Home Blog Page 24

OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Review: The Simple Slicer

Most home cooks really feel a mix of love and hate when it comes to mandolines. We’re really into those super thin cucumber slices and awesome potato gratins, but honestly, we’re totally scared of accidentally cutting our fingers.

  • Get Just the Right Slice: The handheld mandoline slicer for kitchen easily adjusts to 1 mm, 2.5 mm, or 4 mm so you can p…
  • Slice Securely: The large non-slip handle and stable foot are designed for comfort and security while slicing potatoes, …
  • Fits Your Routine: Slice directly onto a plate, on a cutting board or hook over a bowl so never have to make awkward mov…

That kind of fear often makes people buy these huge, pricey safety slicers, but then they just sit there gathering dust. Why? Because they’re a pain to set up and use.

The OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer does things a little differently.

It’s a tiny, simple thing, and it just hangs out in your utensil drawer, right there with your spatula. This slicer is wildly popular, with over 19,000 positive ratings and more than 8,000 sold just last month.

But can a basic plastic paddle actually take the place of knowing how to use a knife? We really dug into why this tool has been a bestseller for so long.

Design: Why “Simple” Wins

The really good thing about this tool isn’t about adding more stuff; it’s about taking things away. It doesn’t have a place to sit, a heavy bottom, or extra blades scattered everywhere that you could misplace.

It’s shaped like a paddle, you know? You grab it by its comfy, non-slip handle (you know, the “Good Grips” rubber kind) and just slice right into a bowl, on a plate, or onto a cutting board. The rubber foot on the bottom lets it hook onto a bowl’s rim, so it stays put while you’re doing your thing.

  • The Window: The body is made of clear plastic. It’s a tiny thing, but it lets you see just how much you’ve cut without having to pick up the tool. No more having food spill everywhere.

Performance: The “Cabbage Test”

You might think this little gadget is just for dinky stuff like radishes, right? Think about that once more.

User Jones Sheckler told a story that really stuck with us. They gave up on a fancy food processor that took them an hour and a half just to shred cabbage, and just got an OXO.

“I managed to get through a whole head of cabbage in about ten minutes using this. It’s super user-friendly.”

Step-by-Step: How to Use an OXO Mandoline Safely

If you are wondering how many settings this tool has or how to use an OXO mandoline without a trip to the ER, follow these simple steps:

  1. Set Your Thickness: Use the thumb dial on the side of the handle to select 1mm, 2.5mm, or 4mm.
  2. Secure the Food: Never slice without the food holder! Press the vegetable firmly into the stainless steel prongs of the guard.
  3. The Hook Method: Place the non-slip “foot” of the mandoline over the edge of a bowl or hold it at a 45-degree angle on a cutting board.
  4. The Motion: Use a steady, downward motion. Let the blade do the work; don’t force it.
  5. Safety Lock: When finished, always turn the dial to the “locked” position so the blade is not exposed in your drawer.

The Adjustment Knob

With the adjustment knob, you just give the handle’s knob a simple roll to change things up. No need to swap out those dangerous blades. It has three settings you can lock it into:

  • 1mm: Great for a translucent cucumber salad or radish garnish.
  • 2.5mm: That’s the right size for zucchini and peppers.
  • 4mm: Really thin slices, like for apple tart or potatoes when you’re making a gratin.

The Truth About Safety

Here is the truth: That blade is super sharp stainless steel. There’s no room for error.

OXO throws in a food holder it’s like a guard that grabs onto your veggie and keeps your fingers safe. It slides nicely on the tracks and fully covers the blade for storage.

  • The Downside: Just like with any mandoline, it’s a bit clunky trying to hold onto the very end of a carrot.

Our Advice: Even though the guard is good, for complete peace of mind, grab some cut-resistant gloves to go with it. It makes a scary task mindless.

The Good and Bad of It All

ProsCons
Convenient: Grabs from the drawer in seconds.No Julienne: Can’t make french fries; just regular slices.
Cleaning: Easy dishwasher safe; no rusting.Guard Limits: Always leaves a little veggie untouched.
Consistent: Uniform slices every time.Manual: Tough veggies (sweet potato) need muscle.
Storage: No counter space needed.

The Bottom Line

Okay, so if you’re looking for something that makes french fries, this isn’t going to be the tool you want. It just doesn’t have the right kind of blades for that.

But if you just want to get your cucumbers, onions, potatoes, or cabbage perfectly even, and you don’t feel like pulling out some big machine, the OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline is probably the best twenty bucks you’ll spend for your kitchen.

You know, it’s the go-to in the industry for a simple reason: it just works. Cleanup is a breeze, and it doesn’t get in your way.

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

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).

  • 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…

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

ProsCons
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?

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.

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.

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:

  1. So, the idea is you just put your wet greens right in the middle.
  2. You grab the handles.
  3. 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?

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.

  • 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

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.

FeatureFullstar ChopperOXO Good Grips Chopper
Cut StyleUniform Cubes (Dicing)Irregular Pieces (Mincing)
Best ForSalads, Fries, AestheticsSalsas, Soups, Sauces, Mirepoix
EffortHigh (Hard Slam)Low (Soft Pump)
CleaningDifficult (Grid scrubbing)Easy (Dishwasher safe)
SpeedMedium (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?

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.

  • 【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…

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

ProsCons
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?

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.

  • 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…

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

ProsCons
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.

Classic Meals

- Advertisement -