Zyliss SmoothSlizer Veggie Pasta Maker - Manual Noodle Maker - Vegetable Spiralizer & Pasta Roller - Pasta Machine with 3 Interchangeable Blades - Recipes Included - White/Gray

This is a HIGH quality produce spiralizing tool for FIRM fruits and vegetables. The photos I've attached show my zucchini being decimated. They were not firm enough, just a few days too old. For this rotating tool, think Apple, Butternut Squash, Potatoes, etc.I want share up front that the suction base is the real deal. As the device sits on the counter, it sticks. In order for me to move it, I had to use a bench scraper to dislodge the sticky layer from the counter top. I would recommend to leave the device sitting on its side until ready to place and suction it to the counter top. It wasn't a fluke. It happens each time the item sits on the counter. This is a safety feature that is STRONG!Next, the two features necessary for produce to work in the Zyliss Smoothslizer are (1) consistant firmness within the produce piece; and (2) overall thickness of the produce.The firmness has to stand up to a rotating blade. My slightly over ripe Zucchini didn't survive. Produce that should work would be a fresh Apple, varieties of potatoes, Jicama, pumpkin, butternut squash, beets, etc.The second really important factor is size of the produce. The food is skewered and then rotates on that skewer. There is a section closest to the skewer that will not be cut. Consider this area a void. it is there as the center of the spoke. **And any softness of the produce that pushes back against the blades causes the product to destruct and break off the skewer. See my photo**With the two main features for any piece of produce to be cut with this device, I started to wonder if the small list of produce would justify the use of this tool.On my second try, I had a butternut squash and had watched the video from Zyliss again. The trick is actually not a trick. I believe it is expertise in knowing the exact type of fruit, and having the exactly correct movement of your hand holding the blade, and your other hand rotating the veggie. This is very much like learning to ride a bike, whistle or juggle. These are movements that are difficult, and can be learned...but some may never be able to achieve the technique. I'm pretty frustrated at this point. Produce from a grocery store is expensive and I've destroyed multiple veggies. I don't have a home garden to harvest a butternut squash or zucchini to replace the ones I've ruined trying out the zyliss.In my opinion, deciding to buy this product would come down to how often you choose to use this device. If you enjoy beets, jicama, root vegetables, potatoes, etc. thats a great start. Another MAJOR factor would be aside from eating those items, is the question of would you take the time to prepare the items in this special way? The answer may start as a yes and change to no over time, but that is with ALL kitchen gadgets.Within my own family, some of my nieces and nephews are eating more produce because of the spiralizing tools on the market. Some pieces of produce have become favorites becuase they find their way into my restaurant entree salads. I can't determine if you'll use this high end tool for months or years. However, I can tell you that it will LAST for years and it will do a great job based on the quality design, and blades.This is a quality tool for consumers looking for this niche product.I would recommend it to the right person.

At my first try the metal skewer twisted while cutting a carrot. The blade wasn't angled properly so it wasn't cutting at first and with just a bit of force it twisted. I have to push the blade up with my fingers before it start cutting. Once it starts moving, it will make nice slice and cuts. Now I need to figure out how to straighten the skewer and hope it won't twist again. Metal if softer than it should since it is the main part that turns the item being cut.

There is a bit of a learning curve with this tool, and no, you won't be able to turn just anything into ribbons or spaghetti. It works best with harder vegetables or fruits, like sweet potatoes or fresh apples. How you apply pressure and turn the handle also impacts whether you'll get a nice regular cut or constantly breaking bits and a jammed machine.Definitely watch the video a couple of times before you start (the QR code to the video is printed on the cover of the manual).It's important to secure the base to your working surface using the large suction cup, use the extra holders for softer vegetables like zucchini, have a regular motion and apply just the right amount of pressure.It's also important to center the produce on the axis as well as possible, and "sacrifice" the irregularities -- in other words, don't push the blade up hard enough to follow the surface irregularities, let it shave them off at first until you get a perfectly centered cylinder, THEN apply constant pressure.I've made great zucchini spirals but also beautiful apple ribbons that can be used creatively in baking for delicious and original confections.My next attempt will be making lasagna with sweet potato ribbons instead of pasta.One thing: there is quite a lot of "waste" that can't be spiralized. That doesn't mean you have to throw it away! When I do apples I just end up eating all the delicious bits left on the core. For other veggies you can always cut up the cores and use them in salads. Don't waste :-)A great tool, but you need practice and to "get a feel for it" before you can get the same results as the demonstrator. Also, you need fresh and crisp produce. Your wrinkly old apple or saggy beet will just break up, so don't even bother.Recommended (but have realistic expectations)

My only other option was the $300 China slicer, so I guess I shouldn't complain much but there are 3 issues that need addressed. First the crank handle is very flimsy and I would dare to say it will be the first thing to fail as if you use this device on something like Daikon or sweet potato, you can feel it flexing and pushing it's integrity to the limit. Next the laminator blade had a wider gap on one end compared to the other side. I was able to fix this with a couple of small "C" clamps. The third issue was the blade holder would not slide freely in the guide once the blade was installed , so the action when pushing it into the item being laminated was sticky or studdery. The fix for this after carefully troubleshooting the problem was to take down the blade plastic holder edges on bothe sides approximately 2 mm. Now it slides freely with no striction. Again for $50 bucks you can't expect much more.

Written directions are on the box so the video is necessary. I had to stop it and look at the lock turning side from the handle. You have to push it in harder then I thought. Then it works perfectly. The only problem is getting it out. I will need my husband around until it loosens up enough for me to be able to use it. Unless their is a trick I have not figured out yet. I do like how it sliced. Have not tried the other parts yet.