Aww Shucks, the Corn is on the Cob.

We sit here in the waning days of summer enjoying the heat and fun. If you are like me, you are eating all the fresh produce available. Fresh corn is one of my favorites. I love piping hot corn on the cob, covered in butter. Often though, I use it in other ways, such as fresh on a salad, in salsa, sautéed with roasted red peppers, on a pizza or in a savory pie. So how do we get the lovely kernels off the cob?

Quite simply, the single best way to cut corn from the cob is to use a paring knife and cut kernels into a big bowl. In spite of all the fussing and complaining about the method, there just isn’t an easier way to do it. You already have a paring knife in the house, so there is no need to buy another gadget. Just make sure you use a sharp knife.

Ok, so you just don’t like using a knife to cut corn from the cob? Alright then, the next best method is to use a mandoline. I learned this method from a famous chef who comes into our shop. You put the mandoline flat over a big bowl and set the width between the cutting blades sufficient to take off the whole kernel (this may require a test row to get it right for the type of corn you are using). After you have your tool set, just slide that baby down the mandoline and you’ll be amazed at how easily and quickly the corn comes off and how neatly it falls into the bowl. I was shocked how easy it was to use.

If you don’t want to use either of these methods, there are tools created for removing kernels from corn cobs.

I will start with the best option and we can go from there. Keep in mind that no matter which method you use, none will give you completely whole kernels from every row. This is due to the curved nature of an ear of corn and the fact that rows of corn are not perfectly straight. There are only so many rows one can take off in one pass.

Hands down the best tool is the Kuhn Rikon corn zipper. This model just came out in 2009 and replaced their other model, which had been the best model.

This new model takes off the most rows without getting bogged down. The curved design hugs the cob and provides a good guide for removing the kernels without getting stuck. I have tried them all and this one is the easiest and best to use period. Depending on the ear of corn, you can get 4 whole rows of corn off the cob in one pull. As with the example pics above, you should do it over a bowl or plate to prevent kernels flying all over.

This model can be used on raw or cooked corn. I tend to use them only for uncooked corn, as it is easier to hold and less messy.

The next two tools are a tie in my perspective. They are the OXO corn cutter and the older Kuhn Rikon.

I say a tie because the Kuhn Rikon, while designed better, only takes out two whole rows. They are almost perfectly whole rows. The OXO does more rows, however I feel it requires a more carefully managed technique and even then gets stuck in the cob easily. In addition, the OXO container must be emptied before completing even one whole cob. Both can do a good job but will take longer than the above methods will, so if you are doing a lot of corn you would be better served by another product.

Kuhn Rikon

OXO

There are some older models that I’ll address. One is a much larger stainless steel model most recently from NorPro. This model is the oldest design of the bunch. It is able to do both whole kernel removal and cream corn. The cutter is 16″ long and though relatively flat, makes for difficult storage. You would use it like using the mandoline as shown above.

The last model available in stores is made by few companies. It consists of two bars with a space in the middle which fits over the top of the cob. As you push down, the kernels are pushed off. The trouble is that it is difficult to maintain an even depth and the kernels are often mushed. This is the least effective model and not one I recommend.

In summary, the best and easiest way to cut corn from the cob, particularly if you are of the “no single function” tool school of thought, is with a sharp knife or if you have one, a mandoline. If you must own a corn removal tool, buy the new Kuhn Rikon.

**UPDATE**
I posted an update to this article in July of 2010 which included the new OXO corn cutter. I like the newly designed version.
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