This Game-Changing Little Gadget Chops Garlic in Seconds — No Cutting Board Required

published Aug 23, 2023
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three heads of garlic
Credit: Emma Christensen

The old saying “you can never have too much garlic” rings true in all sorts of incredible dishes, from pasta sauces and braises to Hot Honey Garlic Skillet Chicken, Brothy Tuscan White Beans with Garlic-Fried Bread, and more incredible meals. The only downside about cooking with a lot of fresh garlic? Peeling and chopping it. Now, there are a ton of gadgets to help you peel garlic, but you still have to chop it afterwards, because nobody wants to bite into a massive chunk of the stuff while they’re eating. (Well, some of us might not mind.) Of course, everyone should learn how to chop garlic — it’s both a knife skill and a life skill — but once you’ve mastered the process, you realize that it’s kind of a huge pain. Your hands and knife get all sticky, and it can take a little time and elbow grease to work the cloves into the consistency you want. That’s why I’ve had my eye on the Williams Sonoma Ultimate Garlic Grinder for a while now.  

The Williams Sonoma Ultimate Garlic Grinder is exactly what it sounds like: a helpful gadget that turns the arduous process of chopping, mincing, and smashing your garlic into a mess-free breeze. All you have to do is just pop a few cloves of peeled garlic into the chamber and twist back and forth to get golden, fragrant chopped garlic in seconds. I know there have been plenty of times when I chop all of my vegetables and proteins for a meal, pop my cutting board and knife in the sink, then realize I forgot to mince the garlic. Instead of getting another work surface dirty, I usually just opt for garlic powder. If I had the Williams Sonoma Ultimate Garlic Grinder, I could just grind up a few cloves and whack them into my dish with no hassle. 

Credit: Williams Sonoma

Having a garlic grinder also means less mess, since you don’t have to worry about cleaning your cutting board or your knife afterwards. Plus, you won’t be designating one of your cutting boards as your garlic-chopping board because of lingering odors. And, because the Williams Sonoma Ultimate Garlic Grinder is made from BPA-free nylon and silicone and it’s top-rack dishwasher-safe, cleaning it is a snap. 

So, if you’re looking for an affordable, handy gadget to help you with one of the most annoying and messy tasks in the kitchen — or you’re in need of gift inspo for the garlic-lover in your life — look no further than the Williams Sonoma Ultimate Garlic Grinder. 

Buy: Williams Sonoma Ultimate Garlic Grinder, $24.95