Best Mezzaluna
You may have seen a mezzaluna knife and wondered what it is used for. For home cooks who don’t have a collection of quality knives, a mezzaluna is a great alternative to get even and consistent chopping and mincing results safely. There’s no need to take out or even purchase a food processor.
Developed in Italy around 1708, mezzaluna means half moon in Italian, a testament to the shape of the blade on this handy kitchen tool. By using a rocking motion (as opposed to slicing like a straight-edged knife) a mezzaluna can finely chop and mince herbs, green onions and other vegetables, and can also be used for cutting cheese, nuts, chocolate, meat and of course, pizza.
Available in a variety of blade sizes, single or double blades, one handle or two, there is a mezzaluna knife that will suit your chopping style and help with your food prep needs.
We feature six mezzaluna knives you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that best suits your needs.
Top Pick Best 14-inch: LunaChop Mezzaluna Knife
Mezzaluna knives come in many sizes and this model with a 14-inch blade is what you’ll need if you do a lot of chopping in your kitchen.
The two-handle design of this powerful knife gives you complete control over your cutting tasks, with no risk of hurting your hands or fingers. The full stainless steel construction means you can say bye-bye to broken rivets and cracked or dried wooden handles.
The two sure-grip handles are expertly balanced for neat, even chopping and cutting every time. You will be able to roll over lettuce, fresh herbs, meats and even slice up that extra-large pepperoni pizza with ease and skill.
To clean the mezzaluna, carefully wipe the blade with a damp cloth or use a little soap and water. Now it’s ready for the next time you need it.
Pros:
- 14-inch blade
- Solid stainless steel construction
- No rivets
- Balanced handles
Cons:
- Does not come with a protective cover for the blade
Top Pick Best Versatile: The Bold Bee’s 12″ Stainless Steel Mezzaluna Knife & Cover
If you’re looking for a quality easy-to-use mezzaluna knife that has a nice-sized blade, this model from Bold Bee might be for you.
The specialized blade measures 12 inches and is made of 304-18/8 stainless steel. Noted for its superior durability, this metal is the perfect balance of chromium (18%) and nickel (8%) for the level of rust and corrosion resistance you’ll need if you do a lot of cutting, chopping, mincing and dicing.
The rounded handles are designed for versatility and comfort to conform to your specific needs. The mezzaluna also comes with a black blade cover made of durable polypropylene, so when not in use, you can cover the blade and keep it sharp and your fingers and hands safe when it’s tucked away inside a drawer.
As well, you also receive a bar of soap that is specially formulated to clean stainless steel and keep the blade clean and free of odors. The chromium trioxide in the soap binds with and neutralizes sulfuric odors from foods like garlic and onion.
This mezzaluna would make a lovely gift for the aspiring chef in your life.
Pros:
- 12-inch blade
- Blade made from 304-18/8 stainless steel
- Includes a blade cover and specialized cleaning soap
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
Top Pick Best Basic: Amco Stainless Steel Mezzaluna with Silicone Handle
You have a good friend who is always raving about her mezzaluna knife and how well it minces and chops the greens for her salad. Although you would like to get one to try it out in your kitchen, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something you may not like or use more than once. If you are just starting out and want to see how a mezzaluna knife works without breaking your budget, this entry-level model is an affordable option to get you started.
This knife has a 6.5-inch blade and a 4.5-inch handle that gives you an effortless rocking motion to make light work of most of your kitchen cutting tasks, like mincing and chopping herbs, salad greens, fruit and vegetables. The super sharp knife features a stainless steel blade with a beveled edge for greater control and precision. The non-slip silicone handle offers a comfortable grip for a secure, one-handed use.
This mezzaluna is an ideal tool for anyone who finds it difficult to chop with a knife due to arthritis or reduced hand strength. And while hand washing is recommended to preserve the long-lasting use of the knife, it is also dishwasher safe. Comes with a thin plastic sheath to protect the blade when it’s not being used.
Pros:
- Non-slip silicone handle
- Sharp beveled blade
- Comes with thin plastic cover for the blade
- Budget-priced
Cons:
- Handle may be too small for anyone with large hands
Top Pick Best Overall: Triangle Germany Mezzaluna Knife
Some people appreciate the importance of having the right metal utensils to do a job right but also like to introduce a natural element into their kitchen and the tools they use. This mezzaluna knife gives you the best of both worlds, combining a sleek stainless steel blade with two elegant beechwood handles.
