Zyliss Easy Pull Food Processor Review: The Ultimate Tool for Tiny Kitchens

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If you live in a small apartment, own an RV, or just hate dragging out a heavy electric food processor for a single onion, you know the struggle. You want the speed of a machine but the convenience of a knife.

Enter the Zyliss Easy Pull Food Processor (3.0 Edition).

Zyliss Easy Pull Food Chopper and Manual Food Processor – Hand-He…

Versatile Food Dicer: This Zyliss food chopper simplifies prep with efficient food chopping, blending and pureeing
Kitchen Gadget with Swiss Blades: Dicer with high-grade serrated stainless steel ensures uniform dicing and slicing of t…
Food Chopper with Adjustable Slicing: This manual food chopper features an easy-to-use slide lever that allows for preci…

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With a 4.7-star rating from over 5,000 users and the coveted “Overall Pick” badge on Amazon, this Swiss-engineered gadget promises to replace your knife, blender, and electric chopper. But can a manual pull-cord device really handle tough nuts and frozen veggies without snapping?

We analyzed the design, the patented blade system, and years of long-term user feedback to see if this is the ultimate tiny kitchen hack.

The Mechanism: Swiss Engineering in Your Hand

Unlike cheap knock-offs that use a simple string, the Zyliss feels engineered.

The Pull System: It works like a lawnmower starter but smoother. One pull rotates the dual blades multiple times.
The “Sweeper” Arm: This is the secret weapon. Most manual choppers have a flaw: food gets stuck to the bottom or sides, and the blades spin in empty air. The Zyliss has a patented booster arm at the bottom that sweeps food back into the cutting zone. This ensures uniform chopping without you having to stop and shake the bowl.

What Can It Actually Chop?

We looked at real-world tests to see its limits.

1. The “Walnut Dust” Test

User ArtFirst has been using this machine for over 6 years (since 2017!) specifically to make organic walnut butter. They note: “3 pulls yields chopped nuts… 30 pulls yield a nice fine texture about like brown sugar.”

Analyst Note: If it can handle frozen walnuts for 6 years without the cord snapping, the build quality is exceptional.

2. The Ham Salad Test

User Kathleen C. Smith managed to chop a tough ham steak for salad. While you need to cut meat into chunks first, the fact that a manual plastic device can process meat without jamming is impressive.

3. The Salsa/Pesto Master

This is where it shines. For salsas, pestos, and guacamoles, it offers better texture control than an electric blender (which often turns salsa into soup). You stop pulling when you reach the chunkiness you want.

The Limitations (Read Before Buying)

It is not magic. User ArtFirst honestly pointed out a key limitation: Single-Dish Veggie Prep.

If you try to chop 6 different veggies at once for a skillet meal, the softer ones turn to mush before the harder ones are chopped.

The Fix: Use it for sauces, dips, and single ingredients (like a batch of onions). Don’t try to make a whole ratatouille in one go.

Design & Maintenance

Capacity: 25 Ounces (approx. 3 cups). Perfect for a family of 2-4.
Cleaning: The bowl and blades are dishwasher safe.
Warning: The lid contains the pull mechanism. While the manual says “dishwasher safe,” savvy users recommend hand-washing the lid with a sponge. Getting water inside the pull-cord housing can eventually cause the string to mold or weaken.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Durability: Users report 6+ years of daily use.	Lid Care: Pull mechanism shouldn’t be submerged in water.
Efficiency: Patented sweeper arm prevents stuck food.	Uneven Mix: Can’t chop hard & soft veggies together perfectly.
Portability: No electricity needed (Great for Camping/RVs).	Manual Effort: Requires arm strength for tough items.
Versatility: Handles nuts, meat, bread, and veggies.

Final Verdict

The Zyliss Easy Pull Food Chopper is not just a gadget; it’s a serious tool.

It bridges the gap between a chef’s knife (too slow) and a Magimix (too big). For chopping onions without tears, making quick guacamole, or processing nuts, it is unbeaten in its class.

Buy It If:

You have a tiny kitchen or go camping often.
You want a durable tool that won’t break after a month (proven 6-year lifespan).
You hate the noise and cleanup of electric processors.

Skip It If:

You want to slice cucumbers (get a mandoline instead).
You need to puree large batches of soup (get an immersion blender).

Salad Sling vs. Salad Spinner: Do You Really Need to Swing Your Greens?

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February 5, 2026

Everyone experiences this. So, you wash your lettuce, throw it in a bowl, and then you’re stuck with this sad, watery salad where the dressing just won’t stick to the wet leaves.

Bestseller #1

Salad Spinner Large,Vegetables Fruits Wash Bowl, Lettuce Spinner …

$35.99

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Bestseller #2

EDELHAUS Salad Spinner Stainless Steel 5.3Qt | Lettuce Spinner BP…

$34.95

Buy on Amazon

For years, people have reached for the Salad Spinner. “Yeah, it gets the job done, but it’s seriously the size of a basketball, and there goes half your cabinet space.”

Here’s the Salad Sling.

Bestseller #1

Farberware Easy to use pro Pump Spinner with Bowl, Colander and B…

$21.47

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Bestseller #2

50 Pack 16 oz Plastic Dessert Cups with Lids, Clear Disposable Sn…

$18.99

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Bestseller #3

64oz Stainless Steel Salad Bowl Kit & 3Pcs Bamboo Cutlery Set wit…

$34.99

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Everybody’s talking about this gadget on social media; it’s just a microfiber towel with handles, but it’s gone absolutely viral. You can dry your greens in a snap, just using your own arm strength and a bit of spin.

