The best spiralizers of 2021

(CNN) —  

Whether you have sworn off gluten or are trying the keto diet, looking for a healthier alternative to pasta, love the aesthetics of an Instagram-worthy salad or side dish or are just looking for ways to sneak more vegetables into your diet, spiralizers offer a quick and easy way to turn your zucchini, potatoes, carrots and other veggies into “zoodles” at home with just a few good cranks.

After weeks of testing eight top-rated spiralizers — turning 250-plus veggies into noodles, curly fries and ribbons — we found two clear winners:

• Best tabletop spiralizer: Spiralizer 7-Blade Spiral Slicer ($24.97, regularly $27.99, amazon.com)
• Best handheld spiralizer: OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer ($15.99, amazon.com)

Delivering perfectly formed spirals on every vegetable we tested, and while using all seven of its included blades, the Spiralizer 7-Blade Spiral Slicer had us digging through our produce drawers searching for more and more veggies to turn into noodles. While it’s similar in appearance to its tabletop brethren we tested, it outperformed them all when it came to making consistent spirals that didn’t break apart, lose their shape or require so much cranking that you felt like you had just endured a serious arm weightlifting session. Are all seven of the stainless steel blades necessary? Nope. The three basics included with most models (spaghetti, fettuccine and ribbon) will probably have most folks covered just fine. But the fact that they’re all clearly labeled by name and oh-so-sharp helped this model rise to the top. Add in great suction, being dishwasher-safe and a lifetime warranty? It gets our top pick.

If you’re looking for a smaller version you can easily toss in a drawer or hide in a cupboard, the OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer is an excellent option. With one razor-sharp built-in stainless steel blade, it worked better than its fellow handheld competitors on all veggies tested, delivering long, even, well-formed spirals. Its design allows for spiralizing over a bowl or pressing down on a cutting board for more leverage. The ergonomic handle means even though you do have to put some elbow grease into it, you won’t tire out or cramp up while doing so. When you’re all done, just throw it in the top rack of your dishwasher and start cooking; it’s perfect for single diners or anyone just looking to occasionally add zoodles to their menu.