Unless you are Chuck Norris, cutting onions with a knife will leave you bawling like a toddler. Don’t do it.
This is the dicer I use and love.
It’s inexpensive and makes quick work of an otherwise tearful task. Get one here.
Just cut the onion in half, place it on the grate and close the lid. Open it up and chop another one.
When you have enough simply pop out the green thingy (yes that’s the technical term for it) and dump your perfectly diced onions into a baggie or tupperware.
Clean up is easy with the included comb thingamabobber (sorry for getting all technical again).
Just comb out the leftovers from the white upper presser thing (yeah, I know, I know…) and wash with soap and water.
This thing rocks.
What do you use? Tell us in the comments!
-Steve
Click here for free hot dog cart lessons by email.
90 Comments
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Jackie May 10, 2010 at 12:23 am - Reply
What about peeling the skin off? I have used so many different onion cutters, I finally found the best one ever, Sam’s cafe orders two extra boxes of chopped onions every week for me. Saves a lot of time and tears.
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Chuck May 10, 2010 at 12:36 am - Reply
I buy my onions already diced and packaged from a local Cash & Carry or Restaurant Depot.
Onions are cheap and my time is valuable so if I don’t have to “slice & dice” I’m up for that!
I also use onion dispensers that are similar to the ones used by Costco. The customer cranks them out (I also use the same thing for relish) and I am free to serve the next customer.-
darlene November 26, 2013 at 2:36 pm
where did you get your onion dicer, the one similar to Costco?
Thanks, Darlene -
Steve November 26, 2013 at 2:42 pm
Walmart.
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Ron DeRoest May 10, 2010 at 12:38 am - Reply
I have one of these choppers but I don’t use it too often. I mostly buy pre-chopped onions from a local warehouse store called Smart and Final. They run $3.99 (or less if they are on sale) for 3lbs of chopped onions. Its a little more expensive but its a huge time saver. The biggest problem with the chopper is that it takes three times as long to clean as it takes to chop the onions.
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Aj/ Triple Play Dogs May 10, 2010 at 12:41 am - Reply
I get my onions from restaurant depot all chopped up already. 5# bag for $5
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Esteban Guzman May 10, 2010 at 12:47 am - Reply
I use my mom…shes my onion slicer and dicer. I really should get this but I also might go with buying the onions already cut up from Sam’s club. Use the same ones they have for their hot dogs that they sell there. Might be cheaper in the long run but I’m still debating. Thanks for the tip Steve…I’m going to look into it, I know my mom would sure appreciate it!
Esteban Guzman
Stevie’s Red Hot Wienies -
Wild Al May 10, 2010 at 12:53 am - Reply
I have a mobile lunch truck business and I bought one a short time back and have to agree, its a great product. It makes fast work of onions. And it also has two different size grates, so if you need big chunks or small ones for hot dogs..its cheap and works great!!
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Hippie Dogs May 10, 2010 at 4:08 am - Reply
This is exactly what I use at home. Got it for my birthday couple of years ago. I use it to chop everything (onions, potatoes and even carrots)…its holding up real well.
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Patricia May 10, 2010 at 4:45 am - Reply
I used your onion chopper and broke 2 of them. If your not careful they brake on the hinges. I got mine at bed bath and beyond. I now use the NINJA chopper it takes a little practice– it takes like 3 or 4 – 1 second pulses and your done and clean up is easier. you can also use the Ninja for other food processing like smoothies. Got mine at bed bath and beyond. Bed bath and beyond has almost all the things that are advertise on TV. Not so many technical terms on this one.
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Bill Humphreys May 10, 2010 at 5:35 am - Reply
Hey Steve, That is the exact same chopper that I use. It does rock. From start to finish (including clean-up) I can dice up 3-4 onions in about 10 minutes. And they are consistent in size, which I think looks nicer. I call mine the “Onion Whacker” (yes, that to, is a technical term). Just be sure to have the lid all of the way down on the side peg hoochies, that the lid rests on. My lid wasn’t down all of the way once and I broke the peg hoochie off of one side of the clear box doohicky. I still use it but I really need to break down and go get another. I got mine at the “Kitchen Collection” store at our local mall. It was $14.99 but they had it on sale for $9.99. Not a lot of money for the time and effort it saves.
