good garlic gadget

[eks]

Until recently,I have always used the minced garlic in the jar. Now it just doesn't compare to fresh garlic. However, it can be time consuming to peel and mince. What is the best kitchen tool for garlic?

[LGBurns]

Garlic press, without a doubt (IMHO).

[SusanT]

I've got a garlic peeler I found at my local restaurant supply company. It's a rubber mat you simply wrap the cloves in it and roll a couple of times. Peels them in a jiffy!

I love garlic but I hate peeling it!

[jliah]

I recently got a Pampered Chef garlic press. It's outstanding. You don't even need to peel the garlic. Works great for ginger, too. What a time saver this is. I'm SO glad I bought this.

I've heard that all garlic presses are not equal, so definitely consider the one from Pampered Chef.

[MelH]

I have a garlic press that I bought at Williams Sonoma, and I love it. It minces the garlic and separates the skin. It's also dishwasher safe.

[Mousie29]

I learned about using fresh garlic here! I'm so glad. From what I've gleaned, the pampered chef and zyliss press sold at Williams Sonoma are the best, and, in fact, many, many people responded that those were the ONLY ones that worked and held up at all. I was very glad to learn about this!

My OXO press is good though.

[BarbaraL]

I love my garlic press; I got it through Pampered Chef, but it's a Zyliss -- you can get them at Fortunoff or other cooking stores.

[Mamasue]

Following the others....I recommend a good garlic press. Don't skimp and buy a cheap one. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I have the rubber thing that removes the skin but never use it. Its easier to just wack the clove with the flat part of my knife and the skin removes easily. My knives are in quicker reach then the garlic tube.

[junietoo]

My press is from OXO and I love it. I used an inferior press for about 25 years -- didn't know what I was missing. Of course, it's only been lately that there has been such a surge in choices.

Has anyone compared an OXO with the Zyliss? I took a look at a picture of a Zyliss on the web and it didn't look as though I needed to trade in my OXO. I like the cleaning attachment fitted onto the gadget itself (it seemed as thought the Zyliss was separate.) I tend to lose things like that in my "junk" drawer.

Barbara

[Gail]

Originally posted by junietoo:
My press is from OXO and I love it. I used an inferior press for about 25 years -- didn't know what I was missing. Of course, it's only been lately that there has been such a surge in choices.

Has anyone compared an OXO with the Zyliss? I took a look at a picture of a Zyliss on the web and it didn't look as though I needed to trade in my OXO. I like the cleaning attachment fitted onto the gadget itself (it seemed as thought the Zyliss was separate.) I tend to lose things like that in my "junk" drawer.

Barbara


Barbara,

I've got the same press you do, and although I like it, I'm noticing a little more ooze from the sides than I'd like. Years ago, I read a comparitive report on garlic presses (Consumer reports, I believe.) The Oxo was rated one of the very goods, but the Zyliss was top-rated. One of the issues, I think, was the leakage. To me, it's just a matter of scoop-it-back-in-and repress-- but to the testers it was enough of an issue to mention as a negative. My feeling is, though, that if you're happy with your Oxo, stick with it. I'm certainly not unhappy enough to feel I need a replacement.

[Karen M]

Love my zyliss press. I used to have an OXO, but it flew apart on me once. The pin at the hinge flew across the room. Not pretty.

To peel my garlic, I press down on it with the side of a knife to slightly crush it and then I can get the papery part (usually) in one piece.

[doggerham]

Seems to me that Cook's Illustrated has an article comparing garlic presses in the current issue. It's at home, so I'm not positive.

Amy

[SandyM]

You're right, doggerham. Zyliss SUSI Deluxe came out as Best Overall ($12.99). Also recommended, but not as good, were the Bodium Allium ($11.98), Kuhn Rikon ($11.95), JA Henckels ($25), and the Oxo Good Grip ($11.95).

[mandarin2j]

You're right, eks, jarred doesn't even come close once you're used to fresh.

Count me in as a Zyliss lover! I use it almost daily for years, and it's as good as new. I would say a good garlic press is right up there with good knives for us garlic lovers. BTW, to peel garlic, I'm with Mamasue. I just use the flat of one of my heavier knife blades. That's one less gadget to clutter my kitchen drawers!

-Amanda

[Julia1Pin]

Just thought I'd give my 2 cents -

1) OXO works great, and can't beat the rubber grip

2) Have a rubber cylinder garlic peeler thingy but stopped using it. It's one more thing to wash, and the knife I use to flatten the garlic with is probably one I'm already using, so it's going to have to be washed anyway

3) Canned garlic isn't as good as fresh, but when it's 7:30pm and you're trying to cook dinner and eat before 9pm it works. I just have to use more to come close to the original taste.

I do love garlic though http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[BeckyM]

One more vote for the Pampered Chef garlic press! I just love that I don't have to peel the garlic first. Since I have gotten it, I use garlic much more often -- it seems to be used every time I cook! And the little cleaner thingy snaps right on the press, so it stays with it in the drawer.

[Lynn B]

Hi!

Wondering how the PC press compares w/ my Zyliss?

Do you other Zyliss owners peel your garlic first, or just press it through w/ peel intact?!

Thanks,
Lynn

[mandarin2j]

You're supposed to be able to use the Zyliss without peeling, but I peel first, because I find that leaving the skin on causes the press to become clogged. With all the garlic I press, that would slow me down more than peeling does!

[RobinC]

I believe the current issue of Cooks' Illustrated has a review on Garlic Presses. Their favorite is the Zyliss. The OXO was rated okay, they thought it was difficult to squeeze. I have to agree with them on that. I have also broken 2 of the OXOs.

Must remember to pick up a Zyliss garlic press. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[eks]

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions! I had no idea what the best brands were, this has really helped me decide what to buy

[chefbec]

Originally posted by Lynn B:
Hi!

Wondering how the PC press compares w/ my Zyliss?

Do you other Zyliss owners peel your garlic first, or just press it through w/ peel intact?!

Thanks,
Lynn

Pampered Chef used to sell the Zyliss one, and it's a wonderful tool. We now make and sell our own. It's ergonomically (sp?) correct, has a larger hopper for larger garlic cloves, is dishwasher safe (won't rust) and peels the garlic for you. It comes with a wonderful cleaning tool that has an attachment for scraping the garlic. I sell lots of them and my customers always love them. Very reasonably priced at $15.50.
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by chefbec (edited 04-03-2001).]

[mariakj]

I have to say that I am with Chefbec on this one. I too have the Pampered Chef garlic press and my favorite feature is the extra large hopper. You can fit three cloves in there at once. Great when you are in a hurry, no peeling.