I like this corer/slicer very much and the results that it produces, but the criticisms of it are largely true. It does take some effort to use. I am 77 yrs old, but I am also fairly tall (63), so I can get a good bit of my upper body over the tool when using it to bear down. I usually get it done in one very hard push, but occasionally have to give it a second push. On rare occasion I have had to hit the handles with the palms of my hands to knock the cutter all the way down. I can readily see that shorter people might really struggle with using the tool since they would have to do all the pushing with just arm strength. Also, based on my experience, the product is likely to fail within a year of regular use. The tack weld on one of the blade pairs broke on mine (see attached photo). I had no problem with the plastic breaking, as did others, but it doesn't surprise me that such failures would occur. The problem lies in the force necessary to pass the 16 blades and the circular corer through the apple. It's simple physics -- more blades, more force, more stress. Mine lasted about a year with almost daily use on one or two apples, so, for around $25, I'm happy to buy a new one every year.

I wanted 16 slices, why? One great for snack size and perfect for apple pie. The tray is a bonus. This tool leaves only the slices and the core.

I read that this was an ATK pick for best wedger and I can see why. I love that it makes more smaller wedges than my previous wedger. It cuts apple pieces the perfect size and shape for apple pie, which is my main use for it.

Like that there are more, smaller apple wedges than with other brands/styles. But the handles are too tall for the drawer where I wanted to store it.

Because of so many segments, alot of force needed to push through an apple. Plus you need to line up the arrows on the base for a complete cut. The older, all metal oe with 8 segments worked much better

While it takes much more downward force than I expected it does a good job. The separate base to pop out the pieces and core is great.

Love the thin slices that are cut smoothly and easily!

Love the thin slices that are cut smoothly and easily!

I purchased this based on reviews. I did not have any luck. Had a granny smith apple and it cut into the first inch and that was that. I thought if I pounded the apple it was attached to into my cutting board it might go farther but then I would have had mush at the bottom of my apple.

I use this to slice apples, pears, etc for cobblers, pies, or to put in oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc. The smaller slices are a nice size. Easy to use and it a time saver

Easy to use. Makes great cuts on apples as well as some pears.

I love this slicer. Although it is a little tough to get through some apples I still love it. Be sure to use the “cutting board” included with the slicer. It pushes the core up and spreads the thin slices out. Love it

Works well with apples and onions

It takes a bit of effort to cut through but once you do the result is great

had an 8 slice version. this worked better for getting thinner, more easily handled slices for my kids. handles are grippy, even when wet. the blades are sharp. works great.

This well made and easy to use. I enjoy eating apple slices with peanut butter, so this makes slicing fast.

Requires significant pressure to use and with imperfectly shaped apples it slips and slices into your fingers instead. It was fun for a bit, but going back to knife, slower, but way safer and less frustrating.

This is the best Apple slicer I have ever used. I especially love how thin it slices.

Cutting apples into 16 pieces is PERFECT for younger kids. They love these slices! A must have if you have little ones.

Read the reviews, and agree with them. This is a good slicer, ergonomic and easy to use and clean.