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Cary May 10, 2010 at 5:37 am - Reply
I too, have used this device. The only issue I’ve had, is the flapjacker on the muffler clamp has broken on TWO of these units that I’ve owned. (Yes, I’ve broken two of these.) When it works, it works great! (A lil-bit teary-eyed, but heck, it’s onions..!) I got mine at Target, about $22 or so. I’d rate it as a 9 out of 10 for ease-of-use, but a 4 or 5 out of 10 for longevity.
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Rick May 10, 2010 at 6:09 am - Reply
I have found that my local GFS store has 5 lb bags of diced onions that save some time and tears.
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Yank's Franks May 10, 2010 at 6:12 am - Reply
Timely topic for me. Thank you. I am looking forward to some ideas.
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Duggs Doggs May 10, 2010 at 6:17 am - Reply
We use the same one, been using them for years. Had about 4 of them (I can break water). The new ones come with a large hole cutter (green thingee)(technical term)but I never use it. Recommend that you 1/4 the onions, we have too because we have the bigger Vidalia Onions in the south. Quartering the onion makes it easier to bang on the top thingee (technical term). Clean it as soon as you are finished cutting the onions!! Makes it easier to clean. Steve a Large shirt will fit fine.
Duggs Doggs “Good!! Good!! -
Tony/ Hot Dogs U Relish May 10, 2010 at 6:38 am - Reply
Steve as we all know onions is the hottest Condiment going, I my wife and I have been using this type for serveral years now and gotta say its gives the job of cutting, diceing onions the wow factor, this is great to own.
Tony
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Renee's Dogs May 10, 2010 at 6:56 am - Reply
That’s the same one I use!! But we too find it’s easy to break. We broke the first one at the hinge. This time we ordered two. I like to fresh chop the onions instead of buying them already chopped because I read somewhere that onions are the number one food that starts to go bad as soon as they’re chopped.
p.s. “can break water” – I love that Dugg….:) -
A. Sturgesd May 10, 2010 at 7:28 am - Reply
Steve, I guess I am from the old school. I use a very sharp knife. The onion cuts clean with no bruises. Since I am all about quality, precut anything in a bag won’t do. If I have to make a great deal of chopped onions I use a mandolin. It’s called a V slicer with different chop sizes. Just be careful when using this V slicer, it can slice more than onions.
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A. Sturges May 10, 2010 at 7:30 am - Reply
Opps, it’s A. Sturges with no d on the end, or just Chef Arthur.
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mainjack May 10, 2010 at 7:30 am - Reply
I use Tones Chopped Onions. They are dehydrated. Just add water and presto….ready to go. Have only had one customer in the past 6 months that didn’t like them. A gallon container cost about $12.00 at Sam’s, and last me 4-6 weeks.
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Moore's Hot Dogs May 10, 2010 at 7:52 am - Reply
I use this thing all the time too. But the real trick to a tear free experience whether you use an Onion Chopper or do them by hand is to cut them near an open flame. I use a flame from the stove. I learned this trick awhile ago from a friend and has been a lifesaver.
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E's Weenie Cart May 10, 2010 at 7:55 am - Reply
Are the bags of onions being purchased at Sam’s Club or restaurants frozen and do you use them for raw onions for the dogs?
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JIMMY May 10, 2010 at 8:19 am - Reply
IVE BEEN USING THIS FOR YEARS, I BROUGHT MIND ABOUT 6YRS AGO WORKS FIND… ITS A LITTLE SLOW TO WORK WITH, I USE THE BULLIT CHOPPER ALOT FASTER AND CLEANER TO CLEAN UP….
