Hand-cut fries are simple, but even sticks take time and a sharp knife, and a potato can roll. A fry cutter pushes the whole potato through a blade grid in one stroke. It also does carrots, zucchini and other firm vegetables for the sticks that go with a dip or a pickled escabeche.
The right one comes down to how often you make fries. A push-style cutter suits an occasional batch and stores in a cabinet. A lever machine suits a real fry habit, but it takes counter space. Blades are dangerous when you clean them as well as when you cut, so we also note what each maker says about protecting your hands.
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Quick verdict: which french fry cutter to buy
Buy the New Star Foodservice 43204 if you make fries often. It comes with 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch blades and suction feet, and New Star names serious home cooks alongside restaurants. For an occasional batch, the Cuisinart PrepExpress is compact, has a food pusher to keep fingers away from the blades, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Five fry cutters compared
One pick for each kind of cook, with the blades and base each maker or listing states.
| Cutter | Best for | Cut sizes | Base | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New Star Foodservice 43204 Fry CutterBest overall
|
Frequent fry makers | 1/2 and 3/8 in | Suction feet | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart PrepExpress French Fry CutterBest for occasional use
|
Small kitchens | Regular and steak | Non-slip base | View on Amazon |
Prep Solutions Deluxe French Fry CutterBest for variety
|
Fries, sticks and wedges | 1/4 in, 3/8 in, 8 wedge | Not stated | View on Amazon |
VEVOR Lever Fry Cutter With Three BladesBest three-blade lever
|
Lever users wanting all sizes | 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 in | 4 suction cups | View on Amazon |
Zyliss Crinkle Cut KnifeBest no-machine option
|
Crinkle fries, small storage | Crinkle cut by hand | None | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Blade sizes and bases are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best french fry cutter
Eight picks in three styles: lever machines, push cutters and one crinkle knife. Two are from Amazon-first brands, which we flag. All were in stock and sold New when we checked.
1. New Star Foodservice 43204 Fry Cutter – Two Blades, Suction Feet
New Star is a restaurant-supply maker, and this is a lever machine in the same basic form you will see in commercial kitchens. You stand a potato on the blade, pull the handle down, and the push block drives it through. New Star lists restaurants, food trucks and serious home cooks as users.
You get both a 1/2-inch and a 3/8-inch stainless blade, so thick steak fries and regular fries are covered. Suction feet hold it to the counter without drilling, and New Star says it can also be wall-mounted. Components come off for cleaning.
Expect it to take more room than the push cutters here, and it needs a smooth surface for the suction to work. New Star’s maker text does not state a weight or a warranty, so ask before you buy if those matter to you.
Why we like it
- Both common fry sizes included
- Suction feet for counter use
- Can also be wall mounted
- Simple press-down handle, per New Star
Key specifications
| Model | 43204 |
|---|---|
| Type | Lever machine |
| Cut sizes | 1/2 in and 3/8 in |
| Body | Not stated |
| Counter grip | Suction feet; wall mount option |
| Hand protection stated | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Removable components |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
This suits a household that makes fries often enough to give it room. It is the machine with the best mix of maker background and home-kitchen fit.
Skip it if you make fries twice a year. The push cutters below cost less room and do fine.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Commercial-style build
- Two blades included
- Works without screws
Cons
- Takes counter or shelf space
- No stated warranty
2. Cuisinart PrepExpress French Fry Cutter – Compact, With a Food Pusher
The Cuisinart is the compact option, at 6.38 by 6.38 by 8.25 inches. It has two stainless grid blades, for regular and steak fries, plus a container underneath to catch what you cut. The blade grids store inside the unit.
It is the clearest maker statement on hand safety in this group: Cuisinart says a food pusher keeps fingers safe while pressing food down, and a non-slip base adds stability. It carries a limited lifetime warranty.
Cuisinart does not state the exact blade sizes in inches, only regular and steak. It handles potatoes and other vegetables such as sweet potatoes, zucchini and carrots, but pushing by hand takes more effort than a long lever, so very large or dense potatoes may need trimming.
