Gourmia Garlic Crusher

Most garlic crushers operate by squeezing the garlic through little holes, so I was really curious about the Gourmia garlic crusher that has, for lack of better description, teeth.

The cloves go into the device and you twist back and forth and the teeth - not sharp knives, but plastic teeth - sort of tear at the garlic and shred and mangle it apart.

The result isn't like chopped garlic, nor is it like garlic that's gone through a traditional crusher. I'm not saying it's bad or good, just that it's different.

This also works better with super-fresh garlic than with the stuff that's feeling a little wilty. You know, like if you bought more garlic than you needed, and now you're using it up.

One interesting thing is that there are devices much like this sold for processing certain dried herbs - the kind that are legal in some states, but not in others. I don't suggest using the same one for your garlic and your smoking product, though.

While the garlic ends up spread inside the crusher, it wasn't terribly hard to get out, but I did have to pick around the teeth a bit to get all of it. For complete cleaning, it's dishwasher safe.

Who's it for: People who have a need to crush garlic.

Pros: Super easy to use.

Cons: A different result than normal crushers.

Wishes: I wish there was an easier way to empty it, but I have no idea what that might be.

Source: I received this from the manufacturer for the purpose of a review.