| Average Customer Rating: |  4.0 |
| Release Date: | 2008-11-30 |
| Brand: | Pinzon |
| Model: | AM-2SC |
Product Categories
FeaturesRound, reversible bamboo chopping block with mezzaluna insetFlat side for everyday chopping; bowl-shaped side for mezzaluna' s curved bladeChopping block made from bamboo, a renewable resource; more durable than mapleFood-safe, stain-free, hard surface; 10 inches in diameter and 2-3/4 inches highHand washing recommended; imported
Customer reviews
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A wonderful addition to my kitchen
»
I have a small nylon cutting board that I've used frequently over the years, for mincing things like garlic and ginger and small amounts of onions. Among its problems are its size (too small) and the fact that our countertops lack a bullnose, so food too often ends up on the floor...or me.
This chopping block, with its concave side, is the perfect solution. It's just enough larger that it can handle most small chopping jobs, but not so large that it takes up too much of our limited counter space. And the indentation keeps the food where it belongs, making it easy to chop with the mezzaluna. As others have noted, the mezzaluna needs sharpening, and it could probably use more than I gave it, but I was delighted with its first tasks--mincing garlic and ginger for a Moroccan-style stew. For more conventional chopping, the block has a flush side that works well with knives.
My only, very minor, gripe, is that I'm short, so the additional 2.75 inches of the block means I'm not always chopping at an ideal angle unless I stand on a stool. (I have the same problem when I'm kneading bread.) This will only be an issue for shrimps like me, however. And because the block is so heavy, you'll need to transfer your chopped food to a dish or plate before dumping it into a pot, rather than carrying a cutting board over to the stove, as I typically do. But all in all, a great kitchen tool. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
(5
out of 5) @ 2009-01-08
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«
Much Prettier then Functional
»
If your are NOT a serious cook and you do NOT chop large quantities of herbs then you might like this pretty little set. I however was not impressed. I found the tiny blade to barely fit my hand and it is so dull it mashes the herbs rather then quickly chopping them. The idea of bamboo is a good one as it is a very hard surface yet the workmanship is a little rough. The dished out area is just barely concave making it a mess to use and it has places that are a bit rough and uneven in the concave area. The space for the blade is also a bit misaligned just not fine clean finished craftsmanship. Now maybe I'm being over critical because I cook a lot and I am use to a large, high quality razor sharp mezzaluna which I use in a wood bowl. That works much better then this for me. I think for the casual cook that only needs to occasionally chop a bit of parsley this might be OK and it does make for a lovely cheese board but this is really Not for the serious cook!
Rating: 
(1
out of 5) @ 2009-01-06
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«
Perfect Size
»
The size of this block and mezzaluna is perfect for the average kitchen. We use it to chop fresh herbs, garlic, onions, nuts etc. The mezzaluna stores in the chopping block base which makes it handy and hard to misplace. The block makes a great cheese board for serving and cutting, and usually is good for a conversation on two. We actually use this more than we expected as it has so many uses...we got it primarily for herbs, but found we use it as a regular cutting board and for chopping vegetables etc. We leave it on the counter because of frequent use and find it to be quite attractive and well built. If you decide to buy this I would hope your experience is as good as ours. There are so many kitchen products that come and go...this is a keeper.
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2009-01-02
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Very good design - great quality
»
things you can count on:
1. yes, the included (single) blade arrives quite dull...but it sharpens up nicely.
2. The block itself is heavy (I'd guess around 5 pounds) with useful indentions on each side to carry it. 10" diameter 3" high block!
[...]
I used this block to serve a chedder wedge at xmas time. Because it's flat on one side and slightly bowled on the other, it's quite versatile. Fits nicely on my coffee table and as others noted, is quite attractive with four layers of joined bamboo. Sides display a square profile of the cut bamboo.
I used this block to chop oninons (after I sharpened the blade). It was a snap and now I'm spoiled. The 1/4" bowl like indention on one side of the block is perfect to keep food from flying when you're chopping up layers of onions.
I used this block as a raised cutting block (one of three) for our Xmas party buffet.... it was taller than others and perfect for slicing a standing rib roast (the indention kept most of the juices from going where they shouldn't -- though I did have a liner underneath all blocks with meat).
Bottom line, it's very versatile, sturdy and useful. I agree that it would make a great and affordable wedding present, dorm present, or first apartment gift. Very good choice for those second or third marriages :)
Though I don't think you're supposed to give knives as a wedding present...this one is dull enough to blame if the marriage is severed.
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2009-01-01
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«
It doesn't make the cut: A Pinzon round bamboo chopping block with inset mezzaluna review
»
I recently received the Pinzon round bamboo chopping block with inset mezzaluna. As a chef I enjoy many kitchen products and typically cook from scratch. Although I commonly use kitchen products made for home use, I tend to look at them from a professional point of view. As for cutting boards and chopping blocks, I like a variety for different uses. I've never used a mezzaluna set before as I generally use my chef's knife or products similar to this herb mincer to quickly chop herbs. Being intrigued by this set, I wanted the opportunity to put this chopping block to the test.
Being made from bamboo, the board is manufactured from a renewable resource for a greener product without sacrificing the quality of typical maple boards. Bamboo has a tendency to be more decorative as well and this chopping block, about the size of a dinner plate but much thicker, is no exception. This chopping block also includes storage for the mezzaluna and two insets for handles. When cutting with a mezzaluna set, food should fall back towards the center of the bowl.
The mezzaluna included with this set uses a single blade knife only going about a half inch deep into the bamboo handle and is riveted at each end. With the grain of the handle and how the blade is joined to it makes me think the mezzaluna will have a tendency to break after awhile. The blade is not sharp either; I can run my fingertip over the edge without fear of cutting myself. In fact I can look at the edge and see it has a thin flat surface. It would take significant work with a sharpening stone or blade sharpener to put a proper edge on this mezzaluna. Additionally many quality mezzalunas consist of double blades for efficient chopping, making this blade less efficient. Plus the bowl for using the mezzaluna is too shallow for gravity to do its job. I had to push the herbs back towards the center myself as I attempted to cut them.
The blade stores nicely in an inset on the cutting board's side with an internal magnet to keep the mezzaluna from accidentally falling out. I can turn the board on its side holding it in the air and the knife won't fall from its storage area. When using the mezzaluna, the handle fits nicely in the hand and comfortably rocks back and forth in the board's shallow bowl.
The cutting area is adequate for chopping a large onion, but have a plate handy to hold your preparations as you cut. The board's handles are positioned so the edge of my dinner plates will rest inside while scraping food onto them no matter which side of the board I am using. Alternatively, this board would be excellent to serve a few smaller chunks of cheese with a bunch of grapes for an appetizer.
The mezzaluna is dull plus could be improved with an added blade. This item also has a specialized use, making it somewhat less versatile. However the board is attractive and I can see thought went into the design. When it comes down to it though, this set didn't convince me to change my ways. Had the mezzaluna knife impressed me, it could have. If you want an attractive mezzaluna set, this is a good option. But if you are interested in function, look for a mezzaluna set with a quality knife, even if it costs a bit more.
PROS:
Looks great
A greener choice
Mezzaluna storage
CONS:
Single blade mezzaluna
Dull mezzaluna blade
Rating: 
(2
out of 5) @ 2008-12-31
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