Between demanding jobs, family life, extracurricular activities, and everything in between, it can be hard to carve out the time to cook healthy, home-cooked meals.   

Meal prepping has been the solution to this problem – instead of being chained to your kitchen stove several times a day, you take time on one specific day (Sunday is a favorite) to turn on some music, chop some veggies, and prepare healthy, home-cooked meals for your week.  

This way, when you’re running late to work or the kids need to go to softball practice; you’re grabbing quick meals out of the fridge instead of from the drive-thru.  

Once you have your recipes for the week, the next question comes up – what on earth am I putting all these in?   

Consider your Tupperware drawer which, if it’s anything like mine, is a messy collection of mismatched containers and lids. When you’re preparing anywhere from five to twenty-five meals per week, having designated containers not only helps make them easy to store, but it also allows you to dish equal portions into each container.  

With the practice of meal preparation gaining popularity, there are seemingly countless meal prep container sets available for purchase. However, there’s no need to be overwhelmed – considering just a few key qualities can help you pick the best product for your lifestyle.  

What should you look for in your meal prep container set? Here are the things to consider before you drop any money on a set of containers.  

Our Top Pick

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers

Though we feature 6 great container options in this article, our favorite product comes from Prep Naturals. We like the fact that they are made from glass (our preferred material) but also the sturdiness of these containers is simply unparalleled - the ability to bring them from the oven to the freezer to the microwave makes meal prepping super convenient.

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What to Consider Before Buying a Meal Prep Container 

Before you even start browsing product options, take some time to think about the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Watery foods like soups and stews will need very different containers than things like tofu scramble and sandwiches.   

Keep your favorite meal ideas in mind as you’re looking through your options – that will help guide you to products that will work best for you.  

1. Material

No doubt, the biggest and first consideration you’ll want to make when purchasing your meal prep food containers is what material they are made from. The most popular container materials are the big three – plastic, glass, and metal.

Plastic food prep containers are undoubtedly the cheapest and most popular material, but plastic comes with its share of controversy. The chief complaint regarding plastic is the presence of BPA and phthalates, which we’ll get deeper into in the next section.  

The next best option is metal, which gets two thumbs up because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t contain BPA (double check to make sure the lining doesn’t contain BPA, though). Metal is also lightweight, which makes your containers easy to carry along, and it looks snazzy, too.  

However, the chief issue with metal is that it can’t go in the microwave, so if you’re heating up your food, you’ll need to transfer it to another container or dish.   

My material of choice for meal prep containers is glass. Sturdy and safe, glass can (generally) go everywhere metal can’t go – namely, the microwave and the dishwasher. However, it is heavier and can be more expensive than metal or plastic.  

2. BPA and Phthalates

You can’t touch on the topic of plastic these days without mentioning BPA, and its less famous companion, phthalates. First, let’s talk about what these buzzwords are.  

BPA and phthalates are additives to plastic products. Bisphenol-A, or BPA, makes clear, hard plastic products, while phthalates make plastics soft and flexible.  

Recently, these materials have come under fire, as they can act as “endocrine inhibitors.”  

Basically, BPA and phthalates mimic human hormones, which confuses the heck out of your body and can cause all sorts of health issues. Side effects of BPA can include everything from lowered immune function to stimulation of prostate cancer cells and structural damage to your brain.   

Experts say that while just the presence of BPA or phthalates on/in plastic products aren’t usually enough to cause damage, the problems begin when food is heated in plastic products – such as microwaving your food. This becomes a big concern for meal preppers, most of which are reheating their prepared meals in their original containers.  

Personally, BPA and phthalates freak me out – for the same reason I’m grossed out by just “a little pus” in milk, I don’t want anything that harmful to be up close and personal with my food.  

If you’re married to the idea of plastic containers, make sure your containers are free of BPA and phthalates. Your long-term health is worth the extra few dollars! 

3. Lid Quality

There’s nothing more disappointing than opening up your bag to find that the contents of your lunch have spilled – now you get a double-whammy of a mess to clean up and no lunch!   

The best lids will keep all the food snugly inside your container – even if you happen to drop them, or they get jostled in your bag on your commute in the morning.  

The most common type of lid is the simple snap-on – you just push the lid and body of the container together, which makes a snapping noise when they are attached. This is most likely what all your regular plastic containers, Tupperware, and Gladware have.  

However, there are also stronger lids that employ the use of arms that hook onto the body, creating a tighter seal. This is perfect for solid foods, but since they aren’t necessarily airtight, they might still allow liquids to leak out if the container somehow tilts.  

If you tend to bring a lot of soups and saucy dishes with you, look for container sets that offer “airtight” lids. This means that the comforting, brothy soup you brought along will stay in your container until lunchtime – and not all over your bag.  

Testing your lids for their quality is easy. After filling your container with water, jostle it around! Lean the container on its side to see if anything seeps out through the closed lid. Shake it for a minute and see if anything spatters. Drop the container from some height and see if the lid stays on, or if any cracks appear anywhere on the container.  

If you’re just bringing sandwiches and raw veggies along, a super-tight lid may not be the most important factor in your purchase. However, if you love soups and stews, you’ll want to invest in a set that uses a quality lid. 

4. Temperature Capability

Heat 

Do you like a hot meal at lunchtime, or usually heat up your lunch in the microwave? Being able to heat up your meals in the container you brought them in is convenient, not to mention it keeps the number of dishes you’ll need to do to a minimum.   

However, you can’t just place any old container in the microwave – you don’t want to risk melted plastic, or worse, harmful chemicals leaching out of the plastic and into your food. As mentioned in the section on BPA, research has found that heat makes plastic more susceptible to releasing harmful chemicals.   

It’s best to go BPA-free, of course, but even BPA-free containers may not be safe for microwave use. Most of the research focuses on BPA leaching into food, but BPA is not the only potentially harmful chemical that lives inside plastic.    

Personally, I don’t think my health is worth risking for convenience. For meals that need to be reheated, consider going with glass containers. While they’re heavier than plastic or metal, they can usually stand up to being microwaved.   

If you really want plastic containers, double-check that they are labeled microwave-safe and BPA-free. Even better, simply transfer your food from plastic to paper or a ceramic microwave-safe dish when you’re at school or work. I keep my favorite bowl and plate in a drawer at work for when I tote things around in my plastic Rubbermaid containers. 

Cold 

Most people meal prep for around one week at a time, simply because that’s about how long most cooked foods will last in the fridge before they start to seem…off.  

Employing the use of your freezer can help your meal prep go even further. Imagine getting an entire month’s worth of meals from a single day of cooking! 

However, most of us have experienced the disappointment of great leftovers ruined by freezer burn and the smells and flavors absorbed from the freezer itself. The right container can make all the difference when it comes to the taste of your frozen dishes!  

If meal prepping for longer than a week at a time sounds like something that would work for you, you’ll want to make sure your containers are freezer-friendly.  

In addition to looking for something on the packaging that references freezer use, these types of vessels should be sturdy, rigid, and sealable. Don’t forget to leave some space in the containers when packing your food, so it has some room to crystallize and expand. 

5. Compartments

Some people, like me, are totally fine putting their whole meal in a single container – I like the rice, veggies, protein, and any respective sauce to get good and mixed.  

However, some folks need very distinct boundaries with their food – anything touches, and it totally ruins the meal.  

You’ll want to figure out which of these two types of people you are and purchase accordingly. Those like me, who don’t mind if everything intermingles, can go for meal prep storage containers that have just one area to put all your meal components.   

If you like some separation between each dish, you can opt for a bento-inspired meal prep container, which uses wells and dividers to create separate areas for different foods. This is great if you want to pack your chickpea curry and a vegan brownie in the same pack, without having to bring a million different containers with you.   

Bento-inspired containers with separate areas are also ideal for prepping kids’ lunches – the wells are perfect for packing a sandwich with lots of little snacks, or a complete meal that will still be fresh and ready by the time the lunch bell rings.  

6. Portability

So you’ve got containers that are healthy, leak-proof, and will stand up to hot or cold temperatures. Now how am I supposed to cram this all in my backpack?  

If you don’t want to bring a giant bag filled with clunky containers to and from work every day, you’ll want to pay attention to their shape and size. A slim, light, and flat container is the best of all worlds – you can fit a variety of meals inside, and it’s easy to transport.  

Many sets also come with different sizes of containers to accommodate different portions or meal components. If you have slim containers with separate wells, they are likely all the same size.  

However, good-quality Tupperware and similar sets usually contain a variety of sizes, from very large to bring things like salads, down to small condiment containers for dressings or nut butter.   

I find it helpful to be able to choose from different sizes because I bring both my breakfast and lunch to work, which tends to have different container needs. You can also decide to mix-and-match from different container sets throughout your day, perhaps bringing your oatmeal and vegan peanut butter in containers from one set and your lunch from a bento-style set. You can customize here based on your preferences. 

7. Cleaning Needs

I’m a firm believer that if it’s hard to clean, I’m simply not going to use it. If you’re meal prepping, you’re looking at a huge pile of the same dishes to be cleaned day after day.  

If you have a dishwasher, it is the most convenient option to choose a set of containers that can safely take a trip through the microwave. Many glass or metal sets can do this, just be sure to double-check.  

If you’re washing by hand, look for containers with rounded edges or removable dividers that make cleanup a breeze. There’s nothing worse than having to re-wash your dishes because you’ve found some food remnants stuck in one of the corners.  

You’ll also want to avoid products that absorb colors or smells. Plastic containers tend to be the cheapest option, but they can also retain the color, smell, and even flavor of foods that were previously in them. If you cook a lot of strong-smelling foods like curries and chilis, it may be worth it to invest in higher-quality glass or metal containers. No one wants an oatmeal that tastes like last week’s curry!

Best Glass Containers for Meal Prep

Brand

Prep Naturals

Misc Home

MealPrep

Material

Glass

Glass

Glass

Feature

Best Overall

Best Bento-Style Container

Best Budget Option

Compartments

1

2

1

Microwave Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Prep Naturals

Material

Glass

Feature

Best Overall

Compartments

1

Microwave Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Misc Home

Material

Glass

Feature

Best Bento-Style Container

Compartments

2

Microwave Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

MealPrep

Material

Glass

Feature

Best Budget Option

Compartments

1

Microwave Safe

BPA-Free

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers

Best Overall (Glass)

Love to bring warming soups and stews to work or school? The glass containers from Prep Naturals feature SmartestLock locking lids, which guarantee leakproof storage without spills or messes. The containers themselves are made of borosilicate glass, which is the strongest glass available, so they won’t chip or crack with use.   

You can put these meal prepping containers in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and even the oven (not the lids)! The containers are free of BPA, are FDA- and LFGP-approved, and won’t warp between temperatures of 14 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit.  The company offers a full warranty, so if you’re not 100% satisfied with these containers, you can get your money back.  

Both the lids and body of these containers are clear, so you can easily see what’s inside when you’re pulling them out of the fridge or freezer. The containers also resist staining, so your view of the inside won’t get clouded or blocked with time.  

Each container set comes with 5 single-compartment, 29-ounce containers and locking lids.  

What We Like

The sturdiness of these containers is simply unparalleled – the ability to bring them from the oven to the freezer to the microwave makes meal prepping super convenient, and cuts down on the number of dishes you’ll have to do later on. While a substantial up-front investment, especially if you prep most of your meals, you get what you pay for.  

What We Didn’t Like

These containers have just a handful of negative reviews, but of the ones that are not five stars, some users complain that they are not quite as “stackable” as advertised. They can be placed on top of each other, but they tend to slide and move. 

Misc Home Glass Meal Prep Containers

Best Bento-Style Container (Glass)

The glass meal prep containers from Misc Home feature two compartments and vented snap-locking lids. The containers fit normal 6-pack bags and travel easily to and from work or school. 

The company uses only borosilicate glass, which is stronger than cheaper, less durable tempered glass, and is comparable to Pyrex. This allows you to safely use these containers in a variety of temperatures, including the microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer. You can use these containers in the oven up to 500 degrees F!  

The snap-locking lids are vented, and use silicone seals to ensure the food stays fresh and won’t leak or spill. The vents allow easy and safe venting of hot foods. Of course, both the lids and containers are 100% BPA-free and certified food grade.  

Misc Home’s products are 100% satisfaction guaranteed, so you can purchase without fear of commitment if you wind up being less than thrilled with the product. The set comes with four 28-ounce containers and lids.  

What We Like

Soup eaters rejoice! These snap-lock, silicone-sealed lids act as a barricade between your hot soup and the inside of your backpack. Reviewers love the airtight, serious seal these lids provide.  

What We Didn’t Like

While these food prep containers get overwhelmingly positive reviews, a few people noted problems with the lid vents falling out and getting lost.   

MealPrep Premium Glass Meap Prep Container Set

Best Budget Option (Glass)

In addition to being budget-friendly, the glass containers from MealPrep are eco-friendly, durable, and non-toxic.   

The snap-locking BPA-free lids use a built-in silicone gasket to keep food fresh and free of spills. The lids themselves create an airtight and leak-proof seal so that you can bring broth-based soups and saucy stir-fries to work and school without fear of mess.  

The containers are also super versatile and cut down on the number of dishes you need to clean throughout the week. Like the other glass containers, these can go into the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. They are also oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can cook delicious baked oatmeal and pasta dishes right in the same container you eat them from. 

Each set comes with three 1- or 2-compartment containers. The single compartment model contains 28 ounces, while the two-compartment container has a 40-ounce volume.  

MealPrep also offers a money-back guarantee – if for any reason you don’t love these containers, you can return your order within 30 days for a full refund.  

What We Like

Part of “budget friendly” is not having to pay to keep replacing the same item. These meal preparation containers are extremely durable, so when you put the money in up front, the containers will last, saving you money in the long run. The containers are also stain- and odor-resistant. 

What We Didn’t Like

Some purchasers had issues with shipping, reporting that a few containers were broken upon arrival. While the containers get good reviews, your mileage may vary when it

Best Plastic Containers for Meal Prep

Brand

LIFT

Enther

Mealcon

Material

Plastic

Plastic

Plastic

Feature

Best Overall

Best Bento-Style Container

Best Budget Option

Compartments

1 & 2

3

2

Microwave Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

LIFT

Material

Plastic

Feature

Best Overall

Compartments

1 & 2

Microwave Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Enther

Material

Plastic

Feature

Best Bento-Style Container

Compartments

3

Microwave Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Mealcon

Material

Plastic

Feature

Best Budget Option

Compartments

2

Microwave Safe

BPA-Free

LIFT Reusable Meal Prep Containers

Best Overall (Plastic)

The reusable microwave-safe meal prep containers from LIFT are classics. With a sleek black body and a clear snap-on lid, these plastic containers are a popular choice among beginner and veteran meal preppers.   

Made in Canada, the company uses certified BPA-free materials that have been approved by the FDFA and CFIA. The containers are food-safe, environmentally sustainable, compact, lightweight, and stackable. You can easily stack these in a meal prep bag without worry that they’ll tip or fall over. Of course, even if they did shift, the leak-resistant, air-tight lid would have you covered.  

The containers are safe to use everywhere from the freezer to the microwave (no lid) to the dishwasher. They have a longer lifecycle than many competitor products, but if you aren’t 100% satisfied, the company offers a 5 Star Experience Guarantee.  

Each set contains seven 28-ounce meal prep containers and an Ebook that includes tips and recipes. You can choose from single-compartment containers, or upgrade to two compartments for a few dollars more.  

What We Like

The transparent lids make it easy to see what’s inside – when you’re browsing your meal preps in the fridge on your way out the door, it’s helpful to be able to see what you’re bringing with you! The containers are also good quality for the money and take up little space.  

What We Didn’t Like

Some reviewers complained that the lids tend to be a little finicky. Many times, they snap on without issue, but sometimes you need to work them to get them closed. These also aren’t ideal for very soupy meal preps, as the lids are only leak-“resistant” not leak-“proof”.  

Enther Meal Prep Containers

Best Bento-Style Container (Plastic)

Ideal for both adults and children, the three-compartment layout of Enther’s meal prep containers ensures your curry and your brownie won’t meet until they’re in your stomach!  

The divider arrangement also provides built-in portion control. With a slim black body and clear snap-on lid, these stack easily for transport and storage.   

Enther’s containers are BPA-free, safe for use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, and are guaranteed not to crack for at least 10 uses (though they can be used up to 30 times with regular use). They’re also stain and odor resistant, which means you won’t be tasting the pungent aromas of last week’s meal prep in this week’s breakfasts and lunches.  

The snap-on lids are airtight and easy-to-open, making them a great option to send to school with your kids (how great would it be to meal prep the kids’ lunches, rather than rushing to slap a sandwich together every morning?).   

Each set comes with a whopping 20 three-compartment containers. Each container can hold up to 36 ounces.  

What We Like

In addition to the sleek bento-style layout, these containers are an incredible price for how many containers you get. Buyers rave about their durability, and the compartments are well-separated so you can even pack hot and cold foods together in the same box.  

What We Didn’t Like

The lids on these containers are not conducive to lots of liquid, or very soupy foods – reviewers reported a few messes due to liquid seeping out of the lids. Use mostly dry, solid recipes with these containers, or be sure to keep them flat. 

Mealcon Meal Prep Containers

Best Budget Option (Plastic)

When you’re strapped for cash –and when you’re not! – You want to get the best quality for your money.  Mealcon’s meal prep set packs in lots of quality – and even eating utensils – for a low up-front cost.   

The plastic containers come in the standard black body with clear snap-on lids and feature two separate compartments for portion control and division of food.   

The boxes are completely free of BPA, phthalates, and lead, are made of friendly food grade material, and meet the standards put forth by the FDA. You can use these containers through the whole food lifecycle, from freezer to microwave to dishwasher.  

Each set comes with 20 containers, 20 lids, and 20 reusable sporks, so you don’t have to worry about providing your own silverware or having to turn to wasteful single-use plastic cutlery. Each container holds 32 ounces.  

What We Like

Reviewers love that these containers don’t have a “plastic” smell, so your meals smell like your fresh food, rather than the material of the container. The size is also ideal for both kid, and adult lunches – not too large, not too small, and the compartments are well divided to reduce the chance of foods mingling.  

What We Didn’t Like

While many reviewers reported these containers are extremely durable, they are not good for use with soups, stews, or otherwise liquid foods. Some people also reported that the lids tend to be very hard and inflexible, and are easy to crack.

Preparing for Health

Having healthy breakfasts and lunches on hand can take some of the stress – and excuses – out of healthy eating in a busy lifestyle. Having large batches of home-cooked meals on hand means there’s less rush and guesswork when you’re getting ready for work or school.  

Putting your food in the right container can be a major move in the success of your meal prep, too. Why go through all the work of cooking and portioning, only to have the food spill out of a flimsy lid, or worse, suffer health consequences from chemicals leaching into your food.  

It might be tempting to save a few dollars and simply reuse old containers from Chinese takeout and pre-prepared foods for your weekly meals. However, this can be a dangerous move, as many of these containers are not meant to be reused, and can leach BPA and phthalates into food. Additionally, they usually aren’t microwave and dishwasher safe.  

By having a dedicated set of meal prep containers on hand, you’re not only investing in your health, but you’re also taking out “insurance” to make sure your meals go seamlessly from fridge to plate. No spills or seepage means none of your effort and time went to waste while you were cooking your weekly meals.  

You have so many options for meal prep containers – from different shapes and materials to the ease of cleaning; you can find the meal prep container set that fits your needs and lifestyle. As these products are meant to be reused, you also won’t need to go through the buying process very often – invest in a high-quality, healthy product, and have your products on hand for years. 

Looking for inspiration for delicious foods to put in your new containers? Check out our vegan meal prep article for healthy, vegan recipes you can make in bulk for any time of day.

The post Best Meal Prep Containers – Buying Guide appeared first on Urban Vegan.

But those appliances sit unused in the back of all our cupboards, waiting for the once-in-a-year opportunity to be used.

A food dehydrator is not like that. It’s one of those appliances that will get as much use as your toaster, your microwave, or your coffee percolator. Your food dehydrator is your new best friend.

