Are you a pasta lover who also wants to ensure that you're eating healthy? It can be hard to reconcile the two, but it isn't impossible. You can still enjoy wrapping sauce-covered noodles around your fork without eating a ton of carbohydrates; zoodle makers are modern inventions that take vegetables and turn them into spirals that can be used in the same way as pasta.
While there are many spiralizers on the market, that doesn't mean that every iteration is going to be the best zoodle maker. That's why we've done the research to find the top options and explain what sets them apart from the competition. If you want to enjoy a healthy version of pasta, the devices below can help you add that to your life.Best Pick
The Paderno World Cuisine 3-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer is our best pick as it includes multiple high-quality blades and the features that most people will find useful in their kitchens.
Budget Pick
Our budget pick is the Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer, which can be used on many kinds of vegetables and offers many dishwasher-safe components.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Zoodle Makers
1. Paderno World Cuisine 3-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer
Highlighted Features
This zoodle maker from Paderno World Cuisine features an original design that has been popular on the market for over a decade. When you order this device, you get a vegetable spiralizer along with three blades to make vegetable noodles and strands for a variety of tasty dishes. It has BPA-free blades that are made of stainless steel with ABS plastic frames, including a straight blade, a shredder blade, and a chipper blade.
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Cons
2. Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer
Highlighted Features
Another of the best vegetable slices on the market comes from Spiralizer and features Japanese stainless steel blades, as well as heat-treated handles of the same material. For those who prefer to avoid the cleanup after cooking, you’ll likely be happy to hear that all the components used in this device are entirely dishwasher safe. You’ll also receive a recipe book when you purchase the slicer so you can make a few new dishes.
The blades used for this spiralizer are very sharp and can handle both soft and hard vegetables with ease. If you’re looking to make dishes for a raw, Paleo, low-carb, or vegan diet, this will make it simple for use even if it becomes a staple tool for every meal. The best part is that it can handle all this cutting in just a few seconds so you can move on to other parts of your meal.Pros
Cons
3. Mueller Spiral Ultra-Multi-Blade Spiralizer
Highlighted Features
The Mueller spiralizer has a new patented design where gravity is used to help spiralized your vegetables, so you don’t have to use as much strength to get things done. It works well for making veggie spirals but can also be used to slice, julienne, and grate vegetables into different sizes and textures for various recipes. Beyond that, this company offers an unlimited replacement period that speaks to its quality.
For healthy dishes, this spiralizer prepares vegetables in minutes using a vertical slicer to make foods that are tasty, easy to cook, and simple for the body to digest. In addition to quick food preparation, this model is also easy to clean up. You can hand wash it under the tap and drip dry it for the least amount of hassle. You’ll be able to make veggie chips, onion rings, salad toppings, and more in no time.Pros
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4. Brieftons 7-Blade Spiralizer
Highlighted Features
While many of the spiralizers we’ve talked about have a few blades, this device from Brieftons has a total of seven to offer all the chopping, slicing, and dicing power that anyone could need. With that large assortment, you have a lot of versatility in terms of the structure and texture of the vegetables you slice up for a meal. Also, it comes with a safety caddy for the blades to keep them away from young ones.
Another accessory that comes with this model is a lid that helps keep your vegetables fresh for more extended periods of time. It also has a catch container where the spiralized or chopped vegetables land so you can use them later. Many parts of the device are also dishwasher safe, so there’s less need to worry about clean up after a meal is complete.Pros
Cons
5. Brieftons 5-Blade Spiralizer
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For someone new to zoodle makers, the Brieftons five-blade model is a great option to get your feet wet since it comes with an online guide that includes demo videos of how to use the device. Once you get more use out of the spiralizer, it also comes with a selection of e-book recipes so you can learn to make new dishes using various types of vegetables. It’s a great choice to add some healthiness to even recipes that you already know and love.
This machine has five blades that can spiralize, chop, grate, and cut nearly any kind of vegetables. It also has a blade caddy that comes with it so you can keep the sharp tools out of the hands of children. Finally, this model has high-quality suction pipes, which can make or break what would be an excellent spiralizer for vegetables.Pros
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6. KitchenAid KSM1APR Spiralizer Attachment
Highlighted Features
Do you already have a KitchenAid mixer at home that you’d like to get even more use out of? If you also would enjoy saving space in the kitchen, this attachment lets you spiralize and chop vegetables using a tool you already own. It can be used for a versatile amount of activities, including coring vegetables, slicing them up, peeling them, and of course, making them into low-carb noodles for your favorite recipes.
The downside is that this is only useful for those with KitchenAid mixers, so not everyone is going to find it helpful. However, for those who it works for, it takes up a small amount of counter space and can be washed by going through the dishwasher. It also has a total of four blades, so you’ll likely find many reasons to use it.Pros
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7. The Original Zoodle Slicer - Complete Vegetable Spiralizer
Highlighted Features
One of the things that makes this zoodle maker shine is the fact that it includes Japanese stainless steel blades, which are built for durability. The blades are made to avoid rust and corrosion while chopping your vegetables up to any size or texture that you want for a specific recipe. Another thing that makes this device a step above is the fact that the entire spiralizer is dishwasher safe, so cleaning is a breeze.
