What is a spiralizer and how is it used?

Every year, the market for kitchen appliances that facilitate the work of housewives during the preparation of various dishes is significantly expanding, replenishing with more and more useful devices.

One of the new products that quickly gained incredible popularity was the spiralizer presented by various manufacturers. To understand the functionality of the device, its features and advantages, and invaluable benefits, a small overview presented below will help.

The spiralizer is an innovative kitchen fixture, easy to use, but very functional. With the help of such a kitchen device, you can cut vegetables and fruits in a rather unusual way - in the form of elongated noodles. Such cutting allows vegetables and fruits to express themselves in different ways, because it is no secret to anyone that the taste of both the dish and the individual product changes from the cutting shape. Cutting cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, potatoes and other ingredients, you can create new dishes, decorate your favorite salads. In addition, the curly grater is a godsend for fans of a healthy lifestyle and people who dream of losing extra pounds.

The construction of a classic spiralizer is quite simple. Typically, this is a funnel equipped with a sharp blade. During cutting, vegetables are sharpened like pencils in a sharpener. Structures are made of impact-resistant non-toxic plastic, and the cutting elements are made of metal components (stainless steel) that are not subject to corrosion and deformation. The resulting spaghetti strips can be of completely different shapes, since it all depends on the structure and density of the product.Dense vegetables and fruits are rubbed with long strips with perfect edges, and softer ones - with shortened, abrupt, less shaped noodle-like threads.

Today in specialized stores you can find a huge selection of models, complemented by auxiliary accessories that expand the functionality of the slicer. All kitchen designs offered by manufacturers are divided into three main categories.

This is the most budget-friendly design for vegetables, outwardly reminiscent of a pencil sharpener. In it, vegetables and other products are manually scrolled. In addition, this model has some limitations: you can process only vegetables and fruits of an elongated shape, more oval, which will fit into the body of the device, for example, zucchini, carrots, eggplant, cucumber, for spaghetti.

It is an advanced design, operated by one button and resembles an electric meat grinder. It is enough to place a vegetable or fruit on top and set the program with a button, as a product processed into beautiful stripes will appear from the hole in a matter of minutes.

These are more advanced devices, outwardly similar to a manual meat grinder.... The principle of operation consists in scrolling the knob, which activates the work of the graters installed inside the device. This kitchen device can be designed for cabbage, potato, pumpkin, since the shape of the vegetable or fruit for the grater does not matter. As a rule, assembling and untwisting models is very simple, and their components can be washed in the dishwasher. Mechanical graters are made of impact-resistant plastic, and cutting accessories are made of stainless steel.

Newer models are equipped with additional attachments, which expand the capabilities of the device, as well as convenient containers for vegetable spaghetti. Most often, meat grinder graters are equipped with 3 attachments that allow you to grate food in large, medium or small strips. Along with the main categories, you can also find grater models that outwardly resemble food processors with the most advanced functionality. Such designs can also be mechanical and electrical, come with different configurations, different operating modes.

To choose a mechanical or electric miracle grater that cuts vegetables and fruits into spiral strips, it is recommended not only to build on useful tips and recommendations, but also to pay attention to the best manufacturers of spiralizers. Based on numerous user reviews, a rating of the best and most reliable manufacturers was compiled.

• Kenwood... This manufacturer offers a series of electric spiralizers with different configurations: a basic set with two cones-graters, a set for three nozzles, a set with four components. Popular is the FJM200WG model, which includes attachments for cutting thin and thick strips, as well as a storage container.

• Joseph Joseph. The brand has a range of convenient and functional hand graters for curly slicing. The most popular is the compact mechanical model with 3 nozzles Joseph Joseph 20105, presented in a striking design.

• Gefu... German manufacturer offering advanced mechanical slicers. One of the most popular is the hand-held device Gefu Spiralfix 13410 with many attachments, a capacious container with a lid and a convenient control handle.

• Tescoma... This is a line of mechanical meat slicers characterized by compactness, reliability and a wide range of options. A striking representative of the collection is the HANDY Tescoma vegetable cutter in a plastic case with three attachments.

• Tupperware... The manufacturer offers very convenient hand-held compact spiralizers that can turn almost any vegetable into beautiful and appetizing strips in a matter of minutes.

Kitchen appliances are generally used frequently. When choosing a grater for curly slicing, you should pay attention to a number of features.

• Build quality. Regardless of the cost, the body of the device must be made of durable materials. All cutting attachments in quality designs are made of stainless steel.
• A set of options. The functionality of the grater-slicer depends on the number of attachments-knives included in the kit, as well as on the operating modes assumed in the design.
• Equipment... A device with several attachments and a capacious container for chopped vegetables / fruits is considered optimal and convenient in operation.
• Sustainability... If the device is tabletop, for example, in the form of a meat grinder or a combine, it is important to have rubberized pads on the bottom of the structure, which provide stability and, therefore, ease of use.
• Protection... Electromechanical safety is important in the design. If the attachment is incorrectly installed, a high-quality device simply will not start.

The spiralizer can be equipped with the following types of grater attachments: papardelle (wide and dense ribbons), lingualinia (very thin strips that resemble noodles), tagliatelle (beautiful cut for decorating dishes), thin spiral blade (for vegetarian recipes) and ribbon blade ( ideal for slicing cabbage, carrots, onions, French fries).

In order for cutting vegetables or fruits to look aesthetically pleasing and attractive, it is necessary to prepare the products in advance. Vegetables that have been thoroughly washed and peeled (if necessary) are cut into cylinders of a size that matches the feeding chamber of the kitchen appliance. It is recommended to put only one part of the food in the compartment at a time. After prolonged use, it is recommended to clean the knives with a brush under running water, which will prevent premature dullness of the blades.