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Hot Dog Heroes May 10, 2010 at 8:35 am - Reply
Hi Steve!
I use the SLAP CHOP to chop my onions and believe it or not, it works pretty good! I saw it on an info-mercial and scouted the online bargain finder for one. Picked up the set for $10. This product is very good for chopping onions and other veggies.
I also have a mixture of sliced onions, garlic, low-cholesterol margarine and Coca-Cola Zero sizzling on a fajiita grill to bring in the crowds. The smell is incredible!
I use a serrated knife for the larger chunks.
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Ike's Rockin Dogs May 10, 2010 at 8:48 am - Reply
We use that same chopper every time. It is by far the best, if you want FRESH onions. They come out uniform and dry as opposed to mangled and shredded. We chop as many as we need for the day only. And the comb thingamabobber is a nifty invention too.
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John May 10, 2010 at 8:49 am - Reply
I use the best the Redco Onion King Onion Slicer made by Wearever. New there about $300.00 I found mine for about $50.00 used and I can still get blades and parts, not that I have needed any.
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JP May 10, 2010 at 9:03 am - Reply
Anyone dice tomatoes? If so, what do you use? This seems a little rough-n-tumble for delicate tomatoes (but maybe it isn’t).
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Hot Dog City May 10, 2010 at 10:13 am - Reply
Thats the one we also use. We also have broke one. But we found if you slice the onion in 1/2 in. slices, the chopper will do a great job. If you chop a lot at one time, take time to rake out the top portion of the chopper after chopping about 50% of the onions. We have tried other type choppers, including electric with negitive results. There is nothing worse then a hot dog with bad tasting onions. Freshness of our product in number 1 on our list of providing a good product. We have a veggie stand across the street from us, so ours stay fresh.
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The Doghouse May 10, 2010 at 11:45 am - Reply
you guys are way too funny,thanks for all the tips.I use my food processor with the slicer dicer thingamabob…it makes nicely fine chopped onions but you have to pull out the bigger chunks that are stubborn.I also have the bullet and it works great too,just in smaller quantities.
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Jeff w w May 10, 2010 at 2:59 pm - Reply
On my way to Wal-Mart(Wally-World) to get my onion dicer Thanks for the Tip!!!!!!!!!!
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Jimmy's Big Dog Express. May 10, 2010 at 4:30 pm - Reply
Chopper seems like an inexpensive alternative to constant knife slicing. Have to get me one of those. Anybody out there know where I can find or who sells an inexpensive Nacho cheese dispenser? Looking for the pump style with warmer. So far the ones I have seen are a bit pricey for my liking. Would be interested in even finding a really good condition used one.
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Ron May 10, 2010 at 4:59 pm - Reply
Can anyone tell me where I can find onions and peppers already prepared in a can.
Thank you in advance. -
Lucky Dawg May 10, 2010 at 6:13 pm - Reply
Food processor works if you can do the pulse cutting diligently. You can easily make onion paste if you cut to much. I might try one of Steve’s slicers though. Looks like I will need to be careful with it. Thanks.
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Ron DeRoest May 10, 2010 at 7:14 pm - Reply
The bagged onions I use are fresh, not frozen or dehydrated.
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Jim Lester May 10, 2010 at 8:58 pm - Reply
we used this model and broke 3 . then we bought the alligator chopper works great and costs about the same
Jim & Kay
“THE GREAT AMERICAN DAWG WAGON’ -
Ian's Granite State Franks May 10, 2010 at 9:39 pm - Reply
I have brokem several of these gizmos over the years, I found a more robust model at Williams Sanoma, works great if you quarter the onions and has a nice built in tray to hold as many as 7-8 cups of chopped Vidalias! Check out their site. ir wasn’t cheap but has now lasted 2 years, think I paid 50 or 60 bucks for it.
