater, it has a removable top handle and a bowl that the grater sits in to catch whatever you are grating. The bowl is not that big but is great if zesting lemons/limes/oranges, etc. I have two salad spinners (not sure of the brand). I read awhile ago the best way to store your greens is to use your spinner to wash and spin dry and then store the greens right in the spinner. Every couple of days check for "bad" greens, rewash and spin. I have greens that will last a week or longer storing like this.

  • @careylee2595
    @careylee2595 9 місяців тому +3

    Kitchen scissors are great for replacing some small knife jobs such as chopping herbs and for jobs the knife can't do like slivering nori for noodle or salad toppings. Or chunking up hot roasted tomatoes. I also have a multi blade scissor for “chopping” herbs.

  • @mjremy2605
    @mjremy2605 9 місяців тому +3

    Great reviews, thanks Ladies! I bought a $5 salad spinner at a dollar store and it was so good. Compact, cheap, robust. A manual one you turn around. The push versions are costly and break down. Also the hard plastic bowls crack easily.
    Loved the mandoline reviews!

  • @leedublin320
    @leedublin320 9 місяців тому +2

    Fantastic advice I love your suggestions. I've got to say, as much as I love the paddle mandoline, they break easily. I've gone through 3. I also have the OXO mandoline and don't enjoy the V blade and getting out the extra blades is scary. Great job, thanks. Glove is a must!

  • @janemartin229
    @janemartin229 9 місяців тому +34

    I can never get the hang of using a Y peeler. It's so unnatural if you learned to peel with a paring knife. I love the OXO straight peeler. It's kind of fun to just go back and forth when peeling a carrot. (It makes a big mess, though!)

    • @jhwilliams6550
      @jhwilliams6550 9 місяців тому +2

      Paring knife is how I learned too. I did run across a palm peeler and I use it but I still will just use a paring knife especially on garden fresh new potatoes. I can scrape them quicker than peeling.

    • @dorisw5558
      @dorisw5558 9 місяців тому

      seriously?

    • @anounimouse
      @anounimouse 9 місяців тому +6

      But unless one cuts very VERY shallowly and makes very narrow strips, you waste too much of the veg using a paring knife..

    • @freemagicfun
      @freemagicfun 9 місяців тому +1

      I have tried the y peelers and never liked the feel of them. I have a 35 year old Sabatier straight peeler, with a fixed blade. I cannot stand the swivel blades on any peeler. I am no luddite... but I like my old style peeler. 😎

  • @JanelleA.
    @JanelleA. 9 місяців тому +3

    OMG! I've owned that same salad spinner, for years, and never knew the top could be taken apart! LOL 😂 🤣 🤯

  • @flowerheit4512
    @flowerheit4512 9 місяців тому +15

    I really prefer the boat style garlic press, with the holes on the bottom. You rock it on top of the garlic on your cutting board. Extremely easy to clean, no mechanism to jam or rust. Just make sure to het a stainless steel one, because the plastic ones break

    • @uweschroeder
      @uweschroeder 9 місяців тому +4

      I use that one for applications where I need larger chunks of garlic like i.e. pasta aglio e olio. A garlic press however will produce a much finer "mash".

    • @marilynturcotte5304
      @marilynturcotte5304 9 місяців тому

      I think that is what I use; just so easy to use.

    • @uweschroeder
      @uweschroeder 9 місяців тому +5

      @@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist2 You do of course realize that the Bible was written by people after the time Jesus was supposed to have lived...
      Not that this has anything to do with a garlic press...

    • @nancyeaton731
      @nancyeaton731 7 місяців тому

      I’ve never found one sharp enough to work well.

  • @notactuallymyrealname
    @notactuallymyrealname 9 місяців тому +4

    Here to advocate for the Oxo version of the Slap Chop -- my housemate got one years ago to make dinner prep easier as she recovered from a broken collarbone, but it's so great that we've held on to it and use it not infrequently. It's perfect for cutting a handful of nuts (which would otherwise slide all over the cutting board) or a whole head of garlic.

  • @lisahinton9682
    @lisahinton9682 9 місяців тому +1

    This was very thorough - thanks!

