How to choose the best spiralizer and prepare fresh zucchini noodles

The situation is as follows: you enjoy pasta. You adore the delicious variety of pasta sauces and the variety of preparation methods. You want its various sizes and shapes, as well as the act of wrapping it around your fork before devouring it with glee. 

However, this affection is accompanied by the realization that your pasta habit is detrimental to your health. You are aware that you should try to consume fewer carbohydrates but giving up pasta also means giving up pasta with cream sauce, vodka sauce, marinara sauce, pasta carbonara, and pasta puttanesca – an extensive list of delicious sauces and preparation methods. 

Or does it? With spiral vegetable slicers, you can enjoy your favorite pasta sauces on “pasta” made from vegetables instead of carbohydrates. Problem solved. 

Do You Need a Spiralizer? 

Vegetable noodles have become extremely popular in recent years as many people attempt to increase their vegetable consumption while decreasing their carbohydrate intake. 

Zucchini Noodles 

Spiral vegetable slicers are often associated with their most popular product, the zoodle or zucchini noodles. Still, they can also be used to create noodle-style foods from a variety of vegetables, including (but not limited to): 

• Carrots Sweet Potatoes 
• Broccoli Stalks 
• Cucumbers 
• Radishes 
• Cucurbita pepo 

While making vegetable noodles without a product designed for the purpose is technically possible, it is much simpler and safer to use a product designed for the task. 

You do not want to cut your fingers while attempting to thinly slice zucchini or end up with zoodles that are the wrong size or texture. And only specific products can produce the spirals that give the vegetable noodles a pasta-like texture. 

If you are considering purchasing a spiral vegetable slicer but are unsure if it is the right choice for you, there are a few groups of individuals who will benefit from it: 

• If you enjoy pasta but are attempting to reduce your carbohydrate intake, you can substitute zucchini noodles for traditional pasta. 
• If you want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, try the following suggestions. 

If either or both descriptions apply to you, then our buyer’s guide will assist you in selecting the ideal spiral vegetable slicer for your kitchen. 

Types of Spiral Vegetable Slicers 

Spiral vegetable slicers are available in two primary varieties. Both produce spiral vegetable noodles but operate slightly differently and have advantages and disadvantages. 

Electric & Tabletop Spiralizer 

Tabletop spiralizers are prevalent among the most popular models. Typically, these have suction cups on the bottom to keep them in place on the countertop and a crank to feed the vegetable into the device. 

Customers frequently praise the high quality and simplicity of these spiral makers. High-end electric spiralizers are also available, although they are not as popular as manual models. 

Compared to handheld models, these disadvantages are that they are more expensive and take up more space. They typically cost between $20 and $40 and include several parts that require storage. 

If you have limited space in your kitchen for a new appliance or value affordability over usability in your kitchen gadgets, a tabletop spiralizer may not be your best option. However, the additional cost may be justified if you desire a high-quality product that makes the task more accessible. 

In Summary: 

• Popular and well-received,  
• Simple to use. 
• Inexpensive compared to hourglass spiralizers. 
• Require more counter space. 

Hourglass & Handheld Spiralizer 

Hand Spiralizers 

Alternatively, you can opt for a handheld spiralizer. Typically shaped like an hourglass, a hand spiralizer is more manual and requires more effort and physical strength to operate. 

The construction and operation of handheld versions are simple. The vegetable is placed inside the spiralizer, then rotated to create spiral pasta. Although they are slightly more challenging to use than tabletop spiralizers, many reviewers still find them simple enough for their needs. 

They are very inexpensive, typically costing between $5 and $15. And they do not require a great deal of space; they can typically be stored in a kitchen drawer. 

Negatively, many reviewers of these products noted that more of the vegetable is wasted because of the spiral pasta-making process. In addition, there are more restrictions on the types of vegetables that can be used, as the vegetables must typically be broad for this method to work. A spiralizer made in the shape of an hourglass is your best bet for a cost-effective option that you can store in a drawer. 

To sum up: 

• Affordable. 
• Not occupying much space. 
• User-friendly but requires effort. 
• Vegetable waste is more significant with countertop models. 
• Only work with certain vegetables. 