You know all those fruits and vegetables wasting away in the crisper of your fridge? There’s no way you’ll ever eat 2lbs of pumpkin before tomorrow, so what will you do? You hate to waste it, but you can’t manage to eat it.

You can always preserve it for when you’re ready. A food dehydrator serves as a simple way to make your fresh produce last longer without spoiling or turning rotten. You don’t have to wait for the next berry season to have fresh strawberries. You can have them year round if you’ve preserved them.

Our Top 5 Picks

What Can You Do With Your Food Dehydrator?

Are you worried that you won’t have enough use for the dehydrator? Don’t be. This will pay for itself again with the number of times you’ll pull it out.

You can:

• Preserve berries
• Dry out peaches
• Create crispy nuts
• Prepare granola and trail mixes
• Make your own fruit leather
• Dehydrate mushrooms
• Make your own kale chips
• Ferment homemade yogurt (dairy-free of course)
• Create dried tomatoes for cooking

This is just the first week. You’ll never run out of ideas when you own your food dehydrator. You’ll ask yourself, “Could I preserve this?” when out at the supermarket, and more often than not, the answer will come back ‘Yes’.

Buying Guide

It can be daunting to try and select a food dehydrator if you’re unfamiliar with the appliance. When you first look for a unit, you’ll get bombarded with phrases like Stackable, Box-and Shelf, Closed System, Square Footage, Vertical/Horizontal design, and wattage/temperature.

These can get confusing when you’re still learning how you’ll use one. So let us guide you as you decide on your best food dehydrator.

The Science

With a product this popular, there’s enough science to back up the reasons for making the purchase. But before we get into the ‘How’ of the machine, let’s talk about the “Why.”

The main reason you want to dehydrate your food is to preserve the natural vitamins and minerals in the food without getting any spoilage. The main reason food spoils is the presence of moisture and most foods have moisture in it – anywhere from 2% to 96% moisture.

It’s not that the actual moisture in the food causes the food to go bad but the presence of moisture means that bacteria and fungus can grow in that environment. You can’t get rid of bacteria in your environment, but you can limit where it can grows.

You know how it was a big deal that we found water on Mars not too long ago? Because that’s the best sign that life can exist. No water? No life. Simple as that.

So, the same principle applies on a micro scale on your food. As long as you can find a way to stop bacteria from growing, you can extend the life of your food for 6 months, one year, even up to 5 years!

Preserving Food

There are a few methods to preserving foods and extending its shelf life. They may vary considerably, but the main purpose is always the same; stop bacterial growth.

If you can find a way to keep bacteria from contacting and thriving on your food, you can preserve it.

One of the most common ways is to freeze your food. By putting your food into a sub-zero environment, nothing can grow on it. But this takes up space in your freezer and requires constant power. What happens if you want to take food with you, say on a hike? As soon as you remove food from the freezer, you start the timer as to when it will thaw and start to go rotten.

Another way is to can your fruits and vegetables. Canning involves submerging your fruits and vegetables in some sort of brine or liquid, trapping them in an oxygen-free environment. If you can’t remove the liquid, remove the oxygen that bacteria need to breathe. Think about pickles, peaches, jams, jellies, and even Korean kimchi. Preserved vegetables in vinegar brine can ferment and preserve the food for up to 3 years in a simple clay pot. Fermenting and preserving food this way takes space and effort to create an effective brine or canning liquid.

The best method, and certainly the easiest for any home owner, is to dehydrate the food. You can preserve the food as long as required in a cupboard or fridge. And when you’re ready to eat it, you can either open up the bag and start munching, add it to your cooking, or rehydrate the food to enjoy it as it once was.

The best method for preserving food is heated air that force-dries the moisture from the food, retaining the food’s structure and nutrients. The air is heated to anywhere between 90-150° Fahrenheit with a fan blowing the air across the surface of the food. The moisture is forced out by the heat and blowing air, while the food remains preserved and intact.

The benefit of using this food dehydration method is that you aren’t restricted by volume. You can dry as much, or as little, as you need. Dry out a couple of tomatoes, or stack up this season’s crop of fresh berries to dehydrate until you’re ready for them months down the track.

The Features

Of course, every food dehydrator is going to remove the moisture from the food. But you’ll find a whole host of other features on different models. Let’s take a look at what you should and shouldn’t look for on your dehydrator.

✓ Shelves/Stacks

When buying food dehydrators, check to see if you stack the food on top of each other, or you have shelves. You’ll find advantages to both, and we’re not here to advise one way or the other. It entirely depends on how much you’ll use the product.

Vertical shelves make use of a sideways fan, usually mounted in the back of the unit. It blows air smoothly and evenly across all shelves. The real advantage to using a shelving system is that you can easily check different sections of the dehydrator. If you want, you can put different fruits and vegetables on each level, checking each shelf as they go. There’s no need to disassemble the entire unit just to check the tomatoes or the mushrooms.

The other option is the stackable vertical units. The fan blows from the bottom and reaches all the way through each stack. If you choose this option, you can stack as few or as many levels as you want. Many brands offer the ability to add additional shelves if you’d like to increase the capacity. But the top layers and bottom layers don’t get an even amount of air. You might need to experiment to find the right ratio for where best to put your foods for good results.

✓ Thermostat

Try to find a model with an adjustable thermostat. You’ll most likely use the food dehydrator to dry out several different types of foods. But each food is best preserved at different temperatures. For example, if you’d like to dry out some of those herbs you have that you can’t use, you only need to set it at a low temperature around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you want something more aggressively dried out, such as fish or fruits, you can set the temperature at 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can’t even dry out different foods, so find a model that has a thermostat to set your desired temperature. Furthermore, look for a dehydrator that has a high range of temperature so that you have more options. You’ll get an even result, and a great product after the food is preserved.

✓ Even Airflow

Take some time to check out the fan size of different models. The size of fan determines how even the air will flow across the surfaces.

Depending on the vertical or horizontal model, it should have a good sized blade that can fan across all surfaces evenly. There’s nothing worse than having the food at the back complete while the food at the edge is still moist. Just like Pearl Jam tells us, you want even flow. Look for blades that are large, around 7” in diameter or more.

✓ Capacity

The capacity of your machine determines different variables. You’ll have the ability to dry more food, but it will use more wattage to power the unit.

Bigger units can handle large capacities, up to 31 square footage of drying space, but the wattage can be high as well. We’ve seen models with 1000+ watt requirements. If you’re going to use this size food dehydrator often, it could be worthwhile, especially if you’re preserving entire boxes of tomatoes, fresh cherries or peaches.

Otherwise, you might want to find a smaller unit. You won’t be able to fit as many foods into the machine, but you can easily store the unit away and power it without breaking the bank on your utility bill. You can still do fruit leathers and homemade kale chips, but a smaller capacity doesn’t have the space needed for a big trip to the farmer’s market.

Top 5 Food Dehydrators Compared

We’ve collated the best dehydrators on the market, and as you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from. Let us break down theses options so you can decide which food dehydrator will work for you.

Brand

Nesco

Presto

Excalibur

Cuisinart

MAGIC MILL

Cost

$

$

$$$

$

$$

Capacity

Variable

Not specified

15 sq. ft

Not Specified

Not Specified

Trays

5-12

6-12

9

5-9

9

Temp. Range (°F)

95-160

90-165

105-165

110-175

95-158

Stack Arrangement

Vertical

Vertical

Horizontal

Vertical

Horizontal

Fan Placement

Top Mounted

Bottom

7" Rear Mounted

Bottom

Rear Mounted

Thermostat

Adjustable

Digital Adjustable

Adjustable

3 settings

Digital Adjustable

Accessories

Additional Stacks, Mesh sheets

2 fruit roll sheets, 2 mesh screens

Poly-screen insert

Additional Stacks

Mesh Sheet, Leather Trays, Gloves

Brand

Nesco

Cost

$

Capacity

Variable

Trays

5-12

Temp. Range (°F)

95-160

Stack Arrangement

Vertical

Fan Placement

Top Mounted

Thermostat

Adjustable

Accessories

Additional Stacks, Mesh sheets

Brand

Presto

Cost

$

Capacity

Not specified

Trays

6-12

Temp. Range (°F)

90-165

Stack Arrangement

Vertical

Fan Placement

Bottom

Thermostat

Digital Adjustable

Accessories

2 fruit roll sheets, 2 mesh screens

Brand

Excalibur

Cost

$$$

Capacity

15 sq. ft

Trays

9

Temp. Range (°F)

105-165

Stack Arrangement

Horizontal

Fan Placement

7" Rear Mounted

Thermostat

Adjustable

Accessories

Poly-screen insert

Brand

Cuisinart

Cost

$

Capacity

Not Specified

Trays

5-9

Temp. Range (°F)

110-175

Stack Arrangement

Vertical

Fan Placement

Bottom

Thermostat

3 settings

Accessories

Additional Stacks

Brand

MAGIC MILL

Cost

$$

Capacity

Not Specified

Trays

9

Temp. Range (°F)

95-158

Stack Arrangement

Horizontal

Fan Placement

Rear Mounted

Thermostat

Digital Adjustable

Accessories

Mesh Sheet, Leather Trays, Gloves

Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator

Best for Beginners

The Nesco Snackmaster is a highly popular brand online. It’s garnered praise from thousands of satisfied customers, and we can see why.

The brand is well trusted in the food dehydration world. Nesco has quite a few different models available, but we chose the 75A for its wide market appeal. It works for casual beginners as well as heavy users.

The vertical stacking trays come with a set 5 levels, but you have the option of purchasing more if you need. The 600 Watt unit can comfortably handle up to 12 trays for an exceptional amount of drying. It will also keep out the UV rays for more effective preserving of your fruits and vegetables.

Adjust the temperature on the handy thermostat. It regulates the interior temperature while the top mounted fan blows the air downwards over the food. The science of the top fan doesn’t make sense to us. Hot air rises, and so it seems counter-intuitive to place the fan at the top.

It also comes at quite an affordable price. If you’re just getting into dehydration, it’s not an expensive way to begin. You’ll make your money back from the preserved food and reduced wastage in the first month if you use it enough.

What We Liked

• The adjustable thermostat
• The added trays for additional food dehydrating
• UV blocking sides
• Simple instructions and usages – good for beginners
• Great reviews online

What We Disliked

• Opaque sides don’t allow us to see the progress of dehydration
• Top mounted fan blows hot air downwards. Seems gimmicky when hot air naturally rises.
• If drying multiple varieties of foods, stacks must be re-arranged midway

Presto 06301 Dehydro Digital Electric Food Dehydrator

Good All-rounder

If you’re looking for a unit that can handle all types of dehydrations, look no further. We like this Presto model for its versatility and ability to adapt to wherever you need it to do.

The bottom mounted fan and heating unit gives an even spread of the warm air to consistently dry out the top layer, the bottom, and anything in between. Although this comes with a standard 6 tray stacking system, you can easily add up to 12 if you’re looking for more capacity.

The clear top gives you a good look to check on the progress of your food. You can even use the added fruit roll trays to make your own fruit leather.

Don’t worry about adding any extra preservatives into your food, because this unit lets you quickly dry without needing anything other than warm, dry air. The mesh screens also allow for small and sticky foods to be easily dried out, just as well as anything else.

It has an astonishing amount of good reviews. Those who have made complaints note that the unit can be a little noisy. But if you’re drying out food during the day, the noise won’t bother you while you’re out and about. Other than that, it’s a sturdy and reliable machine that gives you quality and consistent results.

What We Liked

• Additional trays and screens for different types of dehydration
• Digital thermostat for easy read-outs of temperatures
• Clear top for easy monitoring
• Consistent heating throughout the levels
• Low and High temperature range for a multitude of food types

What We Disliked

• Slightly noisy operation
• Vertical stacking means taking apart each shelf to check all foods
• Low power unit requires longer drying times

Excalibur 3926TB Food Dehydrator

Most Powerful

If you’re going to get a food dehydrator, and you know what you’re doing, don’t skimp out on quality. Go for the Excalibur model to get a high-powered machine that handles everything you need it to.

This is no beginner’s model. It’s a high output, efficient dehydration monster that can handle up to 9 trays of horizontal shelving. The rear mounted fan is a wide 7” blade. This means an even, consistent spread of warm air across each shelf.

The 26-hour timer on the adjustable thermostat means that you have complete control over when the machine has your completed food. You can set it, walk away, and come back when you’re ready to empty it.

This has 15 Sq. feet of drying space inside the machine. You’ll never be wanting for space, no matter how large your haul of fresh fruits and vegetables. The 600 Watt motor also ensures that there’s no wasted time in drying even the juiciest fruit or stickiest food.

This machine can even take homemade yogurt and speed up the fermentation process, giving you fresh, preservative-free food in record time. A quick drying time also means that you don’t lose as many nutrients in the process, preserving the natural goodness of each food you dry out.

It’s a large unit, which means that if you don’t want to take up your valuable kitchen countertops, you ought to find a dedicated space for it that won’t intrude on your daily routine. You’ll keep using it, so place it somewhere that you can easily access.

What We Liked

• High powered, high output machine
• Large capacity for any food item
• Adjustable thermostat with built-in 26-hour timer
• 9 horizontal trays for an even flow of food. No rotation needed

What We Disliked

• Pricey compared to other home units.
• Large unit takes up valuable counter space
• Requires high power consumption
• No ability to increase capacity if needed

Cuisinart DHR-20 Food Dehydrator

Good for Controlled Results

For your money, you want to know that you’re getting a good product that you can rely on. That’s why we’ve included the Cuisinart food dehydrator on our list.

It doesn’t have a lot of controls. The thermostat is simply set to Low, Medium, and High, with an additional option to have fan-only for low-temp foods. But that means that you don’t have to worry about finicky outcomes or complicated read-outs. Those three settings should be able to handle just any fruit, vegetable, or herb that you need to preserve.

The Cuisinart brand helps a lot, in our opinion. These guys know how to produce an effective kitchen appliance. We’re willing to bet that you already have something Cuisinart in your home. It helps to have a trusted brand name standing behind a product that you may not be familiar with.

The online reviews are mostly excellent. The only reviews that comment negatively are about the fan. It’s not a silent machine, but if you run it while you’re out of the house, you won’t have an issue. But that’s entirely due to the fact that this machine uses an impressive 620 watts to give you completely dried food, quick. There’s no messing around here.

We also are a fan of the vertical stacking with clear trays. Check on each tray without having to lift and move the objects. It’s a good way to get a lot of dehydrating done in a short period of time.

What We Liked

• High powered machine produces results quickly
• Clear trays for easy monitoring
• Consistent results with simple controls
• Great pricing for beginner users

What We Disliked

• High powered fan produces a lot of noise
• Reduced ability to fine-tune the temperature
• No additional trays or screens

MAGIC MILL Food Dehydrator Bundle

Best for Space

This is a great mid-ranged machine that should handle any size, any shape, and any food. You can do a small tray of strawberries for soup, a few trays of tomatoes to use in your cooking, or a massive tub of homemade yogurt. The large, cavernous space inside handles anything you want to dry,

And don’t worry about timing. The powerful unit can handle up to 19.5 hours of drying time, giving each food the complete treatment. This leaves no moisture at all with an effective rear-mounted fan circulating the air around each tray.

One of the best features of this dehydrator is all the accessories you can use. You get the 9 racks, a fine mesh sheet, 2 fruit leather trays, and a pair of oven mitts purpose-built for this appliance. You don’t have to upgrade to anything else because it’s all included in the one price.

Speaking of the price, it’s not the cheapest out there. But it’s also not the most expensive. For a machine this big, we would’ve expected to pay a lot more than what it’s currently listed at.

It’s not the most popular brand online, but we’ve included it on the list because of all the reviews, the majority of buyers are giving this machine top marks. For those who’ve tried it, they love it. We’re sure that you will too, for all the use you’ll get from it.

What We Liked

• Great inclusions and no need to make a secondary purchase for accessories
• Huge space inside to handle even tall items
• Multi-rack trays make for convenient drying of many varieties of foods.
• Consistent rear-to-front fan

What We Disliked

• Bulky size for the average home owner
• Not the cheapest price for a dehydrator
• Must be used for large quantities to make it worthwhile

You’re All Dried Up

If you’re new to the vegan lifestyle, and need a convenient way to save money when your grocery bill can easily skyrocket, food dehydration just might be the answer.

You also maintain the integrity of the food when you dehydrate it. You lose no nutrients, and you never have to add preservatives or additives. An all-natural method of preserving food is our preference!

If you’re keen on preserving your food, we can’t find a better way than a good quality food dehydrator. For soups, sandwiches, casseroles, snacks, cereals, or just because you can, dehydrated food is a beautiful thing in your diet. You can save money, rest easy, and enjoy healthy, natural food whenever you crave it.

The post The Best Quality Food Dehydrators – Buying Guide appeared first on Urban Vegan.

My whole world changed when I got an ice cream maker. At first, I wasn’t sure how well my homemade dairy-free ice cream would come out. However, armed with a few tried-and-true recipes from my favorite food blogs, I was soon churning out homemade vegan ice cream at a fraction of the cost of the store-bought stuff. And with less sugar and preservatives, to boot!

Because you’re making ice cream without traditional animal ingredients like milk and egg yolks, the quality of your ice cream maker can make or break the outcome. Opting for a good machine that meets you and your family’s needs is key for perfect, scoopable, dairy-free ice cream.

It’s easy to narrow down your choice! With a few key decisions, you’ll be on your way to your ideal ice cream machine in no time.

Our Top 3 Picks

Choosing the Best Ice Cream Maker

1. Warranty

I find the main benefit of a warranty is the peace of mind it provides. When I invest my hard-earned cash into a kitchen appliance, I like to know that my investment is protected.

Ice cream makers vary significantly regarding price, so if you’re going to drop a lot of money on the machine, a warranty can help you feel more comfortable. For a more affordable device, it may not be as worth it, as it costs considerably less money to replace the machine.

Be sure to read your warranty carefully to make sure it’s exactly what you’re expecting. Some warranties will cover a complete replacement of the product, no questions asked. However, others may only cover certain repairs, or will only fix problems that come from certain circumstances. Make sure you read all the way to the fine print to ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises later on.

You may also want to consider adding a protection plan to your purchase. This will usually protect your purchase for an additional 3-5 years and cost an additional 10% on top of the cost of the unit you choose. Personally, I only buy a protection plan if the manufacturer’s warranty is less than two years.

2. Capacity

The capacity of your perfect home ice cream maker will come down to two things: the number of people eating ice cream in your house, and how much ice cream those people can eat.

Most home ice cream makers come in 1.5-2 quart sizes, which is usually enough for a family of four (or a couple that eats a lot of ice cream). However, you can find machines in sizes all the way up to a whopping six quarts! That is a capacity for a serious ice cream lover – or someone with a gigantic freezer.

If you’re unsure, I suggest erring on the side of too big rather than too small. Unlike other dishes, you can easily store extra ice cream in the freezer. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have too much ice cream in the freezer than not enough!

3. Churning Time

When the craving for homemade ice cream hits, sometimes you just can’t wait! Rather than having to go to the grocery store to pick up a frozen treat that contains who knows what kind of ingredients, it’s nice to be able to whip something up at home.

The model you choose will dictate how long you need to wait for your ice cream. In addition to prep time, such as freezing the bowl, your ice cream machine also goes through a churn cycle, where your ingredients go from sloshy liquid to thick, creamy ice cream.

Generally speaking, compressor-style ice cream makers have faster churn times, meaning you can make mint chocolate chip, banana, and cookie dough swirl ice cream all one after the other! If you opt for a freezer bowl ice cream maker, you’ll spend a little longer waiting for your ice cream to churn.

However, the compressor style will set you back a decent amount of money, so if you’re willing to spend a few more minutes waiting for your ice cream, you can save some green on your appliance purchase.

4. Automatic vs. Manual

While you can save a few dollars with a manual, hand-crank ice cream maker, I can’t recommend automatic ice cream makers enough.