  • @TheMisterGriswold
    @TheMisterGriswold 9 місяців тому +6

    Box graters are a must-have.

  • @heidihill2361
    @heidihill2361 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you ladies.

  • @micheinnz
    @micheinnz 9 місяців тому +3

    The "slap chop" (stupid name) is based on a really good small food chopper made by Zyliss in the '70s. I loved the Zyliss machine, and wouldn't go near a "slap chop" (ugh) if I was paid to.

  • @texasnurse
    @texasnurse 9 місяців тому +11

    My very favorite grater is one we got from Ikea. It has a bowl with grater lids that fit on top. There is a small and a large size. It also includes a lid. I have a nice box grater that I never use because I love this one so much.

    • @mikicrespo4812
      @mikicrespo4812 9 місяців тому +2

      I’ve had that same one from IKEA for over 25 years. I love it.

    • @jpe1
      @jpe1 9 місяців тому +2

      I’m another who has that same set of IKEA graters, and I also love mine! Highly recommended!

  • @janelandry6584
    @janelandry6584 9 місяців тому +4

    Yes to music in the kitchen - whatever gets you dancing!

  • @1057shelley
    @1057shelley 9 місяців тому +1

    My favorite peeler has always been Rada. Stays sharp forever.

  • @kathy32850
    @kathy32850 9 місяців тому +1

    I have a Farberware salad spinner that is identical to the one you like except I don't think the lid comes apart 😢 I went to check mine as soon as I saw your demo. That's a nice feature.

  • @jpbaley2016
    @jpbaley2016 9 місяців тому +1

    I like my rotary grater. It has a very strong suction to keep steady. It has fine and coarse grater and a slicing blade. It’s fast, no strange angles, protects my fingers, easy to clean with a brush, and the chute keeps softer cheese, like cheddar, from breaking as you grate. The exit is not very high so you need a small bowl to catch everything in.

  • @moored1979
    @moored1979 9 місяців тому +1

    Cuisinart straight peeler is my all time fav, had multiple for 5+ yrs each, and only ever replaced due to losing it. Peels anything from carrots to pumpkins, i always wash in dishwasher and never had one fail yet

  • @debbybrady1246
    @debbybrady1246 9 місяців тому +3

    I love my OXO mandolin and I have my mother's old box grater which I use often, along with her peeler, although I use my OXO more often. I use the Y peeler in my cocktail tools. I'm going to get that garlic press today. Looks great.

    • @mjremy2605
      @mjremy2605 9 місяців тому +1

      MANDOLIN - musical instrument like a banjo.
      MANDOLINE - grater/ slicer

  • @tonilyng4851
    @tonilyng4851 9 місяців тому +2

    OMG…I have owned the OXO salad spinner for over 10 years; maybe longer and I had no idea the top came apart to clean it! I am on my second one with a steel bowl instead of the plastic one. The plastic one cracked because I dropped it. I love it; but I cursed every time I had to clean it. Thank you for showing me how to clean it; this is life altering.

    • @mammasquirrel418
      @mammasquirrel418 9 місяців тому +2

      Yes! Years ago I bought the OXO salad spinner with the plastic bowl, took it out of the box, said to myself "I will drop this, it will break and I will have to buy another one" , returned it and got one with the stainless steel bowl which has lasted a very long time. Really like it.

  • @efuass
    @efuass 9 місяців тому +4

    Tip for box grater. Use it horizontal with the handle pointed towards you. I'm sure some of you already know this but I just learned this method recently and its way less effort to use this way.
    Also for the Benriner Mandoline you can take the blade out and sharpen it. I'm not sure why she said you can't take the blade out...maybe she was just talking about the oxo? She wasn't very clear with that. The oxo one you can't take out but why the hell would you buy the oxo when you can't take the blade out and it's more expensive? The Benriner Mandoline is way better in every way.

  • @mikefritts1733
    @mikefritts1733 9 місяців тому

    Since we clean leafy vegetables every day for salads or cooking we use an electric salad spinner. Yes, it is another appliance on the counter but we have a little nook next to our refrigerator where it sits out of the way until needed.

