Finding The Best Spiral Slicer For Vegetables

Find Your Perfect Spiral Slicer For Vegetables

spiral-slicer-for-vegetables[Updated 1 February 2023]It’s funny how really useful kitchen gadgets catch on and let’s be honest, anything which even threatens to save prep time in the kitchen is a must-have. However, with so many different styles to choose from, finding the perfect spiral slicer for vegetables has become more complex than it was when there were only three to pick from (in one style) design has moved on!

You know I said they caught on? Well, there’s been a positive explosion in different makes and brands including the newish handheld spiral slicers whose popularity it seems, is sweeping the world.

I’ve been the happy owner of a Paderno spiral slicer for years now – so long, in fact, even bleach won’t shift the juice stains anymore and bits of plastic are beginning to crack. It’s never crossed my mind not to replace it nor to look at any others, until I went online with my credit card in hand to buy a new one, and found myself immersed.

Being a nerdy geek, I’m obviously going to be just a teensy bit tempted to try a little handheld one instead of the Paderno Tri-Blade, and consequently the credit card went away while I had a good look at them – plus canvassed friends who use one, all of whom offered me a go with theirs. But first, let’s have a quick look at general advantages and any disadvantages.

Using The Spiralizer for Vegetables – Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Very fast to get out and set up, certainly quicker than the Paderno or others like it.
  • Easy to clean – either hand wash or put in the dishwasher, most come with a little brush to help you get at any bits – a (new clean) toothbrush does the same job.
  • They produce good even curly spirals with little waste.
Cons
  • For most people, only one really and it’s the same with all of them, the blades are exquisitely sharp – they wouldn’t cut carrots and other hard vegetables otherwise, however, you do need to exercise a bit of care. I tried using a mesh glove but it’s too clumsy, and the best solution to hold veg when the prongs don’t work particularly well, is definitely kitchen paper.

Spiralizers In Action

I took the opportunity offered and tried quite a few of these handheld spiral vegetable slicers and perhaps surprisingly they all feel slightly different when they all look the same. Mostly they do what they’re intended to, though it’s only fair and honest to say some better than others.

Rather than denigrate any which fell short (mainly ones bought for a dollar and an unnamed brand), I’ve only highlighted those I’d consider buying and feel comfortable recommending to anyone else.

I’d also like to point out that this testing is wholly subjective and not entirely down to the slicer, it can also depend on the shape and size of that particular carrot, long and slim works way better than short and fat. To that end, these were all tried with the same selection of veg and as near as possible the same size and shape.

Best Spiral Slicer For Vegetables

The GEFU Vegetable Spiralizer

GEFU-Spirelli-Spiral-Slicer-green-188x300Pictured in lime green above – the GEFU Spiral Vegetable Slicer is one of the best I used and feels comfortable enough in your hands. It comes in several different colors including the always present black and silver.

The blades are comparatively well protected from unwary fingers, but you still need to take care when the vegetables get slippery as they inevitably do – a bit of kitchen paper to hold them with works better than the prongs provided, this is the same with all of those I tried by the way. The leftover veggie bits can either be tossed out or tossed in the freezer ready for a winter soup or making stock.

It didn’t struggle with carrots until they got close to being too big to fit in the slicer, though it is much harder work to twist them! It wasn’t my final choice but I’d say most cooks will be very happy with it, as they will with the next one.

Features
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Multiple blade options
  • Easy to clean
  • Non-slip suction feet
  • Suitable for a variety of vegetables
Pros
  • Creates attractive and healthy vegetable noodles
  • Saves time and effort in food preparation
  • Affordable price point
  • Portable and easy to store
  • Durable and long-lasting design
Cons
  • Limited to certain vegetable shapes and sizes
  • It may require some trial and error to get desired results
  • Some users may find it difficult to operate at first

 

Native Spring Spiral Vegetable Slicer

Native-Spring-Spiral-Vegetable-Slicer-300x174The Native Spring Spiral Vegetable Slicer comes in black or red as pictured and I do like this one very much. Again it performed well even with quite fat carrots, only refusing when they got just that bit too big – and I got the feeling if pushed then the blades would bend.

But if you stick to thinner veggies you’ll be delighted with how well the Native Spring works – I very nearly bought it but liked the next one better for its funky design.