While aesthetics are important, functionality is really what it’s all about when it comes to a mezzaluna. The seven-inch easy-to-maneuver single blade knife efficiently minces, chops, and dices ingredients the way you want, producing uniform cuts while reducing your prep time.
Forged from premium stainless steel in Solingen, Germany, the curved blade is hardened to produce a sharp durable edge and is hand-sharpened according to Solingen’s artisanal tradition to ensure strength and longevity.
The two ergonomic, easy-grip handles keep your hands and knuckles at a safe distance from the blade, and the seamless design provides the perfect balance for steady and controlled rocking. It’s best to hand wash this mezzaluna and resharpen as needed.
Pros:
- Made in Germany
- Seven-inch blade with 2.25-inch handles
- Blade made from hardened stainless steel
- Comes with a transparent sheath
Cons:
- Blade may be too short for some uses
Top Pick Best Set: Checkered Chef Mezzaluna Chopper With Cutting Board Set
With so many home chefs in your family, you love gifting them with items for the kitchen. If you’re looking for a thoughtful yet practical gift for that special friend or family member, or if you want to give yourself something special, we recommend this mezzaluna and cutting board set.
The sustainable 10-inch rubberwood curved cutting board has been specially designed and contoured to suit the rocking motion of the knife. It provides an ideal surface for the mezzaluna to effortlessly chop and mince. The concave well of the board keeps onions, herbs, nuts, veggies and any food you mince contained for tidy, efficient chopping.
The sharp, stainless steel six-inch blade and single comfort grip handle combine for an easy one-handed operation. This is a great tool for all home chefs, including anyone with arthritis or who may have difficulty using a knife. The mezzaluna also comes with a sheath to protect the blade – and your fingers – when it’s not being used.
As a bonus, one side of cutting board is smooth and can be used as a small cheese or serving platter. The board is easy to wipe clean after each use and the mezzaluna is dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Sharp, stainless steel blade
- Comfort grip handle
- Chopping board included
- Comes with a sheath for the blade
Cons:
- Not everyone will want or need the board
Top Pick Best Double Blade: Nish Mezzaluna with Protective Cover
There are two styles of a mezzaluna knife: single blade or double blade. Some people prefer a mezzaluna with a single blade while there are others who swear by the faster cutting power of two blades. Even if you already have a one-bladed mezzaluna, if you’ve ever considered adding a two-blade model to your collection, you may want to consider this one from Nish.
Made from the high-quality food-grade stainless steel, the two sharp blades will not rust or lose their sharpness over time. With two blades, you’ll be able to chop and mince onions, peppers, vegetable, fresh herbs, salad, garlic quickly and efficiently.
The six-inch curved blades have been specifically designed so they are far enough apart that you don’t have to worry about food becoming stuck between the blades.
The handle makes it easy to hold and promotes an easy rocking motion. And, when you’re done chopping, simply rinse clean or pop it in the dishwasher. This mezzaluna also comes with a free e-recipe book and a sheath that covers both blades.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Two high-quality stainless steel blades
- Sheath that covers both blades
- Food will not get stuck between the blades
Cons:
- Some people may find the wide handle hard to grip
Things to look for:
Consider these things when looking for mezzaluna so you will choose one that best suits your needs.
Size
The size of your mezzaluna knife will determine what you can cut. A shorter blade of seven inches or less is good to finely chop up herbs and smaller vegetables. If you want to cut larger and harder ingredients, you will need a mezzaluna knife with a longer blade, for example 12 or 14 inches.
Single vs. double blades
Most mezzaluna knives come with a single blade, but there are some that have two blades. While double blades offer quicker and more efficient cutting time, the disadvantage is that the process is messier than with a single-blade model, since food can get stuck between the blades. This can be annoying, having to stop to clean the blade, but it can also be dangerous if you use your fingers to remove the food, since the blades are very sharp. If you’re set on having a double-bladed knife, look for one where the blades can be removed separately for easy cleaning. You’ll also want it to come with a sheath that covers both blades.
Handle/grip
A mezzaluna knife should be easy to hold and provide a comfortable grip. Mezzaluna knives can come with one handle or two. Double handles are generally preferred as they offer more control and keep both your hands away from the blade.
A single-handle mezzaluna can take longer to build up a comfortable rhythm, but once you get the hang of it, it should work just as well as a two-handle model. Also, consider the handle material. Rubber and durable plastic are good options as they provide a comfortable, non-slip grip in comparison to wood.