Customer Reviews

Kanekichi BN5 Turning Slicer Benriner

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I had some zucchini angel hair with pesto at a potluck and was so amazed by it, I have been seeking the right tool for the job ever since. The little Joyce Chen gadget many seem to rave about gets such mixed reviews, I was afraid to try it. When I came upon the Benriner, I was sure I knew which brand I wanted - but was not sure whether I should go with the cook help (upright) model or the horizontal model.

I couldn't really find anything comparing the two. Best I could tell, they were the same, but one you pushed down on, and the other you pushed sideways one. The most compelling reasons to go with the upright model seemed to be cost and it seems like it should be easier to push down, than sideways. The most compelling reason to go with the horizontal model were the pile could grow bigger as you worked and you wouldn't have to move the unit, you could use bigger chunks of vegetables, and it seemed you could do a cabbage. I could not find a picture of cabbage being done on the upright one. For some reason I really want to do a cabbage on this thing so I got very hung up on that idea.

I'll spare you the details of HOW I ended up with 2 of them... but I did. The Cook Help we were going to return but ended up giving it to my mother in law and in the interest of science we tested both units. So now I can write what may be the lone review comparing the two units. (She was here while we did this, it wasn't a case of we used it and then said "Hey, here's a present for ya!" - just so I don't sound rude or anything here, LOL)

I did some zucchini on mine, with the medium blade. It worked GREAT. Yes, it does feel like the Play Doh Fun Factory for adults. Yes, the blades are very sharp. Yes the unit seems awfully expensive for what it is but it seems pretty sturdy - time will tell. What sold me on this brand over other brands is the ability to buy replacement brands.

When you use the horizontal model, you end up with a pile of "pasta" as well as a nail-shaped thing, a round disk of vegetable with a core about as thick as a pencil. This works it's way through a hole near the blade. For some veggies, like zucchini or cucumber, this is good - as this is the wet, seedy, messy part of the veggie. For others, like carrot, I think this model just wastes a lot. (BUT if you have kids who like carrot sticks, it's good... really, there are things you can do with the "waste" so it's not REALLY wasted - smoothies, veggie stock, etc)

The upright model does not have the hole to make this core. Instead it just grinds up the whole veggie, with the seedy stuff getting really mashed and wet near the center of the device, where the hole would be in the other one.

By the time we decide to try the upright model, instead of send it back, we were out of zucchini, so we used cucumber in both. The horizontal model makes drier, neater "pasta," I think due to the elimination of the core. The upright model makes wetter, slightly messier "pasta." Not super disgusting messy or anything, but you will see a difference if you compare both machines.

The downside of this is, we think - though we didn't try - the upright machine may be better for veggies like carrots, daikon, etc where you could use the whole thing. No waste.

So which is better? For zucchini and cukes, the horizontal machine is a little better. For carrots, we think the upright is better. Both will suffice for either - though I still don't know about cabbage! I am happy I bought my horizontal model, and my mother in law is happy so far with her freebie upright. The blades are the same between the two machines, it's just that lack of a hole that is different. I guess it comes down to budget and what veggies you think you will do most of. (And you can't just drill a hole in the upright model!!! It's really a hole with a round metal blade in it, like an apple corer)

So there you have it. A review finally comparing the two. I hope this helps some people out. Maybe I will update when my mother in law actually gives zucchini a go on her machine.

I really enjoy veggie "pasta" so this is just what I needed. The only drawback so far is that it slips on the counter. Once I figure out how to keep it from moving so much I will be completely satisfied with my purchase.

A must have for vegetarians and folks eating raw. We don't use it much but when you're feeling creative or making a special meal, the Benriner comes out. You can cut veggies into pasta in literally seconds.

Clever design - I highly recommend.

This is a very innovative gadget. It will turn any firm vegetable (eggplant, e.g.) into spaghetti-like strands that can be deep-fried and plated for a stunning effect. It has several different serrated blades, so the dimension of the strands can be changed. The base and most of the components for this device are light-weight plastic. Although the Kanekichi is cleverly engineered, placing a vegetable in the 'sled' and turning the handle, I found I had to apply some pressure to get it to move through the blades - a little awkward since the device is light enough to slide around on the table top. Also, anything moderatly 'squishy' isn't going to work well. This does seem sturdier than the Joyce Chen model, based on reviews of the latter. However at $75, the Kanekichi is seriously over-priced, unless you're truly desparate for a device that will turn vegetables into attractive ribbons.

A great addition to my kitchen...whether all raw or just some dishes...the Benriner Spiralizer is easy to use...makes delicious spaghetti out of dicon and zucchinni...just add a fresh sauce of tomatoes, garlic and basil...
Carol

So far the product is working well and is very sturdy-I have had it for a month and use it a few times a week. I am very happy with the purchase.

Love it! I still can't figure out how to work my mandoline but this was easy! Easy clean up too. I was a little put off by the price ... since it is mainly plastic but I love it! And what a great way to make pasta dishes out of veggies! yum.

As if it were possible, I've actually found another spiral slicer that I love even more! The Benriner Turning Slicer is very similar to the Benriner Cook's Helper, you'll often find this higher end model in restaurants. Benriner Spiral Slicers are ALL extremely reliable each of them offering true versatility and durability. These models are made of ABS and Nylon reinforced resin, this spiral slicer is here to stay! Just crank and churn with the option of cutting continuous strings, strips or curly strands with four different blades to choose from (1) Flat edged blade, and (3) Tooth edged blades (Coarse, Medium and Fine) This is all you'll need to get you're creative juices flowing. You can create beautiful salads, elegant garnishes and main courses, if you're a Raw Foodist. The famous Spaghetti type strands that all raw food diets long for, using yellow squash and Zucchini turn into beautiful replicas of their wheat counterparts. Want to experiment with super thin slices of cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper and onions etc; be my guest because you can't go wrong! Everything turns out beautifully every single time. Cleaning is also a snap, just use soapy water to wash, rinse well and dry...that's it!

WARNING: handle blades with care....they are extremely sharp! You can also expect to replace your blades at some point during the lifetime of your Benriner, because inevitably they will become dull. Replacement blades are available on quite a few websites (do you're homework because I can't list them here) I've seen the complete set listed for approximately fourteen dollars. I agree with those who say this item is pricey and compared to the numerous poorly made spiral slicers on the market today, it certainly is. However, because of the level of reliability that you get with the Benriner its well worth every penny! Just be sure to shop around to make sure you're getting the best price. ALSO SEE: The Benriner Cook Help, or Benriner Cook's Helper or Benriner Asian Spiral Slicer.

Just got done with my first try with the BN5. It couldn't have been easier. I don't know how anyone is having trouble keeping the slicer from moving around: Just use both hands. One hand to turn the crank and the other to hold the blade mast and push the crank carriage, with an easy pinch movement. Perhaps if you had very small hands, or were trying to slice an extremely dense and woody vegetable it would be a problem. However, I put a zucchini through with a feather touch, no problems. The noodles turned out better than expected and actually tasted almost like pasta once sauced up right. I cooked for two minutes this time, but may try a bit less to see if I can get the zucchini to stay a little more firm, if that's possible.

Construction of the device is substantial. It's "plastic", which I'm thinking is ABS by the looks of it, and does not feel cheap at all. In any case, it seems like it would be near impossible to break this slicer. Changing or cleaning blades is a snap and replacement would be just as easy. Just turn the thumb screw and slide the blade out.

Highly recommended for Paleo eating!

This is a great little gadget. I made myself a fun salad with carrots. They came up really nice and thin. It was yummy. Have yet to try anything else but certainly looking forward to it.