UPDATE> The photo suggests that this is a cheap version of the "old" or "Classic" Zyliss chopper (which at the time of this writing are $28 each), lacking a built in chopping container, and maybe smaller. NOT so. The Zick-Zick is an IMPROVED version. It is "full-size" and DOES have a chopping container (which you may use or not--see below).> CAUTION - Many or most of the Amzn reviews on this page actually refer to the "old" or "Classic" model --- Amzn just copied the old reviews over. Indeed the remainder of this review is of the "Classic" model which I wrote 10 years ago (since Amzn will not allow me to write a new review, but only will allow me to edit this old review).PURPOSE> The purpose of a Zyliss Chopper is to quickly and easily mince or "mush" a MODERATE quantity of vegies (about 1/4 cup to 1 cup), for use in a soup, garnish, spread, or dip etc. I use it mostly to mince garlic, nuts, pitted olives, and herbs. For these purposes, the Zyliss Food Chopper is the BEST tool available.> OTHER OPTIONS: For some purposes, a sharp knife, a mandolin, a grater, or a food processor is a better choice. It is easier to manually dice tomatoes, onions, celery, and so forth, than to use the Zyliss Chopper, but you can use the chopper to further mince already diced onions etc. It is easier to manually mince a single garlic clove, than to use the chopper. But if you want to mince 10 garlic cloves, there is NOTHING better than the Zyliss Chopper.> CAPACITY: This isn't a food processor, the Zyliss Chopper is intended for use when you want to chop a moderate quantity of vegies, without setting up, cleaning, and putting away your monster food processor. If you need to chop more than a cup or two at most of vegies, a food processor is a better choice.HINTS ON USE> Cut whatever you want to chop into ~1/2" to 1" squares.> You can fill the container completely, but it works best if less than 3/4 full.> Use with the chopping container, or on a plastic/wooden cutting board (without the cutting container). Do NOT chop directly in a glass or ceramic bowl, or on a stone counter-top, as this will dull the blade.> Whack the top of the chopper good and hard with your open hand or a closed fist, usually 10 or 20 times.> When done, disassemble and clean.> It is best to hand wash and air dry. Be careful of the sharp chopper blade. Do NOT cut yourself, and do NOT damage the blade.COMPLAINTS OF OTHER REVIEWERS> As far as I can tell, most the complaints of other reviewers are from individuals who either had unrealistic expectations or did not use the chopper properly (see "Hints on Use" immediately above).> You've got to "whack" the top pretty hard. Children, small women, and the elderly may not be able to whack it hard enough. And you need to whack it 10 or 20 times in most cases. Be careful to protect the blade so that it remains sharp.> I've never had the slightest difficult cleaning the chopper. A good rinse IMMEDIATELY after use, is usually enough.RUGGEDNESS/RELIABILITYThis my third Zyliss Chopper. The "threads" of the clear plastic shield of the first two (both "classic") broke, making the chopper difficult to use. I hope that the Zick-Zick features less brittle plastic for the shield.