The delicious aroma of pizza exudes through your home. A fresh homemade pie or quick and easy frozen pizza just finished baking.
It looks and smells delectable.
Your taste buds are watering as you wait (as patiently as possible) for the pizza to cool.
Finally, the time comes. You can cut the pizza and indulge.
You begin the act, but suddenly you realize you have an unexpected obstacle — you have a crappy pizza cutter or a knife that isn’t getting the job done.
If this has happened to you before, you know the terrible feeling it invokes. If it hasn’t, I assure you that it is not something you want to experience.
To prevent this from happening to you (and your loved ones) in the future, we’ll dive into the various aspects one should consider when choosing a pizza cutter. And if you’re looking to upgrade your cutting capabilities, we curate the best pizza cutters available.
Types of Pizza Cutters Explained
What comes to mind when you think of a pizza cutter?
Most people visualize traditional wheel cutters. But this isn’t your only option.
You can experiment with other types of cutters, including rocker blades and scissors designed specifically for cutting pizza.
Let’s cut to the chase.
Traditional Wheel Pizza Cutters
We’ll start with an ol’ faithful—wheel pizza cutters. You know, the one with a handle and the rotating circular roller blade. Wheel cutters are an everyday kitchen gadget that is also used in many pizzerias worldwide.
People love the easy grip, affordability, and how they conveniently fit in most kitchen drawers. Assuming the blades are sharp and it isn’t a chintzy product, this revolutionary tool easily cuts pizza.
Fun fact: another variation of the wheel cutter is handleless, with a grip to hold onto as you slice your pizza.
Rocker Pizza Cutters
Rocker pizza cutters, or mezzalunas, are another efficient way to cut pizza.
The mezzaluna was invented by Silvio Pacitti in Italy during the early 18th century as a safer alternative to traditional knives. Rocker cutters consist of a long, curved blade with a dual-handle design that keeps your fingers out of harm’s way and allows you to apply even leverage for a smooth rocking motion when cutting.
Sure, rocker cutters work great for cutting vegetables, cheese, and meats, but they are most well-known for cutting pizza with ease.
Many commercial pizza kitchens swear by the pizza rocker. If you’ve seen one in action, this is likely where it was. However, the tool is becoming popular for cutting pizza at home.
The main downside is that rocker cutters don’t easily fit into kitchen drawers, so you may have to get creative with storage.
Another perk: you’ll look cool using one.
Pizza Scissors
It might sound crazy, but pizza scissors are a thing.
This handy tool resembles ordinary scissors but is designed to cut pizza precisely.
In terms of storage, pizza scissors are slightly larger than a traditional pizza cutter but are not too difficult to store in a kitchen.
Another bonus: the nostalgia of using scissors for art projects in grade school.
Best Pizza Cutters: Top Picks for Every Budget
We’ve compiled a list of the top pizza cutters to help you make a purchase that fits your needs. Each blade has been rated based on its performance, durability, and overall value.
Oxo Good Grips 4-Inch Pizza Wheel
For a classic pizza cutter that won’t break the bank, check out the Oxo Good Grips 4-Inch Pizza Wheel. This cutter features a comfortable non-slip grip and a thumb guard for safety. It’s made with a stainless steel blade and a BPA-free plastic handle, so it’s durable and safe. And when you’re done, toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Cook Works Stainless Steel Rocker-Style Pizza Cutter
Made from a single piece of stainless steel with no joints or moving parts, the Cook Works pizza cutter is versatile and easy to use. Its rocker-style blade allows you to slice through medium to large pizzas in just one motion, making it a breeze. Plus, it can also be used to cut other baked goods like bread or pastries. And when you’re done, toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Winco Winware Pizza Cutter With Handle
The Winco Winware Pizza Cutter is an excellent option if you’re on a tight budget. It’s affordable and has a stainless steel blade and a durable plastic handle. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean it after use.
Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel
For a handle-free wheel cutter that’s easy to use and store, check out the Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel. It features a retractable blade cover for safety and a compact design that’s easy to keep when not in use. And when it’s time to clean up, you can easily take it apart for a thorough cleaning.
Dreamfarm Scizza Pizza Scissors
For a high-quality option that’s a little bit of a splurge, consider the Dreamfarm Scizza Pizza Scissors. These scissors are made with stainless steel and a nonstick coating, so they’re both sharp and easy to use. And they’re not just for pizza – you can use them to cut other food items.
Cangshan N1 Series 18/10 Stainless Steel Pizza Cutter
If you’re looking for a pizza cutter made entirely of stainless steel, the Cangshan N1 Series cutter is a great choice. It features a sharp blade and a comfortable ergonomic handle that’s easy to grip. And when you’re done, toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Pizza Cutter
When choosing a pizza cutter, there are several essential features to consider.
Type of blade.
Pizza cutters come with various blades, including wheels, rockers, and scissors. Consider the type of blade that will work best for your needs. Wheels are the most common and work well for larger pizzas, while rockers are a good choice for smaller pizzas. Scissors can be a convenient option for cutting thin slices of pizza.
Blade material.
Blades can be made of stainless steel, ceramic, or other materials. Stainless steel blades are durable and easy to clean but can be heavy. Ceramic blades are lightweight and won’t rust, but they may not be as stable as stainless steel.
Handle material.
The handle should be comfortable and have an excellent grip to prevent slipping. Common materials for handles include plastic, wood, and metal.
Size.
Consider the size of your pizza and choose a cutter that can easily cut through it. If you frequently make large pizzas, you may want to opt for a larger cutter.
Ease of use.
Some pizza cutters are easier to use than others, so consider whether the cutter you are considering will be comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.
Dishwasher safe.
If you want to save time on cleaning, look for a dishwasher-safe pizza cutter.
Price.
Pizza cutters range in price from a few dollars to over twenty dollars. Determine your budget and choose a cutter that fits within it.
Tips for Using a Pizza Cutter
Once you’ve chosen the perfect pizza cutter, you’ll want to use it properly to make the best pizzas possible. Here are some tips for using a pizza cutter:
Use a cutting board.
A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting your pizza, which can help you make clean, even cuts.
Preheat the blade.
Before using your pizza cutter, heat the blade by running it under hot water or heating it with a blow dryer. This can help the blade cut through the pizza more easily.
Use a gentle sawing motion.
Using a pizza cutter, use a gentle sawing motion to make clean, even cuts. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can cause the pizza to tear or the blade to become dull.
Clean the blade regularly.
To keep your pizza cutter in good working order, clean the blade regularly. Remove the blade and wash it with warm soapy water if the blade is removable. If the blade is not removable, carefully clean it with a damp cloth or sponge. Cutting pizza with a clean blade is also known as clean cut pizza.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right pizza cutter can make all the difference in your pizza-cutting experience. Whether you prefer a traditional wheel cutter, a rocker cutter, or pizza scissors, plenty of high-quality options are available on the market.