Put the chopping knife aside, and save yourself some time with these garlic crushers
Anybody who enjoys cooking from scratch will know that garlic is an absolute staple, and a decent garlic crusher or garlic grinder will make adding it into your dishes and dips just that little bit easier. Whether you dislike the smell of garlic on your fingers or just don’t fancy spending time and effort finely dicing with a knife, the best garlic crusher will remove these problems in an instant.
There are plenty of garlic crushers out there on the market, and while few are outright expensive, some are suspiciously cheap. Broken or badly made presses aren’t the sort of thing you want cluttering your kitchen drawer. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best garlic crusher for your needs, followed by a round-up of recommended garlic crushers for every budget.
Are there different types of garlic crushers?
Yes, there are. The most common type is shaped much like a nutcracker: it’s a hinged, two-handle tool that squeezes the garlic clove through a perforated chamber. Press the handles together, and out comes the crushed garlic. These are by far the most common, and most have one key advantage: you needn’t remove the cloves from their skins beforehand.
Another type of garlic crusher involves a container with a rotatable top that contains blades. These gadgets chop rather than crush the garlic into smaller pieces. The longer you twist, the smoother the puree-like mixture you’ll end up with. Although it requires a bit more elbow grease, this type can accommodate several cloves of garlic at once.
Finally, there’s the rockable garlic crusher. This type is rocked back and forth on garlic laid out on a chopping board or another clean surface. The crushed garlic is collected on top of the press, which you can then deposit straight into your pan.
Ultimately, it’s down to you to decide which is best for your cooking style.
1. Stainless Steel Garlic Press: The Reliable Workhorse
Price: $19.90
For those who want a simple yet durable solution, the Stainless Steel Garlic Press is the go-to tool. It takes the hassle out of crushing garlic while ensuring maximum flavor is released into your cooking.
Why do you need to crush garlic?
Garlic mellows when cooked. If sauteed in a pan, it infuses the oil with a delicious aroma. But it can also burn quickly, and if it does, it’s game over for your meal, as the bitter taste is highly unpleasant. That’s why it’s best to crush the garlic, so it liquifies in the oil. With a bit of skill, you can use a knife to do a much more precise job, but if you’re in a hurry, a crusher like this one can be a big help.
This garlic press, made from high-quality stainless steel, ensures not only efficiency but also durability. Its ergonomic design reduces strain on your hands, and the versatility allows it to mince ginger or small vegetables as well. You won’t have to worry about garlic stuck under your fingernails, as it crushes with the skins on!
2. GingerGarlic Pro: Compact and Multifunctional
Price: $14.90
If you’re seeking a compact tool that goes beyond just garlic, the GingerGarlic Pro is perfect for you. Not only does it crush garlic, but it also peels it, saving you even more time in the kitchen. Its compact size makes it easy to store, and the durable plastic ensures it will stand up to regular use.
This versatile gadget also works well with ginger, a tough ingredient that often requires extra effort. With GingerGarlic Pro, you can quickly prepare both garlic and ginger without hassle, ensuring the flavors blend seamlessly into your dishes.
3. Electric Garlic Crusher & Food Chopper: High-Tech Convenience
Price: $29.90
For those who prefer to automate their kitchen tasks, the Electric Garlic Crusher & Food Chopper is a game changer. With one-button operation, this tool makes quick work of garlic, nuts, and even small vegetables. No more hand strain or time spent manually chopping ingredients—this electric option does it all at the touch of a button.
The built-in safety mechanism ensures that the motor stops when the top cover is opened, so it’s safe to use even around little hands. This crusher also excels at chopping other ingredients, such as ginger and spices, making it a versatile tool for various cooking needs.
4. ProChef Garlic Crusher: The Professional's Choice
Price: $19.90
Finally, for those who want professional-grade results, the ProChef Garlic Crusher offers exceptional performance. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this crusher ensures that garlic is processed to perfection. Not only does it crush garlic efficiently, but its durability means it will last for years, even with regular use.
This tool is perfect for those who want a high-performance press that’s easy to clean. Simply rinse it under water or pop it in the dishwasher for a quick cleanup. It’s versatile enough to handle not just garlic, but ginger and small vegetables as well, making it a must-have for any serious home cook.
Can I use a garlic crusher for other ingredients?
Absolutely. The standard and rockable garlic presses can be used for ginger too—another ingredient that requires similar care when preparing. The twistable garlic crushers, which use blades, can deal with a variety of other ingredients, such as chillies and lemongrass. This makes garlic crushers not only a great tool for garlic but also versatile for a variety of kitchen needs.
Which Garlic Crusher Is Right for You?
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, there’s a garlic crusher for every kitchen. If you want something simple and reliable, the Stainless Steel Garlic Press is a solid option. For multifunctional use, the GingerGarlic Pro offers excellent value. If convenience is key, the Electric Garlic Crusher is your high-tech solution. And for those who want the best of the best, the ProChef Garlic Crusher will elevate your cooking experience.
The best garlic crusher is the one that suits your cooking style, and with one of these, you'll find that prepping garlic (and more) becomes an effortless part of your kitchen routine.