Automatic ice cream makers use 1-2 paddles connected to a motor to completely churn your ice cream without any effort on your part. You can flip a switch on the unit, walk away, and return later to ice cream that’s been churned perfectly smooth. No stirring, no shaking, just perfect ice cream every time!

If you’re really strapped for cash, you can go with a model that uses a hand crank, or requires some other form of elbow grease to transform your ingredients into ice cream. For everyday use, I find automatic ice cream makers to be reasonably priced considering how much work they [literally] take out of your hands.

5. Freezer Type

Home ice cream makers generally come as one of two freezer types: a bowl that has to be pre-frozen, or a self-contained freezer unit.

Most ice cream makers for the home cook will use a bowl that needs to be frozen ahead of time – not only are they easy to use, but they’re also an excellent value. However, what you save in cash, you pay for in time – most of the bowls need to be frozen for at least 24 hours before you can use them, which means you won’t have the opportunity for impromptu frozen treats.

On the other hand, compressor ice cream makers take almost all the time and effort out of making ice cream at home. You can use these appliances to make ice cream at home in no time, with little more effort or forethought than pouring your ingredients into the bowl. However, compressor models also come with some tradeoffs – in addition to higher costs, you’ll also need to dedicate a substantial amount of counter space to your ice cream maker.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will come down to how much your time and effort is worth – if you’re a beginner home ice cream maker, or are looking to save some cash, look for a model that uses a freezer bowl. If your budget is a little more flexible, and you want to be able to make multiple flavors of frozen treats on the fly, consider investing in a compressor model.

6. Capability

The only thing I love more than a new kitchen gadget is a new kitchen gadget that multi-tasks! In addition to just being an all-around better value, multi-tasking appliances save you counter top and cabinet space.

Despite the name, some ice cream makers can be used to make more than just plain ice cream. Depending on the model, you can create low-fat frozen yogurt, silky gelato, sorbets with fresh fruits, and even frozen drinks like margaritas and pina colada.

If you’d make and eat these other dishes, purchasing one appliance with multiple functions could save you money in the long run, since you wouldn’t have to buy a separate machine for each. If you’re just interested in the ice cream, you could get a mono-tasking unit – but what’s the harm in a few extra functions?

Our Favorite Ice Cream Maker Brands

Brand

Cuisinart Automatic

Whynter

Aicok

Gourmia

Cuisinart Compressor

Cost

$$

$$$

$

$

$$$

Style

Freezer bowl

Compressor

Freezer bowl

Freezer bowl

Compressor

Capacity

2 quarts

2 quarts

1.5 quarts

1.5 quarts

1.5 quarts

Churn Time

25 mins

45 mins

30 mins

30 mins

40 mins

Warranty

Limited 3-year

Limited 1-year

Limited 2-year

None

Limited 3-year

Capability

Ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen drinks

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, frozen drinks

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, custard, sherbet, gelato

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, gelato

Brand

Cuisinart Automatic

Cost

$$

Style

Freezer bowl

Capacity

2 quarts

Churn Time

25 mins

Warranty

Limited 3-year

Capability

Ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen drinks

Brand

Whynter

Cost

$$$

Style

Compressor

Capacity

2 quarts

Churn Time

45 mins

Warranty

Limited 1-year

Capability

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, frozen drinks

Brand

Aicok

Cost

$

Style

Freezer bowl

Capacity

1.5 quarts

Churn Time

30 mins

Warranty

Limited 2-year

Capability

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, custard, sherbet, gelato

Brand

Gourmia

Cost

$

Style

Freezer bowl

Capacity

1.5 quarts

Churn Time

30 mins

Warranty

None

Capability

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet

Brand

Cuisinart Compressor

Cost

$$$

Style

Compressor

Capacity

1.5 quarts

Churn Time

40 mins

Warranty

Limited 3-year

Capability

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, gelato

Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker

Best Overall Pick

The Automatic Ice Cream Maker from Cuisinart can make delicious dairy-free ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet in as little as 25 minutes of churn time. Plus, it’s a gorgeous machine – the brushed stainless steel unit will look great on the counter top or shelf.

The Cuisinart ice cream maker includes plenty of details for an easy, efficient process. The Double-insulated 2-quart freezer bowl keeps the mix frosty, and a large ingredient spout makes it easy to add your favorite ice cream mix-ins.

The Cuisinart machine is a great balance between quality and affordability. It does a great job making consistent, smooth, scoopable results, without having to shell out a lot of money.

It’s important to note that, while this unit is easy to clean, the freezer bowl cannot go in the dishwasher. If it does run through a wash cycle, it won’t freeze completely, and you’ll have to replace the bowl before you make another batch. Just use a soapy sponge to get the bowl clean.

The machine comes with an instruction book and collection of recipes.

Quick Unboxing and Overview…

What We Liked

• Makes ice cream in as little as 25 minutes!
• Doesn’t make a mess
• Consistent results
• thumbs-o-upBowl is easy to clean
• thumbs-o-upBowl stays cold long enough for 2-3 batches

What We Disliked

• The machine is a little noisy
• Paddle doesn’t scrape up against sides of the bowl – leaves a layer unchurned
• Takes up a lot of counter space
• thumbs-o-downIce cream can’t be stored in the vessel it’s made in
• thumbs-o-downBowl is made from aluminum, not stainless steel

Check Price on Amazon

Whynter Ice Cream Maker

Best High-End Brand (Money Ain’t a Thang)

If you’re an ice cream aficionado, or you’re ready to take your homemade ice cream-making to the next level, the Whynter 2.1-quart ice cream maker should be your next purchase. It’s our pick for the best luxury model.

With the Whynter, you really get what you pay for. While the price is steep, you get maximum convenience and speed. With this model, there’s no need to pre-freeze your bowl – make ice cream on the fly, as the unit is a self-contained dessert maker. No need to pre-plan your next batch of ice cream or make room in your freezer!

The unit is also equipped with several built-in and automatic functions. If the mixture freezes solid, the motor protection function will automatically shut the unit off to prevent damage. An extended cooling function keeps your mixture cold, so it won’t melt if you can’t get back to the unit right as it finishes. This leaves you free to go about your day – this ice cream maker works around your schedule.

The stainless steel unit is sleek and modern and uses a soft touch LCD control panel. It looks beautiful on any counter.

The Whynter ice cream maker includes an electronic timer, ice cream scoop, BPA-free mixing paddles, and an easy-to-follow recipe guide.

What We Liked

• Don’t have to wait for the bowl to freeze to make ice cream!
• thumbs-o-upEasy-to-use LCD
• thumbs-o-upAbility to make many batches of ice cream in a row
• thumbs-o-upSimple to clean
• thumbs-o-upWorks like a heavy-duty unit

What We Disliked

• Price tag might be cost-prohibitive to some buyers
• thumbs-o-downIce cream freezes to side of the bowl
• thumbs-o-downHard to get replacement parts
• thumbs-o-downMachine is a little loud
• thumbs-o-downIce cream sometimes comes out icy

Check Price on Amazon

Aicok Ice Cream Maker Machine

Best Budget-Friendly Option

Every bargain hunter knows a good deal isn’t just about the price – it’s about getting the best quality for the amount you’re willing to spend. For those looking to save some cash, the Aicok Ice Cream Maker is our top pick.

The freezer-bowl-style unit whips up homemade frozen treats in as little as 20-30 minutes of churning time. As it is a fully automatic machine, you don’t have to worry about stirring or shaking your ice cream. Simply pour ingredients into a pre-frozen bowl, turn the switch to the ON position, and set the time. It’s that simple!

This unit is also a great choice for renters and people in small living quarters. The unit is small and compact, so you won’t have to dedicate too much valuable real estate on your counter to the machine.

What We Liked

• Sleek, compact design
• thumbs-o-upDesign allows for easily adding extra mix-ins
• thumbs-o-upEasy to clean
• thumbs-o-upGreat customer service
• thumbs-o-upGood for kids to use

What We Disliked

• Machine is loud
• thumbs-o-downBare-bones model – gets the job done, but nothing advanced or unique
• thumbs-o-downDurability – some reviewers experienced technical issues after 2-3 uses
• thumbs-o-downMaximum capacity is 700g
• thumbs-o-downManual measurements are in grams – not ideal for U.S. buyers

Check Price on Amazon

Gourmia Automatic Ice Cream Maker

The automatic ice cream maker from Gourmia is a sleek, easy-to-use appliance that is perfect for beginner and intermediate ice cream chefs.

The black-and-chrome Gourmia uses a high-tech approach with a built-in timer and automated LCD screen. You can choose from a variety of pre-programmed settings to make homemade frozen treats easy and foolproof.

The unit also features an easy pour spout, which allows you to add sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, fresh fruits, or any other add-in you like. You can fully customize your recipe and get exactly the flavor you want. This also allows you to recreate your favorite store-bought flavors.

This ice cream maker is compact and features a sleek, round design. It’s a great buy for small spaces where you just don’t have that much room for the ice cream maker. It’s also small enough to be stored easily in cabinets.

The unit comes with an instruction manual and recipe booklet.

What We Liked

• The machine runs quieter than most units
• thumbs-o-upCompact enough for small spaces
• thumbs-o-upGreat customer service – no warranty, but do offer 1-year “satisfaction guarantee.”
• thumbs-o-upEasy to use and clean
• thumbs-o-upGood recipes included with machine

What We Disliked

• You need to read the instruction manual thoroughly – this isn’t an intuitive product
• thumbs-o-downBowl lining easily scraped/damaged by spoons
• thumbs-o-downInconsistent results – sometimes comes out soupy
• thumbs-o-downDiscrepancies between unit and instruction manual
• thumbs-o-downNot particularly durable

Check Price on Amazon

Cuisinart Compressor Ice Cream Maker

This ice cream and gelato maker from Cuisinart features a commercial-style compressor and two unique mixing paddles. You get a lot of customizability with this model and can make light, whipped ice creams all the way to dense, creamy gelato. The gelato paddle makes a super smooth, silky treat that’s just a little extra decadent than your traditional ice cream.

This unit features a 60-minute countdown timer to ensure your homemade treats have a perfect consistency. When it’s done churning, the 10-minute keep cool cycle will keep your treat chilled so it won’t melt if you can’t get back to it immediately. No need to hover over the maker – just let it do its thing, and it’ll be ready when you are.

The model features a transparent lid, so you can watch the product being made and watch your add-ins get mixed into the ice cream base. The mixing bowl also has a handy lift-out handle, so you don’t have to wrestle to get it out of the machine.

The entire unit is self-contained, so there’s no need to clear room in your freezer or to pre-plan and freeze the bowl ahead of time. This machine is an investment, but it takes all the guesswork and effort out of making homemade ice cream.

What We Liked

• Self-contained freezer unit – no need to pre-freeze the bowl!
• thumbs-o-upQuieter than other ice cream makers
• thumbs-o-upSuper easy to clean
• thumbs-o-upIncluded recipes make the perfect amount for the unit
• thumbs-o-upGelato paddles make a silky and luxurious dessert

What We Disliked

• Ice creams freeze to side of bowl and need to be scraped downMachine is heavy and bulky
• thumbs-o-downCapacity is small – says 1.5 quarts, but machine won’t actually make that much
• thumbs-o-downCan be hard to remove ice cream from bowl
• thumbs-o-downInconsistent results – sometimes soft, sometimes frozen solid

Check Price on Amazon

Vegan Ice Cream Recipes to Get you Started

Now that you have your perfect ice cream machine, you can get started making delicious vegan ice cream at home!

Looking for inspiration?

Start with any one of my three favorite recipes…

1. Dreamy Dairy-Free Ice Cream from The Kitchn

I love coconut-milk-based vegan ice creams, and this recipe from The Kitchn is perfect. Emma uses cornstarch to give the ice cream a creamy, sturdy texture. This recipe makes a creamy, scoopable vanilla ice cream.

View recipe here.​

2. Vegan Brownie Chocolate Ice Cream from Minimalist Baker

Aside from the insane chocolate flavor, the best thing about this recipe is how easy it is. It’s only got seven, easy-to-find ingredients! Try mixing in chunks of vegan brownies or chocolate chips for an interesting textural boost (not to mention extra chocolate).

View recipe here.​

3. Mango Coconut Ice Cream

The addition of fresh mango in this recipe makes it the perfect summertime treat. The combination of mango and creamy coconut milk makes a tropical treat with the perfect amount of decadence. A scoop of this ice cream is great after dinner, and makes a great milkshake.

View recipe here.​

We All Scream for Vegan Ice Cream!

Just because you choose to abstain from dairy products doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a sweet summertime treat! By investing in an ice cream maker, you can make vegan-friendly ice cream from the comfort of your home.

In addition to long-term cost savings, an ice cream maker allows you to control exactly what does – and doesn’t – go into your family’s ice cream. When you make a batch from scratch, you don’t have to include the extra sugar, thickeners, and stabilizers included in most store-bought dairy-free ice creams. By using healthy, organic ingredients, you’re giving your family a treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Whichever model you choose, an ice cream maker is an easy-to-use addition to your vegan kitchen. It’s one of those tools that helps you enjoy the familiar treats of your childhood, updated for the values you have as an adult.

Whip up a batch of homemade non-dairy ice cream for your next barbecue, dinner party, or family meal, and you might find it hard to go back to the grocery store brands.

The post The Best Home Ice Cream Maker Machines appeared first on Urban Vegan.

In reality, I should have bought an Instant Pot ages ago! Pressure cooking is an ideal solution for busy vegans. It’s a great way to get whole, plant-based foods on the table in a fraction of the time of traditional cooking methods.

I’ve been cooking with my Instant Pot for about a year now, and I spread the “good news” of this handy machine to every vegan I know. I purchased the 7-in-1 DUO60 model, which is the one I recommend to my friends and loved ones (and anyone who will listen).

Considering the Instant Pot for your kitchen? Read on to learn about this kitchen essential and decide whether or not it’s the right appliance for you.

Review NavigationQUICK SUMMARYGetting To Know The Instant PotWhat’s In The Box?SafetyFeaturesCleaning UpThe Appliance ReplacerMeal PreppingEnergy EfficiencyThe Learning CurveFavorite Instant Pot RecipesWHAT I LIKEWHAT I DIDN’T LIKEFrequently Asked QuestionsLong Story Short

QUICK SUMMARY

How Did the Instant Pot Stack Up?

Value: ✭✭✭✭✭This is a no-brainer for me – the Instant Pot is one of the best investments I’ve ever made. The unit saves us more money per year than the amount I paid.

Consistancy: ✭✭✭✭✭Every time I use the Instant Pot, I get consistent, delicious results. No more dealing with rice that’s gummy one time or overcooked another – there’s no variation in the cooking cycle from time to time.

Easy to clean: ✭✭✭✭✩Considering the part of the Instant Pot that most comes into contact with food is dishwasher-safe, it’s super easy to clean. However, the lid must be washed by hand, and the silicone gasket can hang on to stronger smells as you continue to use it.

Ease of use: ✭✭✭✭✭I love the “set it and forget it” aspect of my Instant Pot. Once you get a handle on how the unit works, you can set foods to cook overnight or while you’re at work – the keep warm function will keep them piping hot when you come home.

Flexibility:✭✭✭✭✭There is literally nothing you can’t cook with this thing. I’ve made everything from rice to cooked whole beets to soy yogurt in this thing, and every day I’m finding food that’s cooked easier in this fantastic little machine.

WHAT I LIKE

• It saves us money in the long run.
• There are tons of safety mechanisms in place.
• It makes it quick and easy to cook whole, plant-based foods.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE

• Strong-smelling foods linger in the device
• Steamer rack only good for larger vegetables – small items fall through the cracks
• Not quite as “instant” as the name would have you think

THE BOTTOM LINE

The short version? Everyone needs an Instant Pot. Yes, NEEDS!

Even with the few dislikes listed above, my Instant Pot is my favorite kitchen appliance. It’s already replaced my slow cooker and rice cooker, and I often joke that it could replace my stove as well.

I think every kitchen could benefit from an Instant Pot. As a busy couple, my husband and I love the Instant Pot because it allows us to prepare big batches of food to eat throughout the week. Families that are constantly on the go would also see the same benefit.

However, I think the Instant Pot is also the ideal appliance for people who just plain don’t like to cook, or who don’t have access to a full kitchen. I wish I’d had one of these appliances when I was living in a college dorm!

OUR RATING

4.8

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Getting To Know The Instant Pot

Every food blog and Instagram account raves about the wonders of the Instant Pot – but what exactly is it that makes this appliance so special?

The Instant Pot can be described as a “multi-cooker” – it is a single product that can perform the functions of seven kitchen appliances and tools.

The DUO60 model works as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, warming pot, and yogurt maker. I don’t know about you, but in my Philadelphia rowhome, there’s certainly no storage space for separate appliances that would carry out all these processes.

You can use one of the 14 pre-programmed “smart programs” on your Instant Pot to make things like dry beans or rice with the push of a button. If you prefer to have complete control over the cooking process, you can use the “manual” function to override the appliance and cook your food however you like.

The Instant Pot uses a stainless steel inner cooking pot that’s safe to put in the dishwasher. The pot is food grade 304 stainless steel without a chemical coating, so you don’t have to worry about any chemicals leaching out into your family’s dinner. The pot has a 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution – no need to worry about food burning to the bottom!

What’s In The Box?

In addition to the unit itself, the Instant Pot comes with several accessories for all your cooking needs.

The accessories include:

• Stainless steel cooking pot
• Stainless steel steam rack
• Rice paddle & soup spoon
• Measuring cup
• Condensation collector
• Recipe book and user manual
• Quick reference guide and ownership registration

Stainless Steel Cooking Pot

Stainless Steel Steam Rack

Rice Paddle and Soup Spoon

Measuring Cup

Condensation Collector

Recipe Book and User Manual

Quick Reference Guide and Ownership Registration

While they aren’t necessary, you also have the option of purchasing many products that can help make the Instant Pot experience even easier and more streamlined.

Here are some of my favorite products that I bought to accompany my Instant Pot:

• No products found.
• Silicone Mitts
• Folding stainless steel vegetable steamer basket
• Instant Pot Tempered Glass lid

While these extras certainly aren’t required to enjoy your Instant Pot, I find that they enhance my cooking experience and make things a little easier.

Safety

I had been intrigued by pressure cookers for a long time, but the idea of indirectly making a bomb in my kitchen always intimidated me.

The safety of the Instant Pot was ultimately the deciding factor that led me to purchase the unit. As opposed to traditional pressure cookers, the Instant Pot has 10 safety mechanisms, including things like lid close detection and an anti-blockage vent. With these features, there is almost no room for human error during pressure cooking. You’d have to try really hard to make the Instant Pot dangerous!

The only area where human error can still present a problem is the steam release. While there are safety mechanisms in place, the Instant Pot is still a pressure cooker. Escaping steam can cause burns if you keep your hands near the vent.

On the whole, though, the Instant Pot is a much safer alternative to traditional pressure cookers. I feel comfortable letting it cook, even when I’m out of the house.

Features

There are a few options for Instant Pots, but I went with the Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 model. This version of the Instant Pot comes with a whopping 14 smart programs: soup, meat/stew, bean/chili, poultry, saute/simmer, rice, multigrain, porridge, steam, slow cook, keep warm, yogurt, manual and pressure cook.

In the year I’ve owned my Instant Pot, I mostly use the saute and manual settings. In most cases, I’m sauteing onions and garlic, then using the manual function to cook the rest of my ingredients.

However, I do like having the other options and use them from time to time. You can make dairy-free yogurt in this machine, and I use the steam function frequently for veggies. While you could do much of this on your cooktop, I like the Instant Pot because I set it up and go do my own thing – the Instant Pot takes care of everything.

Another “set and forget” element of the Instant Pot is a “keep warm” setting. I like being able to set up rice or chili and head out to do errands – when I get home, my food is still piping hot and ready to eat.

Instant Pot Control Panel Functions

Cleaning Up

My husband will be the first one to tell you; I’m not a neat person – especially when it comes to cooking.

