What's a more efficient use of a Garlic Press?

Question

I have one, rarely use it because I always have lots of leftover garlic inside. Is there a way to squeeze out every last bit of garlic without having a huge hunk of leftover in it? Thanks. Or maybe it's better to just chop it up manually...?

Answer 1

As an idea, the garlic press is brilliant. Stick in clove of garlic, squeeze out tiny bits of fresh garlic without nasty hands. As a product, unless you spend too much money (Pampered Chef, for example), most garlic presses are just going to leave a chunk. Also, it really isn't that hard to chop up your garlic yourself - just use a really big knife and keep the tip on the board. Also, if your recipe calls for any salt, sprinkle the salt on the garlic as you chop and it will get really fine and kind of pasty - very nice for sauces where you don't want weird garlic chunks in a bite.

Also, as a side note, I'm a big fan of Alton Brown on the Food Network and garlic presses are one of the evil uni-taskers that shouldn't be allowed in the kitchen. If it's an entire gadget sold for one specific purpose useful only with one specific ingredient, there's probably not really a need for it.

Answer 2

I stopped using a garlic press because I realized that it's faster to chop it than to use one, but it seems to be that the "huge hunk" leftover in it is just a tangle of fibrous material that didn't get squeezed through. All the tender part of garlic got through the holes but the fibrous portion of the garlic couldn't, so it stayed behind. That is what it seems like to me, at least.

Answer 3

I have discovered the greatest gadget ever for garlic.
Go to qvc.com. In the search window type in garlic chopper and hit enter. The first item should be GARLIC EXPRESS 2 PACK GARLIC CHOPPER AND PEELER. Click on that item.
It uses up the whole garlic clove and it peels it too. I just love it and so do three of my sisters and two of my nieces. I try to turn everyone I know that loves garlic to this. Once you get the hang of it you'll use it everyday. Follow the directions on the box step by step.
For about $20 you get two of these so you can get someone to get one with you or give the other one as a gift or use it in your RV or second home or camping.

Answer 4

Welcome to the garlic press club.

This appears to be a common occurrence across garlic press brands.

The cooking program "America's Test Kitchen" put assorted brands to a test and claim the Zyliss model doesn't do this (see link below).

Thought of buying one, but decided to just use my chef's knife with an occasional use of the press when I have to cut a lot of garlic.
Although, even if a lot of garlic, I'll generally favor my knife -- too much effort / frustration with the pressing and removing of the clove.
Decided to keep the purchase price of $15.00 pocketed fo now.

Answer 5

I have a pampered chef garlic press. It comes with a tool to get out every last little bit. It's really handy.

Usually the skin just comes out on the pusher. In mine you don't have to peel the garlic. Then you just toss it in the dishwasher.

Answer 6

Although it is messy, I find the easiest way to clear out the holes and get all the garlic is with a toothpick. It works great, but a little time consuming.

Answer 7

garlic press is used for really big projects. If you are doing a little bit of cooking, if just isn't feasible to use!

Answer 8

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VVL083Q