What are the advantages of manual potato peelers?
There are different models of potato peelers in stores, so it’s not easy to immediately choose the right one to help you in your daily kitchen routine. We will tell you which models are worth paying attention to and how to use them.
Types of potato peelers
All potato peelers are divided into three types depending on the principle of operation. Below we will consider their advantages and disadvantages in detail.
Electrical
This type of device has increased performance. In 1 hour, an electric potato peeler peels 60 kg of potatoes - this is 10 times more than a person can do in the same time.
Such devices come in continuous and periodic operation. The former are used in large enterprises and industries. The second - in professional kitchens, restaurants and cafes.
Manufacturers offer stationary and tabletop devices. Desktop ones are mobile and smaller in size, they are easy to move if necessary, unlike stationary ones.
Mechanical
This is a compact type of potato peeler that works autonomously. There are examples that are powered by batteries. They are placed on any convenient surface. The tuber is secured using a holder; it is cleaned with a sharp blade while rotating.
There are mechanical devices that clean several tubers at the same time. They are shaped like a bowl into which the potatoes are placed. Turning the handle located on the surface of the body causes the bowl of tubers to rotate and the peel is peeled off.The device is suitable for small or young potatoes - the skin should be tender and thin.
Manual
A popular look among most housewives. It looks like a handle made of plastic or metal. On top there are blades that are used to peel potatoes.
Note! Mechanical and manual potato peelers are often used in everyday life to peel other vegetables and fruits.
Which potato peelers are the most convenient?
In professional kitchens, as well as when frequently cooking for a large number of people, speed and volume are important. Even if the tubers are not completely processed during electric cleaning, it will still be faster than manual cleaning.
When using mechanical devices, less effort is spent on cleaning than manually. The downside is that in such devices, most often only one tuber is peeled at a time and not completely, because the top and bottom of the potato are narrow parts, and the blade of the device does not reach them.
When mechanically cleaning, the blade goes exactly in a circle, and the surface of the tubers is usually uneven. Therefore, after processing with the device, all potatoes have to be peeled manually. It turns out to be double work, but less effort is spent on manual labor.
The manual method is the most energy-consuming, but with this cleaning it is possible to control the process and clean the entire tuber at once.
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Criterias of choice
When choosing such a device, first determine the volume of potatoes that will be peeled and the frequency of use.
Electric models are suitable for businesses and restaurants because they can quickly complete a large amount of work.It is worth paying attention to devices made from durable materials that wear out more slowly - stainless steel and abrasive inserts.
When comparing different models, important characteristics are taken into account:
- volume of electricity consumption;
- ease of cleaning;
- ease of operation.
Mechanical models for the home are chosen on the basis of convenience and ergonomics - they shouldn't take up much space. To do this, first study photos of potato peelers. The material and fastenings must be reliable, the handle must lie comfortably in the hand. Choose safe, closed models in which the risk of cutting is minimized.
A manual potato peeler should fit comfortably in your hand.. Housewives prefer light, compact models. The handle material should be non-slippery. Depending on personal preferences, choose the location of the blades: in some models they are located vertically, in others - horizontally. It is better to choose a device with a long blade to quickly peel the tubers.
Advantages of manual potato peelers
Advantages of manual means for cleaning tubers:
- Quality. The tuber is completely cleaned. There is no need to further process the vegetable after electrical or mechanical cleaning - double work is eliminated.
- Smoothness of peeled tubers. When mechanically peeled, furrows from the blade appear on the vegetable, and the potato becomes ribbed. Not everyone likes this result - it’s more common to see even cuts.
- Compactness. Hand tools do not need to be stored in boxes to prevent them from getting damaged or dirty, and they do not need to be put away on shelves in closets. They are always at hand, which reduces cooking time.
- Save time. There is no need to wash containers, lids, and removable surfaces after the cooking process.Just rinse the blades.
- Price. Manual potato peelers are the most economical for everyday use. If the blade becomes dull or breaks, you can buy a new attachment.
- Availability. Such devices are sold in any supermarket. There is no need to go to specialized home appliance stores or wait for an order from an online store.
Recommendations for peeling potatoes
Experienced housewives advise:
- Before cleaning the tubers, remove dirt and wash them.
- Peel the peel by hand as finely as possible if it is a harvest from your own plot, in order to preserve the beneficial substances. Remove more if the potatoes are purchased at the store.
- Completely cut out any green areas on the surface of the tubers. If more than 1/3 of the tuber is green, it should not be eaten even after peeling.
- Place peeled potatoes in cold water to prevent them from darkening.
The classic way: hold the tuber with one hand and peel it in weight with the other. There is another option that reduces the risk of cuts and makes the process more convenient:
- Cut the tuber in half so that you can place it vertically on a cutting board.
- Hold the tuber by the top with one hand.
- With your other hand, cut the skin from top to bottom.
Young potatoes from their own plot do not need cleaning equipment. Just rinse it with water and rub it with your hands or a new thick sponge, and the thin skin will come off on its own.
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Step-by-step instructions for creating a homemade potato planter.
Conclusion
Despite the emergence of mechanical and electrical devices to facilitate daily work in the kitchen, manual potato peelers remain the most popular - they are compact, affordable, and easy to use.