Considerations When Selecting a Spiralizer 

You may be surprised by how many brands have produced their spiral vegetable slicer in response to the zoodles craze. The good news is that you have many options, but the bad news is that it requires a little more effort and knowledge to determine which option is best for you. Here are some of the most important considerations to help you choose the answer. 

Price 

When purchasing a new kitchen product, the cost is a factor for most consumers. In general, spiralizers of any variety cost less than $50, so depending on your budget, you may be able to be selective. If you wish to spend less than $20, numerous hourglass spiralizer options are still available. 

The spiralizers with a higher price tag typically offer something in return, such as convenience, a more comprehensive array of blade options for creating various types of vegetable pasta, durability, or superior results. If you intend to use your zoodles frequently, it may be worthwhile to pay a bit more. 

Storage 

There are so many kitchen appliances and gadgets on the market today that it is easy to run out of space to store your belongings quickly. No one wants to add clutter to this area, so you must carefully consider where you will keep it when it is not in use. 

Suppose you have limited counter or cabinet space. In that case, it will be easier to incorporate a spiralizer of a smaller size, such as a handheld model or mixing attachment, into your life. 

For larger tabletop models, consider the number of parts and how that will impact where and how they can be stored. If keeping track of multiple blades and a vegetable holder sounds like it could be difficult, consider a handheld model with fewer parts or a tabletop model designed for more accessible storage. 

Simplicity of Use 

This is one of the primary distinctions between the available spiralizers. It is generally believed that tabletop zoodles are easier to use than handheld ones, which require slightly more arm strength and effort. However, some tabletop models are designed to be more user-friendly than others. 

If this is of the utmost importance to you, research how various models operate and peruse customer reviews to determine what others’ experiences have been. This is especially important if you have arthritis or another mobility issue that makes using specific spiral vegetable slicers challenging. 

Ease of Cleaning 

The frustration of cleaning it constantly accompanies the enjoyment and excitement of using any kitchen tool. Moreover, spiralizers can be challenging to clean. This is especially important when preparing vegetables prone to staining, which is often the case when preparing vegetables with numerous parts (beets are probably the worst offender for this). 

Cleaning is likely inconvenient regardless of which zoodles you choose, though some models make it easier than others. Some will even have dishwasher-safe components, allowing you to delegate most of the cleaning to the machine. 

If cleaning is your most minor favorite aspect of cooking, you should consider the effort required to clean your spiralizer after each use before making a purchase decision. 

Quality of Results 

Several variables can affect how well spiral vegetable slicer’s function. Consider the quality of the noodles themselves first. You want vegetable noodles with the ideal consistency and thickness, and a spiral shape is always a plus. 

The Best Spiralizers: The Comprehensive Purchasing Guide 

Additionally, you should consider blade quality. Blades that dull quickly will not produce the same quality of noodles over time, and spiralizers with multiple blade options will allow you to experiment with different zoodles to determine what you prefer. 

Finally, consider waste. Suppose a substantial portion of each vegetable you use to make spiral noodles is wasted because the zoodles only turn a part of it into noodles. In that case, you will be getting less food for your money (contributing to the more significant issue of food waste in the United States). Look for a spiralizer that utilizes most of the vegetables so that you can maximize your grocery budget. 

Durability 

You want zoodles that you can rely on for years, even if you use them often. Check reviews to determine which spiralizers are likely to last the longest. 

Even though some of these items only cost $5, consumers typically complain if their product breaks down quickly. Consider the adage “you get what you pay for” as you evaluate your options. 

It would help if you also considered the warranties offered by various models. If a full warranty backs a product, you can typically expect it to last longer with fewer problems. 

Type of Zoodles 

If you want to experiment with different vegetable noodle shapes and thicknesses, a tabletop spiralizer with multiple blade types will give you the flexibility to do so. If you already know what kind of vegetable noodles you prefer, look for a spiral vegetable slicer that produces the desired variety. 

Many customers will be satisfied with any vegetable noodles produced by a spiralizer, but if you’re a bit picky and want the option to get your zoodles exactly right, or if you have a recipe in mind that calls for a specific shape, then choose a product you know will work best for you. 