Is swinging a bag of wet kale around your kitchen really something you’d do, or is it just a silly idea?

We tried out the extremely popular Salad Sling vs. the traditional Salad Spinner to figure out which one belongs in your kitchen.

What Exactly is a Salad Sling?

Ever wonder what a “salad sling” is? It’s basically a fancy term for a big, absorbent fabric that you use to dry your greens after washing them. You might have already seen it on TikTok, but the Salad Sling is surprisingly simple. It’s like a waterproof bag, but on the inside, it’s all soft, really absorbent microfiber.

The Concept:

So, the idea is you just put your wet greens right in the middle.
You grab the handles.
Just give it a good whirl in a big circle, kinda like a cowboy twirling a lasso, for about 10 to 15 seconds.

The spinning motion just throws the water right off the leaves and into the towel. It’s got no gears, no plastic bowls, and no noise.

Round 1: Storage Space

Winner: Salad Sling (By a Mile)

The clear winner here is the Salad Sling. It’s really the whole point of why it was made.

The Spinner: Even the “collapsible” ones are clunky. If you’re living in a tiny apartment or a van, a salad spinner is probably too much of a space hog to keep around.
The Sling: It actually folds up smaller than a dish towel. Stick it in a drawer, hang it on a hook, or just chuck it into a picnic bag. If you’re into minimalism, this is the clear winner.

Round 2: Drying Power

Winner: Salad Spinner (Barely)

Okay, for the second round of drying power, the salad spinner won out, but just barely.

The Spinner: The spinning action really gives you that consistent, mechanical drying. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you spin it, the way the basket is made means all the water goes right into the outer bowl. It takes it easy on tender herbs.
The Sling: Yeah, it actually works pretty good, but you gotta know how to use it right. You gotta swing it quick. That microfiber really soaks up moisture from the surface, which usually means your greens end up drier than what you’d get from a basic spinner. Note: If you put too much in there, the leaves in the middle could really stay wet.

Round 3: The “Splash Zone” Risk

Winner: Salad Spinner

The Spinner: It is a closed system. The water stays in the bowl.
The Sling: While the outer layer is waterproof, user error is real. If you don’t seal it properly or if you swing too wildly, you might fling a rogue piece of spinach across the room. Also, you need clearance. Do not try this in a narrow galley kitchen unless you want to smack your hand against the fridge.

Round 4: Cleanup

Winner: Salad Sling

The Spinner: It has three parts (bowl, basket, lid mechanism). It fills up the entire top rack of your dishwasher.
The Sling: Turn it inside out and throw it in the washing machine with your kitchen towels. Done.

The Verdict: Who Needs Which?

So, do you really need to swing your greens?

Buy the Salad Sling If:

You have a tiny kitchen: Storage space is your #1 concern.
You hate washing dishes: Throwing a towel in the laundry is easier than scrubbing a plastic bowl.
You want dry greens fast: It is legitimately faster than setting up a spinner.

Stick to the Salad Spinner If:

You have a large family: You need to prep 2 heads of lettuce at once.
You have mobility issues: Swinging your arm in a circle requires shoulder mobility that a pump-action spinner does not.

The Final Word: The Salad Sling is not a gimmick; it is a legitimate space-saving tool. If you can handle the “lasso” motion without hitting your cat, it’s the best upgrade for a small kitchen.

OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper Review: Is It Better Than Fullstar?

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If you’re on TikTok or Instagram at all these days, you’ve probably noticed the Fullstar chopper that everyone’s raving about. Everyone knows it makes really perfect, uniform cubes. But here’s the kicker: cleaning that grid? It’s a real nightmare.

Check out the OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper.

OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper

Chops veggies, herbs, nuts and more into uniform pieces
Sharp, stainless steel blade rotates as you pump the handle
Comfortable knob designed for minimal effort on your part

$22.58

Buy on Amazon

This thing isn’t just a backup; it’s a real challenger for the top spot, selling over 9,000 units last month. But is a manual pump chopper really better than those popular lever dicers?

We went through all the specs, how it works, and thousands of user reviews to figure out if the OXO is the best pick for your kitchen.

The Mechanism: Pump vs. Press

To figure out if the OXO is a good fit, you just need to see how it’s different from the Fullstar.

Fullstar (The Press): You just put the vegetable on a blade grid and push the lid down.
- The Result: So, the final product ended up with perfect geometric squares.
- The Problem: The big issue here is that it needs force. If the skin on something is tough, like on a pepper, it can get stuck.
OXO Good Grips (The Pump): You just put whatever you’re cutting in a cup (or on a cutting board if you prefer) and keep pressing the soft knob on top.
- The Result: So, every time you press it, a stainless steel blade inside spins around, and that chops up your food into these small, irregular minced pieces.
- The Advantage: The big plus here is that you don’t need nearly as much force. The “Good Grips” knob is designed to absorb pressure, so you can do a lot of chopping without your hand getting tired.

Why 5,000+ People Rated This 5 Stars

So, 5,000+ people gave this product 5 stars. That’s because the Fullstar is awesome for when you’re planning meals for the week, but the OXO is your go-to when you need to get dinner on the table right away. Folks are really digging this simpler tool, and there are a lot of reasons why.

1. The “10-Second Salsa” Factor

So, the “10-Second Salsa” Factor is basically about how the blades spin on their own, so you never have to move the food around.