Before my Instant Pot, a single meal prep – or even a regular weeknight dinner – resulted in a sink full of dirty dishes. At a minimum, I’d need a skillet to saute veggies, a pot or Crock Pot for grains, and a pot or pan for “vegan” protein like beans or tofu.

The Instant Pot cuts down on my dishes because of how many one-pot meals I can make with it. The unit itself is also extremely easy to clean – the stainless steel liner can go right in the dishwasher, and the lid and gasket just need to be cleaned with warm soapy water.

You’re simply more likely to use an appliance that’s easy to clean. Whether you opt for the dishwasher or hand washing, you’ll find the Instant Pot simple to keep clean.

The Appliance Replacer

I was drawn to the Instant Pot because of how many functions a single unit could do. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that my Instant Pot replaced a lot of my other kitchen appliances.

Need to cook rice? The Instant Pot can do it! No need for a rice cooker.

​Looking to steam veggies? Toss them in the Instant Pot for a few minutes!

Chilis, soups, and stews? The Instant Pot can do it in half the time of my Crock Pot.​

I’ve joked with my husband that we could probably get rid of our stove and oven and get by with just the Instant Pot, if we had to.

In the time I’ve had the Instant Pot, I’ve given away my rice cooker and slow cooker (we kept the stove, though). This has freed up space in my kitchen cabinets and allows us to consolidate our ever-growing collection of kitchen gadgets.

Meal Prepping

Like a lot of you probably are, I’m busy! With all my responsibilities, I like having a fridge of home-cooked, healthy foods to grab throughout the week. That way, I’m not tempted to opt for unhealthy, overpriced lunches near my office.

It was this desire that got me into meal prepping – the practice of cooking several servings of a meal at once, usually on the weekend. I spend a chunk of my Sunday afternoon preparing and cooking big batch meals to eat throughout the week.

The Instant Pot has played a huge role in my vegan meal prep! Before the Instant Pot, I used to rely on my rice cooker and Crock Pot, and the prep would take several hours. If I needed to make ingredients like dry beans from scratch, it became a multi-day prep.

The Instant Pot has totally changed that. Rice and baked potatoes are done in just minutes, and I can steam a whole pot of veggies in no time at all. Chilis and stews, cooked with dry, unsoaked beans and raw root vegetables, finish cooking in less than an hour. As a result, my time-saving meal preps have become even more time-saving, which means I’m free to do the things in life I love to do, rather than slaving over the stove.

I recommend the Instant Pot to anyone who’s looking to get into meal prepping – vegan or otherwise!

Energy Efficiency

Another small wonder of the Instant Pot is the energy efficiency. This is especially apparent when I’m making something like oven-baked potatoes.

For potatoes, I’d have to put my oven on a high temperature and cook the potatoes for nearly an hour to get them soft throughout. Similarly, soaked beans would take at least an hour on my stovetop with the gas range on the entire time.

By using pressure cooking in the Instant Pot, foods cook much faster, so I’m saving energy in the long run. My electric and gas bills have decreased noticeably since I started cooking foods in my Instant Pot.

This would also be a great alternative for camping and RV trips, where you might have a generator and need to conserve energy.

The Learning Curve

WARNING: You’re going to have to go through the manual with this machine. It’s just something you can’t avoid…

While the Instant Pot is, overall, easy to operate, it does have a bit of a learning curve. When I first took mine out of the box, it spent several days sitting on my counter while I stared it down.

Where you might be able to take a blender or a microwave out of the box and start to use it, the Instant Pot has a slight learning curve. It’s a necessary evil to really work your way through the instruction manual and get a sense of how the Instant Pot works. Once you understand the baseline functions, the Instant Pot is super easy to use.

In addition to the manual that comes with the Instant Pot, I’ve found YouTube to be an invaluable resource for learning to operate the appliance. While reading the resources that came with the appliance was helpful, I learned the most about my Instant Pot by following directions for basic recipes and making my own tweaks.

The video below is quick start guide from the company itself…

Favorite Instant Pot Recipes

The Staples

For vegans, the true power of the Instant Pot comes in making plant-based staples in no time at all. I always knew cooking beans from dry was considerably cheaper than canned, but it was the process of making beans from scratch that kept me shelling out for the canned stuff.

The first step of cooking beans in the traditional stovetop style? Soak them yesterday. Well, that doesn’t help me much if I want to eat beans today!

My Instant Pot takes cooking time-consuming staples like dry beans and potatoes from multi-hour (or multi-day) affairs to about an hour from start to finish. That’s even quick enough for a weeknight dinner!

Here are my tried-and-true methods for my diet staples:

1. Cooked Chickpeas

1. Look your chickpeas over and take out any small rocks or stones (sometimes they make it in there!)
2. Add 1 cup dry chickpeas and 2 ¼ cups water to the Instant Pot
3. Place the lid on, turn the knob to “sealing”
4. Press the “Manual” button and use the + key to set the time to 40 minutes
5. After the chickpeas cook, allow the pressure to release naturally
6. Store in the fridge and use in your favorite recipes

2. Baked Potatoes

1. Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot
2. Place the steamer rack in the Instant Pot. Place up to 5 pounds of potatoes on the rack – you can use chopped or whole, but make sure they are roughly the same size
3. Close lid and turn the knob to “sealing”
4. Click the “Manual” button and use the – key to reduce the time to 10 minutes
5. When potatoes are finished cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally
6. Eat as is, or use in your favorite mashed potato recipe. If you want a crispy skin, bake in the oven at 350 F for about 10 minutes

3. Brown Rice

1. Add 2 cup of brown rice and 2 ½ cups water to the Instant Pot
2. Close the lid and turn the knob to “sealing”
3. Use the – key to reduce time to 22 minutes cooking time
4. When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then twist the knob to “venting” (watch your hands!). Eat warm from the pot or store in the fridge

Best Meals in the Instant Pot

In addition to cooking the basics like beans, potatoes, and rice, I like making big-batch meals in my Instant Pot. I’ve tried lots of recipes, but these are my top three – I come back to these time and time again, especially for meal preps.

1. High Carb Hannah’s Enchilada Bean & Corn Chili

I love love love HCH’s chili! It’s delicious, oil-free, and doesn’t use any special or hard-to-find ingredients. This is my go-to meal for my weekend meal preps – it’s super cheap, so my husband and I eat lunch all week for just a few dollars. This chili is fantastic with rice or over romaine lettuce.

High Carb Hannah has a great cookbook out there for vegans looking to harness the power of the Instant Pot. You can pick up Epic Vegan Instant Pot cooking at No products found..

2. Jill McKeever’s Teriyaki Chickpeas

Aside from being a totally hilarious host, Jill McKeever has a collection of delicious, easy, and healthy plant-based Instant Pot recipes. Her teriyaki chickpeas are a weeknight staple in my house!

I make a big batch of chickpeas in the Instant Pot over the weekend (see cooked chickpeas recipe above) to use in this recipe. During the week, I use the Instant Pot to make the sauce, then serve this tasty goodness with rice and steamed broccoli. A great alternative when you’re craving takeout!

3. McDougall Style Spicy Beans and Rice

There’s a reason rice and beans is such a staple food around the world – it’s easy, cheap, and provides a source of plant-based complete protein.

This recipe from Stimacsays is a perfect Instant Pot beginner recipe. It’s affordable and low-effort, not to mention versatile. I love this recipe for taco or burrito filling, over greens, or served with a side of vegan cornbread.

This is also a great option for people who need to eat lunch on the go, such as drivers or healthcare professionals. It’s delicious hot or cold!

WHAT I LIKE

✓ Saves Money Long Term

Ever the bargain hunter, I love that the Instant Pot ultimately saves us money on our grocery bills. The investment in the unit itself winds up saving us money on our dishes. This is perfect for any vegan on a budget.

When you buy convenience foods like canned beans and processed foods, you’re ultimately paying your hard-earned dollars for that convenience. Generally, buying dry goods in bulk is a great way to save money. Let’s look at a quick breakdown of canned vs. dry beans.

Canned beans: $1.19/2 cups cooked beansDry beans: $1.99/8 cups cooked beans​

From there, it’s easy to see the savings:

Canned beans: $0.60/cup cookedDry beans: $0.25/cup cooked

Ultimately, that’s a saving of $0.35 per cup of cooked beans. While it probably doesn’t sound like much, think about how much this adds up – especially for vegans, who tend to eat a lot of beans. For example, my average weekly chili uses a whole pound of beans in each batch. That’s 8 cups of beans, or a savings of $2.80 per week versus using canned beans.

If I make a pot of chili every week, that’s $145.60 saved every year – our Instant Pot pays for more than itself, just on our lunch chili alone!

This extends to many other dry goods, like using steel cut oats and brown rice instead of minute or parboiled rice. In addition to the nutrients, it’s cheaper and less wasteful than buying convenience foods.

✓ It’s Super Safe

The collection of safety mechanisms made me confident enough in the Instant Pot to buy it. I had never tried a traditional pressure cooker because of the horror stories I’d heard from user errors. Somehow, cooking beans from dry wasn’t worth blowing a hole through my kitchen ceiling.

Unless you’re going out of your way to make the Instant Pot dangerous, it’s virtually impossible to mess up. The locking lid and variety of other mechanisms in place make me 100% confident in the safety of this appliance. I feel comfortable leaving it on while I’m out of the house, and have never had an issue with the product.

I’m not generally a risk-taker (hence never using a traditional pressure cooker), and I felt the company put a lot of thought and research into making this product super safe.

✓ It’s Quick and Easy to Make Nutritious, Whole Foods

Probably my favorite thing about the Instant Pot is just how easy it is to make nutritious foods from dry ingredients in this thing.

In addition to cooking a lot faster than traditional oven or stovetop methods, I like that I don’t have to stand over the Instant Pot – the pre-programmed buttons mean I can set it up and do my own thing while the unit takes care of my food.

When I used to make rice on the stove, I had more than one occasion where it would boil over and make a huge mess, or I’d have inconsistent results – sometimes my brown rice came out gummy, other times it came out crunchy and undercooked.

I love that my Instant Pot is like an independent assistant in the kitchen – I can go off and do errands or chores around the house, and get consistent results every time I use it.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE

× Strong Smells Tend to Linger

I make a weekly chili in my Instant Pot for us to eat for work lunches. However, despite cleaning the lid thoroughly after every use, my Instant Pot seems to always smell like chili.

I haven’t found that the flavor/smell transfers to dishes I cook in the Instant Pot, like rice or potatoes, but having the whole unit smell like chili when you’re trying to steam broccoli isn’t ideal. It more makes me wonder why than anything else. It’s possible that the silicone gasket hangs onto the smell, but I haven’t gotten to a point where I need to replace it.

If you’re sensitive to smells, you may notice this as well. However, it doesn’t affect the taste of food (at least not in my experience).

× Steamer Rack

While the unit comes with a steamer rack, I opted to buy my own after using the included model a few times.

While the Instant Pot’s steamer rack is great for foods like potatoes and beets, the slats are much too far apart for smaller pieces of food. When I try to steam broccoli, snow peas, or sliced carrots in the IP’s steamer rack, they fall through the cracks and come out waterlogged.

I find a foldable, flower-shaped steamer to be much better for steaming. It’s a cheap investment, but it can be frustrating not to be able to use the rack that comes included with the Instant Pot.

× Not so “Instant”

A lot of Instant Pot ads and reviews will talk about how unbelievably fast food cooks. Things like “rice in four minutes!” and “beans in half an hour!” are all over the internet.

While the Instant Pot cooks foods more quickly than traditional methods, these time estimates refer to the cooking time only. The Instant Pot needs time to build up the pressure, the amount of which is determined by the type and weight of the food. It also takes time after cooking to come down to normal pressure.

Depending on how dense and heavy your food is, the machine coming up to/coming down from pressure could add 10-20 minutes onto your cooking time. It’s much quicker (and easier) than alternate methods, but don’t expect the results to be…well, instantaneous.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the PSI of the Instant Pot?The IP has two pressure cooking modes, high and low. The high setting cooks at 10.2-11.6 PSI (70-80kPA) and the low setting cooks at 5.8-7.2 PSI (40-50kPA).
• There is some steam escaping from the pin. Will this affect my cooking?This is an entirely normal part of Instant Pot cooking. When you use the manual mode, the Instant Pot needs to come up to pressure. Once it’s ready, the lid will pop closed, and you won’t see any steam escaping until the cook cycle has finished.
• Can I use the Instant Pot for canning?While the Instant Pot is ideal for pressure cooking, it is not a pressure canner. The IP is not suitable to use as a canner, and foods you try to pressure can in it will not be safe for consumption. If you’re looking to pressure can your foods, you’ll need to purchase a separate pressure canner.
• Where is the Instant Pot made?The pot itself is manufactured in China. The company headquarters are located in Ottawa, Canada.
• How loud is the Instant Pot?The unit is extremely quiet, except when the timers go off at the beginning and end of cooking. The steam release also creates some noise, but not enough to bother neighbors in an apartment building. The cook cycles are almost entirely silent.

Instant Pot IP DUO60

Long Story Short

If I were stuck on a deserted island, I would take my Instant Pot and a way to generate electricity for it. From the long-term savings to the ease of use, I don’t think there is a single person who wouldn’t benefit from having this handy machine in their kitchen.

I think that vegans need to steal the Instant Pot from the pulled chicken/Paleo spotlight – the real power of this machine is its ability to cook plant-based foods that have traditionally long, labor-intensive cooking times.

With all the safety mechanisms in place, there’s no reason not to add this handy appliance to your kitchen collection.

Like me, you may even find that the Instant Pot starts to replace your other appliances and kitchen gadgets. My Instant Pot is my new best friend in the kitchen, and I hope yours is too!

The post Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 User Review appeared first on Urban Vegan.

This can be a big problem when you’re vegan and eat more produce than the average person. It can take a long time to process all those fruits and veggies!

My mandoline slicer is the ideal tool for these busy nights, or when I’m cooking for a crowd. Most mandoline slicers consist of an interchangeable blade on a sloped surface. Food is sliced or julienned when you run it over the surface of the blade.

I happen to love my mandoline, but they make some people nervous. Between the slightly medieval look and the potentially dangerous blade, these kitchen gadgets do come with some considerations.

Is a mandoline a good addition to your kitchen? Read on to find out.

Article NavigationOur #1 ChoiceBenefits of Mandoline Slicers✓ Speed✓ Consistency✓ Textures✓ Safe SlicingChoosing a Mandoline SlicerBlade shapeSafety MechanismsIs it Dishwasher-Friendly?Best Rated Mandoline Slicer BrandsOXO Good Grips V – Blade Mandoline SlicerKitchenaid Mandoline SlicerCuisinart Graphite MandolineBenriner Japanese Mandoline SlicerEasy Slicing With a Mandoline

Our #1 Choice

If you’re pressed for time (and who isn’t?), we recommend going with the OXO Good Grips of all the 4 brands featured on this page. 

OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer

We feel like the OXO strikes the perfect balance between quality, functionality, and affordability - thus snagging our pick for the best mandoline slicer.

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Benefits of Mandoline Slicers

There’s no doubt about it – a mandoline slicer increases your efficiency in the kitchen. There are plenty of benefits to these simple, yet effective, kitchen tools.

✓ Speed

The speed of a mandoline slicer is perfect when you’re in a hurry, or you need to process lots of veggies for a big crowd. My slicer makes quick work of even tough, hard vegetables like sweet potatoes and butternut squash.

Unlike quick cuts with a knife, it’s safe to go fast with your mandoline slicer. Until you reach the end of the vegetable you’re slicing, you can move very quickly across the blade, cutting down on your prep time.

Mandoline slicers can reduce kitchen prep time by as much as 50%.With a mandoline slicer, you get fast slices, without having to sacrifice your fingertips!

✓ Consistency

I don’t know about you, but my knife work isn’t always the best. When I slice and julienne veggies, I usually wind up with big chunks and thin shavings all in the same dish.

This can create problems when you’re cooking the vegetables – the thin pieces turn to mush while the thicker pieces are still hard in the middle.

Because you set the thickness of the blade, each slice of food you make is the same size. This makes it ideal for roasting or baking veggies in a gratin, or any application where it’s helpful to have all the foods be the same size. It makes your food look more professional, too!

✓ Textures

Many mandoline slicers come with interchangeable blades – one device allows you to make regular slices, as well as juliennes, fry shapes, and others.

By switching out the blades, you can create different styles of foods without having tons of different tools in your kitchen, or have to know any fancy knife work. This can give a high-quality, professional element to your food with relatively little time and technical know-how.

✓ Safe Slicing

With all their benefits, mandoline slicers are still basically a blade on a plank. Using these tools requires some caution, as incorrect use could result in some pretty serious injuries.

When you get to that last “nub” of zucchini or potato, that’s the time when you’re most likely to nick your knuckles or fingertips. Most slicers come with a protective handle that will grip the food and protects your fingers from the slicing blade. Be sure to use this every time to avoid injury!

Safety isn’t just important while you’re slicing, either. Because the blade is exposed, you’ll want to take special care when cleaning and storing the device. Make sure you affix any protective coverings when the tool isn’t in use, especially if you have small children or pets.

Though it’s relatively simple to use a mandoline slicer, I recommend watching the quick video below for ​quick overview on safely using one.

Overall, it’s not hard to stay safe when using a mandoline slicer!

Ready to get slicing? Check out our steps for choosing your own mandoline.

OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer

Safe, sturdy, multi-purpose & dishwasher-friendly. Sharp, V-shaped blade of hardened stainless steel easily slices both firm vegetables like potatoes and soft fruits like tomatoes...

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Choosing a Mandoline Slicer

1. Blade shape

There are generally three styles of mandoline slicers – a straight blade, a diagonal blade, and a v-shaped blade.

• The Straight Blade

Straight Blades are the most traditional and usually used on French slicers. The blade lies straight across the platform, and slices straight through the food that’s run over it. This style is effective on tough to slice veggies like sweet potatoes and butternut squash, but it can be hard to get slices of more delicate foods, like tomatoes.

• The Diagonal Blade

A diagonal blade is set at an angle on the ramp and is more effective for those soft yet skinned fruits and veggies like tomatoes and peppers. The angle of the blade allows the food to be cut with less force, which means less chance of injury!

• The V-Shaped Blade

V-shaped blades are the final blade type, and are most prevalent in mandoline slicers for home use. It’s ideal for large, awkwardly shaped ingredients, and allows even tough vegetables to be pushed through with ease.

The Takeaway…

Unless you feel very strongly about a certain blade style, I recommend the V-shape. It is the most versatile blade and is the best choice for safety.

2. Safety Mechanisms

As we mentioned earlier, safety is important when using one of these slicers. One slip can result in a nasty cut on the hands and fingertips – Nothing ruins dinner quite like a trip to the hospital!

Look for a slicer with some sort of food holder you can use during slicing. This allows you to keep a good grip on the food while protecting your hands from the blades. You can slice all the way down to the end of the vegetable without risking running your hands over the blade.

You’ll also want to pay attention to how you switch the blades – does the unit come with guards on each blade, or will you need to touch the sharp edges?

Of course, the level of safety you need will depend largely on your comfort in the kitchen, as well as if you frequently cook around small children or pets.

Not sure? Opt for more safety mechanisms rather than fewer.​

3. Is it Dishwasher-Friendly?

We all know that the best tool is the one you’ll use. If a product is great but is difficult or time-consuming to clean, it’s just going to gather dust in your cabinets.

Many mandolines can be placed directly in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. If a mandoline being dishwasher-safe isn’t applicable to you, be sure to look for one that’s easy to clean and won’t cause you to injure yourself trying to scrub the blades clean.

Best Rated Mandoline Slicer Brands

OXO Good Grips V - Blade Mandoline Slicer

Our #1 Pick

The mandoline slicer from OXO features a v-shaped blade that makes quick work of both soft and hard fruits and vegetables.

This slicer provides an unprecedented amount of customizability, making it a perfect multi-use tool. There are straight and wavy blades for straight and crinkle cuts, as well as a julienne blade for fine, professional shreds.

In addition to interchangeable blades, the entire unit itself is adjustable, so you can change the width of your slices to as thick or thin as you want.

