In order to enjoy Iberico ham to its maximum capacity and enjoy all its refined flavor. It is necessary to know everything related to its care, handling, type of cut, but also know how to differentiate the various types of hams, their degrees of quality and other very important aspects of our prestigious gourmet product.

The figure of the ham cutter is a recognizable one at both high end restaurants and family gatherings, where there's always someone who stands out as a great cutter. While it's a place of high honor, it also makes one a target for criticisms. How are you going to start the ham there? You're slicing too thick... Of course there's no way to avoid criticism altogether, but the easiest way to reduce it is to have the proper skills - and the proper tools. First amongst these is a sharp ham knife and a shorter blade for peeling and cutting around bones. But knives are of little use without a ham support which allows you to cut smoothly without worrying about whether the ham is going to stay in place. There are a great many ham holders on the market, but they're not all created equal. It's not always easy to decide which one is right for you, so let's look at the factors you need to consider when seeking the perfect ham holder.

It Is Stable
It's crucial to ensure that the base of your ham holder does not slide around when you make your cut. The first factor affecting this is weight - if the ham and holder together weight many pounds this weight alone will hold the ham holder in place. But it's also desirable the the ham holder have rubber feet on its base to prevent slippage on wooden surfaces. Thus the base of the ham holder will be firmly anchored in place, preventing unexpected movements that could spoil your cut, or worse, cause an accident.

It Allows You to Cut Comfortably
To cut comfortably requires being able to cut at certain angles. It's always preferable that the ham should be held so that the cutter does not have to make cuts at awkward angles, increasing the chance of a poor cut or an accident. Additionally, as cuts are made, the surface of the ham changes shape and a good ham holder can accommodate this. A quality ham holder will have a grip, allowing rotary and height adjustment. Often the screw that secures the ham to the stand will be adjustable too so that both the stand and the ham can be moved, together or independently. As far as the height adjustment is concerned, the part of the ham holder to which the ham actually attaches must be extensible, allowing raising and lowering of the hoof. Not all ham holders have this feature, but many experts consider it helpful. There are other fastening systems, including tourniquet pressure, using two boards and a rotating handle that clamps the ham in place. Professionals typically prefer the so-called thumbscrews set-up though.

Storage and Transportation is Easy
It's true that many people choose to leave their ham holder set upend installed in the kitchen, instead of moving it around. Sometimes people will simply leave it in place with a ham in it, covered by a cloth. However, this can take up a lot of space in the kitchen, and some people ned to be able to travel with their ham holder, or only use it on special occasions. In these cases, the best option is to buy a ham holder with folding arms and a bag which you can use to transport it easily and comfortably.

It Is Made From Quality Materials
Obviously, not everyone has the same needs. Someone who cuts ham only rarely can get the right ham holder for a lot less than a professional or a ham lover who cuts ham every day. If you're an occasional ham aficionado, you might be able to get a perfectly adequate ham holder for €30. But for cutting a lot or often, you'll need to look at materials and construction to make sure your ham holder can last the course. Look for models that use stainless steel and solid wood, so that you avoid chipping, scratches and premature deterioration. There are also some very high quality plastic models which are very practical and look like new after cleaning!

Base Size
Undoubtedly, this is related to the question of stability. Simply put, a ham holder with a larger base area will tend to be more stable. You should think about it relative to the size of ham you expect to consume, though: if you plan to eat ham only occasionally, you're more likely to buy smaller hams and shoulders and thus to be better served by a smaller ham holder. If you eat ham regularly, or if you runs  bar or restaurant, though, you might need something with a long base so that you can accommodate a ham up to 12kg. You should also keep in mind that a shorter base can tend to tilt a ham more. While some cutters like that, most say that the ideal position for the ham is horizontal and that the ham holder's base should be longer to accommodate this. 

Skewer and Clamp
Most types of ham holder have at least one vertical skewer in the area of the stifle. This is the easiest sway to fix the ham in place, since its own weight helps to secure it while it's being cut. You'll also find models with two skewers or three vertical spikes, especially where there's also a locking clamp for the hoof. However, despite their popularity,many cutters prefer not to use ham holders with skewers, which they say allow air in and damage the organoleptic qualities of the ham. If you choose to avoid skewers, make sure that your ham holder has a high quality locking system on the hoof.

Cleanliness
Hygiene is a very important factor to consider. Your ham holder is a lifetime investment. To prevent oxidation of the metal parts, as we have said, all metal parers should be made from stainless steel. For the body of the ham holder, it seems obvious that plastic materials or Silestone, a mineral compound, would be wearier to clean than wood because they are nonporous and do not absorb any fat, which does tend to happen with wooden supports. This is a minor problem, though, and one that is little related to performance. Whichever base type you choose, it's important to clean the ham holder thoroughly every time the ham is changed, to avoid the growth of dangerous bacteria or molds. 

Price
As with almost everything in life, the price of a ham holder depends on the materials and craftsmanship with which it is made. It's true that you can find a ham holder for less than €20 that will just about work, but it won't last long, work well or look good. Ham is a high quality product and it makes sense to invest in a ham holder that lets you cut the way you want to for a long time. High performance and craftsmanship aren'\t prohibitively expensive,but there are a lot of models on the market and it can be hard to make up your mind. Here's a comparison of the most interesting models from Buarfe, Steelblade and Sagra to help you come to the right decision:

90.75 €

This folding ham holder is manufactured in Spain from Chilean pine and comes with steel skewers with a bright chrome surface finish. This ham holder folds away for storage, making it convenient and space-saving. The set comes with a carving knife. In Spanish, this product is called jamonero Plegable Buarfe y cuchillo jamonero.