A chef is only as good as his tools. Even the most creative, adaptive, and seasoned cooks may struggle in the kitchen if they don’t have the right equipment.
Take the mandoline slicer. This unique cutting utensil is built to cut juliennes. Or, in non-culinary terms, it is designed to cut food into long, narrow strips resembling the shape of matchsticks. The name comes from the chopping or flicking motion the user of this tool makes with their wrist. It’s similar to the motion a person would use to play the musical instrument, the mandolin.
If you’re looking for the best mandoline slicer on the market, consider these options.
Finding the Right Mandoline Slicer for Your Kitchen
Whether you’re a chef by trade, a culinary student, or just a dedicated hobbyist who wants to expand their toolkit, it’s good to have a mandoline slicer. The following models are all good to consider – see the pros and cons sections to find out how each stacks up to the others.
Gramercy Kitchen Co. Adjustable Slicer
Another adjustable model, this one has a much more straight-forward look. And while the appearance may seem simple by some standards, others would call it a sleek look that fits right in at both personal and commercial kitchens.
Pros: This slicer’s main claim to fame is its safety. The manufacturers, Gramercy Kitchen Company, touts this as the only slicer that comes with what users need to protect themselves. Users never have to touch the blade, and there’s even a pair of cut-resistant safety gloves included as a bonus.
Cons: While the slicer is great for cutting julienne, some users have said it isn’t good for much else. And for all the crisp cuts it does make, there are also complaints that food gets stuck inside it quite often.
Overall, this slicer isn’t flawless, but it is one of the more robust safety-focused slicers on the market.
OXO Good Grips Adjustable Slicer
With the capability to cut food at three different thickness levels, this tool is a versatile one that can be used to kickstart more home recipe possibilities or help a commercial chef complete dinner service. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, this model is as convenient as it is versatile.
Pros: The model features a non-slip handle, knob, and foot so you can keep it secure whether you’re slicing on a countertop, into a container, or anywhere else. It’s also backed by the OXO Better Guarantee, which promises a repair or replacement in the event of a defect.
Cons: This unit’s adjustability may also be its sole downfall. It’s been called too versatile for its own good, with some users saying it is hard to get consistent-sized slices.
This slicer may get some flack for its inconsistency, but plenty of people have bought it and rated it well.
Fullstar Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer w/ Julienne Grater
This model may seem a bit bulky, but it’s another one that includes everything a user will need to cut their food, keep it together, and avoid a mess.
Pros: This 5-in-1 model can replace the functions of multiple appliances and slicers, effectively freeing up plenty of kitchen space. In addition to the catch tray and grater, there’s a money-back guarantee.
Cons: Another model that is mostly solid, the only drawbacks are the occasional defects reported by customers.
The final verdict on the Fullstar Spiralizer is that it’s another holistic slicing tool that could fit well in almost any culinary environment.
Adjustable Slicer from Prep Naturals
This handy mandoline food slicer is designed to slice, prepare, and cut food carefully. You can feel safe using this unit, as it was constructed based on feedback from other slicers. There is a handy container installed with it to catch the food items as they’re sliced, and to keep you safe during use.
Pros: This unit is designed for both speed and convenience. It features a catch container and the top is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The product also comes with the offer for a refund or replacement.
Cons: The only major drawback of this slicer is that some people may find it a little too extravagant. With 3 interchangeable blades for slicing, julienne, and grating, it can be somewhat complex for the culinary novice.
Overall, this slicer is a solid choice and is especially handy for those who don’t want to deal with messes while preparing food.
Mueller Austria V-Pro Adjustable Slicer
Touted as the smart choice, this product is designed to work with a variety of fruits and vegetables, producing highly accurate cuts each time. Users who have different recipes to prepare and different foods to cut will find this model is a great choice to consider.
Pros: As mentioned, this unit is versatile. It is adjustable and can be controlled with a simple knob. And the company is so confident in the quintet of ultra-sharp 420-grade blades, there’s a lifetime warranty included with the product.
Cons: While every product line may have defects, users of this one have claimed it isn’t as safe as the manufacturers say. While the good reviews do seem to outnumber the bad ones, there have been reports that users were cut by this product.
Overall, this is a well-rounded utensil that offers plenty of possibilities for any kitchen.
Which Is the Best Mandoline Slicer on the List?
Some people would say less is more – and that a simpler mandoline slicer is more likely to get the job done consistently with fewer problems. Others may say more features mean more possibilities, and thus more value for your money.
The best slicer is dependent on what qualities a person looks for and how much they’re willing to spend. Any option on this list is worth considering for tasks where mandoline slicers are needed.