Only use firm tomatoes, soft ones will squish. Also cutting isn't a fluid movement. You'll initially knock the tomato into the blades & it'll resist. No big deal just pull the handle back and force it! The tomato will go off the board so have a collection bowl or plate ready cause that thing is being launched! It's pretty cool really unless your tomatoes aren't firm, at that point you'll need a skewer and paper towels to clean it out. Also heard this is good for onions but I can't see the blades holding up to something solid like that. Firm tomato, eggplant, zucchini.... The cuts are perfect