Slicing Guide: Test and Reviews
If it tempts you to cut your deli yourself according to the thickness you wanted to get, we suggest you buy a meat slicer.
And do not worry, because you do not risk falling on the wrong model with this handy shopping guide that Best-Score has prepared for you to find the best device for your needs.
What is a slicer?
A slicer is a tool invented in 1898 used mainly to make thin slices of charcuterie. Formerly based on a crank system, the slicer has evolved a great deal to end up in electric models.
This device consists of a rotating circular blade on which rests the piece of charcuterie to cut, a push trolley to pass the piece under the blade, and a tray that collects the cut slices. However, it also slices cheese, bread, sausage, vegetables and various food products knowing that the thickness of each slice can be adjusted more or less fine according to the needs of the user.
How to choose a quality slicer?
Depending on the size of the blade
The blade is actually the main element of a slicer, because it is she who will ensure the cutting of food.
So remember to check the size of the latter according to the products you wanted to cut, knowing that a 250 mm blade has a cutting capacity of 215 mm, while a blade 330 mm in diameter will give you a perfect cut 260 mm.
Your choice will thus be on a larger or smaller blade, depending on the products you are used to treating. For a conservator, MN advises opting for a blade of 250 to 300 mm. In addition, if you work in a butcher’s shop or supermarket, it would be best to direct you to a slicer with a blade of 370 mm or more to work with ease.
Depending on the speed of rotation
This is a criterion that many users have not paid attention to when buying their machine, but it is important during use. In fact, the greater the speed of rotation of the slicer, the less effort you make to cut your deli meats, because the blade will make precise, quick and easy cuts.
This speed usually varies between 250 and 400 rpm and remember that the larger the blade, the slower the speed, and the reverse will occur on devices with a smaller blade. That’s why our site advises you to favor a powerful machine if you intend to use a big blade. On the other hand, the choice of a moderately powerful device will be enough to turn a medium sized blade properly.
Depending on its performance
Power will be an essential point in your research, especially if you set your sights on an electric slicer. It will determine the cutting speed of your machine. As a result, MN recommends that you do not go below 130 watts.
Also, depending on the nature of the products you want to cut daily, you will need a more or less powerful device. Indeed, a frozen meat slicer will be much more powerful than a tomato slicer.
Remember that your machine will also have to allow you to adjust the thickness of the cuts. The best is that it offers a wide range of thickness so that it can achieve very thin slices, but also thicker and allow you to work on different products: meat, ham, cheese, vegetables, bread and others.
Depending on the security features
Last but not least: the safety system of your slicer. Although it is an easy-to-handle device, you should not neglect its security features to protect yourself and all members of your family.
So prefer a model equipped with a switch “special child” to prevent young children manage to operate the slicer accidentally. The same goes for a cart locking system that prevents other objects from passing under the blade. Also pay attention to the stability of your future slicer and opt for a model with non-slip feet. Finally, the best device is one whose accessories are removable to detach and store them in a more secure location, out of the reach of children.
Why buy an efficient slicer?
To make beautiful slices without any effort
Why wait for the long queue at the butcher when you can slice your steaks yourself at home?
Indeed, buying a best at home meat slicer allows you to enjoy many benefits, because not only you can cut different foods at home, but you do not provide any effort to get beautiful slices.
All products pass under the blade of your slicer and you will be delighted to be able to impress your guests with thin slices of meat and cheeses cut very regularly by your own care. On the other hand, this device will allow you to cook and prepare dishes according to your desires since you can choose the thickness of the food according to the intended recipe.
To save on fresh produce
Buying pre-cut deli at the supermarket is actually more expensive than buying a big piece of meat. Yet you can avoid spending more if you have a slicer in your own kitchen. So you can save a lot of money by buying wholesale food, whether it’s meat, cheese, ham or whatever. This is a very practical and economical tool because it can be used at any time according to your daily needs.
The different types of slicers
Manual slicer
We particularly appreciate the manual slicer for its economic side since it does not need electricity to operate. Therefore, it is used everywhere and at any time, even when there is no power.
It is also a versatile tool, as most of them have a serrated blade that effectively slices various food items without having to change blades. In addition, you can also manage the support on the food and the handle of the blade according to the result that you want to obtain, which is very advantageous to realize chiffonades of ham or very thin meats.
Electric slicer
The vast majority of households prefer models of electric slicers, especially for its practicality. Easy to use, fast and requires no effort, this type of device is used both by professionals and individuals. Above all, it has the advantage of easily cutting hard products, such as frozen meat, which is not easy with a manual slicer. The latter also brings a lot of modernity thanks to increased security systems to prevent accidental cuts, as well as removable accessories that allow both easier storage and easier cleaning.
Our advice:
The meat slicer makes it much easier for professionals, but also for individuals. It allows you to make thin slices of charcuterie and cut different types of food for a perfect presentation on a plate, without the user providing physical effort.
What is the price of a good slicer?
The slicer market is no filled with a multitude of models to suit all needs and budgets. You will find first prize machines available from 30 euros, as well as top-of-the-range slicers available for more than 400 euros.
The price range is so wide, but it all depends on the taste of each and the price he finds reasonable to spend for the purchase of such a tool.
In any case, Best Score suggests you bet on a quality device that will be both reliable and effective. For that, plan rather a budget of at least 150 euros, or even 200 euros, not to be disappointed with the result of the cut.
How to use a slicer?
The use of this device requires some precautions to be used correctly and to ensure your safety. As a first step, it is necessary to read the instructions given in the user manual of this one, because not all slicers are always the same. Install it on stable support and keep the area around the slicer free of obstruction and obstruction. For each use, wear cut-resistant gloves to avoid cut-offs with the blade and even though you wear them, never try to push food with your hands and always use the push cart. Make sure the work piece is in place so that it does not slip or fall. Stay focused throughout the operation and always keep your eyes on the machine to avoid accidents.
How to clean his slicer?
Whether you use it occasionally at home or every day in your workplace, the slicer needs to be cleaned after each use to ensure proper operation. To do this, first turn off the machine and unplug it from the power source. Then, disassemble and clean all parts that have been in contact with food using a sponge dipped in a solution prepared beforehand: hot water and half a glass of bleach or a disinfectant spray. Rinse these items with warm water and allow to dry before reassembling.
It is also recommended to lubricate the sliding rails of the truck at least every six months to prevent them from locking up often. Lubricate them with the oil prescribed on the machine and not with vegetable oil.