If you’re looking for simple use, this zoodle maker is one of the top options, although it does not use a traditional crank system. Despite that, the machine can take your veggies down to chopped or sliced form in just a few minutes so you can move on with completing your meal. It also takes up a small amount of counter space and can be used on several types of vegetables.Pros
Cons
8. OXO 11151400 Good Grips 3-Blade Tabletop Spiralizer
Highlighted Features
For those who want more slicing ability than a single blade can offer, this model from OXO has three blades, and each is designed for different things. One is made for 1/8 inch spaghetti cuts, while the second creates ¼ inch fettuccini cuts, and the last makes a ribbon cut for a different type of zoodle. It also has a blade box to keep kids safe while ensuring the sharp edges stay clean.
Since this model has a food holder, there’s no need to add a bowl to the process. There are also dual handles, including a side handle and a rotating handle, to ensure the operation of spiralizing is as easy as can be. The inclusion of interchangeable blades also makes this an excellent choice for those who hate doing extra cleaning.Pros
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9. Zalik 5-Blade Spiralizer
Highlighted Features
The Zalik 5-Blade Spiralizer will offer the chance to try new forms of vegetables using five interchangeable blades that each offer something different. Between the five styles and sizes, you can make the best noodles for every dish you are planning without having to compromise. The blades are made of a high quality with premium stainless steel that is designed to avoid rust.
Both the suction pipe and the bars of the machine work well in combination with each other, which is surprisingly uncommon with zoodle maker. All the plastic components are safe to use and do not use BPA, so you can have extra peace of mind every time you use the spiralizer. The one downfall is that using this model can be harder than others when you start, but it gets easier as you spend more time with it.Pros
Cons
10. So Nourished Hand-Held Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer
Highlighted Features
Those who want something simple and straightforward to use may be interested in the So Nourished Hand-Held Spiralizer, which is small and portable for use on the go. It has only a single blade, but it does what you want from this kind of device, which is to make noodles out of zucchini and other vegetables. Quality has been considered since the blade it does have is a high-quality stainless steel.
You also get some extras if you choose this model since it comes with a vegetable peeler and a cleaning brush, both of which will likely come in handy. The company also offers an instruction guide to help you get started and an e-book of recipes so you can try some new dishes whenever you like. It also comes with a lifetime refund policy, so you have options if it turns out that you don’t like this model as much as you thought you would.Pros
Cons
What to Know Before Buying a Zoodle Maker
The first thing that you want to ask yourself is whether you should purchase a zoodle maker. You might be curious whether you’ll enjoy it or use it once you get it at your doorstep. The truth is that veggie noodles are increasingly popular as more people work to cut down on the number of carbohydrates that they consume each day.
A vegetable slicer that creates spirals is best known for use with zucchini noodles, hence the name of the appliance being a “zoodle maker.” However, that doesn’t mean other vegetables can’t be used with it. Some of the foods that can create similar dishes include:
- Broccoli stalks
- Butternut squash
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Sweet potatoes
Making vegetable noodles can indeed be done by hand, but using a zoodle maker is safer and will be a lot easier. For example, thinly slicing zucchini can lead to cuts, as well as zoodles that are of varying textures and sizes. If you are interested in a zoodle maker but still unsure if it’s right for you, there are a couple of cases where you can be sure it will be a worthwhile purchase.
- You want to add more vegetables to your diet, but you prefer to do it more creatively.
- You can’t get enough of pasta, but you know that you shouldn’t be eating as many carbs as you currently are.
If one or both of these apply to you, the chances are good that a zoodle maker will be a treasured addition to your kitchen. We’ll share more below about how to find the right device to create spiral vegetables in your home kitchen.
Choosing Between Types of Vegetable Slicers
Two main types of vegetable slicers create spirals, and each has a set of pros and cons. Think about how each works and which would fit best into your household before you make a purchase.
Tabletop and Electric Spiralizers
Taking a look at the most popular spiralizers on the market, many of them are going to be tabletop versions. Typically, this device has suction cups on the bottom to keep it steady while you use it, along with a crank that you use to add vegetables into the machine. Many people consider this the best option to create spirals.
There are also high-end electric spiralizers that will do most of the work for you. However, they tend to cost a bit more and often take up a more substantial amount of space in the kitchen. You may also find that they have various parts that you will need to store when not in use.
Those with little space in the kitchen for a new appliance or who want the cheapest option may not want a tabletop spiralizer for those reasons. In the end, however, this is often the most high-quality option and can be worth spending a few extra dollars on.
Handheld and Hourglass Spiralizers
A handheld spiralizer is another option and will typically have an hourglass shape. These are more manual to use, so you are going to have to have more strength and do more work to create the zoodles. The idea behind this machine is that you place the vegetable inside and turn it to make the vegetable pasta.
