Slice and dice like a pro with a mandoline slicer

There’s no need to struggle cutting fruits and veggies evenly when you use a mandoline slicer. These nifty tools are ideal for creating perfectly sized cuts for everything, from potatoes for pub style french fries to paper-thin julienne vegetables for salads.

Choose from an extensive range of vegetable slicers and dicers at Kitchen Warehouse.

Features to look out for

• Construction – Opt for a hand-held mandoline slicer with sharp stainless steel blades and a sturdy platform. High-quality material will handle regular use and cleaning as well as provide maximum safety.

• Blade type and material – Choose a blade best suited to your usual slicing needs. Consider the types of food you will be cutting, how frequently you will use the mandoline and if you plan on using specialty shaped blades like julienne or crinkle cut. If you want control over the range of thickness that you can slice, look for an adjustable slicer.

• Food grade material – Ensure you choose a model with food grade safe materials for maximum health and safety.

• Easy to use and clean – If you plan on using a mandoline slicer regularly or even multiple times in one cooking session, opt for a model which is easy to quickly rinse clean and use again.

Design

• Handheld – These typically have a handle to hold while resting the base of the mandoline against a counter or bowl. This allows you to control the angle at which you slice and makes it easier to slice directly into a plate.

• The stand - This model has legs that allow it to stand on its own providing an extra degree of safety, especially when using it to cut julienne or waffle style.

• Platform size – Smaller models are typically easier to store and handle. The larger the mandoline, the more difficult it can be to navigate so this is best suited to those who are more experienced using mandoline slicers. A wide cutting blade will accommodate most vegetables; however, if the vegetable is larger than the blade, you’ll need to cut it down.

• Safety features – Opt for mandolines with hand guards or food holders that will protect your hand from the sharp blades. These have metal or plastic prongs to secure the food so you can slice easily and smoothly.

Mandoline blade types and their uses

• Straight blade - A single blade runs perpendicular to the ramp, slicing straight through the food and can be used for tough vegetables.

• Diagonal blade – Common in Japanese models, this style punctures a small part of the skin of the fruit or vegetable before gliding through the rest of the surface of the food. This allows tender ingredients like peppers and tomatoes to slide across easily and requires less force on tougher vegetables, improving its safety.

• V-slice blade – The most common style found in kitchens, the two diagonal blades create a V-shape slice through the food for extra strength in cutting larger fruits and vegetables.

Flat handheld vs stand mandoline - which one to choose?

Some home cooks prefer to hold the mandoline slicer in their non-dominant hand while others prefer to prop up a stand that supports the mandoline.

Handheld mandolines typically offer more control because you can choose the angle at which you want to slice as well as position the slicer directly over a bowl instead of transferring from the cutting board.

The kickstand model allows your non-dominant hand to be free while slicing. Many feel this is safer however the choice will come down to your own cooking style and how experienced you are using mandolines.

Benefits of having a mandoline slicer

• Speed, precision and uniformity in slicing, shredding or even grating.

• Reduce prep time considerably.

• Highly versatile in creating various styles of foods.

Key safety pointers when using a mandoline slicer

• Place the mandoline slicer perpendicular to your body to allow for ample control, with the blades facing away from you.

• If the ingredient you’re cutting doesn’t have a flat surface, use a sharp knife to cut an even surface first for more stability.

• Secure the food in the safety guard or holder.

• Keep even pressure on the ingredient as you run it up and down the mandoline.

Best mandoline slicers for beginners

The V-blade mandoline slicers will cut food on either side of the mandoline and create less drag and possible slippage. Opt for mandoline slicers with safety guards for enhanced safety when using.

Accessories for your mandoline slicer

• Julienne blades

• Peelers

• Graters

• Microplanes

• Sharpeners

• Interchangeable blades

Tips and tricks for using a mandoline slicer like a pro

• Keep your blade sharp: Like with kitchen knives, a sharp blade gives you more control so you don’t accidentally cut yourself. Sharpen or replace the blade regularly.

• Keep it stable: Rest the mandoline on a flat surface so it doesn’t wobble around while you slice. The less the mandoline moves, the safer it will be to use.

• Use manageable pieces for slicing: Cut your ingredients into smaller, easy to handle pieces before you start slicing them. For example, cut a whole cucumber into thirds or quarters before slicing.

• Use the guide: Keep your food against the guide wall on the side as you push it into the slicing blade. This gives you more control and keeps your cuts consistent.

Maintenance, cleaning, and care

• Gently wipe the slicer with a cloth in the opposite direction of the sharp end of the blade using a mild detergent and rinse with running hot water. This should minimise the risk of damage to the blades and other sensitive parts of the mandoline.

• Dry thoroughly before storing to prevent corrosion or mould.

• Always store separately to other kitchen utensils in a safe and secure spot to avoid both little and big hands alike accidentally grazing across the mandolin in a kitchen drawer.

Brands we know and trust

We carry a range of table knives, chef knives, cutlery and gadgets from Australia and around the world from brands such as Benriner, Oxo Good Grips, