Is a Spaetzle Maker a Lever? The Science Behind Noodle Extrusion

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    lever wedge
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether a Spaetzle Maker functions as a lever in the process of noodle extrusion. Participants explore the mechanics of the tool, comparing it to other methods of making spaetzle and examining the principles of force and motion involved in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that the Spaetzle Maker uses wedge and lever principles to extrude noodle batter, suggesting it helps to mash and push the batter through holes.
  • Another participant questions the presence of any lever process in the Spaetzle Maker, stating that it appears to be purely an extrusion process without lever mechanics.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that the length of the spaetzle can vary based on the speed of movement over the grater, reinforcing the idea of a shearing action rather than leveraging.
  • One participant describes their alternative method using a spaghetti strainer and pancake flipper, noting that while they apply force at an angle, they ultimately conclude that there is no fulcrum present, thus ruling out the lever concept.
  • A later reply acknowledges the absence of a lever in the described process, aligning with the previous points made about the mechanics involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the Spaetzle Maker operates as a lever. While some argue for its lever-like function, others maintain that it is strictly an extrusion process, leading to an unresolved debate on the mechanics involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the lack of a clear fulcrum in the processes discussed, which may influence their interpretations of lever mechanics. The discussion also reflects varying levels of familiarity with the tool and its operation.

Geeki
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My son and I were arguing about whether or not a particular noodle maker called a Spaetzle Maker is a lever. I say it is, and he says it isn't. Basically, one uses it to extrude raw noodle batter (eggs and semolina flour) over a pot of boiling water. It looks like a flat cheese grater with a chimney on top to hold the batter. The "chimney" is held to the grater in tracks on either side and can be moved back and forth over the grater without coming loose. I say the tool helps to mash and push the batter through the holes and uses wedge/lever principles. My son says it's simply extrusion/force, no lever involved.

Below is the address for a picture of this critter.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...T88w9hPoBV3uymdtPZIxDIy5LOYVi8khwAaAshL8P8HAQ
 
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Where do you see any lever process?

You can use every solid object as a lever, but in making Spätzle, I don't see how there would be any lever process.
 
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Seems to me to be a pure extrusion process, the spaetzle can be long or short depending on how fast you move the grater.
So no lever, just a shearing action.
It is a nice gizmo though, the old method required real skill with a knife to cut the spaetzle uniformly into the boiling water.
 
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My obsession with the lever in this process comes from the fact that we don't actually own a spaetzle maker and are always trying to make do with a spaghetti strainer and a pancake flipper. I turn the metal strainer upside down over the pot of boiling water, so I have a flat surface covered with holes on top of the pot, then deposit a glop of noodle batter on the bottom of the strainer, and push it around quickly with a pancake flipper to shear off the spaetzle. I hold the pancake flipper at an angle to the strainer and the force I put on it is both vertical and horizontal, so it feels like there's some wedge action going on there. But that's inclined plane, right? I can't see a fulcrum anywhere in this process, so it makes sense now.. No lever.

Thanks!
 
This is the correct way to do it: (no lever to see)
(Don't bother the language, it's not needed to understand it and even some native speakers won't understand her.)

 
Danke!
 
You're welcome!