If you’re in the middle of cooking and the recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, minced, you may be wondering exactly how much that is in teaspoons or tablespoons. Maybe you’re using pre-minced garlic from a jar, or maybe you prefer fresh cloves but want an exact measurement. Either way, garlic conversions can be confusing if you don’t cook with it every day.
The good news? Once you understand the basic ratio, it’s simple. And with the right kitchen tools, mincing garlic doesn’t have to be messy or time-consuming. Let’s break it all down and also look at some of the best garlic prep tools that can make your cooking faster, easier, and more delicious.
Quick Conversion: 3 Cloves of Garlic to Minced
- 1 clove of garlic = about ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 cloves of garlic = about 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- If a recipe calls for tablespoons, 3 cloves of garlic equals about ½ tablespoon.
Of course, cloves vary in size. Large cloves may give you closer to 1 teaspoon each, while smaller ones might only yield ¼ teaspoon. That’s why using a reliable garlic press, slicer, or food processor can help you get consistent results every time.
Quick Picks: Best Garlic Tools
- Best Overall: Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press – Heavy-duty, stainless steel, effortless pressing.
- Best Budget: Microplane Garlic Mincer & Slicer – Affordable, compact, razor-sharp blades.
- Best Premium: Cuisinart Elite Collection 4-Cup Food Processor – More than garlic, this powerhouse handles chopping, mincing, and blending.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Garlic Tool
Not all garlic tools are created equal. Some are handheld, while others are electric and can handle much more than garlic. Here are the top factors to consider before buying:
- Ease of Use: Does it save time compared to chopping with a knife?
- Cleanup: Is it dishwasher safe or easy to rinse without garlic sticking?
- Capacity: Can it handle multiple cloves at once?
- Durability: Stainless steel and strong blades will last longer.
- Multi-Function: Do you want a dedicated garlic tool or a food processor that does it all?
Full Reviews: Best Garlic Tools for Mincing
Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press
Who it’s for: Home cooks who want quick, consistent minced garlic without the hassle of chopping by hand.
- Key Benefits: Ergonomic design, stainless steel body, crushes unpeeled cloves easily.
- Pros: Extremely sturdy, minimal effort required, dishwasher safe.
- Cons: A bit heavier than other presses, premium price point.
Final Verdict: If you cook with garlic regularly, this is the press to own. Check the latest price here.
Cuisinart Elite Collection 4-Cup Food Processor
Who it’s for: Cooks who want more than just garlic prep—perfect for chopping, slicing, and even blending sauces.
- Key Benefits: 4-cup capacity, dual blades, compact design.
- Pros: Handles garlic, onions, herbs, and nuts with ease.
- Cons: Larger footprint than a handheld press, requires power outlet.
Final Verdict: A versatile kitchen companion for garlic and beyond. See it on Amazon.
Microplane Garlic Mincer & Slicer
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a compact, budget-friendly tool that’s more precise than a knife.
- Key Benefits: Dual chambers for slicing or mincing, ultra-sharp stainless steel blades.
- Pros: Affordable, dishwasher safe, small and easy to store.
- Cons: Best for small batches, not ideal for bulk prep.
Final Verdict: A great choice for occasional garlic prep. Order yours here.
Breville Sous Chef Food Processor
Who it’s for: Serious home chefs who want professional-level performance for all chopping tasks.
- Key Benefits: 16-cup capacity, multiple discs and blades, heavy-duty motor.
- Pros: Handles large batches, powerful and durable.
- Cons: Premium price, takes counter space.
Final Verdict: For those who cook often and in volume, this is the ultimate kitchen investment. Check price now.
OXO Good Grips Garlic Press
Who it’s for: Everyday cooks who want a reliable, ergonomic press at a reasonable cost.
- Key Benefits: Sturdy die-cast zinc construction, large garlic chamber.
- Pros: Comfortable handles, easy to clean, trusted brand.
- Cons: Not as heavy-duty as the Kuhn Rikon, still requires hand strength.
Final Verdict: A solid, mid-range garlic press for most households. Find it here.
Comparison Table: Top Garlic Tools
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press | Stainless steel, ergonomic, dishwasher safe | Single-press design | View Price |
| Cuisinart Elite 4-Cup Food Processor | Compact, dual blades, multi-purpose | 4 cups | View Price |
| Microplane Garlic Mincer & Slicer | Dual chambers, ultra-sharp blades | Handheld | View Price |
| Breville Sous Chef Processor | Heavy-duty motor, multiple discs | 16 cups | View Price |
| OXO Good Grips Garlic Press | Die-cast zinc, ergonomic handles | Large chamber | View Price |
FAQ About Garlic Conversions
Can I substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic?
Yes. Use about ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder per clove. For 3 cloves, that’s about ⅜ teaspoon garlic powder.
What about garlic salt?
Garlic salt is a mix of garlic powder and salt. Use about ½ teaspoon garlic salt for 3 cloves of garlic, but reduce added salt elsewhere.
How long does minced garlic last?
Freshly minced garlic lasts about 1 day in the fridge. Pre-minced jars can last weeks but have a milder taste.
Do larger cloves change the measurement?
Yes, larger cloves can yield almost a teaspoon each. When in doubt, taste as you go—garlic flavor can vary.
Conclusion
So now you know: 3 cloves of garlic equal about 1½ teaspoons of minced garlic. While that’s the quick answer, the real key is using fresh garlic for the best flavor. A sharp knife works fine, but with the right garlic press or mini food processor, you can save time, reduce mess, and get consistent results.
If you cook with garlic often, investing in a reliable tool will make every recipe easier. Whether you choose the Kuhn Rikon Garlic Press for everyday use, the Cuisinart Food Processor for versatility, or the Microplane Garlic Slicer for budget-friendly precision—you’ll notice the difference in your cooking right away.
Shop the top-rated garlic tools today and make your kitchen prep effortless.