Features
  • Dual stainless steel blades
  • Compact size
  • Non-slip suction base
  • Easy to clean
  • Compatible with a variety of vegetables
Pros
  • Efficient and quick slicing
  • Healthy food preparation
  • Creates visually appealing dishes
  • Versatile in use
  • Durable and long-lasting
Cons
  • Blades may dull over time
  • It requires some physical effort to use
  • It may not work well with very hard vegetables

 

Paderno World Cuisine Tri-Blade Vegetable Spiral Slicer

A Paderno World Cuisine Tri-Blade Vegetable Spiral Slicer is a versatile kitchen tool designed to help you create healthy and visually appealing vegetable dishes. With its three interchangeable stainless steel blades, you can easily slice and spiralize vegetables into a variety of shapes and sizes, from thin spaghetti-like strands to wide ribbons. The slicer is easy to use, simply insert the vegetable into the slicer and turn the handle to create a uniform and consistent cuts. This slicer is perfect for making vegetable pasta, stir-fries, salads, and garnishes. Its compact and durable design makes it a great addition to any kitchen, and its dishwasher-safe components make for easy clean-up.

Features
  • Three interchangeable stainless steel blades
  • BPA-free ABS plastic construction
  • Compact design for easy storage
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Versatile spiralizing options
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Produces uniform spiral slices
  • It can be used with a variety of vegetables
  • Affordable price point
  • A healthy alternative to traditional pasta
Cons
  • It can be difficult to clean
  • It may not work well with harder vegetables
  • Blades may dull over time

 

Spiralizer Ultimate 10-Blade Vegetable Slicer

The Spiralizer Ultimate 10-Blade Vegetable Slicer is a versatile kitchen tool that makes slicing and dicing vegetables quick and easy. This device features ten interchangeable blades, each with a unique design that allows for a variety of cutting styles and thicknesses. It is perfect for creating spirals, noodles, and ribbons of vegetables, as well as chopping, slicing, and shredding. The Spiralizer Ultimate 10-Blade Vegetable Slicer is made of durable materials and is easy to store and clean. It is an essential kitchen gadget for anyone looking to create healthy, delicious meals using fresh, whole vegetables.

Features
  • 10 different blade options
  • Compact and easy to store
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Comes with a cleaning brush
  • Non-slip suction base
Pros
  • Allows for creative and healthy meal prep
  • Easy to use and saves time
  • Can handle a variety of vegetables and fruits
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Can replace high-carb pasta with veggie noodles
Cons
  • It may be difficult to clean some parts
  • Bulky for small kitchens
  • Blades may be sharp and require caution

 

Fullstar Vegetable Spiralizer and Slicer

The Fullstar Vegetable Spiralizer and Slicer is a kitchen tool designed to transform vegetables easily into fun and healthy spirals, noodles, and slices. This versatile gadget comes with multiple blades to create various thicknesses and styles of cuts, including julienne, ribbon, and curly. With its compact size and easy-to-use design, the Fullstar Vegetable Spiralizer and Slicer are perfect for creating healthy meals and snacks in a matter of minutes. It can be used with a variety of vegetables, including zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, and more, making it a great addition to any kitchen that prioritizes healthy eating and creative meal prep.

Features
  • 7 blade options
  • Compact design
  • Dishwasher safe
  • BPA-free materials
  • Catch container for mess-free slicing
Pros
  • Versatile for various vegetables
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Saves time and effort
  • Creates uniform slices and spirals
  • Affordable price point
Cons
  • Limited blade sizes
  • It may require force to spiralize harder vegetables
  • The catch container may be too small for large batches

 

The Mastrad Deco Veggie-Slicer

Mastrad-Deco-Veggie-Slicer-300x269For me, the Mastrad Deco Spiralizer stands out from the crowd in design because of it really is different and it’s the one I’ve ordered – plus a new Paderno! Cheaper than the rest, easier to change blades and easier to wash make this a winner in my book – and it produces excellent spirals with very little effort or struggle. It still won’t take fat carrots though!

By the way, there’s a review on the Paderno Tri Blade here if you’d like to know more – it’s on the same page as the kitchen mandolines – just scroll down a bit.

 

 

Features
  • Adjustable blade for different slicing thicknesses
  • Interchangeable blades for different cutting styles
  • Non-slip base for stability during use
  • Easy to disassemble and clean
  • Compact design for convenient storage
Pros
  • Versatile and can slice various vegetables and fruits
  • Saves time and effort in food preparation
  • Creates even and consistent slices
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Durable and long-lasting
Cons
  • Limited slicing capacity
  • It may not work well with softer or larger vegetables
  • Blades can be difficult to switch out.

 

Why Do I Like This One?

For me, it’s the ultimate spiral slicer for vegetables and stands out because I feel in control of the vegetable itself. Sounds weird? Well, the design makes this more like sharpening a pencil than the others – it just feels right to me, in the same way using a mandoline slicer does because I’ve gotten hold of the veg.

Yes, I love lime green kitchen accessories and own up to it – but I wouldn’t choose a kitchen gadget for its color, performance first, pretty second.

Do you remember I said I’d gotten a new Paderno at the same time? Well, a second disadvantage is for folks who grow a lot of vegetables and preserve for the winter. The brutal truth is you’ll give yourself an RSI of the whole arm if you tried processing the amount of zucchini I do with a handheld spiralizer, and that’s before you tackle the carrots!

