Joseph and Joseph Garlic Rocker Review: What You Didn’t Expect!
Peeling and mincing garlic is one of those kitchen chores that seems simple until you’ve got sticky fingers and a cutting board coated in tiny bits of skin. You’ve tried pressing down with the flat of a knife, but the clove shoots across the counter. You’ve bought a garlic press only to spend ten minutes scrubbing the holes with a toothpick. And no matter what, your hands smell like garlic for the rest of the evening.
I’ve spent years testing garlic tools — from cheap sheet-metal presses to ceramic grinders. The Joseph Joseph Garlic Rocker caught my attention because it does something most presses won’t: it lets you crush and mince without touching the garlic directly. By the end of this review you’ll know exactly how it performs, where it falls short, and whether it belongs in your drawer.
Joseph Joseph
Joseph Joseph Garlic Rocker Crusher Mincer Press Dishwasher Safe, Stainless Steel
- Cleverly designed multi-function garlic tool for crushing and mincing
- Simply place on top of garlic clove and rock back and forth
- Scoop out crushed garlic for use in your recipes
If you’re looking for a tool that cuts garlic odor, mess, and cleanup time, this one deserves a close look. Here’s what I found after using it for two months straight.
The Joseph Joseph Garlic Rocker Crusher Mincer Press (ASIN B01ATV4O2O) is a stainless-steel rocker that solves the hand-odor problem right away. You place a clove (peeled or unpeeled) on the board, rock the tool over it, and scoop out the crushed garlic. No more touching the clove after the initial placement.
Why Most Garlic Tools Fail (And This One Doesn’t)
Garlic presses are the usual go-to, but they have a fatal flaw: the skin stays inside the hopper. You either leave it there and get bitter bits in your food, or you spend a minute picking it out. Knife work is faster once you’re good, but your fingertips still get sticky and smelly. Microplanes give you a fine mush but they shred your knuckles if you’re not careful.
The rocker sidesteps all of that. The curved stainless blade crushes the clove against the cutting board, and because you apply pressure from above, the skin peels away naturally. You scoop the garlic paste off the blade with a flat edge — I use the back of a butter knife — and the peel stays behind. That’s the first surprise: you don’t need to peel the clove beforehand if you don’t want to.
But it’s not perfect. The rocker produces a coarse paste, not a fine mince. If you need tiny, uniform pieces for garnish, stick with a knife. For sauces, dressings, and pan-fries, the paste works great because it melts into the oil quickly.
How to Use the Joseph Joseph Garlic Rocker: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Place the clove on a sturdy cutting board. A thin, flexible board will flex too much and you’ll lose leverage. Something like the cutting board sets from Joseph Joseph work well because they’re thick and non-slip.
- Position the rocker over the clove so the blade runs across the middle. Make sure the handle is angled slightly toward your body.
- Press down firmly with the palm of one hand and rock the tool forward and backward in one smooth motion. You’ll feel the clove burst and the skin separate. One or two rocks is enough for a single clove.
- Scoop the garlic paste off the blade using a spatula or the edge of a knife. Don’t use your fingers — that defeats the odor-free advantage.
- Rinse the rocker immediately under warm water. Garlic residue dries into a cement-like layer if you leave it. Dishwasher is fine, but hand-drying prevents water spots on the stainless steel.
Pro tip: If you’re making a dish that calls for multiple cloves, crush them all in a row without cleaning between. The garlic oils actually help lubricate the blade. Just scrape off the accumulated paste at the end.
Garlic Rocker vs. Garlic Press vs. Knife: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Method | Prep Time (per clove) | Odor on Hands | Cleanup Difficulty | Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Rocker | 10 seconds | None (if you don’t touch the paste) | Easy – rinse or dishwasher | Coarse paste |
| Garlic Press | 30 seconds (including skin removal) | Moderate – juice on fingers | Hard – holes clog easily | Paste with possible skin bits |
| Chef’s Knife | 15 seconds (peeling + mincing) | High – sticky residue | Easy – rinse board and knife | Fine mince (if skilled) |
| Microplane | 20 seconds | High – juice and contact | Moderate – garlic gets under teeth | Very fine mush |
The rocker wins on speed and odor control. The knife wins on precision. Choose based on what you’re cooking.
Three Common Mistakes People Make With a Garlic Rocker
- Using too much force. The rocker is sturdy, but slamming down with your full weight can crack the plastic handle grips. Apply steady, moderate pressure — the blade does the work.
- Not scraping the blade properly. Garlic paste left on the blade dries into a hard crust that’s tough to remove. Scrape it off immediately after each use. I keep a small silicone spatula nearby just for this.
- Trying to crush too many cloves at once. The rocker handles one or two cloves best. Piling four or five under it results in uneven crushing and bits of unbroken clove. Do them individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the garlic rocker without peeling the clove?
Yes. The pressure splits the skin, and you can pick out the larger pieces after crushing. Some people prefer to peel first for a cleaner result, but it’s not required.
Is the Joseph Joseph Garlic Rocker dishwasher safe?
Yes. The stainless steel blade and the plastic frame are dishwasher safe. I hand-dry mine to avoid water spots on the metal, but the dishwasher doesn’t hurt it.
Does it mince evenly or just crush?
It crushes into a paste, not a uniform dice. If you need tiny, even cubes for a garnish, use a knife. For most cooking applications — sauces, stir-fries, marinades — the paste works perfectly and blends faster.
How do I clean it if garlic gets stuck?
Rinse it right after use. If garlic dries on, soak in hot soapy water for five minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. A toothpick helps clear the curved edge.
Can I use it for ginger or other aromatics?
The manufacturer doesn’t officially recommend it, but many users have success with ginger and soft herbs. The rocker works on anything that’s soft enough to crush under moderate pressure. For hard roots like turmeric, a knife is safer.
What I’d Tell a Friend Before They Buy One
- Buy it if you cook with garlic multiple times a week — it saves time and keeps your hands odor-free.
- Don’t expect a fine mince. This tool makes a coarse paste, not a dice. For salads or raw garnishes, keep a knife handy.
- The odor-free claim is real. You never touch the garlic flesh after you place it under the rocker. That alone is worth the space in the drawer.
- Clean it immediately. Dried garlic is stubborn and will stick to the blade. A quick rinse after each use is all it needs.
- Pair it with a heavy cutting board. A thin plastic board flexes too much. The collapsible colander from Joseph Joseph is great for washing the rocker afterward, by the way.
- Check the current price on Amazon — it fluctuates, and I’ve seen it drop significantly during sales.
- One rocker handles the garlic needs of a family of four. No need to buy two unless you want one for ginger.