Buying guide for Best pizza cutters
Have you ever tried to slice a hot pizza with a knife? It ends in a mess. Toppings move around the pizza, cheese sloughs off, and it's tough to cut straight through and get even slices. A pizza cutter, on the other hand, is super sharp, so you can simply roll it across your pie without causing a dinner disaster.
Whether you're someone who regularly gets pizza for takeout on Friday night or you prefer to bake a homemade pizza to perfection, having a quality pizza cutter on hand will ensure you get the perfect slice portioned out every time. Not every delivery chain cuts their pizza properly, if at all, and if you're cooking pies yourself, a cutter ensures you can serve guests pizza without ruining the presentation.
Rocking or rolling? The two types of pizza cutters
There are two main types of pizza cutters: wheeled cutters and mezzaluna blades.
Wheeled cutters
A wheeled cutter is probably what you think of when you imagine a pizza cutter. These allow for better control over the cut of a pizza. They're good for all sizes of pizza since you simply need to roll the blade across. Wheel sizes vary, though, so if you're partial to thick-crust pizza, opt for a bigger wheel size.
Mezzaluna blades
This type of pizza cutter is shaped with a slight curve. A rocking motion is used to produce a cut so even that even a cook with poor hand-eye coordination can cut in a straight line. However, on really large pizzas (and aren't those the best kind?), you might not be able to cut all the way across if you're using a small mezzaluna.
Did you know?
Some pizza cutters come in a handheld wheel shape. There's no handle; it's just a wheel with a safety covering that glides right across the pizza. This type of cutter is perfect for small kitchens with limited storage space.
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Pizza cutter considerations
A pizza cutter is a fairly simple kitchen accessory, but there are still a few important aspects to consider.
Material
The ingredients that go into a delicious, hot, cheesy pizza are important, and so are the components that make up a pizza cutter. Stainless steel is your best bet since it doesn't react to acidic ingredients like tomato sauce and won't rust as easily as other materials. It's also pretty easy to rinse off with a bit of soap and hot water. For the easiest cleanup, go for a stainless steel pizza cutter that is also dishwasher safe.
If you choose a pizza cutter with a wooden handle, be aware that the wood may be prone to warping or cracking. The most durable options are made of stainless steel and have rubberized handles.
Handle
It should be easy to roll or rock your cutter across a pizza pie. The handle should be long enough that you can get a comfortable grip but not so long that cutting is awkward and you lose control.
A wooden handle looks attractive, but as we mentioned above, wood is not as long-lasting as a material like silicone. If you choose a pizza cutter with a wooden handle, clean it right away, and dry it thoroughly to prevent premature warping and cracking.
Blade width or diameter
For a mezzaluna cutter, assess the size of pizza you usually eat. A blade that matches the diameter of the pizza you're cutting will make it easier to use. If you order a wide variety of pizza sizes, opting for a larger rocker-type cutter covers all your bases.
For a rolling cutter, the diameter matters if you're particularly fond of deep-dish or thick-crust pies. If you want to slice right through thicker pizzas, make sure the diameter of the blade is twice the size of the pizza thickness so you can roll through smoothly. Remember, too, that a pizza cutter with a larger blade requires more storage space.
Safety
Rocker-shaped pizza cutters make it tough to slice off your fingers if you're being reasonably careful. Just be aware that there's a sharp blade in action, and keep your fingers on the cutter handle. Most mezzaluna cutters come with a protective storage sheath to help keep the edge sharp and shield your fingers from the blade as you rifle through your utensil drawer.
Roller pizza cutters should have a protective covering where the blade and handle meet. This helps keep your fingers from touching the sharp cutter if your hands slip. Notably, some offer more protection than others. For the utmost protection, opt for a roller with a larger barrier between the blade and handle.
Other pizza cutter uses
You can slice through all sorts of things with your pizza cutter; it's not just for pizza. Rolling and mezzaluna cutters are good for plenty of non-pizza uses. Among other things, you can:
Cut up pita for guests
Use it for cake decorating
Slice through frozen or chilled cookie dough
Cut through homemade pasta sheets
Portion out quesadillas
Cut sandwiches
Chop herbs and greens
"Some pizza cutters come with grippy material on the handle to prevent it from sliding out of your hand."
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Pizza cutter prices
Whether you make pizza every week or only use a pizza cutter occasionally, you can find a pizza cutter that suits your budget and cook style.
Under $10
There are plenty of quality pizza cutters available for less than $10. At this price range, you can find easy-to-hold, compact wheel cutters that are great for cooks with limited storage space.
Over $10
You'll find more mezzaluna models and high-quality rollers in this range. Most feature stainless steel construction and sharp, long-lasting blades. For a higher price, you can also purchase novelty cutters with fun designs. They're a great conversation starter, but if you're serious about pizza-cutting, they shouldn't be your top pick.
FAQ
Q. How can I tell when it’s time to replace my pizza cutter?
A. If the blade is showing signs of wear (e.g., rust spots) or it wobbles as you try to slice through pizza, it's probably time for a new one. However, your pizza cutter should last for several years at minimum if you take good care of it.
Q. What’s the best surface for slicing pizza?
A. Be careful when slicing pizza with a cutter. If you slice directly on your counter, the sharp blade could damage the surface. Instead, consider investing in a quality cutting board to slice your homemade pizzas.
Q. I'm finding it tough to cut my pizza without making a mess. What am I doing wrong?
A. It could be that your pizza cutter is no longer sharp, but if your gadget is brand new, it could also be that your pizza-making skills need a bit of refining. If you're overloading your pizza with toppings, it may fall apart during the cutting process. An excess of cheese will easily slide off your pie and, if your dough is too thin, your pizza might be tough to cut properly. Too much sauce may also be the culprit.