  • @alexhurst3986
    @alexhurst3986 9 місяців тому +1

    Ok. I love your gear comparisons and you have had my respect for years. But the Monty Python quote just earned you a place of honor in my heart! Also, I cut the tip of my finger off on a mandolin. I highly recommend USING THE FREAKING GUARD!!! I use it every time now AND have a pair of cut resistant gloves. I wear as well. Fool me once....

  • @ellenmykkanen3865
    @ellenmykkanen3865 9 місяців тому +1

    I'm not sure about the model in this video, but my 20 year old Benriner has blades that can be removed from the casing and sharpened by a professional. I've had the blade sharpened maybe 5-6 times and they do a great job

  • @strayiggytv
    @strayiggytv 9 місяців тому +16

    I have the paderno spiralizer i got from goodwill for $6.49. i love it except for the suction cup feet that got brittle overtime. Luckily the feet are held on with screw so i replaced them with grippy feet like you'd put on chair. Works great! I wish more people would talk about how those stupid suction cups lose suction after a couple of years because of the rubber dry rotting :(

    • @Soxruleyanksdrool
      @Soxruleyanksdrool 9 місяців тому +1

      What if you lightly oiled them occasionally or treated them with something that would soak in and prevent dry rot without making them slippery?

    • @uweschroeder
      @uweschroeder 9 місяців тому +1

      I agree. Most rubbery parts on tools either get dry rot or kinda decompose and turn sticky. So I never get anything with rubbery plastic on it if it's avoidable (i.e. a plain stainless version exists and is good)

    • @stacypotts6341
      @stacypotts6341 9 місяців тому +1

      Treat with food grade mineral oil.

    • @uweschroeder
      @uweschroeder 9 місяців тому +1

      @@stacypotts6341 Oil on rubbery parts no made for oil? There's a good chance that will damage the rubber. Use a plastic conditioner that's usually on a silicone base and will not harm plastic or rubber (since most rubber today is plastic, not natural latex)

    • @lisaisaprincess23
      @lisaisaprincess23 9 місяців тому +1

      @strayiggytv yup, I have the oxo spiralizer shown here and the suction base did the same as yours... Now it's a pain to use without that grip 🙄

  • @barcham
    @barcham 9 місяців тому +2

    I prefer my KitchenAid box grater because it has a nice covered container that I use when I shred mozzarella to keep it in the fridge until I need it. It does a great job.

  • @kathiereeves3213
    @kathiereeves3213 9 місяців тому +2

    Very helpful! Thank you -

  • @pnwmeditations
    @pnwmeditations 9 місяців тому +2

    Re:Peeling garlic. I like the OXO silicone garlic peeler. It's not a complete silver bullet of a product, but I prefer it over the whack method and the shake method.

  • @anthonyrotella751
    @anthonyrotella751 9 місяців тому +2

    For grating I really prefer the Salad Master cone crank machine which you have never (to my knowledge) tested.

  • @brianklaus2468
    @brianklaus2468 9 місяців тому +10

    Have you tested the rotary graters yet? The ones where the metal stamped holes are on a cylinder and you turn a crank as you feed the cheese (or other) into a funnel that is over the cylinder.

    • @bobthecomputerguy
      @bobthecomputerguy 9 місяців тому +2

      I was about to post about those. I have one and it's great for grating cheese. So much faster than a hand grater, but easier to clean than a food processor. Also grates carrots well for coleslaw.

    • @brianklaus2468
      @brianklaus2468 9 місяців тому +4

      @@bobthecomputerguy but unfortunately most are cheaply made and I’ve had two break- I was hoping there’s a better quality one out there

    • @sandrah7512
      @sandrah7512 9 місяців тому +1

      They last reviewed rotary graters in 2020 and their favourite was featured on a Season 21 episode of ATK. 🔎🔎

    • @brianklaus2468
      @brianklaus2468 9 місяців тому +1

      @@sandrah7512 not the same- those are for grating parmesan at the table like what restaurants have
      They don’t have the big holes

