Norpro Nut/Topping Chopper

Good. Similar to an old one I had that the plastic top broke.

I've been searching for a nut grinder like the one my mom has had for 35 years- a testament to the design and quality of the product- and this Norpro Hand Crank Nut Grinder is as close as I have found. I hope mine lasts as long as my mom's, because so far I'm very happy with it!Some 1-star reviewers have stated that the base does not tightly screw onto the grinder. That was not my experience. Many of the 1 star reviewers have also complained that the blades bent while grinding almonds or mixed nuts. Hand grinders are typically not used to chop hard nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, but rather softer nuts like walnuts, pistachios, cashews, pecans, and peanuts, and it works great for this purpose. However, the product description does not specify what kind of nuts it can grind, so Amazon/Norpro may want to add this to the product description and packaging.My Norpro grinder arrived on time and undamaged. However, I think it's worth mentioning that although there is a glass base, the manufacturer's original packaging is a relatively lightweight box with no styrofoam or cardboard inserts to hold it in place and provide cushioning if it is dropped or jostled in the shipping process. The Amazon shipping box was adequately packed with the air-packs, though, and there was no damage done to mine. There are no care instructions in the box, and the box itself does not specify if the grinder is dishwasher safe. I planned to wash mine by hand, just to be on the safe side, but it ended up on the top rack of the dishwasher, and it came out fine. I would still recommend washing the plastic pieces by hand, though- I wonder if the plastic part of some of the 1 star reviewers' who stated the base doesn't screw on got warped in the dishwasher.The grinder has a sturdy glass base- equivalent to or slightly thicker than the thickness of a canning or food jar (like a spaghetti or salsa jar.) It has rounded edges on the bottom that make it resistant to chipping. The grinder is plastic with a metal handle and blade, and screws onto the base. The plastic and metal are not as good of quality as by mom's "vintage" model, however, I'd say it's on par with the quality of any moderately priced kitchen utensil these days, and above the quality of what I'd expect for its price. It looks exactly as it is pictured, and the size and capacity are as described on Amazon.I have already used it to grind walnuts and pecans I put about 1/4 cup of whole (shelled) nuts into the top at a time. The handle turned easily and smoothly, and I had consistently ground nuts in seconds! It is far less hassle than using a food processor, and no electricity is required. I took a picture immediately after grinding pecans to show the blades are in perfect condition after use. If you are unfamiliar with hand grinders, here is a tip: if a nut gets stuck, simply turn the handle in reverse.I have not tried grinding cookies or candy, as suggested on the packaging. Personally, I would only choose to use dry, "soft" ingredients in this grinder- such as the soft nuts stated above, or maybe a cookie such as Pecan Sandy. The dry nuts easily rinsed off of the blades after use, but I think it would be really hard to scrub any sticky residue from the blades, and they may get stuck.One thing to consider before purchasing is that there is no way to adjust the size of the grind. I would consider the nuts to be the perfect size for baking and most recipes calling for chopped nuts baked/stirred in or sprinkled on top (examples: banana bread, cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, roasted butternut squash, cheese balls, etc), but some people may prefer a corser chop. Also, some people may consider the ground nuts to be too slightly too corse for recipes that call finely chopped nuts (such as cookie and candy recipes that call for rolling in finely chopped nuts to coat), however I have used it for this purpose and have been happy with the result.Overall, the Norpro Hand Crank Nut Grinder is perfect for my uses, and exactly what I expected based on the product description and the performance of my mom's old model. I think it's a great value for the price (and I'm a pretty frugal person.) I would definitely purchase it for myself again, and would recommend it to anyone with needs similar to my own.

Cheap metal blade failure!We have one that is 15 yrs old and glass broke, so I order this and two blades bent on first use. I was able to use the glass part with old unit and it works fine.

Works adequately. The plastic on the handle does cover the entire handle which isn't very comfortable. The nuts don't feed into the blades consistently, so you have to shake it a little. Not as good as vintage ones, but less annoying than pulling out (and cleaning) an electric chopper. Hopper fits snuggly on base (which was a problem with a previous chopper I purchased). We will see how long it lasts

Why did you pick this product vs others?:This litttle chopper is prefect for chopping nuts and candy for my cookies!!!

I purchased one of these years ago and it would still be alive if I hadn't dropped in on my new quartz countertop - bummer. I kept the working top and mainly purchased this for the bottom as I have found that newer ones have blades that bend too easily. My old top continues to work on the new bottom. For this newer model, you have to avoid trying to chop frozen nuts and let them thaw out first. It will then work just fine.There is a learning curve with using the handle. You have to hold the top as you turn it - you CANNOT hold on to the bottom container as it will cause the top to come loose. So just rest your hand over the top of the unit and grind away.

Quality product and works great. Exactly like the one we had 40 years ago growing up as a kid.

Its hard to break and it can slip out of your hands. I bought this for an older person and they need help using it. YOU HAVE TO hold it real tight, twist the white top part on real good and swing the lever back and fourth in 180 degree motions, its very tough for an old person or a person with not too much strength. Using the lever in circular motions will be very hard but it can be done. If you are strong and can hold it good, then its no problem, but even so, its hard to use... BUt I was able to get nuts cut... FOr the price its good though. But if the person I bought it for was using it by them self, this review would be one star.