When it comes to buying the very best mandoline slicer, there can be a big difference in style and safety. Just like the cheese slicer, the mandoline slicer is used to create uniform slices of food, mainly vegetables, into particular widths and thicknesses based on the application used. It can also cut into many different shapes and forms such as waffle fries, spaghetti and spiral shape.
The mandoline slicer can be your best friend in the kitchen and save you hours of preparation time in the long run. But it can also be the most dangerous instrument used in the kitchen today so it is wise to make sure you know what you are buying before diving in head first and buying the first thing you find.
In the article, we will go over some of the different types of mandoline slicers as well as what to look for when purchasing a new one. We will also go over some of the mandoline slicers available for purchase on the market today and which one may be the best fit for you and your needs.
How to Choose the Best Mandoline Slicer
The first thing you need to ask yourself when purchasing a new mandoline slicer is which type are you going to need the most. There are basically two different types of mandoline slicers and in the restaurant biz, we refer to them as either a Japanese mandoline slicer or a French mandoline slicer. This can seem like you are comparing a chef knife to a santoku knife but in all reality, there are huge differences and similarities.
The Japanese mandoline slicer is going to be the cheaper of the two types and is generally made of plastic with some metal parts. These types are very handy for many different techniques and for the most part, is what many people at home will use.
The other kind is the French mandoline slicer and it is much more heavy-duty and usually constructed of solid stainless steel. This type of mandoline is able to do many more types of applications when preparing food and does come at a much higher price. They are built to last and usually are more often than not, used by kitchen professionals.
No matter the type of mandoline slicer you decide to go with, make sure you are comfortable with the price range because they can be as cheap as 10 bucks and all the way up to 250 dollars. Make sure the mandoline slicer is constructed of high-quality materials if you are spending a lot to ensure that the device lasts a lifetime.
Just to be safe try to get a mandoline slicer that comes with some kind of manufacturers guarantee or a warranty to protect it from any damages or defects that may occur while in use or during the shipping process. Mandoline slicers are just as dangerous as meat slicers which is why you need safety features. Overall you want to make sure it is easy to use and comes with safety precautions to protect you from the blade during the slicing.
Make sure the kitchen tool is easy to change out the blades, adjust settings and is very easy to clean. A mandoline slicer that is dishwasher safe is also a huge added bonus.
Construction and Design
For Japanese mandolines, you want to make sure there are a few mandatory features on the slicer before purchasing it. Chances are you will be getting a Japanese mandoline slicer anyway so you want to make sure it can do what you want it to do while still maintaining plenty of safety regulations to protect yourself when using it.
The blades on these mandoline slicers are basically razor blades so it is wise to make sure the slicer comes with finger guards on the sides of the mandoline and a guard protector that holds the vegetables in place while slicing them and keeps your fingers far away from the blade.
Try and get a mandoline that comes with a collector box on the underside of the mandoline slicer. This box attaches at the bottom and catches are the veggies being sliced. However, there are some models that cannot do this because they stand up like a ladder and allow you to slice down, away from yourself to cut veggies. This way can be dangerous without a guard so make sure to have one. It is a really easy way to lose a fingertip real fast.
The blades will either be connected to a plastic piece that pops in and out of the base to change the blades or they will be actual blades that need to be changed in and out and secured by hand. This is the older style of Japanese mandolines, which some people prefer over others, the other pop in base type is going to be safer in the long run.
French mandoline slicers are going to be a solid piece of stainless steel, including the blades which are not removable, just like a vegetable peeler. They will be able to do more applications and are easy to clean but the blade will never be able to be sharpened.
Make sure the Japanese mandoline slicers are made of high-quality plastic and won’t break when force or pressure is applied. Another feature to solve this problem is making sure you have a solid or strong base. Rubber stoppers or a rubber mat will come in handy when you are trying to keep the mandoline slicer in place during use. A handle at the top will also help to keep it steady while slicing vegetables.
Best Mandoline Slicers
Mueller Premium V-Pro Multi Blade Mandoline Slicer
The Best Pop ‘n’ Lock Mandoline Slicer
This model has a Japanese style mandoline but with many extra features that are not usually on these types. The mandoline slicer is a little more expensive when compared to others but it does come with a lifetime warranty to protect it. The mandoline slicer comes with 5 different blades that can slice, grate and shred vegetables the way you prefer them to be.
The slicer is constructed of string plastic and has a hinge to allow it to fold out like a ladder giving it much more stability while in use. The slicer is very easy to use and easy to clean by placing everything in the dishwasher. The slicer also comes with two separate veggie catchers and a rotating knob that is placed on foods while you slice them. This gives you optimal safety from the blades and protects your fingers while in use.
- The mandoline slicer comes with a lifetime warranty.
- The slicer comes with 5 different blades that pop in and out easily of the base for different applications.
- The mandoline slicer is dishwasher safe.
- While it does come with a warranty, it is slightly more expensive than others compared to.
OXO Good Grips Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0
The Supreme Mandolin Slicer
This mandolin slicer is really something else, it has everything you could want in a mandolin. But the mandolin slicer is one of the most expensive slicers out there for purchase and it does not come with a warranty to protect it.