Factors to Consider When Buying a Spiral Slicer for Vegetables

When purchasing a spiral slicer for vegetables, there are several factors to consider.

  1. Blade quality: Look for a spiral slicer with high-quality blades that are sharp and durable. Blades made from stainless steel tend to be the best choice, as they are resistant to rust and corrosion.
  2. Spiralizing options: Consider the type of spiralizing options you need. Some spiral slicers can create different kinds of spirals, such as thin, thick, ribbon, or spaghetti. Others can make vegetable noodles, curlicues, or even julienne slices.
  3. Ease of use: A good spiral slicer should be easy to use and comfortable to hold. Look for slicers that are lightweight and ergonomic and that feature intuitive controls or instructions.
  4. Size and portability: Depending on your needs, you may want a spiral slicer that is compact and easy to store or one that is larger and more robust. Consider whether you'll be using the slicer at home or on the go, and choose a size that suits your lifestyle.
  5. Cleaning and maintenance: Look for a spiral slicer that is easy to clean and maintain. Some slicers are dishwasher safe, while others require manual cleaning. Make sure to read the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the slicer.
  6. Price: Spiral slicers are available at a range of price points. Consider your budget and choose a slicer that offers good value for money.

You can find the right spiral slicer for your needs by considering these factors and making healthy and delicious vegetable dishes at home.

Types of Spiral Slicer

Spiral slicers, also known as spiralizers or vegetable spiralizers, are kitchen tools that can turn vegetables and fruits into a spiral or noodle-like shapes. There are several types of spiral slicers available on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are the different types of spiral slicers:

  1. Handheld Spiral Slicer: This type of spiral slicer is small and easy to use. It usually has a cylindrical shape with a blade on one end and a handle on the other. You simply insert the vegetable into the slicer and turn it by hand to create the spiral shape.
  2. Countertop Spiral Slicer: This type of spiralizer is larger and more robust than a handheld spiral slicer. It has a base that sits on the countertop and a crank that turns the blades. Countertop spiral slicers can handle larger vegetables and fruits and are ideal for making larger quantities of spiralized food.
  3. Electric Spiral Slicer: This type of spiralizer is powered by electricity and can do quick work of spiralizing large quantities of vegetables and fruits. Electric spiral slicers usually have multiple blades and settings, allowing you to create different types of spiral shapes.
  4. Vertical Spiral Slicer: This type of spiralizer is designed to sit vertically on the countertop, with the vegetable or fruit being inserted from the top. The vertical design allows gravity to help with the spiralizing process, making it easier to create longer spirals.
  5. Hand-cranked Spiral Slicer: This type of spiralizer is similar to a countertop spiral slicer, but it is powered by a hand crank instead of electricity. This makes it a perfect option for people who don't want to rely on electricity or who want a more hands-on spiralizing experience.
  6. Combination Spiral Slicer: This type of spiralizer can do more than just spiralize vegetables and fruits. It usually comes with additional blades or attachments that can also chop, slice, or grate other types of food. Combination spiral slicers can be a great all-in-one kitchen tool.

FAQs

Q1. What is a vegetable spiral slicer?

A: A vegetable spiral slicer is a kitchen gadget used to turn vegetables into long, spiral-shaped noodles or ribbons.

Q2. What vegetables can be used with a spiral slicer?

A: Most commonly, vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash are used with a spiral slicer.

Q3. What are the advantages of using a vegetable spiral slicer?

A: Using a vegetable spiral slicer allows you to create healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free meals in minutes. It's also a great way to add more vegetables to your diet.

Q4. Is a vegetable spiral slicer easy to use?

A: Yes, a vegetable spiral slicer is easy to use. Simply insert the vegetable, turn the handle, and watch as the spiral noodles or ribbons come out.

Q5. Can a vegetable spiral slicer be used for fruits?

A: Yes, a vegetable spiral slicer can also be used for fruits like apples and pears.

Q6. Is a vegetable spiral slicer easy to clean?

A: Yes, most vegetable spiral slicers are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. It's also recommended to clean it immediately after use to prevent any leftover residue from hardening.

Q7. Is a vegetable spiral slicer safe to use?

A: Yes, a vegetable spiral slicer is generally safe to use, but it's important to use it properly and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always use caution when handling sharp blades and keep them out of reach of children.

Q8. Where can I buy a vegetable spiral slicer?

A: Vegetable spiral slicers can be found in most kitchen supply stores, as well as online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

Overall Verdict – Should You Bother?

The verdict is that for everyday use they work and work very well – really quick to deploy on the veg, clean and return to the draw in minutes with no fuss and that in itself is a time saver. Though there are obviously risks using spiral slicers if you’re a careful cook and confident your wet hands won’t slip, then these are a brilliant idea and every keen cook should have one in their gadgets draw.