However, these can be harder to use than tabletop or electric spiralizers. What makes up for that in the eyes of many is the fact that they are going to take up very little space and typically cost less. Most of them are so small that they can fit in a kitchen drawer without any issue.
The problem with them is that sometimes more of the vegetable is wasted when using this kind of device. You’ll also have limits on which vegetables you can work with since they need to be reasonably wide to process correctly. However, for those who want an inexpensive and space-saving option, this could be it.
Considering the Price of a Spiralizer
After you have decided on the type of zoodle maker that will fit your needs, it's time to think about other things. Price is something that always comes up when buying a new appliance, and zoodle makers are no different. However, be aware that most spiralizers are relatively inexpensive, so this is a situation where you can choose what makes you the happiest.
The spiralizers that are a bit more expensive typically have an extra feature that warrants it, whether that means additional blade options, more convenience, better quality, or something else. If you are buying a zoodle maker and plan to use it regularly, paying a bit more can be worthwhile as an investment.
Amount of Storage Space for Zoodle Makers
If you look around the store shelves, it’s easy to see that there are tons of kitchen appliances on the market nowadays. Those who enjoy a bit of convenience with their cooking can easily find that they have no more space for extra special appliances. There’s no reason to add more clutter if it’s not required, so considering where you will store your zoodle maker is imperative.
Those of you who have plenty of cabinet and countertop space can choose any of the spiralizers without and issue. However, those who do not may want to select a smaller model that will be easier to fit into your kitchen.
If you go with a tabletop model, which is likely to be larger, look at how many parts are included, whether you need all of them, and where you will store them. If the idea of storing a vegetable holder and several blades seems challenging, you might be happiest with a handheld model that is smaller and easier to keep track of.
Choosing a Zoodle Maker Based on Ease of Use
There is a vast difference in ease of use when looking at different types of zoodle makers. For instance, a tabletop spiralizer will be easier to use than a handheld model that requires extra strength. The design of a tabletop model capitalizes on making the process easier so you can enjoy vegetable pasta without all the work.
If this is something that is important to you, make sure you look at how the models you are interested in work. Those who have arthritis or other mobility issues should especially make sure to do this, as some spiral vegetable slicers are much easier to use than others.
Simplicity of Cleaning Between Vegetable Spiralizers
While it can be exhilarating to use a new kitchen device like a zoodle maker, that doesn’t mean that the cleanup process can’t sometimes be frustrating. Spiralizers can indeed be a pain to clean, especially if they come with a dozen different parts. This is even more accurate if you are using vegetables that led to staining, such as beets.
Regardless of which zoodle maker you decide to buy, cleaning it may still be challenging. However, there are some models that make it easier than others. If cleaning is something you prefer to avoid, make sure you look into how in-depth the process is and select a zoodle maker that meets your needs.
Spiralizers and the Quality of the Results
There are several things that come into play in how well your spiral vegetables will turn out using a specific zoodle maker. What is likely the most important is that you want noodles that offer the right thickness and texture to substitute for traditional noodles. It might also be essential to get that spiral shape just right for many of your favorite recipes.
Blade quality is something else to consider since blades can go dull, which will create lesser quality noodles as time goes on. If you choose a machine with multiple blades, you can try various varieties of noodles to decide which is your favorite.
Another thing that might be important is having the least amount of food waste possible. If your zoodle maker only uses part of the vegetable and the rest is tossed out, you are going to be wasting food that you spent money on. Take care to find a spiralizer that uses up the most amount of each vegetable, so your grocery money is used well.
Zoodle Makers Level of Durability
In a best-case scenario, the zoodle maker you choose is going to last for years, even when you regularly include it in meal preparations. You can always look at reviews to get an idea of which of these devices is going to last the longest. Keep in mind that most of the time, you do get what you paid for, so you also can’t expect the least expensive zoodle maker to last as long as the most expensive one.
Another thing to consider here is whether the spiralizer comes with any kind of warranty. If you see a brand backs up their product using a warranty or guarantee, this often means that it is going to last longer and have fewer problems.
Variety of Zoodle Options
If you’re someone who wants the option of trying various thicknesses and shapes of vegetable noodles, choosing a spiralizer with more than a single blade will add to your choices. On the other hand, if you already know which kind of zoodles you prefer, choosing a simple model that provides that option could be the best choice.
Many people will be happy with any vegetable spiralizers, but those who are pickier might want zoodles that work with a specific recipe. If you know that’s a shape that you want, finding a product that offers it will be simpler than you might think.
Conclusion
A zoodle maker is a great kitchen tool to help you cut down on the carbs you eat or simply to increase the amount of vegetables in your diet. No matter what you want to add one to your kitchen, there are a variety of options at different price points, in several sizes, and with many different features.
The best zoodle maker for you is going to be one that works well with your cooking style, which you have enough storage for. You can take a look at the factors above to decide whether a specific spiralizer is the right one for your kitchen. It’s worth looking at a few options before you make the decision so you can be sure you’ll be happy!Sources: