You might think the hassle ends with taking the pizza out of the oven, but guess what? There is just one more important step left, which is cutting clean slices without messing up the toppings. If it’s a thick-crust pie loaded with toppings, you’ll need something specially designed to blast through a thick pizza with extra cheese. I’m talking about pizza cutter wheels.
A pizza cutter wheel, also known as a pizza slicer or roller, is the ultimate tool for effortlessly mastering the art of pizza slicing. With its efficient design featuring a sharp, rotating blade and an ergonomic handle, this kitchen essential guarantees uniform slices and preserves the integrity of your toppings and crust.
In this definitive guide, I’ll help you select the pizza wheel for your needs and share expert insights on achieving flawless, mess-free slices every time. Keep reading!
How Does a Pizza Cutter Wheel Work and Who Needs It?
Think of a round blade attached to a handle – that’s your pizza cutter. And guess what? They’ve tweaked the design over time to make different sizes and shapes for different jobs.
The cool thing about this round blade is how it smoothly rolls over your pizza crust, slicing it up like a champ. It doesn’t matter if your crust is super thick and crunchy; this blade can handle it all. It’s way easier than struggling with a regular knife, and you don’t need to press hard, either.
Here’s a tip when you’re using it: keep the pressure steady as you roll it across the pizza. That way, you’ll get nice and even slices. Plus, you can use this pizza cutter on any kind of crust – thin ones, thick ones, even those deep-dish ones we all love.
What Are the Different Types of Pizza Cutter Wheels?
There are mainly two different types of pizza cutter wheels available in the market. Each type has its own design and specific pros and cons. Let me explain them in detail:
Handled Pizza Cutter Wheel
The handled type has a wheel blade attached to a long handle with finger guards. This type is easy to use, safe, and versatile. The finger guards on such wheels prevent your fingers from getting too close to the blade.
You can use it to cut any size or shape of pizza, as well as other foods like quesadillas, sandwiches, or brownies.
However, it can be harder to clean than the non-handled type, especially if the blade is not detachable. Some models may also have a loose or wobbly connection between the handle and the blade, which can affect the cutting performance.
Disc-shaped Pizza Cutter Wheel
This type of pizza cutter features a semi-circular handle that covers half the blade. These cutters come with a cover to protect the exposed part of the blade when not in use. The non-handled design allows you to have more control and leverage over the cutter, as you can hold it closer to the blade.
This can make it easier to cut through thick or hard crusts. The pros of this type are that it is easy to clean, as you can simply rinse or wipe the blade after each use. Some models also have a serrated edge that can cut through cheese or toppings more easily.
On the downside, this type of pizza wheel is harder to store than the handled type, as it takes up more space in your drawer or cabinet. Also, it’s a bit harder to clearly see where you are cutting as your hand might get in the way of your vision.
Pizza Rocker vs. Pizza Wheel – Nope, They Aren’t the Same
Both are two specific types of pizza cutters with very subtle differences in terms of functionality. However, design-wise, they are noticeably different, which does impact the ease of use and efficiency to a certain extent.
What Exactly Is a Pizza Rocker Cutter?
A pizza rocker blade is, as the name implies, a long and flat blade that rocks back and forth. With its curved profile, it effortlessly slices through your pizza while preserving toppings and cheese. Thick crusts and extra toppings? No problemo! This cutter excels in maintaining the pizza’s integrity, ensuring even slices without the mess.
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Pizza Rocker Cutter
Pros
- Precise slicing without disturbing toppings.
- Well-suited for hefty crusts and toppings, resulting in consistent, neat cuts.
- Maintains topping placement and provides uniform slices.
Cons
- Slightly steeper learning curve compared to manual or electric cutters.
- Bulky design can pose storage challenges.
Now, I have already explained how a pizza wheel works. Now let’s weigh its pros and cons to see how it measures up to a rocker cutter:
Pizza Wheel
Pros:
- Effortless to use, making it a suitable option for all skill levels.
- Ideal for thin-crust pizzas, ensuring smooth, consistent cuts.
- Enables rapid, accurate slices without fuss.
Cons:
- Limited effectiveness with thicker crusts and hefty toppings.
- Careful technique is required to prevent the dragging of toppings and cheese.
Factors to Keep in Mind While Buying a Pizza Cutter Wheel
Now, let’s focus on the nitty-gritty of what really matters:
1. Blade Material and Sharpness
Stainless steel is a rock-solid option known for its strength and lasting power. But here’s the twist: it’s not just about being tough. The blade of a pizza wheel also needs to be sharp enough to cut through a sizzling-hot pizza without sending your toppings into chaos.
A super-sharp blade ensures your toppings stay put, even when you’re slicing through a piping-hot pizza straight out of the oven.
2. Wheel Size
Size matters – especially when it comes to the wheel diameter. It can vary from a modest 3 inches to a roomier 3.5 inches. Now, if you’re dealing with thin, soft, or semi-hard crusts, I’d suggest leaning toward a cutter with a smaller wheel.
3. Blade Roller Orientation
Also, notice how the roller lines up with the handle. Some pizza wheels have the roller and handle all lined up in a straight shot. But in others, the wheel is at a bit of an angle.
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I personally prefer the angular setup because it puts less pressure on your hand, thus minimizing fatigue. So, if you’re all about easy, smooth cuts without the hand workout, go for the angle.
4. Finger Guard
These little wing-shaped guards chill right where the wheel and handle meet. So, when you grab that handle, you’ve got a comfy spot for your thumb and fingers.
5. Grip
A comfy grip is another key to a smooth slice. Some cutters sport ergonomic handles designed to fit your hand like a glove and keep hand fatigue at bay.
6. Cleaning and Storage
Detachable blades make some models a breeze to clean. You can simply toss the blades and the detachable parts in your dishwasher and let the machine do the job. If you have a shortage of space in the cabinet, look for a pizza cutter wheel with a loophole in the handle for easy hanging.
How to Use a Pizza Cutter Wheel to Achieve Clean Slices?
Slicing up a pizza with a pizza wheel is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow for best results:
- Choose a flat, stable surface for cutting the pizza. This will ensure that the pizza doesn’t slide around as you cut it.
- Hold the cutter steady with one hand and use a rolling motion to cut through the pizza. Start at one end of the pizza and roll the cutter across to the other end, applying even pressure as you go. Make sure to cut all the way through the crust and toppings.
- Make multiple passes if necessary to ensure a clean cut. If you’re having trouble cutting through a particularly thick or crunchy crust, you may need to make several passes with the cutter to get through it.
- Once you’ve cut the pizza into slices, use a spatula or pizza peel to transfer the slices to a plate or serving dish.
Easy-peasy!
Tips for Cleaning a Pizza Cutter Wheel
Up next, we’ll briefly go over how to keep your pizza cutter wheel spick and span:
- Take it apart: If your cutter wheel can be taken apart, give it a quick disassembly. This way, you can get into all the nooks and crannies for a thorough clean.
- Soak it up: Got dried-up pizza bits or gunk? Pop that wheel in warm, soapy water for around 30 minutes. This loosens things up, making cleaning a breeze.
- Scrub-a-dub: Once it’s soaked, grab a soft-bristled brush or a sponge. Gently scrub both sides of the wheel and all the other parts. Then, give it a good rinse under warm water to get rid of any soap.
- Dry it well: Pat that wheel dry with a clean towel, making sure it’s totally dry. No dampness allowed – that’s how we keep rust and damage away.
- Storage Tip: Once your wheel is bone-dry, tuck it away in a safe and dry spot. A blade guard or cover can protect that blade from dullness or dings. If you’ve got a hook, it can hang there too!
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That’s it; you’re all set! By giving your cutter wheel this TLC after every use, you’re keeping it sharp, bacteria-free, and good to go for many more pizza parties.
How to Keep the Pizza Wheel Cutter Blades Sharp for a Long Period?
Keeping that blade sharp is the key to smooth and easy pizza cutting. Here’s how you can make it happen:
Clean after Every Slice: Once you’re done, grab a damp cloth or sponge. Wipe that blade clean to remove any leftover bits. This simple step stops gunk from building up and keeping your blade from losing its edge.
Give It a Tune-Up: Over time, blades lose their oomph. To keep yours in top shape, grab a sharpening stone, some sandpaper, or a puck sharpener. These tools help grind and shape your blade back to a keen edge. If you’re not into DIY, invest in a dedicated pizza cutter sharpener.
Choose the Right Cutting Board: Wooden cutting boards and plastic mats are the MVPs here. Avoid hard surfaces like metal or glass – they’re not blade-friendly and can dull it out quickly.
New Blade, New Game: Sometimes, a blade has its run. If sharpening doesn’t cut it (pun intended), it’s time for a fresh blade. You can find replacements online or at kitchen stores.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, if you want precise cuts of your pizza without damaging the cutting surface or messing up the toppings, get yourself a pizza cutter wheel. These tools mostly come with a finger guard to reduce the strain on your finger. Most pizza wheels are easy to clean and store.
Plus, with the right care, they remain sharp for years. That is all for today. May you be blessed with precise cuts on your perfectly baked crusts!