Why we like it
- Small enough for a cabinet
- Food pusher to keep fingers clear, per Cuisinart
- Catch container built in
- Limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | CTG-00-FFC2 |
|---|---|
| Type | Push cutter |
| Cut sizes | Regular and steak; sizes not stated |
| Body | Not stated |
| Counter grip | Non-slip base |
| Hand protection stated | Food pusher |
| Cleaning | Blade grids store inside |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
Choose this for an apartment, or if you only make fries now and then and want the blades tucked away.
Skip it if you cut a lot of potatoes at a sitting. A lever gives you more force for less effort.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact
- Stated hand protection
- Long warranty
Cons
- Blade sizes not given in inches
- More effort than a lever
3. Prep Solutions Deluxe French Fry Cutter – Three Blades, Dishwasher Safe
Prep Solutions is from Progressive International, and this model is the one to look at if you want more than fries. It has a 1/4-inch blade for matchstick fries and fine chopping, a 3/8-inch blade for regular fries, and an 8-wedge blade that also does citrus and apple.
That wedge blade is useful in a Mexican kitchen: lime wedges for the bar or for a taco platter, in one press. A cleaning comb is included and the listing says it is dishwasher safe, so you do not need to clear the grid with your fingers.
The listing says little about the body or base. It does not state a warranty or the way it grips the counter. It is sold directly by Progressive International.
Why we like it
- Three blade options, including wedge
- Cleaning comb included
- Dishwasher safe
- Sold by Progressive International
Key specifications
| Model | PS-3673 |
|---|---|
| Type | Push cutter |
| Cut sizes | 1/4 in, 3/8 in, 8 wedge |
| Body | Not stated |
| Counter grip | Not stated |
| Hand protection stated | Cleaning comb for the blades |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
A good pick for a home cook who wants lime wedges and vegetable sticks as much as fries.
Skip it if you want steak-cut fries. There is no 1/2-inch blade.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three blades
- Easier cleanup
- Wedge blade for citrus
Cons
- No thick-cut blade
- Few stated body details
4. VEVOR Lever Fry Cutter With Three Blades – Three Sizes, Four Suction Cups
VEVOR sells this lever machine with 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4-inch blades in 420J2 stainless steel. That is the widest choice of straight-cut sizes here. The body is stainless steel and aluminum, and four suction cups hold it down.
VEVOR says the rubber-coated lever handle makes for slip-resistant use, and the cups are meant to prevent tipping. Blades come out for cleaning. Tasting Table’s roundup, built from online buyer reviews, names VEVOR cutters among its picks, praising sharp blades and sturdy build, though it does not confirm this exact model.
The listing does not state a warranty, and VEVOR sells a very wide range of equipment rather than specializing in kitchen tools.
Why we like it
- Three straight-cut blades
- Four suction cups
- Rubber-coated lever
- Blades detach for cleaning
Key specifications
| Model | LD03 |
|---|---|
| Type | Lever machine |
| Cut sizes | 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 in |
| Body | Stainless steel and aluminum |
| Counter grip | 4 suction cups |
| Hand protection stated | Not stated beyond the lever |
| Cleaning | Blades detach |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose this if you like the lever format and want thin, regular and thick fries from one machine.
Skip it if you want clear warranty terms. The listing does not state any.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most straight-cut sizes
- Good grip on smooth counters
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- No stated warranty
- Takes counter space
5. ICO 2-Blade Fry Cutter – Small Steel Body, Two Years
ICO’s cutter is small: the listing says 10 by 4 by 5 inches and about 1 pound. It has 1/2-inch steak and 3/8-inch thin blades, and ICO says the suction lock grips the counter, with non-slip feet and a rocker bumper for leverage. It also says locking systems hold the blades securely.