    • @sandrah7512
      @sandrah7512 9 місяців тому +1

      @@brianklaus2468 I'm not sure what you described is any different than what I described, but to be honest, my knowledge and experience with rotary graters is pretty much limited to what I'll call the Aunt Carol (Who Famously Didn't Cook) Memorial Mouli Grater which came with at least two (three?) cylinders with holes of various sizes. It was metal with sharp edges everywhere like a classic Tonka truck, so tetanus was always a possibility. 😬It seemed to work better with hard, drier foods like Parmesan as opposed to softer cheeses or vegetables which one would typically use the large holed grater and said grater's cylinder would inevitably clog up after a couple of turns. It was hard to hold, the crank gave near zero clearance to portions of the opposing hand's grip but if you favoured your left hand, it did run backwards. So I guess that was kind of fun? 🤔🙃
      After a quick peek on Amazon I see there are countertop models that do not need to be held aloft so is that's what you were getting at?🤷🏼‍♀🙂

  • @linetteevans8337
    @linetteevans8337 10 днів тому

    Thank you! I thought I was crazy all these years with a straight potato peeler. As a leftie, the y peeler was eye-opening. The struggle is real.

  • @wandac396
    @wandac396 9 місяців тому +3

    Can you guys give us your opinion on using a knife to pick up food using the sharp side of the knife going towards the cutting board. I’ve had debates with people concerning that by doing this will dull the knife. I use a steel at least once a week and do not notice much difference between the two methods. And yes, before someone chimes in, I do realize a steel does not sharpen your knife, it just straightens the edge of your knife.

  • @jdashburn1
    @jdashburn1 9 місяців тому +5

    Have you done a test on bladed items in a dishwasher? I would be interested in seeing the results and why a dishwasher is a bad environment.

    • @Niftynorm1
      @Niftynorm1 9 місяців тому +4

      They have mentioned that many times before. The two biggest reasons to avoid dishwashers are: blades rattling against other items in the silverware basket which dulls them and two the heat of the drying cycle can damage handles and some blades.

    • @jdashburn1
      @jdashburn1 9 місяців тому +1

      @@Niftynorm1 Thanks for the response. Dishwasher drying cycles don’t reach the boiling point of water, at least that’s my understanding. How could such low temperatures cause problems for a knife?
      If anyone could point me to their analysis I would greatly appreciate it.

  • @LillianHenegar
    @LillianHenegar 9 місяців тому +1

    Very helpful video. The tips were great. Now, I am getting a Y peeler. I don't have much storage or counter space for kitchen gadgets or appliances, but the Y peeler and the garlic press (yikes that's costly!) and the graters are possible. I clean my garlic press and peeler with toothbrush. Thanks for doing this. Bonus points: I found out the salad spinner my son in law got for me a couple of Christmases ago is your number one choice!

    • @VeretenoVids
      @VeretenoVids 9 місяців тому +2

      Yes, that garlic press is hella expensive, but I've had one for over a decade now and it's totally awesome. Love the stainless steel and how easy it is to clean. I also use it with ginger.

  • @Julesybabes70
    @Julesybabes70 5 місяців тому +1

    I've had the Kuhn Rikon epicurean garlic press for over a decade. It's expensive but practically indestructible in regular use and will likely be an heirloom to pass to descendants.

  • @shawn6669
    @shawn6669 9 місяців тому +1

    I never use my "Salad Spinner" for salads. The thing I used them for EVERY DAY is as help defrosting frozen vegetables. If I need frozen peas or corn, I take out the inner colander part, pour in the frozen vegetables and then run them under hot water until they're defrosted and then use the spinner to take the water off them. FWIW.

  • @brittanydaniels1102
    @brittanydaniels1102 9 місяців тому

    For people with disabilities who have fine motor skill issues in their hands, I highly recommend a safe mandoline over a regular mandoline for cutting, slicing etc... fruits and vegetables in different ways instead since you put the fruit or vegetable in the back of the safe mandoline and just take the handle and push it up and down until the fruit or vegetable is cut up the way you set it up to be cut, sliced, etc.... I also highly recommend a 6 in 1 rotary vegetable slicer grating tool or a 5 in 1 rotary vegetable grating tool that comes with a grating option for people with disabilities who have fine motor issues in both of their hands because after inserting the correct insert and then prepping the fruit or vegetable to fit in the top of it and then placing that fruit or vegetable in the top and then taking the handle and moving it around to cut, slice or grate the fruit or vegetable or block of cheese is done.

