Hello, all. I am new to the forum, looking to get more raw and fresh foods into my diet, and trying to find fun ways to present vegetables to my 3 and 6 year olds. I have a newborn as well, so efficiency is important! I want a good spiral slicer. I have a cheapo similar to the Joyce Chen one. It doesn't work very well. I am willing to spend $100 for a decent one. I am considering the Benriner vertical or the Spirooli (if only it did thin noodles), but I figure maybe there are brands I have not yet come across. Prioritized list of requirements is:

- good quality
- available to ship immediately to canada
- requiring minimal muscle power, easy on the back and arms, so my kids can use it (under supervision)
- able to do anything from angel hair noodles to ribbons
- easy to clean
- blade not easily accessible when in use (think 3 and 6 year olds, though if I can't get this feature, I will manage).

I was considering the Benringer, but it doesn't have suction cups on the feet. Maybe I could add rubber feet.

What model would meet my needs?
Are vertical ones physically easier to use, or horizontal ones?
Do vertical ones not need suction cups on the feet?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

you asked about which one is easiest on your back and arms.... that would be any vertical spiral slicer. The Benriner that John sells has two rubber feet, not suction feet. you don't want suction feet on your kitchen top. You just don't want the slicer to move. [www.discountjuicers.com]

The Joyce Chen and its wanna be are easy on the arms but don't make wider "noodles" Question how long do these have to be? An Oxo V cut mandoline can make 1/8 inch noodle which though horizontal are pretty long. A sprial slicer is great for garnishes not for vegi noodles unless they are long noodles.

If I were picking two spiral slicers, 1) Benriner, 2) Tsumapuro. I have both. I also have two others that are less worthy.

Paul

Thanks so much. The noodles don't have to be super-long. I figure if I can get a foot or so, we're good. Longer is OK. Your input is helpful. I think I will get the Benriner.