This was my first time using a mill. I'd purchased it specifically because of the health benefits of tomatoes (licopine) but only after removing the part of the tomato that contained some chemicals that are toxic. So this was the fastest and simplest way to accomplish this objective. I learned, however, that in order for the device to work properly the tomato's first have to be cooked. Otherwise the tomato is too thick and hard to break down and separate the seeds and skin from the pulp. After thoroughly cooking in a pressure cooker for about two hours, the consistency was perfect and after cooling down the mill did its job. The resulting pulp was very thin and required more time to cook in order to reduce its consistency. But the result was very satisfactory.

I use this good now to desired tomatos, guava and I tried but was not so good with strawberries however it is a life saver for larger seeds.I agree that the plastic scraper pin could-be better organized as it seems fragile all in all a food mill is a wonderful tool for the kit5.

In Sept. we moved to our new property where we harvested Concord Grapes, producing 104 pints of delicious grape juice. It was a new process for me and used panty hose as I didn't have cheese cloth. We wanted to make applesauce but although the apples were worm free, the apples were very small and I did not want to peel and core them. I went on line and ordered a food mill from another source and it was a 7.5 qt, shipping was 16.00+ and for an additional 14.00 I could get it delivered in 2 days as we had just picked the apples. It never arrived...very poor customer service, so discovered Amazon.com. I ordered it and within 2 days I had my food mill. It is very sturdy, easy to put together for use and very easy to clean. The plastic clip on bottom of screen does help and I had no problem with it. You have to remember to turn it backwards and it does help to use a spatula to remove excess debris,skin, seeds from food mill periodically, otherwise you can keep grinding away, making small particles of skin and/or seed. My husband and I canned 23 quarts and 26 pints of applesauce and apple butter with no or little sugar. When I ordered the 3.5 qt. size, thought it might be too small, but in fact, the larger one would have been too cumbersome for me to handle. We are very happy with the product, the cost and the service. I look forward to next years grape harvest...the food mill will be perfect..no more pantyhose! We are retired and live in a very rural area, and I see that Amazon.com will be my #1 shopping place!

No one should make mashed potatoes without a food mill or ricer, this is the #1 best option.

Had an old one handed down (50 years old). Finally decided to upgrade. This does a much better job and is easier to clean.