Tasting Table’s review-based roundup names ICO, praising its all-steel build and small size, while noting it needs more prep work. In practice, smaller machines usually ask you to trim potatoes down to fit. ICO says it produces fries of about 3 inches long.
ICO is an Amazon-first brand. It carries a two-year warranty, which is a plus. The maker’s language runs to big promises, but the stated figures are useful.
Why we like it
- Small and light
- Two-year warranty
- Suction lock base
- Named in Tasting Table’s roundup
Key specifications
| Model | ICO018 |
|---|---|
| Type | Lever cutter |
| Cut sizes | 1/2 in and 3/8 in |
| Body | Stainless steel |
| Counter grip | Suction lock, non-slip feet |
| Hand protection stated | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
Good for a cook who wants a lever action without giving up much space.
Skip it if your potatoes are big and you hate trimming. Tasting Table notes it needs more prep.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact
- Warranty stated
- Independent mention
Cons
- Amazon-first brand
- More prep for large potatoes
6. Prep Naturals 3-in-1 Fry Cutter – Comes With a Safety Glove
Prep Naturals packages a push-style cutter with three interchangeable blades for fries, wedges and diced vegetables, plus a chop box that catches what you cut, a blade organizer and a cleaning brush. It is the only pick here that includes a safety glove for handling the blades.
That glove addresses the real risk, since a grid blade is easiest to catch your hand on when you are swapping or washing it. Tasting Table’s roundup says buyers report quick cuts and consistent fries, and it lists dishwasher-safe parts.
Prep Naturals is an Amazon-first brand, and the listing does not state blade sizes in inches, which makes it hard to compare with the others here. The listing does not state a cut rating for that glove.
Why we like it
- Three blades with an organizer
- Includes a safety glove
- Chop box catches the food
- Named in Tasting Table’s roundup
Key specifications
| Model | French Fry Cutter (model as listed) |
|---|---|
| Type | Push cutter with chop box |
| Cut sizes | 3 interchangeable; sizes not stated |
| Body | Stainless steel blades |
| Counter grip | Not stated |
| Hand protection stated | Safety glove included |
| Cleaning | Disassembles; brush included |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose this if you want one box that does fries and diced vegetables, and you like having a glove and brush included.
Skip it if you need to know the exact fry size. The listing does not say.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most complete kit
- Glove in the box
- Independent mention
Cons
- Blade sizes not stated
- Amazon-first brand
7. New Star Foodservice Extra Heavy Duty Fry Cutter, 3/8 Inch – For Bolting Down
This is the serious version. It has a cast iron and aluminum body with stainless components, and its short-throw handle travels half the distance of longer handles, per New Star, to reduce fatigue. New Star built it for high-volume restaurant and food truck use.
It is a poor fit for many home kitchens, and we want that understood. It needs fixing to a counter or wall, and the bracket’s screws are not included. Tasting Table’s roundup mentions a wall-mounted New Star that buyers compare to restaurant equipment. Buy it only if you have a place to mount it, such as a garage prep bench or outdoor kitchen.
It only cuts 3/8-inch fries as sold, so you would choose your size up front. It is a different machine from our top pick, despite the shared brand.
Why we like it
- Cast iron and aluminum body
- Short-throw handle, per New Star
- Wall bracket included
- Cuts onions and peppers too, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 7006872 |
|---|---|
| Type | Lever machine, fixed |
| Cut sizes | 3/8 in |
| Body | Cast iron and aluminum, stainless components |
| Counter grip | Fixed counter or wall mount |
| Hand protection stated | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Only for someone who makes fries in volume and can mount it securely. For that person it is the most robust option here.
Skip it if you have no place to bolt it down, which is true for most home cooks.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most robust build
- Short handle throw
- Vegetables as well as potatoes
Cons
- Needs fixing in place
- One blade size
8. Zyliss Crinkle Cut Knife – Wavy Fries Without a Machine
If you only want an occasional crinkle fry, you may not need a machine at all. This Zyliss knife has a 4.25-inch wavy stainless blade and a soft-touch handle, and it makes the ridged cuts that a grid cutter cannot.