For Onions: You just peel them, cut them in half, and then go for it with the pump. You know, you barely have any time, like fifteen seconds, to get those onions all minced up for the sauce.
For Garlic: This is where OXO really shines. It’s seriously like a massive garlic press, and it can crush 5 or 6 cloves all at one go. “Works reasonably well even with 3 cloves,” one user said. That’s way better than trying to cut them all manually without a machine.

2. Smell Containment

If you can’t stand the smell of onions or garlic sticking around on your hands, this discovery will totally change things for you. That cup totally seals in those pesky sulfur compounds, which are exactly what make your eyes water. You chop something up in the container, dump it into the pan, and then you rinse it out. Your hands never touch the cut onion.

3. The Cleaning Victory

The main reason people switch from Fullstar to OXO is because of how much easier it is to clean.

Fullstar: Ugh, I’ve had issues with Fullstar. Food always seems to get stuck in those tiny square grids, and it’s a real pain to clean. You need a tiny comb to poke those potato bits out.
OXO: Watch out, the blades are showing. Just give them a quick rinse under the tap, or if you’re feeling lazy, toss the whole thing in the dishwasher. You won’t find any tiny grids needing a scrub.

Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

Alright, let’s compare these two. Which one makes more sense for you to grab? Both tools are good, and they both have a purpose, but they just solve different problems.

Feature	Fullstar Chopper	OXO Good Grips Chopper
Cut Style	Uniform Cubes (Dicing)	Irregular Pieces (Mincing)
Best For	Salads, Fries, Aesthetics	Salsas, Soups, Sauces, Mirepoix
Effort	High (Hard Slam)	Low (Soft Pump)
Cleaning	Difficult (Grid scrubbing)	Easy (Dishwasher safe)
Speed	Medium (Requires prep)	Fast (Toss and chop)

Final Verdict

So, if you’re asking, “Is the OXO Good Grips Chopper better than Fullstar?” it really comes down to what you’re trying to do.

NO, not if you’re aiming for a Cobb Salad that looks straight out of an Instagram picture, all perfect little squares and everything. Just stick with the Fullstar.
YES, if you’re all about speed, comfort, and not having to worry about cleaning up, then this is for you.

When you’re making something like bolognese, chili, or even just some quick taco meat, it really doesn’t matter if your onions are cut into perfect squares. People just want their food to get on the table quickly.

For everyday cooking, the OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper is a real workhorse practical, easy to use, and fast.

BINGBING Adjustable Mandoline Review: A Heavy-Duty Slicer for Bulk Prep?

Author

When you’re getting meals ready for the whole week, or slicing a ton of potatoes for a big holiday dinner, those little handheld slicers just aren’t going to get the job done. You really want something that’s solid and won’t wobble, even when you pile things on it.

Mandoline Food slicer for kitchen, Adjustable Stainless Steel Man…

【Safe Mandoline Slicing tool】many people will cut their fingers while changing mandoline slicer blades. But with our sli…
【Sharp and Durable】Our vegetable slicer deck is made of STAINLESS STEEL . It’s supremely corrosion and durable. When oth…
【Adjustable Mandoline Slicer】This slicer is a professional mandoline slicer with a simple and safe design. All slicing o…

$20.89

Buy on Amazon

Check out the BINGBING Adjustable Mandoline Slicer.

This isn’t some tiny drawer gadget; it’s more like a semi-pro stainless steel station. We’ve sold over 2,000 of these last month, and they really do help you cook like a pro in your own kitchen.

But is this bigger, more complicated tool safe for someone who just cooks at home? So, we looked into the build quality and safety features to get to the bottom of it.

Design: Stainless Steel Stability

When it comes to how it’s built, the BINGBING has a really steady stainless steel deck. You know how those flimsy plastic ones can bend? Well, this one won’t. It’s really good with corrosion and lasts a long time.

The Stand: It features a foldable stand wrapped in silicone. This non-slip design is really important. When you’re quickly sliding a potato against a super sharp blade, you want the machine to stay put on the counter.
Ergonomics: The big handle feels really good in your hand, so you can push down hard without your hand getting tired.

The “No-Touch” Blade System

The scariest bit about having a regular mandoline is when you have to change out the blades. Most accidents happen when you’re fumbling around with those loose, sharp metal pieces.

The BINGBING has an adjustable dial built right in, so that takes care of it.

It’s pretty simple: just twist one knob to pick how thick you want your slices, or to get those julienne blades ready for french fries.
Good news: You won’t ever have to touch the blade directly when using this! Nothing extra to keep track of, so you won’t misplace anything. It keeps to itself.

Safety First: Gloves Included

You know, BINGBING really gets it. They included gloves, and that’s a smart move because, let’s be honest, safety first! Mandolines can really do some damage in the kitchen.

This kit comes with a Food Safety Holder so you can push your veggies down safely, plus you get a pair of cut-resistant gloves.

Here’s why this is a big deal: even if you’ve got a safety guard in place, accidents still occur. Putting gloves right in the box, which usually cost ten bucks extra, is a really good deal and shows they care about keeping folks safe.

Performance and Cleaning

It handles cleaning well, too. This makes really thin, even slices, way better than you could ever get just cutting by hand.