Cheers!-Pete -
Wanda Dixie Dogs May 11, 2010 at 10:34 am - Reply
Pampered Chef makes a fantastic chopper that is dishwasher safe and cleans up in a snap! You can chop ANYTHING with it and no tears, plus, it comes with warranty.
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Ike's Rockin Dogs May 13, 2010 at 4:41 pm - Reply
Steve- What was the brand on those on those nifty napkin dispensers you had listed a while back..you know the ones with the slot for logo placement? All I can pull up are “recycled napkins” (which I can’t bring myself to consider without a grimace)
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Leener May 16, 2010 at 7:47 pm - Reply
thanks for the video links cindy, i cant wait to try it. you guys all get such great prices on onions. here in florida, the prices are high-even at restaurant depot & sams club. ran into a produce driver who said bad weather caused this (also high prices on tomatos)…gonna try a farmers market
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Leener May 16, 2010 at 7:53 pm - Reply
oh, i forgot to mention, tried & RETURNED the slap chop. it only works for small onions & by the time you struggle thru it jamming up with the larger onions, which you then have to surgically remove, not to mention having to hand wash the slap chop (with razor sharp blades) cause its not machine washable. much much easier to cut by hand.
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Steve Pruner May 18, 2010 at 3:32 pm - Reply
I use this one everyday for both onions and chopped jalapenos for my nachos. My brother broke one and we took it back to Target and got another one. Large onions should be quartered. I love this little chopper!
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Lucky Dawg May 23, 2010 at 11:04 am - Reply
Ike, the napking dispensors are Torx brand. They are awesome dispensers, keeps waste down. You will have to special order napkins for it though. Tork Xpressnap Tabletop Napkin Dispenser, 5.8w x 7.8d x 6.2h, Black.
You can buy them on newegg for 2.25 each.
I bought four. -
Denny's Hot Dogs November 26, 2010 at 2:05 pm - Reply
To stop the crying from cutting onions, remove the
bottom core. With a corer simply cone out the core this is the source of tears. -
Daryl at "The Blacktop Grill", Denver, CO June 20, 2012 at 1:39 pm - Reply
Sometimes I will cut up my onions by hand with a very sharp knife at the commissary, just takes a few minutes, and I ziplock back them. Sometimes I get lazy and use a slap chopper, but that tends to make them less appealing-looking. I have never bought the prechopped onions from my local Restaurant Depot, but I’ve not noticed them there. I don’t wander around much, I know right where to go for my supplies, and I head to the checkout, and get back to work.
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Daryl at "The Blacktop Grill", Denver, CO June 20, 2012 at 1:41 pm - Reply
I meant to say, “…I ziplock bag them.”
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Terri October 26, 2012 at 5:57 am - Reply
I’ve had this exact same one for YEARS and just love it. When I’m done with it, I just put all of the parts on the top rack of the dishwasher for an easy cleanup. It’s fast and does an excellent job.
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Amanda October 30, 2014 at 12:07 pm - Reply
use a metal spoon hold it in your mouth an that helps to not cry while cutting
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Steve October 30, 2014 at 9:06 pm
Really?
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Charles Butch Boehnlein January 10, 2017 at 5:36 pm - Reply
I am going to get one of these to dice my peppers! Going to use pre-diced from GFS.
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Hot dog jim January 12, 2017 at 5:39 am - Reply
I have used one for over 5 years. Works great.
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Steve January 12, 2017 at 6:49 am
Right on Jim.
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Robin January 12, 2017 at 5:56 am - Reply
I don’t see my method, but I do see something similar. A spoon in the mouth? You never tried the bread.?
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Steve January 12, 2017 at 6:49 am
Whenever I put a piece of bread in my mouth I end up eating it. 😉
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dogs on therun January 12, 2017 at 6:22 am - Reply
When I first started my dog selling. I would go with 3# onions and come back with 3 1/2#.
