Types of manual vegetable cutters

A vegetable cutter is a device for chopping vegetables, fruits and other products for the purpose of their subsequent preparation. More recently, these were not very safe tools with limited functionality, but modern products allow you to comfortably cut any food, as well as grate, chop and grind.

What types of manual vegetable cutters are there?

The price of a vegetable cutter depends on its configuration and the number of attachments, power and brand. They also produce additional accessories and spare parts that can be purchased to expand the basic configuration. European manufacturers are currently considered the best on the market. The leading manufacturers of vegetable cutters are Moulinex, Philips, Redmond and some others.

There are two types of them:

• manual or mechanical;
• electric.

Mechanical models involve their use with the help of the cook's muscle power. Presented on the market as:

• metal mesh;
• V-knife;
• mini-harvester;
• slicer;
• spiral vegetable cutter.

Simple models

Let's look at simple models of manual vegetable cutters:

• Metal grid is the simplest option - it consists of crossed pieces of wire or strips of metal in a round or square frame. To use, you need to press on the desired product.Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that it can only be used for hard products; this type is not suitable for soft ones.

• V-knife grater - a more advanced option. This is a plastic case into which you can insert various attachments included in the kit. More convenient than the previous option due to the presence of a holder. Must be used with caution as there is a risk of cutting.

These two types are the most popular.

More complex models

Now let's look at models that have a more complex configuration, but also have wider functionality:

• Harvester – the principle of its operation is similar to a coffee grinder. Capable of chopping vegetables and fruits of various shapes, depending on the installed knife. To use the vegetable cutter body, you need to close it with a lid with a handle. Using the handle, the knife rotates and chops the food, which the cook feeds into the hole from above. The safest type, there is no risk of injury if used correctly.

• Slicer – somewhat reminiscent of a vegetable peeler, but differs in greater functionality. Can cut food into thin slices for making chips, or into bars, ribbons and spiral curls. The advantage is the small size of the product and simple maintenance, but some skills are required to use it. The risk of cutting or scratching is also reduced.

• Spiral A vegetable cutter has a working principle similar to a pencil sharpener. The appearance resembles a corkscrew. Cuts vegetables into slices or spirals. Easy to use and relatively inexpensive. The risk of injury is minimized thanks to the built-in finger guard.

So, more complex models are characterized by increased safety and a variety of functions, but they are also more expensive compared to simpler products.

Types of manual vegetable cutters by material of manufacture

Vegetable cutters also differ in the material they are made of; they can be made from:

• aluminum;
• of stainless steel;
• special durable plastic.

For the home, of course, it is better to choose metal because of its low toxicity and greater durability compared to plastic.

What to choose

To make the right decision, you need to analyze which features you need and which you don’t. If you are not limited in finances, then it makes sense to take a mini-harvester, since its capabilities are maximum. It is also necessary to take into account that advanced models are safer than their simple counterparts. If you do not require a lot of functionality, then you need to start from specific tasks - to do this, carefully study the product package. The appearance of the device will also be important.