Cleaning: It’s simple to keep clean: the blade part comes right off for a thorough wash, and you can even toss the body in the dishwasher. Just remember to always be careful when you’re getting into all those tight spots in the blade housing during cleaning.
User Experience: Most people really like how good the product is for the price, but a few folks have mentioned it takes a little while to get the hang of it. User Juliana O mentioned that while it’s practical, she still has trouble using it. That’s pretty normal with standing mandolines; you just gotta practice to get the hang of it.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Safety: Comes with cut-resistant gloves & food holder.	Size: This thing is pretty big, so it’ll take up some cabinet space.
Durability: Built to last; made from tough, stainless steel.	Learning Curve: It just takes some practice to get good at it.
Convenience: Built-in dial means you don’t swap blades.	Complex Cleaning: Tough to clean the little cracks on the dial.
Stability: It stays put with its non-slip feet.

The Final Verdict

So, what’s my take on the BINGBING Adjustable Mandoline? It’s a powerhouse, plain and simple, especially when you consider it usually hovers around the $20-$22 mark. You get the solid feel of a pro French mandoline, but without the hefty price tag.

Buy It If:

You cook large amounts of food, like for meal prep, canning, or a big family.
You’re scared to change the blades yourself.
You’re looking for a whole kit, and you definitely want safety gloves to be part of it.

Skip It If:

You’re just slicing one cucumber a week; a handheld option would be better.
There’s not a lot of room in your cabinets.

PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline Review: The Best Budget Slicer?

Author

Cutting potatoes for a gratin or slicing cucumbers for a salad usually takes forever with a knife. If you want professional consistency without buying a massive electric processor, you need a handheld mandoline.

PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline Slicer, Green – Adjustable…

Contains (1) PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline in Green – adjustable slicing thickness for all your prep needs. Per…
Adjustable Slicing Thickness: Easily customize your slices with the adjustable thickness dial, offering precise cuts fro…
Safe & User-Friendly: Equipped with a hand guard for finger protection and a non-slip base to ensure stability during us…

$17.14

Buy on Amazon

Enter the PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline Slicer.

With over 8,000 ratings and a 4.5-star average, this compact green gadget is an “Amazon’s Choice” for a reason. But can a plastic tool under $20 really replace your chef’s knife? We analyzed the specs and real user feedback to find out.

Design: Compact and “Green”

The first thing you notice is the size. At 12.75 inches long, it is designed to fit in a standard kitchen drawer. Unlike bulky countertop models, this is a “grab-and-go” tool.

Build: It features a plastic body with stainless steel blades.
Stability: It includes a non-slip base, which is crucial for keeping the slicer steady on your cutting board or over a bowl.
Safety: It comes with a hand guard to protect your fingers from the sharp blade.

The “Adjust-A-Slice” Feature

The main selling point is the adjustable thickness dial. Instead of swapping out dangerous blades manually, you simply turn a knob to switch between settings.

Versatility: You can go from paper-thin (great for radishes or chips) to thick slices.
Performance: User Angela B. mentioned using it for scalloped potatoes, noting that it “cut them nicely” and felt sturdy despite its compact size.

Speed and Sharpness

Does it actually save time? According to user Fishy McFisherson, the answer is a resounding yes. They claimed to have “sliced all the veggies in my kitchen in 3 minutes flat,” expressing shock at how well it worked for such an inexpensive item.

However, it is a manual tool. While most users find it “super sharp,” one reviewer noted that softer onions might get stuck if you don’t use enough force or speed.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Speed: Slices veggies in seconds.	Soft Veggies: Might struggle with soft-skinned items (like overripe tomatoes).
Adjustable: Easy dial for different thicknesses.	Manual: Requires arm strength.
Compact: Fits easily in a drawer.
Value: Excellent performance for under $20.
Cleaning: Dishwasher safe.

Final Verdict

The PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice is the perfect entry-level mandoline. It isn’t a heavy-duty stainless steel French mandoline, but it doesn’t try to be.

Buy It If:

You want to speed up meal prep for salads and potato dishes.
You have limited storage space.
You want a dishwasher-safe tool.

It is a fantastic value for the price and a genuine time-saver for the busy home cook.

QPEY Onion Holder Review: Why Is This Simple Gadget a Best-Seller?

Author

It’s rare for a simple kitchen gadget to dominate a category so completely. Yet, the QPEY Stainless Steel Onion Holder isn’t just a popular tool; it’s a phenomenon, consistently topping the bestseller lists in its category.

Stainless Steel Onion Holder for Slicing,Onion Slicer Holder,Onio…

Smart Design: Onion Holder Sharp stitches prevent slippage and cut evenly for greater safety and pin joints are sturdy a…
Widely Use: The Onion Holder can also be used as a meat tenderizer. Long steel needle penetrates deeply, into the meat t…
Claim your time: The Onion Holderr for slicing save a lot of time for slicing or chopping onions. No more nasty cuts or …

$4.97

Buy on Amazon

Why? Because it solves two of the most annoying kitchen problems simultaneously: uneven slices and smelly fingers.

As part of our series on manual slicers, we took a deep dive into this specific tool. Is it really a “must-have,” or is it just another drawer clutter item? In this review, we analyze the build quality, the dual-functionality, and the real user feedback to see if the hype is real.

Design & Build Quality: Simple Yet Sturdy

At first glance, it looks like a hair comb for giants. But the design is intentional and surprisingly robust for a budget tool.

