Zyliss Susi 3 Review: Faster Garlic Prep With One Care Caveat

A garlic press is supposed to save prep time, but many models simply move the work: peel the cloves, force them through a small basket, then pick sticky pulp from the holes. The Zyliss Susi 3 takes a more complete approach. Its cast-aluminum body, roomy chamber, angled pressing teeth, and cleaner stored in the handle are meant to turn whole-clove prep into one compact routine. It is a persuasive upgrade for cooks who mince garlic several times a week, though a care-instruction conflict deserves attention before purchase.

The large chamber removes a tedious first step

Zyliss says the Susi 3 can press unpeeled cloves and that its hopper can take more than one small clove. That matters because peeling is often the part a cook hoped to avoid by reaching for a press. The Amazon listing describes angled teeth intended to push garlic through while separating the skin, so the real convenience is not merely leverage; it is shortening the sequence from bulb to pan.

Capacity still has practical limits. Oversize cloves may need trimming, and loading several cloves increases the force required. Pressing ginger, shallot, or another firm ingredient can also demand more effort than soft garlic. This is a hand tool, not a guarantee of effortless operation for every grip strength. If you use garlic only occasionally, a chef’s knife remains cheaper, easier to inspect, and free of another hinged utensil to store.

The built-in cleaner is the most useful design detail

Garlic residue dries quickly inside a perforated basket. Zyliss integrates a red cleaning tool into the handle so the pins are available when the press needs clearing rather than sitting loose in a drawer. The manufacturer says the cleaner pushes out residue, and rinsing promptly should make the task easier. That is a more credible ownership benefit than broad claims about “easy cleaning”: the accessory directly addresses the holes that make presses annoying.

There is an important caveat. The same official Zyliss page is internally inconsistent. Its description and care section call the Susi 3 dishwasher safe, while its FAQ recommends hand washing to preserve the aluminum construction. The Amazon listing similarly says dishwasher safe but also recommends hand washing. The conservative choice is to rinse immediately and wash by hand, especially if you want to protect the Ilaflon coating and keep the cleaner attached. Buyers who insist on uncomplicated dishwasher care may prefer a stainless-steel model with unambiguous instructions.

Cast aluminum balances leverage and manageable weight

The exact Susi 3 uses cast aluminum with polypropylene and an Ilaflon coating; it is not an all-stainless press. Zyliss lists dimensions of 6.1 by 2.2 by 1.0 inches and describes the handle as ergonomic. A rigid body and long handles can provide useful leverage without the bulk of a countertop mincer, while the relatively slim profile fits a utensil drawer.

Aluminum also defines the tradeoff. It helps keep the press manageable, but it is not immune to wear, coating damage, or breakage. The hinge and plunger still need sensible handling, and the tool should not be used to crush hard spices or nuts simply because they fit. The five-year manufacturer warranty is reassuring, yet it does not turn misuse or normal finish wear into a performance promise.

The current price makes sense for frequent garlic prep

The exact Amazon US child ASIN B007D3V00Q showed a 4.6-star rating from 9,061 ratings and “200+ bought in past month.” Its full offer area linked to condition=NEW and displayed “New (2) from $29.95,” even though the summary reported no featured offer. The underlying Amazon source snapshot was marked as crawled two months ago, so price, sellers, stock, ratings, and demand should be checked again on the live page before ordering.

At roughly thirty dollars, the Susi 3 costs more than a basic press. The premium is justified when unpeeled-clove capability, a larger chamber, and an always-attached cleaner eliminate repeated friction in a garlic-heavy kitchen. It is less convincing for rare use, for cooks who prefer knife-minced texture, or for anyone unwilling to hand-wash despite the mixed dishwasher language. Buy it for a faster recurring workflow, not because every clove will require zero effort or cleanup.