It’s not just customizable, either! The unit is also safe, coming with a food holder that grips fruits and vegetables while protecting fingers. The unit features non-slip feet for safety, so it doesn’t wiggle all over the counter while you’re trying to slice.

The unit is dishwasher safe and recommended by America’s Test Kitchen.

What We Love

For the price, the OXO slicer offers superior customizability, so you only need one tool in your kitchen for multiple jobs. This is a great starter slicer and is a perfect mix of value and quality.

The Downside

Those with limited strength in their hands may find the unit somewhat bulky and difficult to operate. The elderly or those with joint issues might be best served by another unit.

Kitchenaid Mandoline Slicer

KitchenAid is one of the biggest names in cooking tools, and their mandoline slicer is one of their best products.

No detail has been overlooked when it comes to this slicer! A comfort grip handle and food guard allow for easy, sanitary operation, while non-slip feet keep the unit anchored. The V-shaped blade makes it easy to slice a variety of fruits and vegetables.

The KitchenAid slicer also allows for customization when it comes to your food prep. You can choose from three separate blades, as well as modify the thickness of the slice itself. This allows it to be used with a variety of foods, as well as create a wide array of dishes.

Where the KitchenAid really shines, however, is safety. In addition to a protective food gripper, the KitchenAid also features a retractable blade for safe storage. You won’t have to worry about accidental injury when getting your mandoline out of storage, thanks to the retraction and the blade cover. This is a great option for households with pets or small children.

The KitchenAid slicer comes in a vibrant red color, which looks fantastic out on your countertop.

What We Love

The blade on this slicer is perfect if you do a lot of thin slicing. The KitchenAid quickly turns foods like tomatoes and cucumbers into papery-thin slices, instead of turning them into mush. It’s great if you use a lot of delicate foods.

The Downside

The food holder on the KitchenAid slicer is somewhat awkwardly shaped and has a hard time holding onto foods. For the most protection, consider using slicing gloves instead of the holder that comes with the product.

Cuisinart Graphite Mandoline

The mandoline from Cuisinart provides the most options for cutting shapes. With four separate stainless steel blades, you can choose from a straight edge or crinkle cut and shredding, as well as fine and thick juliennes.

The body of the slicer is also adjustable, allowing you to set the thickness of your fruits and vegetables.

The design of the slicer is made for easy, comfortable use. The soft-grip handle is comfortable to hold, and non-slip feet hold the slicer in place. Even the cutting runway can be adjusted to fit your comfort, locking into upper and lower positions.

The slicer is also extremely safe to use and store. The unit includes a cut-resistant glove for wear while you’re cutting, but also features safe storage options. The safety cover and storage slots prevent injuries from the blades, and the legs collapse down to take up as little space as possible.

The Cuisinart slicer is easy to care for – the blades and runway are dishwasher-safe, and the cut-resistant glove is machine washable.

What We Love

Purchasers rave about how much time this tool saves them during food prep. The blades are super sharp, resulting in an easy, even cut. Reviewers especially love the julienne blade, which makes great filling for spring rolls!

The Downside

While the unit initially has great cutting power, some reviewers note that the blades dull very quickly. The dull blades can result in injury, especially when cutting tougher fruits and vegetables.

Benriner Japanese Mandoline Slicer

The Benriner Jumbo Mandoline slicer quickly works through larger fruits and vegetables, creating even, consistent pieces that cook evenly and taste great.|

The mandoline is made from BPA-free plastic and features a handcrafted stainless steel Japanese blade. It uses a large open handle for comfort and a non-skid rubber base for superior stability.

This slicer uses a single fixed straight-edge blade that’s best suited for larger foods like cabbage and melon. While you can’t switch blades in and out, it does a great job at the task it was designed for. If you cut lots of larger fruits and vegetables, this is the model for you.

The Benriner uses a safety guard to protect fingers during slicing. Because it’s a straight blade as opposed to V-shaped, take extra care when forcing ingredients across the blades.

This unit is easy to use and features an apparatus that hooks onto the bowl to collect slices as you go. This helps you save more time overall by reducing the amount of mess created during food prep.

The unit comes apart easily and is dishwasher safe.

What We Love

Reviewers love how simple this model is to disassemble and care for. The blades are sharp, the unit is solid, and the entire tool is light and durable. This is an overall quality product that will last for a long time in your kitchen, even with frequent use.

The Downside

Some purchasers found the unit difficult to operate, as it does not hook to the table. This requires the cook to hold and slice with one hand.

Easy Slicing With a Mandoline

If you eat a lot of produce and are looking for a safer way to process that food, consider adding a mandoline to your kitchen toolkit.

While mandoline slicers may look scary, when used properly they can be safer and more efficient than your chef’s knife. When choosing your ideal mandoline, opt for a model that comes with a safety apparatus, like a protective food gripper or a cut-resistant glove.

By equipping your kitchen with a mandoline, you’ll be able to fly through your kitchen prep and cook for large crowds with ease. Consider adding this handy tool to your collection and get to slicing!

The post Best Mandoline Slicers – Buying Guide & Short Reviews appeared first on Urban Vegan.

Anybody can do it, but it takes practice, research, and dedication to truly master the craft.

In my earliest days of working with tofu, I didn’t do much (read: anything) to prepare it for recipes.

I’d cube a block fresh from the package, stir-fry it with some vegetables, and lament about how it didn’t come close to the tofu I so loved from my local Chinese restaurant.

I finally learned that good tofu was synonymous with dry tofu – by pressing water out, it made a better texture and made more room in the tofu for flavor through marinades.

So, I started pressing my tofu the way a lot of folks do at home – wrapping the blocks of tofu in paper towels or dish cloths and balancing some heavy books or a cast-iron pan on top to press the water out.

This got me closer to what I was looking for, but it still wasn’t perfect. On top of that, this method created a lot of waste between the paper towels in the trash and dish cloths in the laundry basket.

Perfection happened when I discovered the wonderful world of the tofu press. So much so, that when asked what single kitchen gadget has changed my life the most, the humble tofu press wins hands-down.

What is a Tofu Press?

So aside from being life-changing, what the heck is a tofu press, anyway?

At a very basic level, a tofu press is a contraption that removes the water from your tofu, resulting in a denser block of tofu with great texture.

By removing the water, you’re able to replace it with flavor via marinades and dressings, and the bone-dry protein is much safer to fry in oil since there is no water to create dangerous spattering.

It gets crispier, too! When your tofu is super dry, you can achieve that gorgeous golden crunchy crust on your tofu cubes.

Tofu presses come in two basic styles

some consist of two plastic or metal plates that you tighten using tension knobs, while other models use a small box with a spring-loaded plate that forces water out of your tofu.

Like anything, there are pros and cons to each style, and which one you choose comes down to your needs and preferences.

Plate Style Tofu Presses

Source vegetarianmamma.com

You can think of plate-style presses like a vice for your tofu – the tofu is placed between two plastic or metal slabs, which are then tightened using 2-4 adjustable screws.

Plate-style tofu presses are simple, don’t take up much space in your cabinets, and tend to be the most economical option as far as tofu presses go.

Downsides

While the plate-style press is a good option for people who don’t want to drop a lot of cash on something they aren’t sure they’re going to use, it does require more attention out of both models – you’ll need to tighten the screws every so often to accommodate for your shrinking tofu.  

Ain’t nobody got time of dat!

Additionally, there is a bit of a learning curve to get the tofu placed just right as to ensure a consistently pressed, even final product.

Upsides

On the plus side, in addition to its affordability, the plate-style press takes up basically no room on your counter or in your cabinets.

The structure of the plates means you can press any size or shape of tofu, making it a great option for people who make homemade tofu, or if you want to press a single serving at a time.

Ideal For: Anyone looking for something cheap – this is probably your best choice.

Box Style Tofu Presses

Source: ashleysgreenlife.com

In these models of tofu press, your block of tofu is placed into a plastic or metal container, where a spring-loaded or heavily weighted plate pushes down on the block of tofu, pressing water out and creating a dense and chewy protein.

Downsides

Unlike plate-style presses, box models can only take a standard size block of tofu – a perfectly rectangular one-pound block – without much flexibility for size or shape.

Using any other size, smaller or larger or squigglier, can result in uneven pressing, cracks in the tofu, and inconsistent results.

Upsides

However, box presses are super convenient in that once they’re set up, they’ll continue to press and don’t require any additional attention from you, whereas you need to continually tighten the screws of a plate-style press

You can toss an assembled box press in the fridge when you leave for work and come home to a block of tofu ready for the frying pan – the spring/weight does all the work while you’re away.

Ideal For: Anyone looking for the best value and to save time – this is probably your best choice.

What Kind of Tofu Should I Press?

As I mention in our complete guide to tofu, tofu comes in many textures and consistencies, some better suited to pressing than others.

In general, you’ll only want to press tofu that you would use in stir-fry or salad.

Stick with firm and extra-firm varieties for the best results, since they will hold their shape throughout the pressing process.

Soft and silken tofu, which are best used for blending into creamy sauces and smoothies, will result in a unappetizing paste if you try to press them.

Recommended Tofu Presses

I’ve compiled a list of three solid products in varying styles and price points for you to consider as you’re thinking about which tofu press best meets your culinary and budget needs.

TofuXpress - Gourmet Tofu Press/Marinating Dish

Best Overall Value – Top Pick!

I’ll be completely transparent here and say that I own, and love, the TofuXpress.

A good middle ground price-wise, the TofuXpress won’t make a big dent in your budget, but is of high enough quality where it won’t break (even if, like me, you’re using the thing several times a week).

One of my favorite features of the TofuXpress is that it is compact, and you can use it as is – no need for any baking pans to catch water, etc.

The TofuXpress also comes with a separate lid and doubles as a marinating dish. The spring-loaded press removes the most water possible from the tofu and allows the liquid to be easily poured off with minimal mess.

The one downside of this particular press is the size – it works perfect for evenly pressing a single one-pound block of tofu at a time. You’ll have to press anything larger in separate pieces, and smaller pieces tend to come out a little funny-looking unless you center everything perfectly.

However, I find it much easier to press the entire block at once and store the pressed pieces in the refrigerator for later use.  

I’ve had my little press for years now, and even after using it several times a week since purchase, I still get consistently great results.

Raw Rutes - Tofu Ninja Press

The Ferrari of Tofu Presses (Very High Quality)

Made from stainless steel and applying 4.5 pounds of pressure to your tofu, the Ninja Press is the Ferrari of tofu presses, promising to remove 35% of the tofu’s weight in water.

The Ninja Press is an extremely high quality piece and will probably last you long enough to become a family heirloom.

However, at $100 a pop, it can be cost-prohibitive, especially if you’re not someone who eats a ton of tofu throughout the week.

People do note that this press comes in handy for more than just tofu – including squeezing water out of potatoes for home fries or shaping vegan sliders – but even then, a hundred dollars can be a lot of money to drop on a single kitchen gadget.

While it does an excellent job at creating a pressed slab of tofu, it doesn’t do much else, so this may be more than you’re looking to spend on a press.

Tofu Presser - Super Tofu Press

Best For Those on a Budget

The Super Tofu Press is an economical option for a first tofu press, made from two slabs tightened together by screws to press the water out of your tofu.

The plates are made from BPA-free plastic and promise to get the water out of your tofu in a mere 15 minutes.

It doesn’t take up much room on your countertop or in your cabinet, either, and is super easy to clean.

However, the Super Tofu Press can be a little messy to use, and it requires that you place the apparatus in a baking dish or on a plate to catch any liquid pressed out of the block.

Because you must also tighten each of the four screws individually, it can be hard to center your tofu within the contraption, and can result in some unevenly-pressed – and shaped – results.

If you’re not looking to drop too much money while you’re figuring out if a tofu press is something worth your money and time, this can be a good option to look into, but it is not as simple or straightforward as other models.

Press Your Tofu, Change Your Life

While most people would say their Kitchenaid mixer or Vitamix blender was their most prized kitchen possession, no other appliance or contraption holds a candle to my beloved TofuXpress.

Without this, I would still be stuck in the days of sad, soggy tofu, completely unaware of the beautiful world that awaited me on the other side of the press.

So what can you do with your tofu once it’s been pressed?

Dense, chewy pressed tofu makes a perfect protein for stir fry – just heat some oil in your frying pan or cast iron skillet until it’s screaming hot and cook sliced tofu until golden brown, crispy, and delicious on all sides.

Alternatively, one of our favorite tofu dishes in my house is Buffalo Tofu Nuggets – place cubed, pressed tofu in a frying pan with some Earth Balance and hot sauce, toss to coat the tofu thoroughly, and serve alongside vegan bleu cheese dressing and celery sticks.

No matter which model you choose, you’ll immediately see the texture and taste of your tofu change – and who knows, you just may win over a self-proclaimed tofu hater.

The post How to Choose the Best Tofu Press appeared first on Urban Vegan.

Despite their high-maintenance image, cast iron pans are durable and easy to care for. With little effort, your pans can last long enough to pass down to your kids. There’s a reason there are decades-old cast iron pans for sale at yard sales and antique shops!

The benefits of cast iron pans go far beyond durability, though. Here are the ways cast iron can help you in the kitchen – and the reason I have two pans myself!

Article NavigationOur Top 3 PicksBenefits of Cast Iron Pans1. Naturally Nonstick2. Versatility3. Durability4. Iron BoostCast Iron SafetyChoosing a Cast Iron SkilletSize & WeightSeasoning NeedsCleaningRecommended Cast Iron Skillet BrandsLe Creuset Signature Iron Handle SkilletLodge 12-inch Cast Iron SkilletUniversal Housewares 3 Piece Skillet SetT-Fal Pre-Seasoned 12-inch Cast Iron SkilletUtopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned 12.5-inch Cast Iron SkilletFAQ’s About Cast IronIronclad Cooking

Our Top 3 Picks

#1 Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet

Best High-End Brand (Money Ain’t a Thang)Optimized for steady, even heat, Le Creusets improved enamel interior resists staining, dulling, and wear and tear.

Buy from Amazon

#2 Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Best Overall ValuePre-Seasoned and ready-to-use. Superior heat retention and even cooking. Use on all cooking surfaces, grills, campfires and oven safe.

Buy from Amazon

#3 Universal Housewares 3 Pc Skillet Set

Best Bang for BuckFactory Pre-Seasoned and ready to use - helps prevent rusting. Use on most cooking surfaces, grills or campfire. Go from the stovetop to oven with ease.

Buy from Amazon

Benefits of Cast Iron Pans

1. Naturally Nonstick

Many non-stick skillets these days are made from Teflon. While this is effective at preventing sticking, it’s not so great for our health – especially when heated.

Not only can this harmful chemical wind up in your food, but it also pollutes waterways. The chemicals end up in rivers and streams when you’re done cleaning out the pan.

Cast iron skillets, when seasoned the right way with a little oil, are naturally non-stick. You can get that perfect sear without having to compromise the health of your family or the environment.

That means no more Teflon, as well as other consumables. You’ll eat fewer calories because your food doesn’t need oil to keep from sticking to the pan. You’ll also be able to stop buying expensive fat-free spray that uses propellants.

2. Versatility

Cast iron can withstand temperatures far more extreme than you can reach with a home oven. This means it can move seamlessly from stove top to oven to campfire.

Many people take advantage of this flexibility. Dishes like frittata and cornbread can start off on the stove and move to the oven to finish cooking. This opens you up to a wide variety of dishes, with fewer dishes to clean!

My cast iron pan is always the first thing I pack on camping trips. It can withstand the heat of the flames and creates a delicious, hot meal after a day of hiking.

Remember that while the pan itself can withstand extreme temperatures, temperatures higher than ~500F may burn the finish.

3. Durability

In addition to versatility, cast iron is also extremely forgiving. Some people say cast iron is too finicky, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cast iron is the only cookware that gets better with age. With each use, the cooking surface becomes smoother. This allows oil to settle into the surface and improve the seasoning as time goes on.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t say the same for my traditional non-stick pans. One burnt dish or wrong turn of a metal spatula? Your Teflon pan is toast.

It takes a lot of effort to destroy a cast iron pan. Even a neglected, oxidized cast-iron skillet can be brought back to life with a wire brush and some elbow grease.

When you buy a cast iron pan, you’re making an investment! This reliable piece of cookware won’t let you down (even if you can’t say the same for the pan!)

4. Iron Boost

It sounds like an old wives’ tale, but cooking with cast iron actually boosts the iron content of your food!

Iron is important overall, but it’s especially important for women, athletes, and vegans. Iron is an essential nutrient that moves oxygen throughout the body via the blood.

To prevent deficiency or toxicity, you’ll need to meet an optimal amount based on your gender and age. You can read more about specific iron needs in our ultimate guide vegan iron sources.

Cooking in cast iron is great, because you’re amping up the iron content of your dishes with zero extra effort. By choosing a specific type of pan, and nothing else, you’re making you and your family healthier.

Wouldn’t it be nice if every healthy switch were that easy?

Cast Iron Safety

Though it has plenty of benefits, cast iron does come with a few safety notes.

Cast iron skillets are special because the entire pan is made of a single piece of metal. This makes for a durable piece of cookware that is literally made to conduct heat.

This means the entire pan conducts heat – including the handle!

I only had to learn it once. I use my cast iron pan to make tortillas and put myself in a bad spot the very first time. Once the tortillas were cooked and tucked into a towel, I went to move the pan to another burner. You guessed it – I grabbed that pan by the handle and gave myself a big red burn right across my palm.

Ouch!

The heat induction on cast iron skillets is amazing at searing food, but remember it’s good at searing your hands, too!

You could use an oven mitt to keep those palms safe, but I find that too easy to forget.

We’re used to grabbing pans by the handle.

Take the risk out of it and invest in a few handle covers. You can buy or make covers out of cloth, but I’m partial to silicone simply because they’re easy to clean.

Silicone is a synthetic rubber made from bonded silicon and oxygen. Though vegan-friendly, the “naturalness” of this material is the subject of hot debate.

Some eco-experts express concern about silicone, perhaps only because it sounds like a chemical.

However, there is little evidence to show that silicone is harmful. It is an inert material, so nothing used in the manufacturing process will leach into foods.

Of course, some of that is due simply to a lack of data – there aren’t many studies out there. Silicone as a kitchen accessory is a relatively new phenomenon, so there hasn’t been time for bad news, if any, to be published.

On paper, silicone is safe up to 428 degrees F, so be mindful of how hot you’re getting your oven. If you’re cooking at temperatures higher than that, consider slipping the cover on when you’re ready to remove the pan.

Personally, I have no problem using silicone covers for my cast iron pans. They function only as protection for the handle, and won’t come in contact with food. Even if it does, they are determined “food grade” by the FDA.

It all comes down to what you’re comfortable with. In the product section, I suggest a few silicone handle covers that will fit the pans. However, you can feel free to use a cloth cover or oven mitt. I happen to prefer the silicone because I can get an easier grip, and they’re convenient to clean.

Choosing a Cast Iron Skillet

You’ve seen the benefits of cast iron and are ready to make an investment.

With so many sizes and brands, how do you choose the perfect pan for your kitchen?

It’s easy to pick the best skillet for you when you consider just a few basic qualities. Read on to see what you should be thinking about when looking for a cast iron skillet.

Size & Weight

The size of your skillet will depend on a few things. Of those, the most influential will be the size of your household and the types of dishes you like to make.

A 10-12 inch skillet is a good “starter” size and will fit the needs of most families with 2-5 people. You may need to do some meals in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan, but it’ll get the job done nine times out of ten. If you’re not sure of your exact needs, or you cook a variety of dishes, this size should be perfect.

Of course, cast iron skillets come in a wide range of sizes, from teeny 3.5-inch personal skillets to jumbo sized 20-inchers.

However, it’s important to remember that the size of your cast iron skillet is going to affect the weight. That 20-inch skillet might sound like a great idea until you realize the thing weighs 23 pounds (By itself!)

Can you lift a 23-pound skillet filled with hot food out of the oven? If you’re even a little unsure, opt for a smaller size.