The Tines: It features sharp, stainless steel prongs (stitches). Unlike cheaper plastic versions, these are made of alloy steel, meaning they won’t bend when you jam them into a dense raw potato or onion.
The Handle: The handle is made from Polycarbonate with a non-slip texture. This is critical because your hands are usually wet when prepping veggies. The “extra-wide” oval shape gives you a solid grip, ensuring you can apply downward pressure safely.
Hygiene: It is listed as Dishwasher Safe. This is a huge win because cleaning between sharp prongs by hand is dangerous and tedious.

Functionality: More Than Just Onions

While “Onion” is in the name, our analysis shows this tool is actually a multi-purpose kitchen hack.

1. The Slicing Guide (The Main Event)

The concept is simple: You pierce the vegetable, and the steel tines act as a ruler for your knife.

Uniformity: By cutting between the tines, you get perfectly even slices every time. User reviews confirm this allows for “thin cuts all the way through” that would be hard to achieve freehand.
Safety: Your hand holds the plastic handle, not the slippery vegetable. This drastically reduces the risk of “loosing a digit” (cutting a finger), which is a common fear for beginner cooks.
Odor Control: Since you never touch the onion flesh, the sulfur compounds don’t transfer to your skin. No more scrubbing your hands with stainless steel soap afterwards.

2. The Secret Feature: Meat Tenderizer

The manufacturer explicitly notes that the “long steel needle penetrates deeply into meat.”

If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use the QPEY to puncture steaks or chicken breasts before marinating. This helps the marinade absorb faster and breaks down tough muscle fibers.

User Experience: The “Love it or Leave it” Factor

With a 4.5-star rating from thousands of reviews, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, but it’s not for everyone.

The Fan Base:

Users who struggle with knife skills love it. One user, Linda, noted, “I always thought why can’t someone invent something that can hold my onion while I cut it. This works perfect!” It provides confidence and consistency.

The Critics:

It’s important to note that this tool requires you to use a knife. It doesn’t chop for you. As one reviewer, Anna, honestly stated: “This product didn’t make it easier to cut anything… I just didn’t like it.”

Analyst Note: If you are already a pro with a chef’s knife, you might find this tool slows you down. It is designed for home cooks seeking safety, not professional chefs seeking speed.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Safety: Keeps fingers far away from the blade.	Learning Curve: Requires getting used to cutting between tines.
Consistency: Acts as a guide for perfect, uniform slices.	Speed: Slower than chopping freehand for skilled cooks.
No Smell: Hands stay odor-free.	Manual: You still need a sharp knife to do the work.
Dual Use: Works as a meat tenderizer.
Maintenance: 100% Dishwasher safe.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you have ever nicked your finger while slicing a tomato or hated the lingering smell of onions on your hands, the QPEY Onion Holder is easily one of the best budget-friendly investments you can make for your kitchen.

It is simple, durable, and does exactly what it promises. It bridges the gap between dangerous freehand slicing and bulky electric processors.

Buy It If:

You are a beginner cook wanting perfectly even onion rings.
You have mobility issues or shaky hands and need stability.
You hate the smell of onions on your fingers.

Skip It If:

You have professional-level knife skills (you won’t need the guide).

No More Tears: Testing the Best Manual Onion Slicers

Author

We all know the drill. “You need diced onions if you’re making a sauce, or rings if you’re putting them on a burger.”

You grab a knife, and thirty seconds later, your eyes are stinging, tears are streaming down your face, and your hands smell like sulfur for the next two days.

Electric food processors are certainly handy, but they tend to turn onions into a watery mess. When you want those perfect, crisp slices without all the fuss, you just gotta have the right tool for the job.

We checked out all the most popular onion slicers you can buy to figure out which manual one works best for different kinds of cooks. So, if you’re looking for a simple guide for your knife or even a full-on mandoline station, these top 3 tools really do the trick.

Stainless Steel Onion Holder for Slicing,Onion Slicer Holder,Onio…

Smart Design: Onion Holder Sharp stitches prevent slippage and cut evenly for greater safety and pin joints are sturdy a…
Widely Use: The Onion Holder can also be used as a meat tenderizer. Long steel needle penetrates deeply, into the meat t…
Claim your time: The Onion Holderr for slicing save a lot of time for slicing or chopping onions. No more nasty cuts or …

$4.97

Buy on Amazon

1. QPEY Stainless Steel Onion Holder

Best For: Folks who prefer to use their own kitchen knife.

It helps with that onion smell and keeps your fingers safe. If you like using a knife but aren’t quite slicing like a pro, the QPEY Onion Holder is a game-changer. It’s not a machine; it’s a guide.

How it works: So, here’s the deal: you just stick those stainless steel prongs right into the onion. So, you just cut between the tines with your knife.
Why it works so well: It keeps that squirrely onion right where you want it, so every slice comes out perfect each time.
The Bonus: And you won’t get that onion smell on your hands since you don’t even have to touch it.

We’ve sold over 10,000 of these little guys recently, and it’s truly a simple hack.

PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline Slicer, Green – Adjustable…

Contains (1) PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline in Green – adjustable slicing thickness for all your prep needs. Per…
Adjustable Slicing Thickness: Easily customize your slices with the adjustable thickness dial, offering precise cuts fro…
Safe & User-Friendly: Equipped with a hand guard for finger protection and a non-slip base to ensure stability during us…

$17.14

Buy on Amazon

2. PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice

Best For: Quick tasks or small kitchens.

The PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice is a great option if you need something handheld for quick tasks or if your kitchen is on the smaller side. You know, sometimes you’re just trying to chop half an onion for a quick salad, and you really don’t want to get the whole kitchen workspace going.

