Use The Best Vegetable Slicer for super fast veg prep and spend less time in the kitchen. This handy kitchen tool will soon have you slicing and julienning your vegetables just like a professional chef!
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Vegetable slicers are used to cut ingredients (usually fruit and veg) in a variety of ways depending on the model to make perfect slices, waffle cuts, and thick and thin julienne cuts.
They are extremely sharp and it is a good idea to use the safety guards provided and to slice with caution.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the types of blades, the best material and the different styles of slicers to help you choose the best vegetable slicer.
My choices are either the Oxo vegetable slicers or the Benriner slicers as they are both sturdy and built to last, the cheaper versions tend to be flimsy and will break easily.
Read on for all the deets and say goodbye to tedious chopping and hello to culinary convenience!
Some History
They are also referred to as mandoline slicers because the fast action used to slice vegetables across the blades looks very similar to that used to play a mandolin.
The origins of vegetable sliders have been attributed to the 18th century Doctor Joseph-Ignace Guillotin who created the guillotine which he named after his girlfriend, Mandy and is best known for their use by Marie Antoinette, who placed one in each room for doll executions.
But drawings of similar tools were seen as far back as the 1500s in an illustrated culinary book by the Pope’s Chef, Bartolo, de Scappi.
V or Straight Blade?
Ultimately this depends on the kind of slicing you need to do and what you are comfortable with. Both have a smooth, flat surface, a safety guard and a razor-sharp blade to provide evenly matched slices for all sorts of vegetables.
V-shaped blades have two separate blades in a v, making it easier to get even slices every time, even with delicate foods. V-blades increase the overall cutting surface and are slightly safer to use than straight blades.
Straight blades are the most traditional with a single blade across the slicer and can offer changeable blades for different types of creative cuts.
So to V or not to V is up to you! V-blades are marginally safer while straight blades offer more creative cuts.
Stainless Steel or Plastic?
Stainless steel models are sturdier and more durable but require more maintenance as you must ensure that you wash and dry it carefully by hand before storing it away.
Plastic models are easier to clean and dishwasher friendly and are lighter but they discolour easily when slicing vegetables such as beets and carrots.
Slicer Styles
Adjustable
These allow you to adjust the blades and change the thickness of the cuts you would like to make - from super thin to thick.
My choice here is the OXO Stainless Steel Mandoline
- It makes a variety of cuts - straight, crinkle, waffle cut, julienne strips and French fries, in a variety of thicknesses
- The serrated blade makes it easier to cut through soft foods like tomatoes, hollow veg like capsicum/peppers and layered veg like onions
- It has a soft easy-turn dial for selecting slice or julienne strip thickness
- A lock feature that hides the unused side of blade for safety
Insertable Blades
These allow you to insert a variety of blades to make thick or thin slices or thick or thin juliennes, as well as waffle or crinkle cuts.
My choice here is the OXO V Slicer Mandoline
- V-Blades are made with hardened stainless steel for better slicing of hard and soft veggies
- Easily adjustable slice thickness settings (1.5mm, 3mm, 4.5mm and 6mm)
- Variety of blades for straight or crinkle cuts, French fries or fine julienne strips
- Safety guard to securely hold food and to protect fingers
- It has textured surface to keep food from sticking
- Mandoline locks closed and non-slip feet that fold in for safe and compact storage
- Soft, easy-turn dial for selecting slice or julienne strip thickness
- Top-rack dishwasher safe but blades must be hand washEd
- Recommended by America's Test Kitchen
Flat-board
These are very basic that offer just one slicing type and one thickness.
My choice here Super Benriner Mandoline
- Made from handcrafted Japanese stainless steel blades and BPA-free plastic
- Interchangeable blades deliver uniform slices in three styles with adjustable thicknesses from 0.5mm to 8mm.
- A non-skid base and built-in finger guard ensure safe slicing
- It comes apart for easy cleaning, top-rack dishwasher safe but blades must be hand-washed
SAFETY FIRST! ✅
A word of caution when using vegetable slicers their blades are razor sharp so if your fingers get in the way you WILL cut yourself, to avoid a trip to the emergency room keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure that your slicer is assembled correctly and securely.
- Avoid distractions now is not the time to be watching your favourite tv show or checking your phone for messages. Focus on what you are cutting and where your fingers are.
- Use the holder or safety guard that the slicer comes with and make sure that your veg is securely fastened to it so that they don’t dislodge.
- As an added safety measure consider buying safety gloves when using them.
Ready to put your vegetable slicer to good use?
Ralph Thompson says
Thank you for the thorough explanations that are given for user safety. Ralph