Seasoning Needs

When I first heard about seasoning on cast iron pans, I was so confused. Why would you need to put spices on the pan?

In the world of cast iron, seasoning refers to the exterior of the pan. To season a cast iron skillet means to apply a thin layer of fat to the outside of the pan. Over time, the fat cooks into the pan, creating a non-stick surface without the use of chemicals.

You can buy an unseasoned cast iron pan and create the non-stick layer yourself.

Or, you can save a step and buy your cast iron skillet pre-seasoned. The company applies a soy-based oil at the factory and heats it. This factory seasoning is equivalent to 10-15 rounds of at-home seasoning.

This saves you effort, and allows you to unpack your new skillet and get straight to cooking, without fear of sticking.

Cleaning

The cleaning is the biggest reason people don’t buy more cast iron. There is a lot of misinformation out there – everything from you can’t clean cast iron, to it takes too much effort to clean!

I don’t blame people for feeling intimidated. Cast iron cleaning tips usually involve lots of “don’ts.” Don’t use soap! Don’t put it in the dishwasher! Don’t use the scratchy side of the sponge!

While it’s true you can’t just toss your cast iron in the dishwasher; it’s not that difficult to maintain. You need a few guidelines to keep your cast iron pan healthy and happy.

The best way to keep your skillet shining is to clean it immediately after use.

1. Wash the skillet by hand using a sponge or a stiff brush. If you have stuck-on food, use a paste of kosher salt and water to scrub off the bits.
2. Towel dry the pan or allow it to dry over low-medium heat. Leaving the skillet wet, or soaking, may cause it to rust.
3. Use a cloth to apply a thin layer of oil to the surface of the pan.
4. Store your skillet in a dry place.

The best part? Don’t forget how forgiving these things are. If you do somehow strip the pan of its seasoning, you can always re-season it. Good as new!

Here’s a video on how to clean a cast iron pan using just kosher salt (minus the bacon of course!).  I prefer adding a thin layer of oil after but as you can see from this video, it’s not necessary.​

Recommended Cast Iron Skillet Brands

You can pore over every cast iron skillet out there in search of the perfect choice for your kitchen and budget.

Or, if you’re busy like I am, you can look over our favorite cast iron skillets. You might be looking to splurge, scrimp, or just get a quality skillet that will last a long time.

No matter your needs, one of our top five will help you get the job done for decades to come!

Brand

Le Creuset

Lodge

Universal Housewares

T-Fal

Utopia Kitchen

Size

11.75 "

12"

6.25", 7.8", 10"

12.5"

12.5"

Weight

6.8 lbs

7.6 lbs

10.2 lbs

9 lbs

8 lbs

Seasoned?

Dishwasher Safe?

Brand

Le Creuset

Size

11.75 "

Weight

6.8 lbs

Seasoned?

Dishwasher Safe?

Brand

Lodge

Size

12"

Weight

7.6 lbs

Seasoned?

Dishwasher Safe?

Brand

Universal Housewares

Size

6.25", 7.8", 10"

Weight

10.2 lbs

Seasoned?

Dishwasher Safe?

Brand

T-Fal

Size

12.5"

Weight

9 lbs

Seasoned?

Dishwasher Safe?

Brand

Utopia Kitchen

Size

12.5"

Weight

8 lbs

Seasoned?

Dishwasher Safe?

Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet

Best High-End Brand (Money Ain’t a Thang)

This skillet from Le Creuset is an elegant and practical addition to any kitchen.

Le Creuset is known for quality – you’ve probably seen the brand on every wedding registry! Their cast iron skillet is no exception. Optimized for even heat distribution, the pan resists staining, dulling, and wear.

The skillet also shows that practicality and durability can also be beautiful. The exterior enamel comes in a variety of colors, from cherry red to Caribbean blue. There’s hibiscus for feminine kitchens, as well as classic white. It’s a beautiful union of masculine strength and durability, combined with graceful design.

No detail was overlooked in this skillet. A loop handle reduces weight, so you get nearly 12 inches of cooking surface for less weight. This makes the skillet easier on hands and wrists. It also provides a better grip when wearing oven mitts or using a handle cover.

The black enamel interior comes pre-seasoned, allowing you to start cooking right away.

What makes this skillet stand out is its easy cleanup. Unlike almost every other cast iron pan, this can go straight into the dishwasher. It takes all the inconvenience and excuses out of cooking with cast iron!

My Favorite Thing About this Pan

The attention to detail! From the convenient cleanup to the thoughtful design, you get what you pay for. Yes, it’s an investment, but you’re paying for good quality, and the pan could be the last one you ever buy (I’m talking decades of use).

My One Complaint

There is no lid that fits it. If you need to cover a dish while it cooks, you’ll need to improvise. That can be frustrating, considering the price tag.

Check Price on Amazon

Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Best Overall Value

The Lodge cast iron skillet is the Goldilocks of cast iron skillets. A known name in cast iron, the skillet is good quality – durable enough to last generations. However, you also won’t need to take out a loan for the thing.

The Lodge skillet is a reasonable price – a perfect balance of durability and value. If I could suggest one cast iron skillet for home cooks, this would be it.

As an owner of a Lodge skillet, I know firsthand that the quality is there. The skillet can move wherever you need it, be that stove, grill, campfire, or oven. I also love the fact that each Lodge skillet is American made.

This particular skillet is on the larger side at 12 inches. This gets you a lot of cooking real estate. The large surface area means you have plenty of room for getting a crisp, crunchy sear without overcrowding the pan. You can also make big, comforting dishes in this thing. The superior heat retention will make sure everything gets cooked through.

My large Lodge skillet also doubles as storage for dishes like this. Once a dish cools, I throw a little plastic wrap over the top and move it to the fridge. Maximum versatility, minimum dishes to clean.

If needed, you can also buy a lid for this skillet. Lodge makes a few lids that are easy to clean and fit these pans.

This skillet comes pre-seasoned and ready to use. Of course, any seasoning you add over the years will just make it stronger. With the right care, this skillet ages like wine.

My Favorite Thing About this Pan

How affordable it is for such a high-quality product. The sloped sides also make cooking easy, as you can maneuver around the food.

My One Complaint

The finish on this skillet is a little coarse. The resulting texture makes it a little more difficult to season the pan. Some reviewers noted that food stuck for a little while until it was seasoned well enough over time.

Check Price on Amazon

Universal Housewares 3 Piece Skillet Set

Best Bang for Buck

We all work hard for our money, so it’s important to squeeze every last bit out of that dollar. The Universal Housewares skillet set comes with not one, but three cast iron skillets. With a 6.25-, 7.8-, and 10-inch skillet, this single set has you covered for any dish you plan to make.

The company has been in the business of cast iron since 1842, so their roots and experience run deep.

Each of the three skillets in this set is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and baked at high heat. This seals in the protective layer, making a durable, easy-release cooking surface.

The three sizes will have you covered for any recipe and any size crowd. Having multiples allows you to make several things at the same time. If you wanted to, you could pare your pan collection down to these three. They are durable enough for everyday cooking, and simple to clean if you do so while they’re still hot.

Most reviewers use the 10-inch skillet for entrees and large meals. The smaller pans are perfect for breakfast items like pancakes and scrambles.

In the case of these pans, you get what you pay for. This is a great set for someone considering cast iron but doesn’t want to pay a lot for something they might not use. This also functions well as an extra set of pans to keep in your cabin or RV.

While a tremendous value, be aware that these aren’t top-of-the-line pans. Many reviewers noted that they had to season a bit at home before the surface was truly non-stick. Others reported issues with the largest skillet cracking after prolonged use.

My Favorite Thing About this Pan

You get three pans for an incredible price! If you’re cooking for one or two people, it’s nice to be able to use a smaller pan. The versatility comes in handy.

My One Complaint

They aren’t durable compared to other cast iron cookware. You won’t pass these pans down to your grandkids. However, if you’re looking to get started on the thinnest budget possible, these are the number one pick.

Check Price on Amazon

T-Fal Pre-Seasoned 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet

An honorable mention, the 12.5-inch skillet from T-Fal is a smart addition to your home kitchen.

At 12.5 inches, this skillet is on the larger side of the spectrum. This is a good choice for families of 4-6, or people who do a lot of searing where the pan can’t be too crowded.

The T-Fal uses a lot of small details that help in the kitchen. The handle is extra long, and the shape and detailing helps keep a firm grip. There is a keyhole cut out of the handle to help with weight, and also to assist grip.

The skillet also has two small spouts, which allows for a controlled pouring. It’s always safer to pour off hot grease and oil when you don’t risk it spilling everywhere!

The T-Fal comes pre-seasoned and includes detailed instructions for seasoning at home. The pan is oven-safe up to 600 degrees F and is PFOA and cadmium free. You can use the skillet on your stovetop, grill, or fire pit, too.

This skillet is great at retaining heat – you can serve foods right out of the pan, and it will keep them warm throughout the meal.

However, there are a few key things that make this an “honorable mention” rather than a “best in show.”

The biggest issue with this pan is that the bottom is convex, meaning the middle of the pan is slightly raised. This presents a problem when you’re making foods like pancakes, or cooking in oil. The slope of the pan causes any liquid to run to the edges of the pan, creating a circle with a dry hole in the middle.

Additionally, some reviewers noted that the seasoning on this pan is not as durable as others. A few people wore through the non-stick coating in as little as four months.

While the T-Fal is a good pan overall, it wouldn’t be my first choice. At about the same price point, I’d be more likely to go with the Lodge skillet. However, if you come across this one at the thrift store, or it’s the only model available, you’ll get good use out of it.

My Favorite Thing About this Pan

The heft, as well as the thoughtful exterior design. With a larger skillet, the long handle, grips, and thumb rest are good additions.

My One Complaint

The uneven cooking surface in this pan. If you’re only planning to sear foods, it may work out just fine. However, if you’re hoping for an all-around tool, you may find yourself frustrated. Thin foods like batter and oil run to the sides. This pan is good, but not great.

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Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned 12.5-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Utopia Kitchen’s 12.5-inch skillet is an affordable addition to your kitchen. It can go from stove to oven to campfire and will keep your food nice and warm throughout your meal.

This skillet comes with factory seasoning. After applying soy-based oil, the company bakes these pans at high heat to create the signature non-stick finish.

Utopia Kitchen’s skillet is great for beginners. The company provides detailed instructions about how to clean and season your skillet.

Because you have these directions, you leave less up to chance. Your skillet will stay clean and healthy for longer. The company even includes details about what to do if your pan starts to rust.

By using your maintenance skills on a more affordable pan, you’ll be able to care for a more expensive pan down the road properly.

The skillet can be used on gas, electric, induction, and ceramic-glass top stoves. It’s important that you not drag the skillet on stove tops, though. The pan is heavy, and the sheer weight of its movement could scratch or damage the surface.

Utopia Kitchen’s skillet also incorporates good design for easy use. A keyhole in the handle creates less weight, and you can hang the skillet up on the wall for storage or display.

While an overall good pan, reviewers do express some complaints. First, the pan is made in China. While nothing in the pan itself is reason for concern, some reviewers are wary of chemicals coming from China. If this is an issue for you, opt for a skillet made in North America.

Secondly, the cooking surface of this pan is somewhat rough and uneven. This remedies itself after a few good rounds of seasoning. However, it does make food subject to sticking when used fresh out of the box.

What you save in cash here, you do pay for in convenience. While the pan is a good value, you’ll “pay” in some extra time and elbow grease. However, this skillet is a good introduction to cast iron cookware. It’s a good choice for beginners, or to serve as a backup pan.

My Favorite Thing About this Pan

The detailed instructions it comes with. While overall straightforward, cast iron care can be intimidating. Having step-by-step instructions for cooking and care helps you learn. This way, you can take the best possible care of your product.

My One Complaint

The uneven cooking surface. The beauty of cast iron is the ability to cook without oil and without sticking. An uneven cooking surface means food is more likely to stick, which can be frustrating. Not to mention, stuck-on food is difficult to clean.

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FAQ’s About Cast Iron

1. Can I cook acidic foods in my cast iron pan?

The short answer here is yes, but with conditions.

A common myth surrounding cast iron is that it can’t be used with acidic foods like tomatoes. This might be problematic for prolific gardeners, or if you’re using cast iron as your sole cookware.

While acidic foods will wear through your seasoning over time, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid them. If you cook with tomatoes, citrus, or other acids, amp up your seasoning routine to help protect your skillet.

To err on the safe side, don’t start cooking with acidic foods immediately. Wait until you’ve built up a good layer of seasoning on your skillet, then break out the tomatoes.

Make sure to keep a rigorous seasoning regimen to avoid discoloration and metallic-tasting food.

2. Can I use metal utensils with my cast iron pan?

Absolutely! You can use any utensils with cast iron cookware. While some argue this ruins the seasoning, you just need to use some common sense.

When using metal utensils, avoid scratching or scraping (as much as you can). However, even a little tough love from a metal utensil won’t harm your cast iron skillet. Any scrapes from spatulas will be quickly repaired by the oils from the food.

If you do see particles removed after using metal utensils, this is most likely old fats and oils, rather than pieces of seasoning.

3. Can I wash my cast iron pan with soap?

This is a really controversial topic – some swear that soap will ruin your seasoning. However, the experts at Lodge disagree. In an interview with The Kitchn, Mark Kelly, public relations and advertising manager at Lodge, gave the verdict: soap will not ruin your pan.

When washing your cast iron pan, use a mild detergent. Even more important than the soap is to dry and oil your pan immediately after use. This is the step that will make your cast iron pan into an heirloom item.

Avoid unyielding soaps, the dishwasher (unless otherwise specified), and metal scouring pads. These things actually do have the potential to harm your pan.

Ironclad Cooking

In a lot of ways, cast iron cookware can help you simplify your kitchen.

With the ability to fry, sear, sautee, and even bake in the same skillet, you may find this pan is all you need. This can help you clear some cabinet space and de-clutter your kitchen.

Cast iron skillets are also good for your health! The non-stick surface allows you to get a perfect, crispy sear without the use of high-calorie oils or sprays with propellants. With cast iron, you’re getting delicious food with fewer calories.

This cookware can also boost the iron content of your food, sometimes by as much as 20%! Five times the iron, just from cooking in a certain pan! This makes cast iron a good choice for women, athletes, and vegans especially.

It’s not just your waistline either! Cooking with cast iron also means you’re not consuming harmful non-stick chemicals. By avoiding materials like Teflon, you’re reducing your risk of cancer and other ailments. Cast iron is the perfect non-stick solution for the chemical-free home.

Cast iron skillets keep you healthy and trim, but also help keep your wallet fat. These products are a one-time investment, meaning you don’t have to keep buying them. A quality cast-iron skillet can be passed down through generations. You can’t say the same for pans with non-stick coatings!

If you’re even a little interested in cast iron, it’s a worthwhile investment. Don’t let misinformation on the internet prevent you from benefiting from this cookware. There’s a reason cast iron has been around so long.

If you’re willing to put just a little effort and elbow grease in, cast iron will reward you for decades. Add one of our favorite skillets to your kitchen! A small monetary investment will deliver longtime returns for your health and your family.

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The post The Best Cast Iron Skillet Brands (2018 Buying Guide) appeared first on Urban Vegan.

Of all the spiral slicers out there, the Paderno Four-Blade Spiralizer Pro is the one I would recommend to my friends. It’s also the spiralizer that I own and use on a daily basis. Easy to use, gentle on hands, and easy to clean, it meets all my criteria for a great kitchen tool.

If the Paderno is out of your price range, the SpiraLife Vegetable Slicer is my recommendation for a more budget-friendly model. Reasonably priced and easy to use, the SpiraLife is also compact enough to fit in your silverware drawer. Best of all? It can be run through your dishwasher for easy cleanup.

But you don’t have to take my word for it! Read on to learn more about spiral slicers and our favorite products.

Article NavigationYou Need a Spiral Slicer!Kid-FriendlyReach Your Weight Loss GoalsAvoid Wheat and GlutenBuying a Spiral SlicerSpiralizer Comparison – Top 5 BrandsSpiral Slicers: for Health, Color, and Fun!

You Need a Spiral Slicer!

Besides helping you up your veggie intake, vegetable spiralizers are easy to use and take up little space. Plus, I don’t know any kid (or adult) who doesn’t want to eat a curly vegetable!

Paleo and the rise of gluten intolerance catapulted these tools into the limelight. Even so, spiral slicers have a variety of benefits, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Kid-Friendly

Every parent knows it’s tough to get kids excited about eating vegetables. Even good eaters can turn their noses up at foods like parsnips and zucchini.

A quick run through the spiralizer turns these vegetables into fun, bouncy corkscrews. These are easy for little fingers to pick up and eat, as well as fun to look at.

Giving ingredients a spiral upgrade can help little ones try new foods without the fight.

Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

No one wants to feel hungry and deprived when they’re trying to lose weight.

A vegetable spiralizer can help you make good choices in your menu. Filling your plate with spiralized veggies instead of pasta gives you the same satisfying volume with a fraction of the calories.

Instead of ordering greasy french fries, you can make healthy baked curly fries at home (yum!). Plenty of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and cucumber, can become veggie ribbons. As well as containing fewer calories, spiral-cut veggies have way more nutrients than plain old pasta.

The spiral slicer makes it easier to stick to your diet, which means you can effortlessly reach your weight loss goals. Tracking calories becomes that much easier when you can still eat a large volume of food.

Side Note* – If you want to make curly fries at home, but you want to skip the oil, an air fryer might be for you! You get the same texture and crispiness as a deep fryer but without the oil.

Avoid Wheat and Gluten

The past few years have seen an unprecedented rise in food intolerance. Celiac and wheat sensitivities are at the forefront of this movement. As a result, the gluten-free market has exploded.

Gluten-free products have come a long way, but certain foods like pasta leave a lot to be desired.

If you or a loved one can’t eat wheat or gluten products, a spiral slicer is a must-have. While gluten-free pasta can be mushy, zucchini noodles make a perfect substitute.

You can also spiralize vegetables like beets and sweet potato, which become colorful pasta after a quick blanch in boiling water. Vegetable noodles are a delicious and allergen-friendly alternative to wheat pasta.

Buying a Spiral Slicer

There are so many ways a spiral slicer could make your life easier – but how to choose the perfect one?

Spiral cutters are available in a multitude of options, from power to functionality. A college student in a dorm room will have different needs than a mom cooking for four.

Do yourself a favor and consider your preferences and cooking style before you buy. Getting a spiral slicer that’s best suited for what you need means you’ll be more likely to use it. Plus, when you do use it, it’ll be a better experience.

Here are the considerations you should make when buying your spiral slicer.

1 – Style

Spiral slicers generally come in two styles: portable compact and crank-style.

Portable Compact Slicers

Portable slicers are small enough to fit in your hand and look like hourglasses. Most models have two size options – one for a thin julienne, and one for thicker ribbons.

When a vegetable is inserted into one end and twisted by hand, the blade cuts it into thin ribbons or strips. Most include a small disk with teeth that helps rotate the vegetable into the blade.

These types of slicers are best suited for people in small spaces, like apartments or dorm rooms. The slicers take up very little space, and you can store them in silverware drawers or cupboards.

They’re also ideal for camping or RVs, where a power outlet isn’t an option. These slicers also clean off with a simple rinse.

However, there is a lot of manual labor involved to get veggie spirals from this style slicer.

Even with the help of the gripper disk, turning a whole vegetable into ribbons can be exhausting. Because of this, compact slicers are best for those cooking for 1-2 people. I don’t recommend them for people with arthritis or joint problems.

Compact spiral slicers are great for softer veggies like zucchini and cucumbers. They are much harder to use with tougher vegetables like potatoes, beets, and carrots.

Only use these types of slicers for tough veggies if you want a really great forearm workout!

Crank Style

Crank style spiral slicers operate like the pencil sharpeners you may have used as a kid. These models use a turning handle to spin the veggies against the blades.

It’s unbelievable how fast these slicers turn whole vegetables into ribbons. This style of slicer is ideal for those cooking for a crowd, and don’t have hours before dinner to prep veggies. Even tough tubers transform into ribbons in a matter of seconds.