For the past five years I have not offered onions and out of 3000+ dogs sold a year, only
about 12/15 people ask for them. At about half of the events I go to I have a deal between
the vendors across from me for letting my customers get onions, I also send customers
over for a soft drink I do not carry to them. Plus, I do not have to worry about the HD checking
to make sure my onions are iced down or not!!
“Sell em’ all”
Jerry “Dogs On The Run”-
Steve January 12, 2017 at 6:48 am
Really? That’s interesting. I would say more than half the people I serve ask for onions. Onions are an integral part of most of my gourmet “signature” dogs too. I’d be lost without my onions! And no sodas either? Great margins on canned soda.
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Steve January 12, 2017 at 12:09 pm
Good option. Thanks Ed.
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joe kay January 12, 2017 at 7:26 am - Reply
Taste, Texture, Mouth Feel, Moisture, Sweetnesas, Acidity, and Yield….Can Only be achieved by hand dicing White Onions for hot Dog Garnishment. The Smaller the better. Please refer to You Tube for knife skills. Serving Hot Dogs with such a mound of onions is eye catching and it gives the customer something to talk about, (your generousity). If you dice onions fresh for only the day of the event, you will need to double your product sold. I even have to pre mix my onions and relish so with one swipe I can garnish a dog for a child or adult, the adult having a greater mix of onions.
Onions are your profit item that makes you stand oout from the crowd.
Good quality steel knives make you money$$
\joe-
Steve January 12, 2017 at 12:09 pm
Wow, that’s taking onion chopping to a whole new level. Very pro!
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Carrie January 12, 2017 at 7:51 am - Reply
Im a chop by hand kinda gal, hate waste, and sometimes I have busier gigs then others. Love onions, but, it gives my hubby something to do to help me when im busy. i think he likes it. Ha
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Steve January 12, 2017 at 12:07 pm
That’s funny Carrie. LOL
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Greg January 12, 2017 at 8:10 am - Reply
I use a professional chopper from Nemco. The best price I have found is from Sam’s Club. It’s a truly professional piece of equipment. Easy to clean. You can slam through 10# of onions in about 10 minutes. I love the 1/4″ dice. Onions are important. My customers prefer the larger dice than the fine mince, as they get the nice crunchy bite. Give them layers of flavor and texture!
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Steve January 12, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Cool. Thanks for the link!
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Dale Schroeder January 12, 2017 at 9:04 am - Reply
Clear Wind resistant motorcycle glasses work great for not getting teary eyed…BB&B have similar glasses for chopping onions. That is all I use and they work great.
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Steve January 12, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Simple and stylish! 😉
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Brent and Allison January 12, 2017 at 9:29 am - Reply
We love this gizmo works great!
I would be lost without it. -
jerry "dogs on the run" January 12, 2017 at 9:34 am - Reply
Yes, it is interesting about the onions, When I mentioned the soda, I do carry sodas, co*ke products, but at times some one will what a drink I do not carry on my cart, so as a favor I send them over to the onion vendors. The only condiments I carry are mustard,ketchup,dill relish and celery salt. I practice K.I.S. at my cart. “Sell em’ all”
Jerry “Dogs On The Run”-
Steve January 12, 2017 at 12:05 pm
I was confused. Thanks for the clarification Jerry. Glad it’s working for you!!!
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Esteban Guzman / Stevie's Red Hot Weinies January 12, 2017 at 10:15 am - Reply
I’m still using mine and I love it! I used to get them at Bed,Bath, and Beyond and they have a lifetime warranty so everytime I would break one, I would take it back and they would exchange it out for a new one, no questions asked.
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Steve January 12, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Great tip Stevie!
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1St Mate Jim (Weiners On Water) January 12, 2017 at 10:18 am - Reply
We use this one on the hot dog boat.
Fast and efficient and a real time saver.
And no wiping o the eyes matey !!
Arrrrrr !!
1St Mate Jim. -
1St Mate Jim (Weiners On Water) January 12, 2017 at 1:32 pm - Reply
I see Dixie is still doin the bread thing !! Love it !!