The mandolin slicer is constructed of high-quality plastic and has a Japanese style stainless steel blade that is angled to cut through even the softest of foods with ease. It also has a vertical blade to cut in other styles like crinkle cut fries and julienned strips. The mandolin slicer has a folding stand to hold it up and rubber feet that are slip resistant to keep it in place while in use.
The slicer levels are adjustable from the side are easily visible from the top. The slicer comes with a suction and release grip handle to hold food in place while you slice them and protects the hands and fingers from the blades. It is very easy to use and very easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe.
- The mandolin slicer is constructed of high-quality plastic with a stainless-steel blade that is angled to cut through any type of food with ease.
- The slicer has an adjustable height which is visible from the top and vertical blades to provide different cutting applications.
- The slicer comes with a hand guard to hold the food while slicing it with a quick release button that protects your fingers from the blade.
- The mandolin slicer is very expensive when compared to others and does not come with a warranty to protect it.
Benriner Almond Jumbo Slicer
The Basic Mandoline Slicer
This next mandoline slicer is one of your most basic units that will do many different applications. The slicer is very expensive when compared to others and doesn’t come with a warranty to protect it. The mandoline slicer is constructed of sturdy plastic with some stainless-steel razors.
There is only one type of blade included but it is able to be moved up and down freely. There is a finger guard to protect your fingers and a bottom catcher for all the vegetables. The slicer is very easy to use and is also dishwasher safe.
- The mandoline slicer comes with a finger guard to protect your hands while in use.
- The slicer is very easy to use and is dishwasher safe.
- The base is able to be moved up and down to select the thickness desired.
- The mandoline slicer is very expensive and does not come with a warranty to protect it.
Swissmar Borner V Power Mandoline V-7000
The Overpriced Mandoline Slicer
This next mandoline slicer is still a great product but has a couple fallbacks. It is extremely expensive when compared to others and does not come with a warranty to protect it. The mandoline slicer is constructed of ABS plastic and has rubber stopper feet to keep it from moving while in use.
It comes with four different pop and lock blades each for a different cutting application. The slicer is very easy to use and easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe. The slicer comes with a finger guard to protect the hands while in use.
- The mandoline slicer comes with four different cutting blades.
- The slicer is equipped with a finger guard to protect the user while in use.
- The base of the slicer has rubber feet and is dishwasher safe.
- The mandoline slicer is extremely expensive and does not come with a warranty to protect it.
OXO Good Grips Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer
The Minimal Mandoline Slicer
This mandoline slicer is a very basic tool and really can’t do a whole lot. However, it is one of the cheapest mandoline slicers available but doesn’t come with a warranty to protect it. The slicer has a wide base with a straight edge slicer that can be adjusted to 3 different heights.
The slicer is very easy to use and easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe. It is connected to a handle with slip resistant and comfortable grips. The slicer also has a finger guard that prevents fingers from getting cut while in use.
- The slicer comes with a finger guard to protect the user while in use.
- The mandoline has a straight edged blade with three different levels of thickness.
- The mandoline slicer is dishwasher safe.
- While it is very cheap to buy, there is no warranty to protect it.
Prepworks by Progressive Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline Slicer
The Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer
This slicer is a little better than the last but may have a couple problems. It is very affordable when compared to others but down not come protected by a warranty. The mandoline slicer has two cutting tools, straight edged and julienne, and it can used at three different thickness levels.
The handle is part of the base and has a slip resistant grip. There is a finger guard to protect the hands while in use and a catch-all box below. The mandoline slicer is dishwasher safe and can be a little difficult to pull apart and get back together.
- The mandoline slicer comes with two cutting tools to be used at 3 different heights.
- There is a finger guard to protect the user while in use.
- The mandoline slicer is dishwasher safe.
- While it is very affordable, it doesn’t come with a warranty to protect it.
Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Adjustable Mandoline Slicer
Budget Choice
This mandoline slicer is about as basic as it gets. The slicer is very cheap for what it is but does not come with a warranty to protect it. The body is made of plastic and probably not the best as well.
There is a handle with a comfortable and soft, slip resistant grip to keep it in place while in use. There is one straight blade that can be used at 4 different heights and a finger guard to protect the hands while in use. The slicer is easy to use and is dishwasher safe.
- The handle has a slip resistant and soft grip to keep it in place.
- The mandoline slicer is dishwasher safe
- It comes with a straight edged blade that can be used between 4 thickness levels.
- The mandolin slicer is very limited for cutting applications
- While it may be very affordable, it doesn’t come with a warranty to protect it
KitchenAid Adjustable Hand-Held V-Blade Mandoline Slicer
Another Basic Slicer
This mandoline slicer is almost exactly the same as the last one in every way. Except it does cost more money but it does come with a 1-year warranty to protect it. For the most part it is the same slicer with a straight edged blade and 4 different levels of thickness. It has a handle that is slip resistant and a finger guard to protect the hand while in use. It is still easy to use and easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe.
- The mandoline slicer is dishwasher safe.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty to protect it.
- The handle has a slip resistant and comfortable grip.
- The mandoline slicer is very limited when compared to others.
Conclusion
So, after going through all the info and products available, it would be a wise decision to go for a mandoline slicer that is in the top 5 of this list. You want to have a kitchen tool that is reliable and will last longer than a week. The others on this list may disappoint you more than impress you.