The Design: The PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice is your go-to for quick slicing. It’s a handheld mandoline. You just hold it over the bowl and kinda slide the onion back and forth.
Features: It’s got these adjustable thickness settings, which is pretty neat. Do you want your sub sandwich to have really thin onion slices? Done. “Thicker slices for grilling?” One click.
Storage: It’s small, so you can just pop it right into your utensil drawer, which is really handy for using it every day.

Mandoline Food slicer for kitchen, Adjustable Stainless Steel Man…

【Safe Mandoline Slicing tool】many people will cut their fingers while changing mandoline slicer blades. But with our sli…
【Sharp and Durable】Our vegetable slicer deck is made of STAINLESS STEEL . It’s supremely corrosion and durable. When oth…
【Adjustable Mandoline Slicer】This slicer is a professional mandoline slicer with a simple and safe design. All slicing o…

$20.89

Buy on Amazon

3. BINGBING Adjustable Mandoline

Best For: Meal preppers and big families.

The BINGBING Adjustable Mandoline is excellent for meal preppers and big families. Seriously, if you need to chop five onions for French Onion Soup, doing all of that by hand is just awful.

The BINGBING Mandoline Food Slicer is a semi-professional setup built for when you need to slice a lot of food. You see, this is really useful for more than just onions. This thing has 7-in-1 adjustable blades, so it can handle potatoes, carrots, and even cucumbers.

Safety First: Be careful, mandolines are no joke; they’re really sharp and can be quite dangerous. What makes this kit special is that it comes with cut-resistant gloves.
Stability: It really stays put on your counter thanks to its non-slip feet which is great because it lets you slice super fast without worrying it’ll move around.

Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

Looking at these, it’s really about figuring out which one makes the most sense for you. This kitchen gadget is all about getting your prep done.

Feature	QPEY Holder	PrepSolutions	BINGBING Mandoline
Type	Knife Guide	Handheld Slicer	Countertop Mandoline
Speed	Medium	Fast	Super Fast
Storage	Tiny Drawer	Small Drawer	Bulky Cabinet
Safety	High (Prongs protect fingers)	Medium (Watch your fingers)	High (Gloves included)
Best Use	Dicing & Slicing	Quick Rings/Salads	Bulk Prep / Soups

The Verdict

So, you can say goodbye to those tears while chopping!

If you want to get better with your knife skills, but want to play it safe, grab the QPEY.
Go with PrepSolutions if you want to be quick and not have to clean up a bunch of dishes afterward.
If you cook a lot and need a handy tool for all your veggies, the BINGBING is worth checking out.

The Naked Truth: 3 Reasons Why You Should Switch to a Bottomless Portafilter

Author

February 2, 2026

You just upgraded your tamper. You’re just working on how you tamp. Once that portafilter is in the machine, you are flying blind.

Bestseller #1

Mingling 54mm Bottomless Portafilter – 3 Ears with Stainless Stee…

$36.99

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Bestseller #2

Philorn 51mm Bottomless Portafilter 3 Ears，Compatible with Delong…

$27.99

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Bestseller #3

54mm Bottomless Portafilter with Integrated WDT Tool & Puck Scree…

$46.99

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Is your water flow a little off? Is there a secret passage boring a hole right through your puck?

When you’re using the standard spouted portafilter your machine came with, you’ll simply never know what’s really going on. Those spouts really hide what happens to the coffee, blending the good stuff with the not-so-good before you even take a sip.

To really get good at making espresso, you need to understand what’s happening inside the machine. Please go bottomless.

You’re going to love these top 3 bottomless portafilter benefits that will totally change how you make coffee every day.

1. It is the Ultimate Diagnostic Tool

This thing is the best way to figure out what’s going on. The main reason to make the switch isn’t really to show off on Instagram (even if it’s a nice bonus); it’s all about getting immediate feedback.

With a spouted portafilter, the espresso hits the metal, gathers in the middle, and flows out smoothly even if the extraction didn’t go so well inside.

If you use a bottomless (naked) portafilter, you can see the basket. You see exactly what is happening:

The Goal: You’re looking for that “Tiger Striping” effect—those deep, dark streaks all coming together into a single cone right in the middle.
The Reality Check: If your coffee is spraying out sideways or rushing faster on one side, that means you’ve got channeling.

Right away, you can tell your tamp wasn’t flat or your coffee grounds weren’t spread out evenly. You can’t fix a problem if you don’t even know it’s there.

2. You Get More (and Better) Crema

You’ll notice something special: more crema, and it’s even better than before.

Spouts really mess up the crema. When you’re dealing with a regular handle, the espresso has quite a trip. It goes down the basket, then it hits the metal floor, slides down the spout, and finally drips into your cup. Every time your coffee hits a surface, it cools down a bit and lets go of some of those CO2 bubbles that make up its crema.

The Naked Advantage: Using a bottomless portafilter is pretty neat; it lets your espresso drop straight from the basket into your cup. Nobody’s getting in the way.

Texture: You get this really rich, silky feel in your mouth.
Bubbles: The bubbles stick around, making the crema that foamy layer on top of your espresso—thicker and last longer.

3. Hygiene and Cup Clearance

Okay, real talk: When’s the last time you actually cleaned inside your spouts?

Cleaning spouted portafilters is an absolute pain. Over time, coffee oils gather in those metal channels. What happens is, they go bad, giving your fresh coffee a stale and bitter taste. With a bottomless portafilter, gunk has nowhere to hide. Just rinse it lightly and give it a quick wipe; it gets perfectly clean.