Har harr !!-
Steve January 13, 2017 at 11:15 am
She won’t let me forget it!!! Have you ever tried it?
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'Chappy' Hot Diggidy Dog, Stockton, Ca January 12, 2017 at 6:51 pm - Reply
I bought my ‘Vidalia Onion Chopper at, Bed, Barf, & Beyond. And it chops all of my onions for the day in about 2-3 minutes. Best $19.95 piece of equipment that I have invested in.
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Steve January 13, 2017 at 11:14 am
Bed, Barf, and Beyond? LOL
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joe kay January 12, 2017 at 8:14 pm - Reply
Steve
read all these comments…no one is thinking like a customer. they are all commenting on prep work, what is easy, not what stands out, hoew to dazzle the customer……hell i bet some or most even arrive unprepared and dice onions at the location…this should be done in preparation to showing up (come prepared)
whip them for me would ya??-
Steve January 13, 2017 at 11:11 am
You got it Joe.
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Gary January 14, 2017 at 8:56 pm - Reply
Joe Kay said it best It’s all about the customer!
I use red onion, and chop them daily for use on the dogs and what doesn’t get used that day? they go into another container to use for grilled onions on some of my signature dogs. Most of my regulars comment on how fresh my condiments look to them especially the onions. In my opinion using onions that you purchase already chopped, lacks quality and freshness. as i said, it’s just my opinion
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Steve January 15, 2017 at 1:04 am
I like to chop my own too.
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Eric Wade January 15, 2017 at 4:14 am - Reply
I have the tupperware knockoff chopper from wally world. $9.99 and you can use it for just about anything. I make my onions and my relishes in a jiffy and toss everything in the dishwasher and it is good as new. Muscle powered, so slingers off the grid can use it as needed. Really and invaluable liTupperware perfected (theirs is 80), and walmart ripped off!
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Steve January 16, 2017 at 10:06 am
I never thought to use it for anything but onion. Now I have to go experiment!
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Allen Hamilton January 15, 2017 at 9:34 pm - Reply
My wife and I invested in a Ninja chopper with the veggie attachment. It takes less than 3 minutes to chop two days of onions and about 4 to 5 minutes to make slaw. The cost of the Ninja was about $230.00 . We saw a demo on tv and called the 800 number. Our customers love our homemade slaw. We use a small amount of mayo, ranch dressing, salt and pepper with a little splenda. Love you slingers
Al’s Mighty Dogs
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Steve January 16, 2017 at 10:04 am
Thanks Allen!
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Gary February 5, 2017 at 12:46 pm - Reply
I purchased one of those choppers and I can’t wait to return it. You all must use really small onions as the opening is only accommodates about a quarter onion, myself I can peel and chop a couple with a knife in less time that it takes to chop one using the chopper
Sorry!
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Steve February 6, 2017 at 7:17 am
To each their own. I love mine. I cut the ends off the onion, quarter it and remove the outermost layer from each quarter in about eight seconds. Then chop, chop, chop, chop – another four seconds. It would be fun to race you and see who wins, lol!
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ken p parker April 4, 2017 at 9:52 pm - Reply
I have been using a salsa maker to chop my onions,as I like to prepare fresh not frozen or watered down to give my customers the best quaility.cut it up give it the right amount of spins to your liking and tada done.Good Luck i have had mine for 2 years.Buy them on amazon.
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Steve April 5, 2017 at 10:56 am
Great tip! Thanks Ken.
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Roadrunner Dawgs December 19, 2017 at 8:26 am - Reply
Ron, peppers & onions already to go can be found at Restaurant Depot ( Furmano’s ). About $6 for #10 can.
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Paul G Ekeberg December 4, 2020 at 7:23 am - Reply
I use the Mueller Chopper 4 Blade Pro Series. $6.00 more than the green chopper, however it does not break.
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Steve December 10, 2020 at 1:03 pm
Thanks for the tip Paul!
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