How to Use the Garlic Slicer Mincer Set for Quick Prep

By Microplane | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use the Microplane Garlic Slicer Mincer Set to mince and slice garlic quickly without a knife or press, plus tips to avoid common mistakes.

Quick Answer

The Microplane Garlic Slicer Mincer Set lets you mince or slice garlic cloves with a simple back-and-forth motion, keeping your hands odor-free and requiring no knife skills.

Why This Tool Beats a Knife or Press

A garlic press often leaves behind skins and clogs, while a knife demands steady chopping skills. The Garlic Slicer Mincer Set uses two interchangeable blades—one for mincing and grating, another for slicing—so you can prep garlic exactly how a recipe calls for. The included lid contains the garlic, so your hands stay clean and odor-free.

Because the blades are made in the USA and designed for small peeled cloves, you get even cuts every time without the mess of a press or the risk of uneven pieces from a knife.

Choosing the Right Blade

The set comes with two blades: the mincing/grating blade and the slicing blade. Use the mincing blade when a recipe calls for finely minced garlic (e.g., dressings, marinades, or sauces). Use the slicing blade for recipes that benefit from thin, even slices, such as stir-fries or roasted garlic dishes.

Swapping blades is straightforward: remove the lid, lift out the current blade, and snap the other into place. Always make sure the blade is fully seated before adding garlic.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Garlic Slicer Mincer Set

1. Peel and trim the clove: Remove the papery skin from one or two garlic cloves and cut off the hard root end. The blade works best on small peeled cloves; larger cloves can be halved lengthwise. Do not use unpeeled cloves—the blade will not cut through the skin evenly, and the tool may clog.
2. Insert the clove and close the lid: Place the peeled clove into the chamber on the base. Snap the lid closed securely. The lid holds the garlic in place and keeps your fingers away from the blade. Make sure the lid clicks shut. A loose lid can cause the garlic to shift and lead to uneven cuts.
3. Slide the blade back and forth: Hold the base steady with one hand and grip the blade handle with the other. Push the blade across the garlic in a smooth, straight motion. Repeat 3–5 times for minced garlic or 1–2 times for slices. Do not rock or twist the blade—straight strokes give the most consistent results and prevent the blade from jamming.
4. Open and remove the garlic: Unsnap the lid and lift out the blade. Use a small spatula or the back of a knife to scrape the minced or sliced garlic from the blade and chamber. If garlic sticks to the blade, rinse it under warm water immediately—dried garlic is harder to remove.
5. Clean the set right after use: Rinse the blade and base under warm running water. Use a soft brush to remove any residue from the blade teeth. The parts are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but hand washing preserves the sharpness longer. Do not use abrasive sponges or steel wool—they can dull the blade and scratch the plastic base.

Product Details

Garlic Slicer Mincer Set: The Garlic Set comes with 2 blades – one for mincing and grating garlic and the other for slicing. You don't need a separate tool for each cut; one set handles both mincing and slicing, saving drawer space and prep time.
Garlic Slicer Mincer Set