Ten Famous Zoodle Brands 

Although spiral vegetable slicers are reasonably specialized, several prominent brands in the market sell variations on the theme. Acquainting yourself with these brands’ reputations can help you make a more informed choice. We combed through the customer reviews for each product to get a sense of what actual customers think of it. The following is a summary of what they said. 

Inspiralizer 

The Inspiralizer makes vegetable noodles that are long and spiraled. Most of the product reviews are positive, but some are negative. The product stains easily, so you must be careful to wash it immediately after use, and you may still experience colors even if you do. Most customers find it easy to use and enjoy the vegetable pasta it produces. 

Kitchen Active 

Customers largely praise the Kitchen Active hand spiralizer, a low-cost alternative to zoodles. Customers enjoy the vegetable noodles it produces, but some complain that they waste an excessive amount of the vegetable because it does not have noodles from the entire vegetable. And some claim that it requires considerable hand strength to operate. This option may be suitable if cost is more important to you than convenience. Another brand may be ideal if you would rather pay more for an easy-to-use tool. 

KitchenAid 

With some reluctance, KitchenAid is added to this list. Unlike the other brands featured in this buying guide, KitchenAid does not offer a tabletop or hand spiralizer. However, all their colorful stand mixers are compatible with a spiralizer attachment. As expected from KitchenAid, all of the reviews for this attachment are overwhelmingly positive. Although it operates differently and is a bit more expensive than the other vegetable spiral slicers listed here, this attachment may be the best option for stand mixer users. 

Mueller 

Customers say the Mueller Spiral Ultra is simple to use, wastes fewer vegetables than other options and creates delicious and beautiful vegetable noodles. There are few complaints among the numerous reviews, and several reviewers mention the added convenience of a design that requires pushing the vegetables downward. Hence, the spiralizer uses gravity to make things easier. Mueller’s spiralizer is an excellent option in terms of convenience and quality. 

Oxo 

As one of the most well-known kitchen gadgets and cooking tools brands, OXO’s inclusion on this list comes as no surprise. Customers are enthusiastic about the countertop and handheld spiralizers, and many compare them favorably to other spiralizers they have used. Customers laud its user-friendliness and ability to transform an array of vegetables into perfect noodles. In a vast number of reviews, complaints are incredibly uncommon. Most customers agree that this product performs its function exceptionally well. 

Paderno World Cuisine 

Paderno’s countertop spiralizer is another product that generally receives positive reviews. People are ecstatic about the variety of nutritious meals they can prepare with it, and many mention how easy it is to store because the pieces nest inside one another. Nevertheless, a small number of customers are dissatisfied, expressing complaints about the product’s cleaning difficulty and usability issues. The general opinion is divided, but most customers are satisfied. 

Premium V 

The Premium V hourglass zoodles are well-liked for being good value for the money, simple to use, and compact for storage. There are restrictions on the types of vegetables that can be used based on their thickness, and some customers complained that portions of their vegetables were wasted. Still, most customers were satisfied with what they received for the price. 

SpiraLife 

SpiraLife sells an hourglass spiralizer that receives positive customer feedback. Numerous customers express their adoration for their SpiraLife zoodles. They report that it is simple to use, looks good on the counter, takes up little space, and is effective. 

Spiralizer 

Spiralizer’s hand-cranked zoodles have many fans. Since then, the company has added several new models to its lineup. The reviews for each of their vegetable slicers are generally positive. Most reviewers give it five stars, stating that it is simple to use, clean, and well-made—another zoodles with a solid reputation that deserves consideration. 

Veggetti 

Veggetti produces both a handheld and a tabletop spiralizer. As a popular “As Seen on TV” product, both types of spiralizers receive favorable customer feedback. They report that the products are reasonably priced, practical, user-friendly, and simple to clean. The handheld model is criticized for wasting a portion of vegetables, but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. 

Final Thoughts 

A simple and delicious path to a healthier diet awaits you. Spiralizers make eating healthy less of a chore and more of an adventure involving exploring new foods. You can find many recipes to try with your spiralizer; some spiralizers even come with recipe books to make the most of it. Spiralizers are a great product to have on hand because they facilitate the preparation of healthier and more delicious meals.