In short: the Boska Marble Girolle 850520 is aimed at Tête de Moine fans who want a good-looking, stable piece for the aperitif or cheese board table. What we take away: a marble base of about 2 kg, a stainless steel spindle, five little pins to hold the cheese and a 10-year warranty advertised by Boska.
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At a glance
| Feature | Boska Cheese Curler Marble 850520 |
|---|---|
| Type | Girolle (cheese curler for making rosettes) for Tête de Moine |
| Material | Marble base, stainless steel spindle and blade, plastic handle (Boska) |
| Cheese hold | Central spindle and 5 small pins around the base (Boska) |
| Dimensions | 22.4 x 21.9 cm (Boska), height 13.8 cm with the spindle (retailer) |
| Weight | 2.02 kg (Boska) |
| Color | Black and silver (Boska) |
| Care | Not dishwasher-safe according to Boska (one retailer says the opposite): hand wash |
| Warranty | 10 years (Boska) |
| Reference | 850520, Pro Collection range (retailer) |
| Made in | Not stated by Boska |
Our take
On paper, this is the girolle that doesn’t wander off. Lightweight wooden models tend to slide when you turn the crank with a little too much enthusiasm; here, a marble base of about 2 kg stays planted on the table. Boska adds five little pins around the spindle to lock the Tête de Moine in place, which stops the cheese from turning with the blade instead of letting itself be shaved into pretty rosettes. The expected result: thin, even flowers, the kind that make the table go “ooh” before anyone has even tasted them.
Marble has a downside: according to Boska it is not dishwasher-safe, and it dislikes both vinegar and lemon (like any marble). So plan on hand washing after each cheese. One point to check on the Amazon listing before ordering: the name, since this girolle has been spotted under the name “Monaco” which, at Boska, actually refers to a different range of knives.
On video
Here Boska presents other models from its girolle range, then cheesemongers show the technique on a Tête de Moine.
Video: BOSKA Food Tools on YouTube. Another model from the range, same principle.
Video: Goody by AZ boutique on YouTube. Boska’s Explore model, in French.
Video: @murrayscheese on TikTok. A girolle from another brand.
Video: @morgancheeses1 on TikTok. A girolle from another brand.
Strengths
- Heavy marble base: the girolle doesn’t slide
- Five pins that hold the Tête de Moine
- Stainless steel spindle and blade
- 10-year warranty advertised by Boska
- A handsome showpiece on a cheese board
Things to consider
- Not dishwasher-safe according to Boska
- Heavy to store and carry
- Mostly useful for Tête de Moine and a few cheeses of the same shape
Boska Marble Girolle 850520: who is it for?
For Tête de Moine fans who serve it often, for a holiday cheese board or an aperitif that wants to make an impression, and as a gift for someone who already has every utensil. On the other hand, if you buy one Tête de Moine a year, a lighter, cheaper wooden girolle will do the job. And if your dishes go exclusively through the dishwasher, the marble may annoy you.
Alternatives
- Girolle Schweiz, the original girolle : the original Swiss model.
- kela Luxus 77085 : a beech girolle (sold without a bell according to Kela), which also works for chocolate.
- Kesper 68621 : a natural wood girolle with a cover.
To build the board around it, see our selection of boards and platters and our essential raclette accessories.
Our recipes to make with it
- Raclette boards and platters, to set the rosettes next to the cured meats.
- Raclette or fondue for the holidays, the host’s guide, where Tête de Moine makes a fine opener.
- Traditional raclette, to follow on after the aperitif.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Boska 850520 girolle dishwasher-safe?
No, according to Boska’s listing. One retailer lists it as compatible, though: we follow the manufacturer and hand wash, especially the marble base.
Which cheeses can you use with this girolle?
It is designed for Tête de Moine, a cylindrical cheese that you skewer onto the spindle. Other cheeses of similar shape and texture may work, but it is not a universal shaver.
Why a marble base?
For weight and stability: at about 2 kg, the girolle doesn’t move when you turn the crank, and the five pins on the base keep the cheese from spinning.
