The Williams Sonoma Avocado Cuber works best on fruit of a certain size and shape — the pear-shaped Hass variety is perfect. Luckily, those are most common in markets, so fate is on the side of the gadget.

Looking at it, you’d wonder how the device would get the meat out of the neck of longer-necked fruit. It doesn’t.

>> How it works: Halve the fruit, remove the pit and push the metal grid into the center of the flesh.

Once the tool reaches the inside of the skin, twist to loosen the meat, then tap the gadget on a plate or bowl to remove the pieces (push stubborn pieces out with your finger).

The device also worked well on dragon fruit (although juicier fruits were quite messy), but not so well on a ripe papaya, unless you don’t mind mushy pieces.

I wanted to try it on a mango, but because of the seed I couldn’t separate one into halves without squashing the fruit.

>> Does it work?: Yes, but when twisting to release the meat, make sure the metal is flush with the skin, or a lot of fruit will be left behind.

This device is best suited to average-size avocados that fit its 3-by-4-inch size. With bigger or long-necked avocados, a lot of meat is left behind to be scraped out with a spoon.

>> Pros: Simple to use and fast. Easy to wash. Dishwasher safe. Compact.

>> Cons: Can be messy if used on juicy fruits, so be sure to work over a plate or bowl (save the juice for smoothies and dressings).

>> Cost and availability: $17.95 at Williams Sonoma in Ala Moana Center and at williams-sonoma.com ($15.99 shipping).

>> Worth it?: If you enjoy Hass avocados or those of similar size and shape, definitely. Many avocado slicers are on the market, but few cubers like this one.

Got a gadget you love? Curious about one you’d like us to test? Email crave@staradvertiser.com or write Crave, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813.