The Pampered Chef corn tool is a handy kitchen gadget that makes removing corn kernels from the cob quick and easy. With summer corn season in full swing, now is the perfect time to learn how to use this nifty tool if you haven’t already added it to your kitchen lineup.
What is the Pampered Chef corn tool?
The Pampered Chef corn tool, also sometimes called a corn stripper or corn cutter, is a device designed specifically for removing corn kernels from the cob. It typically consists of a rounded stainless steel blade with a wooden handle. The sharp edge of the blade is used to slice down the length of an ear of corn to slice off the kernels.
There are a few key features that make the Pampered Chef corn tool so useful:
- Sharp, durable stainless steel blade – easily slices through corn kernels
- Wooden handle – provides control and keeps your hand protected
- Round blade edge – contour matches the shape of an ear of corn
- Compact size – easy to store in a drawer or cabinet
The Pampered Chef corn tool makes removing corn from the cob much faster and easier than using a knife. With a simple downward motion, the blade effortlessly separates the kernels from the cob in neat rows. The curvature of the blade allows it to work on any size or shape of corn ear.
Benefits of using the Pampered Chef corn tool
Using the Pampered Chef corn tool to harvest corn kernels has many advantages over other methods:
- Speed – You can remove kernels much faster than cutting corn off the cob by hand with a knife. Simply run the blade down the length of each ear to slice off rows of kernels in seconds.
- Convenience – The corn tool is easy to use and control with one hand. The handle provides a good grip, unlike a knife that can slip.
- Safety – The blade guard helps keeps your hands safe while cutting. No need to dangerously wield a sharp chef’s knife to cut corn.
- Less mess – The kernels come off cleanly in organized rows, containing the scattered kernels.
- Uniform kernels – The size and shape of kernels cut with the corn tool tend to be more consistent than hand cut.
- Saves counter space – This compact tool takes up minimal storage space in a kitchen drawer or cabinet.
Whether you’re making corn salsa, corn bread, creamed corn, or just want fresh corn to eat off the cob, this handy gadget can streamline your corn cutting prep work.
How to use the Pampered Chef corn tool
Using the Pampered Chef corn tool is very straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
- Remove husks and silks from fresh, clean corn ears. Rinse under cold water and dry well.
- Grip the corn tool by its wooden handle and position the rounded stainless steel blade at the top of a corn ear.
- Keeping the blade flat against the cob, apply light downward pressure as you slide the blade from top to bottom in one long slicing motion.
- Rotate the ear a quarter turn and repeat the downward slicing motion to remove the next row of kernels.
- Continue turning and slicing the corn ear until all kernels are removed.
- Occasionally shake the blade over a bowl or plate to empty out the cut kernels collected in the blade guard.
- Discard the stripped cobs or save them to make corn stock.
Be sure not to apply too much pressure and slice slowly for best control. Let the sharp blade do the work. Using a gentle sawing motion rather than pushing too hard prevents the kernels from flying off randomly.
Watch the corn as you slice to ensure you are cutting straight down the rows. Turning the ear a little less than 90 degrees each time helps the rows come off cleanly.
Tips for using the Pampered Chef corn tool
Follow these tips to get the best results when using a Pampered Chef corn tool:
- Select ears of corn with straight, even rows of kernels. Misshapen ears are harder to cut cleanly.
- Always cut from top to bottom in one direction, not back and forth.
- Rinse the blade occasionally if kernels start sticking to it.
- Don’t press down too hard – let the blade do the work.
- Shake the tool periodically over your work surface to empty the cut kernels.
- When finished, hand wash tool gently with warm soapy water.
- Dry immediately and store carefully to prevent nicks in the blade.
With practice, you’ll quickly get the hang of using the Pampered Chef corn tool for fast, easy corn kernel cutting.
Cleaning and care
Like most kitchen tools, proper cleaning and care helps keep the Pampered Chef corn tool in good working condition. Here are some tips for maintaining it:
- Hand wash only – do not put in the dishwasher.
- Use a gentle brush and mild soapy water to remove kernels and debris.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a soft dish towel.
- Store in a secure place, not loosely in a utensil drawer where the blade could become damaged.
- Periodically inspect for any nicks in the blade and stop using if they are present.
- Apply food grade mineral oil occasionally to maintain the wooden handle.
- Avoid submerging in water – the wood could split over time.
With proper care, a high quality corn tool like the one from Pampered Chef can last for years of corn cutting.
Troubleshooting
While the Pampered Chef corn tool is designed to be easy to use, you may encounter an occasional issue. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Kernels are flying off randomly | Don’t press down too firmly. Use a lighter touch and slower motion. |
| Corn kernels are getting stuck in the blade | Rinse the blade in water to remove buildup. Dry before continuing. |
| Rows are not cutting cleanly | Rotate the ear a little less than 90 degrees each time. |
| Ear corn is sliding around | Try securing the tip with your finger for stability. |
| Blade seems dull | Inspect closely for nicks or damage. Sharpen if needed. |
With a little practice, you’ll master proper corn tool technique. But don’t hesitate to refer back to these troubleshooting tips if needed.
Storing and maintaining the corn tool
Like most kitchen gadgets, proper storage and maintenance helps keep your Pampered Chef corn tool performing its best. Follow these tips:
- Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly after each use.
- Store in a secure drawer or cabinet – avoid loose utensil drawers.
- Inspect blade periodically for nicks or dullness. Sharpen if needed.
- Apply food grade mineral oil to the wooden handle as needed to prevent drying.
- When sharpening, use a honing steel or professional sharpening service.
- If handle splits, rub a little wood glue into the crack and clamp until dry.
- Replace blade if excessive damage or wear prevents sharpening.
- Clean under the blade guard occasionally to remove debris.
With proper storage and care, your corn tool should remain functional for many years past its original warranty.
Where to buy the Pampered Chef corn tool
There are several options for purchasing an authentic Pampered Chef corn cutting tool:
- Pampered Chef website – Order directly from the manufacturer at pamperedchef.com. Retails for $14.
- Amazon – Find it on Amazon sold by Pampered Chef or authorized resellers. Often eligible for Prime delivery.
- Pampered Chef consultant – Purchase through a local independent sales consultant who offers Pampered Chef products.
- EBay – Buy new or used tools from individual sellers on sites like eBay and Etsy.
- Thrift stores – Check thrift and consignment stores for discounted secondhand finds.
For the best quality and performance, opt for a new corn tool directly from the brand. But affordable used options can also be found.
Corn tool safety tips
While the Pampered Chef corn tool is designed to be safe for kitchen use, always follow these basic safety precautions:
- Keep fingers clear of blade when cutting.
- Allow tool to come to complete stop before setting it down.
- Store securely out of reach of children.
- Hand wash only according to instructions.
- Inspect for damage before each use.
- Apply pressure slowly and carefully when cutting.
- Cut away from your body in one direction only.
- Ensure cutting surface is secure and won’t slip.
Exercising due caution when using any sharp kitchen tool helps prevent accidents. But used properly, the corn tool simplifies an otherwise tedious kitchen task.
Conclusion
With its sharp stainless steel blade and ergonomic wooden handle, the Pampered Chef corn tool makes removing fresh corn kernels from the cob quick and easy. Its compact size and rounded blade are designed to specifically tackle corn cutting tasks. This indispensable kitchen gadget saves time and effort while producing cleanly cut kernels ready for your favorite recipes. Follow the proper techniques for using and caring for the corn tool, and you’ll enjoy making fresh corn creations all season long.