This little vegetables cut does not look like much but it is robust. It looks like a big hourglass. Tough as it is both in steel and in a very strong plastic. I tried with a carrot and cucumber. So I have not had too much difficulty understanding how it worked. You turn the vegetables (carrot or turnip or whatever you want) when you get too close to the unit while using the pusher (in addition wheel has a notch in the middle) that you "plant" on the vegetable to turn up at the end, at least to the maximum. It takes elbow grease, that's for sure, it's not always easy but taking his time, it is possible. The result is super successful with carrot and cucumber even while for the latter, I was afraid that it becomes porridge.
Whether with the side end or thicker, I managed to do great plates (certainly not the size of a paste) but large enough to put color in my dishes. This creates beautiful decorations.
Concerning cleaning, I pass it under water to remove as much waste and small pieces of vegetables and then no problems in the dishwasher.