You cut each fry by hand, so it is the slowest choice here, and you hold the potato yourself, which means normal knife care applies. Use a cutting board that does not slip. Zyliss backs it with a five-year guarantee.
It also works on carrots and vegetables for a garnish tray. It takes up almost no room.
Why we like it
- Makes crinkle cuts a grid cannot
- Small and easy to store
- Soft-touch handle
- Five-year guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | E920128U |
|---|---|
| Type | Crinkle knife |
| Cut sizes | Crinkle cut by hand |
| Body | Stainless steel blade |
| Counter grip | None |
| Hand protection stated | None; use normal knife care |
| Cleaning | Not stated |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Why we recommend it
Buy this for the texture rather than the speed, and for the small space it takes.
Skip it if you want a pile of even fries fast. Use a grid cutter.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Takes no space
- Different cut
- Long guarantee
Cons
- Slow for a big batch
- No blade guard stated
How to choose a fry cutter for home
Match the style to your habit. A push cutter stores small and suits an occasional batch. A lever machine gives more force, so it handles more potatoes with less effort, but it wants a permanent spot.
Count the blades. A 1/2-inch blade gives steak fries, a 3/8-inch blade gives regular fries, and a 1/4-inch blade gives thin matchsticks. Buy for the fry you like. Wedges and dicing are extras.
Check the base. Suction feet need a smooth, clean surface. Fixed mounts hold best but need screws, and sometimes a wall.
Treat the blades with care. Makers offer a pusher, a comb, a brush or a glove for a reason. Do not clear a grid with bare fingers. Follow the maker’s instructions when swapping blades, and wash blades with a brush. For potato sticks that need to go in oil, handle them dry and see our guide to the best deep fryer or the best air fryer.
Size your potatoes. A cutter takes only what fits on the grid. Smaller machines often need you to halve or trim a big russet first.
How we chose these eight fry cutters
A busy kitchen cares about even sticks, a stable base and blades that are easy to clean. We started there and looked for identifiable makers on Amazon US, checking stock, blades and base in each listing. We read Tasting Table’s roundup, which is based on online buyer reviews, not its own testing, and which names New Star, VEVOR, ICO and Prep Naturals. We looked for a read-through of the Cuisinart and Prep Solutions models and did not find one we could open, so those rest on the maker details. We checked CPSC recall records by brand. Nothing we found covers these products. We have not used these cutters ourselves.
French fry cutter questions, answered
What size fry does each blade make?
A 1/2-inch blade makes thick steak-cut fries, a 3/8-inch blade makes regular fries, and a 1/4-inch blade makes thin matchstick fries. Cuisinart and Prep Naturals do not state their sizes in inches.
Is a potato cutter safe to use at home?
It keeps your hands away from a knife, but blades remain sharp. Use the pusher or lever as the maker directs, keep your fingers out of the blade path, and clean it with the brush or comb provided.
Can I cut sweet potatoes?
Cuisinart names sweet potatoes for its PrepExpress, and VEVOR calls them a tougher vegetable its blades can handle. They are denser than russets, so expect more effort.
Do I need to mount it to a wall?
Most home models do not need it. Suction-foot and non-slip base models sit on a counter. The New Star extra heavy duty model is the one here that needs fixing in place.
Can a fry cutter handle other vegetables?
Yes. Listings here name carrots, zucchini and cucumbers, and the New Star extra heavy duty model adds onions, peppers and celery. For chopping rather than sticks, see our guide to the best vegetable chopper.
Our final pick for homemade fries
If fries are a regular meal, give the New Star 43204 a place on the counter. If they are not, the Cuisinart keeps the job small. For more ways to prep vegetables, go back to our vegetable chopper guide, or see the rest of the kit in Mexican cooking tools. When you would rather not cook, the menu at Julia’s is a phone call away: call to order.