The Space Bonus: If you’ve got a smaller machine, say a Breville Bambino or a Gaggia Classic, you know that space under the group head is pretty snug. Taking off the spouts actually gives you an extra inch of headspace. This way, you can easily fit taller mugs or even slide a precision coffee scale right under your cup without a struggle.

The Warning: It Will Get Messy

Things are going to get messy. Just a heads up. So, before you decide to buy, you really should get the “Naked Truth” first.

A bottomless portafilter just doesn’t put up with nonsense, plain and simple.

When you’re not careful with your prep like if you skip using a WDT tool or your coffee grind is all clumpy—you’ll end up with hot coffee spraying all over your machine and counter from the portafilter.

It can be a bit of a pain when you first start out. But don’t be discouraged. That whole confusing situation is just the system showing you what needs fixing. When you can stop yourself from spraying the puck, that’s when you know you’ve really got it down.

Baratza Encore Grind Settings Chart: French Press, V60 & More

Author

February 1, 2026

So, you just got yourself a Baratza Encore. You put in your fresh beans. You’re looking at the hopper, turning it from 0 to 40, and you’re just so scared of messing up a good batch of coffee.

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder ZCG485BLK, Black

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You’re left with fuzzy ranges from the manual, and everyone on the forums has a different opinion.

I’ve driven an Encore every day for more than ten years, so I get that my machine’s “Setting 15” could be your “Setting 18.” But yeah, we can totally get you 90% of the way there.

Here’s your cheat sheet. Take a screenshot of this, keep it on your phone, and let it be your starting place for every brewing session.

The “Save This” Cheat Sheet

This little “Save This” cheat sheet is for your Baratza Encore, specifically the standard ones set to how they come from the factory. It shows you the “Safe Zone” settings.

Brew Method	Recommended Setting	Texture Reference
Espresso	#4 – #9	Fine Table Salt
AeroPress	#10 – #14	Table Salt
Hario V60	#13 – #16	Kosher Salt
Auto Drip	#17 – #23	Sand / Kosher Salt
Chemex	#20 – #24	Coarse Sea Salt
French Press	#28 – #32	Breadcrumbs
Cold Brew	#30 – #40	Raw Sugar Crystals

Deep Dive: Tuning by Method

1. Espresso (#4 – #9)

Alright, let’s just be real about this: if we’re talking about making espresso, the everyday Baratza Encore isn’t really cut out for it. It just doesn’t quite hit the mark for a professional-looking photo.

The Reality: If you’ve got a pressurized portafilter, like the one on a DeLonghi Dedica, just use #8.
The Danger Zone: Going below #4 is asking for trouble; it can jam your grinder or put a real strain on the motor. If you hear the motor making a whining sound, just adjust it so the setting is a bit coarser.

2. Pour Over: V60 & Kalita Wave (#13 – #16)

When it comes to pour-over brewing, like with a V60 or Kalita Wave, between methods 13 and 16, the Encore really shines.

Start at #15.
When your brew takes more than three and a half minutes, you’ll likely find that the coffee bed is muddy. Click up to #17.
If your coffee tastes sour and the water rushes through in 2 minutes, try going down to #13.

3. Chemex (#20 – #24)

Chemex filters are a good bit thicker than your average coffee filter, like 20-30% more. They just naturally slow down the water.

The Mistake: A lot of folks accidentally use V60 settings (number 15) for their Chemex. So, what you end up with is a brew that just sits there, tasting bitter and dry.
The Fix: You gotta be brave, so just grit your teeth and go a bit coarser with it. You’re aiming for a texture that gives off that coarse sea salt vibe. Start at #22.

4. French Press (#28 – #32)

So, for French Press, the old way of thinking was to just use the coarsest grind you could get. No, that’s not right.

The Sweet Spot: If you set your grinder to #40, you’ll end up with massive chunks of coffee. These “boulders” don’t brew properly, and your coffee will taste like sour vegetable water. Number 30 is typically just right. The filter’s metal mesh stops it because it’s rough, but it’s still fine enough to get out all the sweetness.

The “Red Tab” Warning (Read This!)

So, if you put your grinder on #30 and it’s super fine, like powder, or you set it to #10 and it’s chunky, like rocks, chances are you’ve got the Red Tab Issue.

When you put the grinder back together after cleaning it, just make sure the red tab on the top ring burr is pointing to the 5 o’clock spot on the right. If you put it in backward, like at the 11 o’clock position, the burrs won’t align correctly, and your adjustments will be totally off.

Pro Tip: I’ve read countless Reddit threads where folks swear their burrs are dull, only to find out the ring burr was just a tiny bit crooked. Check this first!

Troubleshooting by Taste

Don’t just go by the numbers when you’re troubleshooting—they’re really just there to give you a general idea. What you taste is what truly matters in the end.

Sour / Salty / Weak: The water ran through too quickly. The pieces are too big. Take it down a notch (Finer).
Bitter / Dry / Astringent: The water just got stuck. The pieces are really too small. Just go with a bigger number for “Coarser.”

Trust Your Palate, Not the Number

Ultimately, every bean is different. So, when it comes down to it, trust your palate, not the number.

For a really light Ethiopian roast, you’re probably looking at a #14 grind size on a V60. But if you’re working with a darker roast blend, it’ll probably brew better at a #16.

