Choppers and slicers are one of our major categories at Progressive. The opportunity is to create a unique mandoline that can allow users to cube produce as well as other basic slicing and julienne functions. The mandoline would mainly focus on being able to cube without having to remove blades from the mandoline, making it one of the safest and unique mandolines on the market.
PL8 Professional Cubing Mandolin
Problem
Many recipes require evenly diced or cubed vegetables.
Uniform cubes ensure all pieces reach the same doneness, preventing mushy bits and undercooked chunks.
Maintain Consistent Texture
Looks more professional
I have developed several mandolins that sliced or julienne, but cubing seemed unobtainable.
During several years of research and prototyping it was finally achieved.
This how I overcame the challenges which resulted in a success product for Progressive.
Take 1: Ratchet Cuber
The development began several years before with the ratcheting cuber. After several rounds of concepting, prototyping and a trip to China, I had a semi functional prototype.
The ratchet advanced the produce a specified distance through the blade grid. When the cover was closed a horizontal blade would cut the sticks into even cubes.
Though after further testing there were several safety concerns along with a high F.O.B the project was put on hold.
Take 2: Dice and Pop
We were determined to achieve the goal of the perfect cube. Our next version was based on the Wedge and Pop I developed. This requires the user to slice the vegetables in even slices.
Then place the dice and pop grid over the slices and press downward pushing the produce through the blades.
This product was launched, but there was still a vision to incorporate this feature into a mandolin.
Take 3: PL8 Professional Cubing Mandolin (3rd Time’s a Charm)
I was asked to go back to the drawing board so the cubing feature could be incorporated into a standard mandolin.