  • @tomcondon6169
    @tomcondon6169 9 місяців тому +3

    An outstanding peeler is the Cutco peeler, superior, and it even has a sharp tip for removing potato eyes.

  • @cinnamoncanela3665
    @cinnamoncanela3665 9 місяців тому

    I listen to Jazz, and I love the salad spinner!!

  • @sherryduva5263
    @sherryduva5263 6 місяців тому +1

    I love my Tupperware “Y”, peeler. I’ve had this one for over 20 years and it’s stiller very sharpe

  • @mixeddrinks8100
    @mixeddrinks8100 9 місяців тому

    that oxo salad spinner is legit, no joke, also get the small one too, great for small fruits. great for soaking and washing fruits and veggie. Kuhn brand has some good stuff, their pepper mill is hard to fill, but to grind, it is a joy, it is a ratchet type.

  • @smvsspould
    @smvsspould 9 місяців тому +1

    You should check out the safety mandolins where the blade moves and is in a tube.

  • @amandajones7097
    @amandajones7097 9 місяців тому

    Do you guys not like the straight peelers that don't have a plastic piece holding each end? They still swivel a bit and you get the metal end that I use to core strawberries

  • @annek1226
    @annek1226 9 місяців тому

    Lisa , my favorite person on this channel

  • @tisharodriguez9541
    @tisharodriguez9541 9 місяців тому

    I prefer a handle spin salad spinner. I have an oxo and it doesn’t get my lettuce as dry and is prone to wobble. Also I find that the push knob is harder.

  • @egrace67
    @egrace67 9 місяців тому

    My husband always knows when I’ve been watching your videos. We always seem to have a new kitchen gadget appear shortly after I have viewed your videos.😂

  • @ThePromenadeBallroom
    @ThePromenadeBallroom 2 місяці тому

    I really enjoy my vacuum lock rotary grater for quick results. Multiple blades on that as well

  • @hasna6096
    @hasna6096 9 місяців тому

    OXO brand is really good! I have that same vegetable peeler for years!

  • @sleepib
    @sleepib 8 місяців тому

    I do have one of those slap chop things from a different brand, and I only really use it for olives.

  • @MNTNSTARZ80.
    @MNTNSTARZ80. 9 місяців тому +3

    😅 I never use a salad spinner for salads, my daughter has delicate skirts, slips etc that must be hand washed, I put a drop of special detergent in it, fill with water, spin.
    Then drain run under the faucet to rinse, put back into spinner.
    The items are almost dry and take hardly any time to completely dry.

  • @MikeOBrien1945
    @MikeOBrien1945 9 місяців тому

    Do you have a recommended thin blade knife to use for veggie prep instead of the thicker chef’s knife…or do you think that the Victorinox is thin enough?

  • @Heizenberg32
    @Heizenberg32 9 місяців тому

    My cheap faberwear mandolin has removable blades. I have resharpened them only twice - but that's extended it's life by years!

  • @Bob-67
    @Bob-67 19 днів тому

    I love OXO utensils. The potato masher especially.

  • @WinghavenET
    @WinghavenET 9 місяців тому +1

    I use Tefal Chopper 900ML and it actually chops veggies nicely. Just don't go too hard on it with tough veggies like carrots. Smaller portions and it will get through them in seconds.

  • @LauraRodriguez-Peace
    @LauraRodriguez-Peace 9 місяців тому

    Thank you, ladies! 😊
    Beyonce’s playing in the background in the kitchen at the moment.
    “Break My Soul” 🧡

  • @PianistGailSummers
    @PianistGailSummers 5 місяців тому +1

    Lay your box grater down for that "angled" feel to cutting. The bits are still contained, but I found you had more 'grip power' and push power if the box is horizontal.

  • @elhamhughes8981
    @elhamhughes8981 Місяць тому

    I appreciate your recommendations and in the past I have purchased the items you recommended and I’ve been very happy with them. However I bought the Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss peelers but just after the first use and wash I realized the blades rusted very easily. I made sure I was very diligent with washing and drying them thoroughly, but they still rusted at the end. Although I liked the performance of the peelers I went through 3 of them in 6 months.