The crank style is also gentle on hands. The ease of use of these slicers makes them suitable for little kids and those with arthritis or joint pain.

Some crank style slicers come with a variety of blade options – sometimes as many as five or six. These allow for ultimate customization in your meal and ensures you won’t get bored. Some slicers have every option from angel hair to wide, flat slices.

These are best suited for those with ample storage in their kitchen, as most models are about the size of a toaster. Their strange shape can also make them difficult to fit in tight spaces.

Due to their design, crank style slicers are the more expensive option. However, like most things, you get what you pay for.

Your cooking volume, and the amount of effort and cash you’re willing to spend will lead you to your ideal style.

2 – Easy to Clean

I don’t know about you, but for me, the maintenance of a product can be more important than how good it is.

Hear me out!

I’ve used great, helpful, easy kitchen tools in the past. However, nothing turns me off faster than a tool that’s difficult to clean. Because I know it’s going to be a pain to wash, I think twice about using it in the first place – which is a waste!

Think about how much effort you’re willing to put into keeping your spiral slicer clean.

For me? That’s little to no effort.

If you have a dishwasher, finding a product that’s dishwasher safe takes all the work out of clean up. At the very least, the blades should be removable and able to go in the dishwasher.

Even if you don’t have a dishwasher, look for a product that’s easy to clean. The last thing you want to do after cooking is stand over the sink scrubbing bits of peel out of the blade.

This is also necessary for safety. Because spiral slicers use teeth to create ribbons, bits of food that get stuck inside can result in bacteria growth. This can make your family sick, so an easy-to-clean tool is your best bet.

3 – Number of Blades

One to two blades will be enough to substitute your traditional pasta with zoodles. But if you want to incorporate a variety of shapes and spirals into your menu, you need more blades.

Four blades is an optimal amount for the home chef. This tends to include an angel hair, regular, thick, and flat ribbon option. Between these four blades, you should be able to create ribbons for every dish possible.

I own a four-blade spiralizer myself. I feel it provides enough options without being unmanageable. The angel hair and pasta settings are perfect with tomato sauce. When I make a stir fry, the thicker noodles remind me of fat udon noodles. The flat ribbons make perfect shaved cucumber for summer salads.

That being said, I love to cook and enjoy the variety, so it makes sense for me to invest in more blades.

However, it’s a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have. If you’re tight on money or storage space, a basic two-blade slicer will get the job done.

4 – BPA-Free

I bring up BPA a lot in my articles, but that’s because it’s important!

While the jury is still out, I do my best to avoid products with BPA.

BPA, also known as bisphenol-A, is an industrial chemical used to make plastics. Research shows that BPA can leach into food and cause health problems. Most notably, issues related to the brain and prostate development of fetuses, as well as behavior issues in children.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a risk-taker when it comes to my health or the health of my loved ones. It’s easy to avoid BPA, especially in spiral slicers. There is no kitchen product to great that it’s worth gambling with health.

Put your family’s best interests first and choose a spiral slicer that is free of BPA. Most companies will advertise this on their site, as it’s a hot-button issue these days. Of course, if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to call or email the company to get the scoop.

Spiralizer Comparison – Top 5 Brands

Brand

Paderno

SpiraLife

Inspiralizer

Mueller

Spiralizer

Style

Crank

Portable Compact

Crank

Crank

Crank

# of Blades

4

2

4

4

5

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Paderno

Style

Crank

# of Blades

4

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

SpiraLife

Style

Portable Compact

# of Blades

2

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Inspiralizer

Style

Crank

# of Blades

4

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Mueller

Style

Crank

# of Blades

4

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Spiralizer

Style

Crank

# of Blades

5

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Paderno 4-Blade Pro (Best Overall)

When I got married, I received a small mountain of kitchen appliances as gifts. Among them was a Paderno 4-Blade slicer. Of all the appliances I received, the Paderno is one of the only tools I still use on a regular basis, years after my bridal shower.

Every aspect of the Paderno’s design makes it stand out. The machine includes four blades that stow away in the body of the slicer. A metal skewer keeps zucchini and carrots in line with the blades, ensuring you get long, beautiful spirals instead of a bowl of half-moons. The thing even has little suction cup “feet” that keeps it anchored to my counter top!

The model can be used by both left- and right-handed users – an easy-to-overlook detail! Paderno has left no stone unturned with this slicer.

Of course, the thing that keeps me using this tool is how easy it is to clean – not only can the blades go through the dishwasher, but the entire BPA-free body can be disassembled and placed on the top rack. When you’re done slicing, simply fold the body for easy storage.

The Paderno allows me to process vegetables with lightning speed, helping me make low-calorie dishes and add colorful spirals to salads and stir-fries. Everything about the model is easy to use, high-quality, and a breeze to clean.

What We Love

The Paderno slicer uses a small corer to utilize as much of the vegetable as possible during processing. When you’re done running the vegetable through the slicer, you’re left with minimal waste, that can easily be sliced up and added to the dish. The four blades also allow for complete customizability, so you can create every dish you can think of.

What We Didn’t Like

Some users found that the metal corer popped out of the machine after a few uses. To prevent anyone from biting down on the metal tube, always make sure it’s still in the machine after processing.

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SpiraLife Vegetable Spiralizer (Best Budget)

The SpiraLife Vegetable Spiralizer is a no-frills, budget friendly tool that everyone should keep in their kitchen. For less money than you might spend on a meal at a restaurant, you can arm yourself with a reliable little tool that doesn’t clog or jam.

The SpiraLife features two blades – a spaghetti blade and a wide ribbon blade. Unlike many hand-held spiralizers out there, the veggies will glide through the blades with ease.

There are plenty of portable compact slicers on the market right now, but the SpiraLife is the one I recommend to friends. First, the SpiraLife’s gripper disk is designed to use as much of the vegetable as possible. Less waste means more veggies in your belly and more money in your pocket.

Cleanup is also super convenient with this model. In addition to being dishwasher-safe, the SpiraLife comes with a cleaning brush to get any stubborn bits out from the blades.

It comes with an extra handheld slicer, bag, recipe book, and instructional videos. A high-quality product for the money, this little slicer bundle really stretches your dollar.

What We Love

Reviewers love the versatility of the two blades. With one for spaghetti and one for flat ribbons, a small purchase price covers most of your vegetable noodle needs with these two shapes. Those who purchased this slicer also appreciate the amount of instructions and tips, as well as how easy it is to clean this thing.

What We Didn’t Like

While perfect for those with limited budgets, who those looking for a backup, this is definitely a case of getting what you pay for. Some reviewers found that the blades became dull after a few uses, and others noted that it takes a looooooooong time to spiralize a single vegetable with this tool. It’s good quality for what it is, but don’t expect to receive a top-of-the-line product here.

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The Inspiralizer

Food blogger Ali Maffucci has made a living off of healthy recipes based around spiralized vegetables (inspiralized.com). Because of this, she’s something of an authority on spiral slicers.

The Inspiralizer is the result of Ali’s experiences and expertise with spiralized veggies. The Inspiralizer includes four blades to create ribbons, fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti. Reviewers have great success with soft veggies like cucumber and zucchini, but the appliance struggles with things like potatoes and beets.

The model utilizes a vacuum base to suction to your countertop and keep it from slipping while you spiralize. However, some reviewers noted the suction lets go after a few minutes, which can be problematic if you’ve got a lot of veggies to process.

The tool includes a safety cover that protects fingers from the sharp blades, allowing children to help in the kitchen with supervision. It also helps you from spiralizing your own fingertips after an exhausting day!

The body of the spiral slicer is BPA-free and comes with a one-year warranty.

What We Love

This appliance feels extremely sturdy for being made of plastic. Many users have found that it’s as solid after months of use as it was on the day they purchased it. Additionally, it’s extremely easy to change the blades in this slicer. Overall, it’s a very convenient and intuitive tool.

What We Didn’t Like

Some purchasers noted disappointment with how the Inspiralizer handles tough foods like apples and beets. Since it’s priced about the same as top-of-the-line products, they felt it was overpriced for its abilities.

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Mueller Spiral-Ultra 4-Blade Spiralizer

The Mueller Spiral-Ultra shines when it comes to mess management. As easy as some spiral slicers are to operate, they can make a big mess. Even when you put a bowl under the blades, they can create a mess when the vegetable pieces overshoot it.

The Spiral-Ultra addresses this by catching veggie ribbons in a container attached to the slicer. While this is convenient and helps manage cleanup, the container is on the small side. You’ll need to break now and then to empty the container if you have lots of veggies to process.

This model makes easy work of even tough vegetables like butternut squash. Despite this, some reviewers were disappointed with how much of the vegetable went to waste, as the Spiral-Ultra doesn’t cut all the way down to the base.

The Spiral-Ultra is also different in that it uses gravity to process vegetables, instead of sliding the veggies in horizontally. This makes it a good option for those with arthritis or joint pain. However, the vertical nature of the tool does make it hard to store, especially in short cabinets.

On the plus side, the cutting blades store inside the unit itself, so that does help minimize the amount of required storage space.

The unit is made in Austria, and uses BPA-free plastic.

What We Love

There is so much less mess! This is particularly important for busy parents, or those with small shared kitchen areas. Just a little mess can make a small space look cluttered, so having all the ribbons land in the container makes cleaning as you go simple and easy.

What We Didn’t Like

The Spiral-Ultra doesn’t come with instructions. This can be problematic, considering how many parts the slicer comes with. If you don’t like solving puzzles or putting together IKEA furniture, this is probably not the unit for you.

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Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer

With the most blades available of our recommended products, the Spiralizer 5-blade allows for the most customizability possible. You can create everything from delicate angel hair to wide, flat ribbons for salads.

This veggie spiralizer uses an easy-to-turn crank for processing and suction cup feet that keep this anchored to your countertop while you process. However, some users noted that while the cups stay attached to the counter, the unit itself slides around.

This model is the company’s third iteration of the tool and is 30-35% stronger than previous models.

It uses 420 high carbon stainless steel blades to process tough root vegetables and crunchy fruits. While it’s not the firmness of the veggie that affects processing, the width of your ingredient can severely impact the efficiency. Long, thinner veggies like zucchini and carrots are shredded with ease, but reviewers ran into difficulty with stout ingredients like onions and turnips.

Overall, the Spiralizer is a good-quality product. However, for the price, many purchasers did not feel the features and customer service were up to par. Because of this, it’s an honorable mention on this list and not our #1 recommendation for spiral slicers.

While you won’t be disappointed with this purchase, there are better options out there.

What We Love

Among all the spiralizers, this one is the easiest to use. The strong plastic and food-grade steel blades allow even tough vegetables to slide through without a hint of hesitation. Those with limited time or hand strength will be well-served by this slicer.

What We Didn’t Like

For the amount of money, this spiralizer struggles with vegetables that aren’t long and thin. Additionally, some reviewers thought the corer took out too much of the usable vegetable, resulting in a lot of waste.

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Spiral Slicers: for Health, Color, and Fun!

A spiral slicer can serve a wide population of home cooks. It can help you decrease calories, increase veggies, and add a serious amount of color to dishes.

Among the many options for spiral slicers, the Paderno is my top recommendation. In addition to the high ratings it gets from reviewers, it’s also the one I use in my own kitchen. Easy to use and easier to clean, I recommend this model to my friends and family – and you!

For those with more limited budgets or storage constraints, I recommend the SpiraLife. With noodle and ribbon options, this is an affordable, no-frills tool to keep on hand. Of all the veggie slicers I’ve used, this one is gentlest on hands and makes the best quality result.

If you’re even considering a spiral slicer, I highly recommend going for it. Even the highest quality slicers don’t cost a lot.

They can also make a huge impact on your health, helping you replace calorie-dense foods. You’ll be upping your nutrient intake and still eating a satisfying volume of food.

Any of the products on our list will help you make good choices in the kitchen. Consider adding a spiral slicer to your collection to boost the nutrients, color, and fun in your meals.

The post Best Vegetable Spiralizer/Spiral Slicer 2018 (Buying Guide) appeared first on Urban Vegan.

While necessary, it can’t be denied that chopping vegetables is time-consuming, tedious, and can be problematic for people with hand issues or who have small children, which would make the traditional knife and cutting board option difficult.

And that’s not even considering how difficult certain vegetables can be – has anyone actually found an easy way to cut a butternut squash with just a knife? It feels like an injury waiting to happen.

If you spend a lot of time and effort chopping veggies for your dishes, a vegetable chopper may be a wise investment to help save you time, as well as allow young or elderly family members to safely help with meal preparation.

After careful investigation, we’ve found the LovKitchen vegetable chopper and the Cuisinart vegetable chopper to be our top picks for manual and electric choppers, respectively.

The LovKitchen Chopper is a durable manual model that is completely adjustable to accommodate varied sizes of foods and is dishwasher safe and BPA free.

Similarly, the Cuisinart electric vegetable chopper is an efficient machine that allows you to quickly chop a variety of ingredients and can hold a large volume of veggies for big dishes and large crowds.

While these products are our favorites of the group, we’ve compiled a total of six products that get our seal of approval.

Read more to pick your perfect chopper!

Article NavigationVegetable Chopper Buying GuideShould I go for a Manual or Electric Vegetable Chopper?Is it Dishwasher Safe?Number of BladesContainer VolumeIf It Ain’t BPA-Free, You Ain’t Buying ItOpt For Stainless Steel Blades (ALWAYS!)Stick to the Basics or Go Fully Loaded?Best Manual Vegetable ChoppersLovkitchen Multi-functional Adjustable Vegetable & Fruit ChopperVidalia Chop WizardProgressive Prepworks Fruit & Vegetable ChopperBest Electric Vegetable ChoppersCuisinart Mini Prep PlusBLACK+DECKER One-Touch Electric ChopperGourmia Power DicerThe Verdict

Vegetable Chopper Buying Guide

When purchasing a vegetable chopper, there are several things you’ll want to consider that will lead you to a product that’s perfect for you. Be sure to read each section as they will help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Good Luck!​

Should I go for a Manual or Electric Vegetable Chopper?

The first consideration you’ll want to make is whether you want a chopper that only requires only some manpower to operate or a higher-tech electric model.

Most manual vegetable choppers come in two models – the first usually involves a swinging arm with criss-cross blades, so the vegetables are diced when the arm is lowered. The other, slightly more involved models, might function more like a food processor, using a rip cord or a hand crank.

The swing models have the ability to create a perfect, uniform dice, while the processor models are better for salsas or rough chops. The lack of electricity makes both types good for campers, RVs, and emergency kits.

Electric vegetable choppers need to be connected to a power source and offer both convenience and safety. By relying on motor-powered blades, chopping can be done hands-free with many options, making them good choices for people with arthritis or hand problems that might make manual operation difficult.

Additionally, electric choppers guarantee that hands cannot get near the blades, which means small children can help during prep (with the help of an adult, of course).

Is it Dishwasher Safe?

A vegetable chopper will save you tons of time during prep – having a product do the dicing for you cuts down tenfold on your preparation time.

However, this is all for nothing if it’s going to take you a long time to clean the product.

Being able to disassemble your chopper, give the parts a quick rinse, and place them in the dishwasher means you can spend more time doing the things you love instead of scrubbing bits of vegetable peel out of your chopper.

At the very least, look for products with a dishwasher-safe blade and bowl. Of course, more dishwasher-safe parts are better, but having easy-to-clean blades and bowls will allow you to spend that time you save during chopping doing fun things you like, rather than cleaning up after yourself.

Number of Blades

A product with several options for blades means your vegetable chopper can replace many of the tools in your kitchen, saving you cabinet space and streamlining your prep.

Many manual choppers come with a variety of blades, including small and large dice, as well as slicing and shredding. Similarly, some electric models come with more than one chopping option, allowing for coarse chops for chunky salsas and soups, to fine minces for onions and garlic.

As you’re considering the right chopper for you, think about the options you need and the environment you’re working in. Are you looking to stock your RV, which has limited kitchen and counter space? Do you just need a single tool that relieves you from the monotony of dicing carrot after carrot? These requirements will help lead you to the tool that is as simple or as customizable as you need.

Container Volume

Think about the volume of vegetables you usually prep. Are you just chopping up a zucchini or two for small meals, or do you need to process a lot of veggies for a big soup or to feed a large crowd?

Manual and electric vegetable choppers usually use a bowl or container that catches the chopped food, and can also function as storage. If you’re just cooking for one or two, a small container will get the job done (and won’t take up unnecessary space), while those cooking for crowds or doing weekly meal preps will want to opt for a larger capacity.

If your prep style varies from day to day, consider a model that doesn’t rely on a container or bowl, and allows you to put a container of your choosing to catch the chopped veggies.

If It Ain’t BPA-Free, You Ain’t Buying It

Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is a chemical added to plastics to harden them and give them shape.

However, it has come under fire – and is a hot-button issue – due to studies that have linked the presence of BPA to issues with brain and prostate health, as well as behavioral issues. While the jury is still out, some people are opting to avoid products with BPA, especially in items that come into contact with food.

If you are someone avoiding BPA, look for products that are labeled “BPA-free.” At the very least, you can look for choppers that do contain BPA but use BPA-free plastics for the areas that come into contact with food. You can get as strict or lenient with this as you feel comfortable with.

Opt For Stainless Steel Blades (ALWAYS!)

For both manual and electric vegetable choppers, always look for a blade made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is extremely resistant to staining, chipping, and rust, which means in the long run, your food will be safer.

You won’t have as much risk of finding shards of steel in your food, and the blades will stay rust-free, which means they are more durable, and won’t need to be replaced very often, if at all.

Plus, you need strong blades in a chopper that can cut easily through potato, carrot, and other hard vegetables. The last thing you want is a soft blade that gets stuck halfway through your potato.

Stainless steel blades can also stand up to the dishwasher, which makes for easy cleanup, and reduces the risk of cutting your hands while cleaning the blades.

Stick to the Basics or Go Fully Loaded?

Once you’ve decided on the points above, you can move into the “nice to haves” of customizability.

Some products offer the minimum requirements necessary – they chop vegetables – but you may want to consider other luxuries and add-ons for your product.

Is there a specific color you want your chopper to be, in case you’re keeping it on the countertop?

Do you need an adjustable chopper to accommodate very large vegetables?

Once you have the requirements of your chopper figured out, you can move on to the customizable aspects of the product that allow you to express your personality, or make your chopping experience that much more convenient.

Best Manual Vegetable Choppers

If you prefer electric choppers, please click here to skip to our top picks for electric models

Brand	Vidalia	LovKitchen	Progressive
Price	$	$$	$$$
# of Blades	2	5	3
Container Volume	2 Cups	5.5 Cups	3 Cup
Blade Type	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Dishwasher Safe
BPA-Free
Adjustable

Lovkitchen Multi-functional Adjustable Vegetable & Fruit Chopper

Our Top Pick for Manual Vegetable Choppers

A perfect balance between quality and value, the LovKitchen Vegetable Chopper is our top choice for people looking to replace their knife and cutting board with a handy manual chopper. Made with sharp stainless steel blades and a reinforced plastic body, this model is built to last, even after chopping tough vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.

The LovKitchen model is also incredibly versatile – the adjustable body allows the chopper to handle oddly-shaped or large vegetables that wouldn’t fit in other models. Additionally, the unit comes with an impressive five blade options so that you can chop and dice, as well as grate and slice, which means fewer products taking up space in your kitchen.

The LovKitchen Vegetable Chopper is made without the use of BPA, PVC, or phthalates, ensuring the healthiest option for you and your family. The chopper comes with a handy cleaning blade for removing large or stuck bits of food, but you can also put the chopper into the dishwasher for low-effort cleanup.

What We Liked

• Adjustable
• Many blade choices
• Dishwasher safe
• Large container doubles as storage
• BPA-free

What We Disliked

• Does not come with instructions
• Learning curve as to not grate fingers
• Has trouble with thin foods like outer layer of onion, pepper

Check Price on Amazon

Vidalia Chop Wizard

The Vidalia Chop Wizard allows home cooks to swiftly chop and dice vegetables into perfect cubes with just a single movement.