That chart is a good starting point, definitely get in the ballpark with it. But you know, sometimes you just gotta click the hopper one notch left or right to really hit that perfect flavor.

Normcore vs. Generic Puck Screens: Is the Brand Name Worth the Extra Cost?

Author

It’s really odd how much espresso accessories often cost, making you wonder what’s going on with the prices. You could grab a plain, unbranded puck screen from places like Amazon or AliExpress for around five bucks. Then, check out the Normcore puck screen; it costs four times as much.

Title

Generic Happy Puck Espresso Puck Screens (3 Pack) | Stainless Ste…

Normcore 53.3mm Puck Screen – Lower Shower Screen – Metal Contact…

Thumbnail

Generic Happy Puck Espresso Puck Screens (3 Pack) | Stainless Steel Mesh | For All Portafilter Sizes 58.5MM, 53.5MM, 51MM | Coffee Filter Screen (51mm)

Normcore 53.3mm Puck Screen - Lower Shower Screen - Metal Contact Screen for Espresso 54mm Portafilter Filter Basket - 1.7mm Thickness 150μm - 316 Stainless Steel

Price

$19.00

$13.99

More information

Buy on Amazon

Title

Generic Happy Puck Espresso Puck Screens (3 Pack) | Stainless Ste…

Thumbnail

Price

$19.00

More information

Buy on Amazon

Title

Normcore 53.3mm Puck Screen – Lower Shower Screen – Metal Contact…

Thumbnail

Price

$13.99

More information

Buy on Amazon

They look the same. They are both made from a stainless steel mesh. They’re both served on top of coffee.

So, are you paying a “brand tax” for the Normcore logo, or is there a real engineering difference to back it up? As an analyst, I really don’t care about how it’s packaged. What truly matters to me is the metallurgy and those tight manufacturing tolerances.

Here’s how it all shakes out.

The Construction: 316 vs. 304 Steel

You know, 304 steel is pretty much everywhere. It’s that go-to, all-purpose stainless steel, super popular for all sorts of things because it’s strong and doesn’t rust easily.

You can’t really see the first difference, but it’s super important for how long something lasts.

Generic Screens: Most of the screens out there that don’t cost an arm and a leg are made from 304 Grade Stainless Steel. It’s safe for food, sure, but it just isn’t as tough. Over time, with all that acidic coffee and high heat, it won’t hold up as well.
Normcore Puck Screen: Is made from 316 Grade Stainless Steel (often with a titanium coating option). This stuff is marine-grade steel. It resists pitting and corrosion better.

Does it matter for taste? No. Does it matter for durability? Yes. If you’re going to hang onto this screen for five years, that 316 steel is going to serve you better. It’ll just hold up to the harsh cleaning stuff you need, like Cafiza, to truly clear out any clogs.

The “Finger Prick” Test: Edge Finish

Honestly, this is the main reason you’d want to go with a good, reputable brand like Normcore. Lots of cheap screens are just punched right out of a big sheet of mesh and then sold without any more finishing.

The Danger: This leaves “burrs,” which are just tiny, super sharp jagged wires on the outside edge. I actually poked my finger on a cheap screen not just any screen, but a six-dollar one. And what’s even worse, those little loose bits of metal can snap off and get right into your coffee grinds.
The Normcore Difference: Normcore finishes their screens by either laser-welding or bonding the edges. That rim feels really smooth. You can run your finger around the edge without finding a snag. It doesn’t feel like some rough industrial part; it feels like a proper finished tool.

Performance: Is the Extraction Better?

Honestly, when you just look at how things are flowing, there’s not really any difference to speak of. Both screens (assuming they are both roughly 1.7mm thick and 150 microns) spread water out in a similar way.

Where Normcore really shines, though, is how consistent their sizing is.

If you order a 53.3mm screen from Normcore, it arrives exactly at 53.3mm, fitting a VST or IMS precision basket just right, hitting wall-to-wall. Sometimes, generic screens just aren’t made very well. You might buy one that’s supposed to be “53mm,” but it turns out to be 57mm instead. That small difference can create a gap, letting water sneak down the sides (side-channeling), which totally defeats the purpose of having the screen there in the first place.

The Cleaning Reality

I’ll be straight with you: both screens really do clog up the same.

Just so you know, the Normcore name doesn’t actually stop coffee oils from turning sticky inside the mesh. No matter if you spend five bucks or twenty-five bucks, you’ll still have to soak that screen in hot detergent (like Cafiza) once a week. Just because it costs more doesn’t mean it cleans itself.

The $20 Question: Buy or Skip?

Get the Normcore Puck Screen If:

You use Precision Baskets: You need the exact 53.3mm sizing to prevent side-channeling in those IMS or VST baskets.
You hate metal splinters: Nobody likes getting poked by metal splinters. That’s why you want a screen with smooth, welded edges.
You want it to last: The 316 steel will handle years of soaking in chemicals a lot better than those cheaper types.

Stick to Generic If:

You are experimenting: If you are just messing around and aren’t sure about using a puck screen, get a cheap one to try it out first.
You don’t mind sanding: If sanding isn’t a problem, grab an inexpensive screen and some sandpaper; you can smooth out those sharp edges yourself.

Our Honest Opinion For something that touches your food every single day, spending an extra $15 on the Normcore finish is definitely worth it just for the peace of mind. If a cheap wire filament ends up in my espresso or worse, my finger it’s just not worth the risk to go with the generic stuff.

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