Jim, I get some rolling eyes over this unit but I even pack it when I travel. Some of the reviews say it takes too much strength to use it. Heck, I just slam it down and it's done! I use it for potatoes and onions in home fries. Tomatoes, onions, and peppers for salsa. Onions for other dishes requiring chopped (versus sliced) onions.

I have had it for at least 3 years and use it 3-4 times a week; it's still sharp.

Here is a link that might be useful: Chopper

I just use my KA food processor to chop onions. You can chop them fine or coarse.

If you have a food processor try that first before investing in a chopper.

Linda

Right hand with non-optional chef's knife attachment!

I figure by the time I've already got the cutting board and knife out, peeled and removed top and bottom of onion, I may as well just finish chopping it. Just me.

I use my FP when making salsa and such that doesn't require "identifiable" chunks and I need lots of onion. Otherwise, just the knife!

Deanna

I have that chopper from Pampered Chef; had it for years and years now. I use it a lot.

I suppose this isn't helpful, but I'm with Deanna on this. I probably spend more time peeling the onion than actually chopping, which takes less than a minute for a large onion. And since it's relatively rare that I chop more than one large onion...

Jim - Are you watching ATK? I haven't watched in a while, but remember getting annoyed that they seemed to demonstrate technique EVERY time they chopped an onion. What's worse is that their technique, while a common one, isn't particularly efficient. Rather than slice horizontals and then verticles before chopping, I took a hint from Alton and just slice radially. Saves a lot of time and is much safer, in my opinion.

I too normally think like Deanna. A big chef's knife is my food processor. Something got me thinking about an onion chopper recently though. Maybe it was a bag of especially pungent onions that made me tear up hopelessly or maybe my knife needs sharpening or whatever. Something took the joy out of onion chopping.

I'll think it over and maybe just stick with the knife (after sharpening it). Cathy does make a persuasive case for the chopper she has though. Bam! All chopped in one fell swoop.

I would already have bought the Twist & Chop but they were out of stock at my local cooking store. It's an amazing store. They have EVERYTHING. They have several devices for onion chopping, including onion goggles.

FOAS, I have watched ATK. That smug, emaciated Chris Kimball annoys me. Chefs should be fat and exuberant like Mario. It seems like all TV chefs like to teach onion chopping though. If you watch a lot of food TV, you can learn to chop onions four or five times EVERY DAY!

Jim

Jim:
I think that I gave one to my Daughter , like the one

Mustangs mentioned .

She is making Crab Cakes to sell and said it saved her a lot of time.
It came with 2 different size Cutters.
I have been buying a lot of items thru Ace Hardware in NY.
Sometimes with Free Delivery.

Wouldn't hurt to check prices if you can get a
Brand Name and Model #
Their Phone Number is 1- 212- 400- 7488
Lou

"That smug, emaciated Chris Kimball annoys me. Chefs should be fat and exuberant like Mario."

LMFAO. Bravo!!!

I hate when they show you how to chop an onion or tell us not to cook garlic too long or it will burn. One that bugs me is to cook out the flour taste when making a roux. Like we're stupid or something.
I think Emeril is a show off, but at least he scrapes the batter out of his bowls.

Lou,

Yeah, I like to order things through local stores like ACE and Agway when I can. They get it in with their other merchandise by truck, usually within a week and there is no shipping charge to me, unlike most on-line stores. It's as easy as buying it off their shelf.

Jim

I can't stand chopping onions because they make me cry. I need to get goggles for sure. I have a rotary chopper that I use almost exclusively for nuts and onions. It makes quick work of them. I got it at a yard sale for a few bucks several years go. It came with beating and whipping attachments as well (careful Jessy), but I never use them. The food processor seems like a lot to clean just for one onion, though the rotary chopper I have is too.

I want a gadget that is like this though... I will probably get one some day when I find a good deal on one.

Goggles alone won't protect you when chopping onions. You really need {{gwi:1510003}}. If you wear goggles and breathe through your nose, your eyes will still get irritated. The snorkel helps you breathe away from the onion fumes. You can wear goggles and breathe through your mouth, but that is somewhat less effective. Actually, breathing through your mouth is more effective than just wearing goggles, especially if you already wear glasses.

Lars

Lars :
Have you been Chopping on them Goofy Pills again ???

Lou

Bobby, I have that bottom one you show up there, it's terrible and I don't use it anymore,,you really have to pound it to work properly...
Now here's Vince selling a similar one the Slap Chop, even he looks to be slapping it pretty hard..

Here is a link that might be useful: slap chop

I have to agree with Lars, goggles don't do much.
Neither do clothes pins, safety glassses, etc.
One thing that helps...some! is putting the cutting board on the stove top and turning on the hood fan. It's not perfect, but helps. At least I can grab a towel before I cry on the onions!! No, not that bad, but it helps.

No extra equipment, give it a try before buying, maybe?

Deanna

Doesn't Rachel Ray or someone like that light a match before cutting an onion?

Shirley, I did a cooking class for the women in my church and although I had an inkling, I was amazed at how little they knew. These were for the most part, middle class, college-educated women in their 20-40's with families.

Among many other things, I discussed phyllo and puff pastry (from a box!) and made the asparagus wraps I asked about a week ago. Out of 30 women, none had ever used phyllo or puff pastry.
I made a cake and showed how to measure flour...

Anyway, sorry to digress!

I use my Oscar to mince onions and if the fumes get to me if I'm cutting by hand, I stick my head in the freezer. It really helps.