The model uses two super-sharp stainless steel inserts to cut a large dice or a small dice, depending on the size you’re looking for. It works with a variety of foods, from softies like avocados and tomatoes to harder veggies like carrots and potatoes.

The container that catches the diced food can also function as a measuring cup, with handy ½-cup and 2-cup markers, as well as a storage container so that you can prepare ingredients ahead of time. The lid is dishwasher safe, to ensure easy cleanup.

Best of all, the Chop Wizard is extremely affordable, and perfect for people with limited budgets, who just want a spare chopper on hand in case of power outages, for camping and travel, or who simply don’t want to deal with the mess of a knife and cutting board.

What We Liked

• Easy to use
• Can handle a variety of foods
• Two blades allow you to choose size
• Multi-functional container
• Dishwasher safe

What We Disliked

• Can break if used roughly
• Not very durable
• Hard to clean without dishwasher

Check Price on Amazon

Progressive Prepworks Fruit & Vegetable Chopper

The vegetable chopper from Progressive features an ergonomic design that allows cooks to chop perfect vegetables with a one-handed press of the pusher lid. With that single motion, food slides through the sharp stainless steel blades and is collected in the container base, which can function as a measuring cup and a storage container.

At the top of our price range for manual vegetable choppers, this model may cost more than some home cooks are willing to spend on such a tool. However, the product has overwhelmingly positive reviews, and does prove to be convenient – no mess on your cutting board, a considerable decrease in prep time, and less chance of injury to hands and fingers are all benefits of this product.

The Progressive Vegetable Chopper is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making it a healthy and easy tool to have in your kitchen. However, some reviewers note that the blades are not strong enough considering the price, and struggle with hard foods.

What We Liked

• Requires only one hand for operation
• Dishwasher safe
• BPA-free
• Built-in blade
• Three chop size options

What We Disliked

• Hard to chop hard foods like carrots
• Cannot handle large quantities of food at once
• Not very durable

Check Price on Amazon

Best Electric Vegetable Choppers

The three products below are our favorites for easy-to-use, convenient, gentle-on-hands electric food choppers.

Brand	BLACK + DECKER	Cuisinart	Gourmia
Price	$	$$	$$$
Chopping Options	1	2	4
Container Volume	1.5 Cups	3 Cups	Unlimited
Blade Type	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Color	White or Black	Brushed Chrome	White/Chrome
Dishwasher Safe
BPA-Free

Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus

Our Top Pick for Electric Vegetable Choppers

Our top pick for electric vegetable choppers, the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus is the best bang for your buck. With a large BPA-free 3-cup bowl and two chopping speeds, you can efficiently process a lot of veggies and choose how coarse or fine you want your chop.

Everything about the Mini Prep Plus is efficient – from the stainless steel blades for effective cutting to the simple push-button operation, this product is a great mix of durability and affordability.

It is compact enough to keep on even the most crowded countertops but has enough power to crunch through even tough vegetables. While it’s great for vegetables from tomatoes to potatoes, you can also use it for nuts, chocolates, and fruits.

The lid, bowl, and blades are all dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to eat up the time you saved during prep cleaning up after your chopper. Just rinse and run them through the dishwasher and set the machine right back up for your next round.

If you’re looking for a perfect middle-of-the-road electric chopper to help you cut down on vegetable prep time, give this one a try!

What We Liked

• Large enough for family meals
• Two chopping speeds
• Easy to clean
• Looks classy on countertops
• BPA-free

What We Disliked

• Inconsistent chop sizes
• Can struggle with large amounts of food despite bowl size
• Noisy

Check Price on Amazon

BLACK+DECKER One-Touch Electric Chopper

The food chopper from BLACK + DECKER is the ideal choice for people on very tight budgets looking for a handy vegetable chopper, or those who want a serviceable product to keep in the RV or travel kit. At just a 1.5-cup capacity, it’s also an ideal option for singles, or for processing small amounts of food.

The chopper features curved stay-sharp stainless steel blades and a large one-touch button with pulse control, so you can control how coarse or fine you want your vegetables. When you’re done chopping, simply place the bowl, lid, and blade into the dishwasher to make cleaning up as simple as chopping.

With this product, you get what you pay for – there aren’t any bells and whistles, there is a single chopping option, and the bowl is on the smaller side. However, it’s a low-risk, low-commitment addition to your home or a convenient tool in your travel kit.

What We Liked

• Affordable
• Compact enough for small kitchens
• Simple and straightforward
• Pulse control
• Most of machine is dishwasher safe

What We Disliked

• Too small for families
• Liquefies soft foods
• Noisy
• Not BPA-Free

Check Price on Amazon

Gourmia Power Dicer

Unlike most of the electric vegetable choppers on the market that tend to function more like food processors, the Gourmia Power Dicer allows you to create perfectly diced vegetables no matter how soft – even tomatoes and avocados! You can choose from five blade options to get every texture from dice to grate.

The Power Dicer also allows you to process as much or as little food at once as you like. Because you simply place a bowl of your choice beneath the chute, you can use a big mixing bowl for a large salad, or a small prep bowl for just a single chopped zucchini or carrot.

You also have the freedom to use pre-sliced ingredients, or entire potatoes for french fries. While the Gourmia has a larger price tag, you do get a lot of freedom and autonomy while getting a quick and efficient dice.

The Gourmia looks super sharp out on your counter, with a white body and chrome and black accents. Additionally, it’s convenient – many parts of the Gourmia dicer can go straight into the dishwasher after use, and you can wipe down the base with a damp paper towel if it gets any vegetable pieces or residue on it.

What We Liked

• Ability to dice lots of veggies at once
• Even dice on soft foods
• Wide variety of blades
• BPA-free
• Most parts dishwasher safe

What We Disliked

• Does not come with a bowl
• Food gets caught in chopping tray
• Does not come with instructions

Check Price on Amazon

The Verdict

Whether you’re looking to save time and energy or want to invest in a product that will allow young and elderly family members to be involved in meal preparation, a vegetable chopper is a handy addition to any kitchen.

While each of these products has our seal of approval, the LovKitchen Vegetable Chopper and the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus are our top picks when it comes to manual and electric models. A good mix of durability, quality, and affordability, both are ideal options for those looking for a product that will help with the necessary and ever-present task of chopping vegetables.

Since so many recipes require at least some vegetable chopping, these easy-to-use, easy-to-clean products will help save you time, so you can get the same quality in your dishes while having more time and energy to do the things you love with the people you love.

The post Best Vegetable Choppers for 2018 (Buying Guide) appeared first on Urban Vegan.

Not only do food choppers and dicers save precious time during food prep, they are also safe tools for families with young children who cannot yet use a knife, as well as people with arthritis or other conditions that might make traditional knife-work difficult or painful.

We’ve scoured the market to find the best food choppers to meet your needs. For those looking for a manual unit that does not require electricity, the Chef’n VeggiChop is an ergonomic, easy-to-use tool with a capacity large enough for families and larger dishes.

For those opting for an electric model, the Ninja Express Chop can’t be beaten – affordable and powerful, this chopper can tackle a variety of foods, including vegetables, nuts, and even ice!

While these two products take our top spots for best food choppers, there are tons of options out on the market. 

Read below for a comprehensive look at things to consider during your purchase, as well as our thoughts on several other models.

Article NavigationFood Chopper Buying GuideManual vs. ElectricDishwasher SafeBlade TypeCapacityBPA-FreeWarrantyBest Manual Food ChoppersChef’n VeggiChop Food ChopperZYLISS Food ChopperThe Pampered Chef Cutting Edge Food ChopperBest Electric Food ChoppersNinja Express ChopProctor Silex Durable Food ChopperGourmia Multi-Purpose Power Dicer PlusThe Verdict

Food Chopper Buying Guide

When purchasing a food chopper, there are several things you’ll want to consider that will lead you to your perfect product.  Be sure to read each section as they will help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Good luck!

Manual vs. Electric

Food choppers come in two varieties – manual and electric.

A manual chopper is perfect for campers, RVs, travel, and those who don’t want to rely on the power grid, while electric choppers are a good choice for those looking for a convenient tool to keep on the countertop.

Manual choppers don’t tend to take too much effort but can prove to be difficult for people with arthritis or people who have limited strength in their arms and hands. A manual chopper with a pull-cord can be simple and easy to use, but for people who might have difficulty pulling the cord, a push-plunger style model may be the best way to go.

To eliminate all difficulty, opt for an electric model – it’s easy for children and adults to use, and requires less work in general to achieve the texture you need.

Dishwasher Safe

If a product isn’t easy to clean, you’ll be less likely to use it, knowing that it will be a project in itself to get the thing spotless again. That’s why opting for a dishwasher-safe model is your best bet – what could be more convenient than disassembling the tool, placing the parts in the dishwasher, and pressing a button?

In addition to convenience, products that can be placed in the dishwasher are also safer. Since you’re letting the machine do the work, you’re reducing the chance of injury from trying to scrub soapy, slippery stainless steel blades.

At the least, look for choppers whose blades are dishwasher safe, but if you find a model where you can put both the blades and bowl into the dishwasher, you’ll thank yourself later.

Blade Type

Stainless steel is a popular material for food chopper blades and with good reason. First, it makes the blades more resistance to rust and corrosion, which is especially helpful when you’re chopping watery foods like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

On the whole, stainless steel requires little to no maintenance, which piggybacks off the “ease” factor we mentioned in the dishwasher-safe category.

Secondly, stainless steel is highly durable and strong – not only will the blades last for a long time, but you’ll also decrease the risk of chipping or cracking, which could result in dangerous metal shards in your food.

Lastly, stainless steel doesn’t require any coating for use with food – it’s suitable for coming into contact with edible ingredients all on its own. It leaches little to no metallic taste into your food, which keeps your ingredients tasting fresh and pure.

Capacity

Most food choppers tend to have a smaller capacity than its larger, more powerful cousin, the food processor, coming in anywhere from 1-4 cups total.

When considering capacity, think about what you’ll be using your food chopper for most.

Someone who is only looking for an efficient way to mince garlic, herbs and a few toasted nuts won’t need as large a capacity as someone looking to make big bowls of salsa or heaps of ingredients for a chili.

It’s important to pick the right capacity tool for the function you’re looking for – a large capacity bowl may just rotate finely chopped ingredients, while a container that’s too small will require you to add your ingredients in batches. Think about how you’ll most be using your chopper, and choose accordingly.

BPA-Free

Bisphenol-A, or BPA, has been a hot-button issue in the food appliance world. Found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, BPA has been used in containers, appliances, and water bottles since the 1960s.

However, some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages and cause health concerns related to the brain, behavior, prostate gland, and increased blood pressure. While the FDA has declared BPA to be safe at low doses, families are, understandably, still concerned about the side effects it can cause.

If you’re worried about BPA and want to avoid it in your containers and appliances, choose a food chopper made entirely from metal, or which uses BPA plastic.

At the very least, choose a chopper that has BPA-free “food areas,” which means BPA plastic may be present in parts of the chopper, but all areas that come into contact with food are free of the chemical.

Warranty

Whenever you’re looking for a tool or appliance for your kitchen, knowing that that product has a warranty on it can build confidence in your purchase.

In case the product breaks, malfunctions, or has some other issue that affects the operation of the tool and/or the final product, many companies note that they will repair or replace the product within a particular time frame, or for certain problems that might come up.

If you’re spending a larger amount of money on your purchase, or you want to be protected in case something happens, opt for a model that includes an unlimited warranty, or somehow has a way for you to replace your purchase within a reasonable window of time.

Best Manual Food Choppers

Looking for the perfect chopper to keep in your camping equipment, RV, or emergency kit? The three manual choppers below are our top picks for power-free chopping.

Brand

ZYLISS

Chef’n

The Pampered Chef

Price

$

$$

$$$

Capacity

1 Cup

3.9 Cups

1 Cup

Style

Push Plunger

Pull Cord

Push Plunger

Blade Type

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Warranty

5 year guarantee

Limited lifetime warranty

Limited warranty

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

ZYLISS

Price

$

Capacity

1 Cup

Style

Push Plunger

Blade Type

Stainless Steel

Warranty

5 year guarantee

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Chef’n

Price

$$

Capacity

3.9 Cups

Style

Pull Cord

Blade Type

Stainless Steel

Warranty

Limited lifetime warranty

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

The Pampered Chef

Price

$$$

Capacity

1 Cup

Style

Push Plunger

Blade Type

Stainless Steel

Warranty

Limited warranty

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Chef'n VeggiChop Food Chopper

Our Top Pick for Manual Food Choppers

Our top pick for best manual food chopper, the Chef’n VeggiChop is the perfect size for small countertops and campers, but with a 3.9-cup bowl capacity, it can still chop ingredients for families or large-batch dishes.

As the name suggests, the VeggiChop is perfect for all kinds of vegetables, including onions, garlic, and tomatoes, but it also makes quick work of herbs, fruits, and nuts. You can easily control the texture of the ingredients – just pull the string a few times for a rough chop, or keep pulling to puree beans, make pesto, or create smooth hummus.

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, even praisers of the product note that these blades are extremely sharp – great for chopping food, but makes it all the more important to take extra care when removing blades from the product, or when taking them out of the dishwasher.

What We Liked

• Easy to use
• Large capacity
• Includes sealing storage
• Dishwasher safe

What We Disliked

• Has trouble with small pieces of food
• String can break if pulled too hard
• Difficult for arthritic/weak hands

Check Price on Amazon

ZYLISS Food Chopper

Affordable and effective, the ZYLISS food chopper is the perfect choice for those looking for a handy tool around the kitchen, but don’t have a big budget to devote to the purchase.

In addition to being affordable, this hand held food chopper is also a good option for people with arthritis or limited hand strength – the chopping blades are activated with the press of a plunger at the top of the tool.

A clear plastic cover protects fingers while the stainless steel blades power through a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs.

The chopper is extremely convenient, from its compact design to its ability to be cleaned in the dishwasher to the convenient cover that allows the chopping cup to be used as storage. For maximum confidence, the unit comes with a five-year warranty.

What We Liked

• Good for arthritis/limited hand strength
• Affordable
• Comes with five-year warranty
• Blade cover protects fingers during use
• Dishwasher safe

What We Disliked

• Food can stick to blades
• Small capacity
• Difficult to disassemble for cleaning

Check Price on Amazon

The Pampered Chef Cutting Edge Food Chopper

The Cutting Edge food chopper from The Pampered Chef is a high-quality tool with a price tag to match. However, in this case, you truly get what you pay for – the Cutting Edge chopper can power through nuts, garlic, onions, and nearly any other ingredient you add to it with ease.

The push plunger mechanism means easy chopping for those with arthritis, limited hand strength, or small children, and the protective blade cover keeps fingers away from the action.

Cleanup is easy, too – just disassemble the tool and pop it onto the top rack of your dishwasher.

The blades can also be rinsed under warm water (just watch your fingers), and the clear plastic cover allows you to monitor the progress of the food chopping so you can stop when the ingredients are as coarse or fine as you need them.

If you have the room in your budget for this tool, it won’t disappoint, but it may be cost prohibitive to those with leaner wallets.

What We Liked

• Durable
• Works on a variety of foods
• Dishwasher safe
• Easy to use
• Good for arthritis/weak hands

What We Disliked

• Expensive
• Plastic cover scratches easily
• Not good for tomatoes

Check Price on Amazon

Best Electric Food Choppers

The three electric choppers below are our favorites for being easy-to-use, convenient and gentle-on-hands.

Brand

Ninja

Gourmia

Price

$$

$$$

Capacity

3 Cups

Unlimited

Settings

1

5

Color

Black

White

Warranty

1 year warranty

No Mention

Dishwasher Safe

Most parts

BPA-Free

Brand

Ninja

Price

$$

Capacity

3 Cups

Settings

1

Color

Black

Warranty

1 year warranty

Dishwasher Safe

BPA-Free

Brand

Gourmia

Price

$$$

Capacity

Unlimited

Settings

5

Color

White

Warranty

No Mention

Dishwasher Safe

Most parts

BPA-Free

Ninja Express Chop

Our Top Pick for Electric Food Choppers

Our top choice for best electric chopper, the Ninja Express Chop is the perfect balance between quality and affordability. The chopper effortlessly chops, minces, grinds, and blends, and its compact design means it takes up little counter space and stores easily, even in crowded cabinets.

The three-cup capacity can handle many types of foods, including fruits and vegetables, but performs especially well on crunchy foods like nuts, seeds, chocolate, and coffee beans.

The containers are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

The unit is also gentle on hands, with an ergonomically designed power pod that allows for easy, one-touch power pulsing. The protective splash guard doubles as storage when covered with the included lid.

What We Liked

• Able to chop food finely
• Great customer support
• Works quickly
• Compact design
• Gentle on hands

What We Disliked

• Goes from “dice” to “liquefy” quickly
• Food sometimes gets caught below blades
• Not good for dried fruits

Check Price on Amazon

No products found.

No products found.

Simple to use, the Proctor Silex Durable Food Chopper is a great affordable choice for those looking for electric choppers. Using the pulse speed control, you can easily get a rough chop on vegetables and fruits, or let the blades run to get a smooth, creamy puree with nuts, seeds, and legumes.

The bowl, lid, and blades can all be placed in the dishwasher for easy and convenient cleanup. The bowl is made from BPA-free plastic, and the blades are food-grade stainless steel.

Considering the price, this model is an extremely affordable option but doesn’t sacrifice durability or ease of use. However, some reviewers do note that the bowl capacity is perfect for singles, but is on the small side for groups or large dishes.

What We Liked

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Most parts are dishwasher safe
• Pulse speed control
• Chops well

What We Disliked

• Small capacity
• Difficult to remove container
• Difficult to mince foods

No products found.

Gourmia Multi-Purpose Power Dicer Plus

At the top of our price range, the Gourmia Power Dicer stands out from the rest of the food chopper crowd. With changeable blades, this chopper allows you to dice, chop, shred, and julienne ingredients with little time and effort.

The Power Dicer is a good choice for people who don’t want to be limited by the sometimes small capacity of other food choppers – simply place the bowl of your choice under the blades to catch an infinite amount of chopped, diced, and shredded vegetables, fruits, and cheeses.

While this is more expensive than other models, it is one of the only products that can create a perfect dice.

The Gourmia lends itself well to a multitude of dishes, including salads, stir-fries, chilis, soups, and canning recipes. It shreds cheeses and cabbage just as efficiently as it cuts perfect French fries – the versatility is really what makes this unit stand out.

What We Liked

• Prep large quantity of ingredients at once
• Works with hard veggies like carrots and beets
• Easy cleanup
• Reduces odor from onions and garlic
• Can make a perfect dice

What We Disliked

• Does not come with a bowl
• Hard to clean motor area
• Flimsy, considering price

Check Price on Amazon

The Verdict

When you’re hoping to save some time during food prep, or health conditions limit the strength of your hands, a food chopper can prove to be a handy tool in the kitchen.

Able to dice, chop, puree, shred, and julienne, these products can help save you time and energy during cooking when a knife and cutting board just won’t do.

While there are plenty of great, quality products available on the market, two products stand out to us as the perfect blend of affordability, quality, and ease of use.

For those who require a manual food chopper, the Chef’n VeggiChop delivers on so much more than just vegetables. The large container and easy-to-use pull cord make it a perfect addition to your kitchen arsenal.

For those looking for a simple electronic food chopper, the Ninja Express Chop is our top pick, crushing through produce, nuts, and even ice with little to no effort on your part as the chef. The ability to use it on everything from tomatoes to coffee beans makes it the perfect, convenient sous chef in your kitchen, from chopping and grinding, all the way to easy dishwasher-safe cleanup.

For the times when a knife won’t get the job done, but it’s too inconvenient to pull out your heavy-duty food processor, consider adding a handy food chopper to your kitchen arsenal. Save your time, strength, and energy for the things you love most – leave the chopping to these tools!

The post Choosing the Best Food Chopper (Ultimate Buying Guide) appeared first on Urban Vegan.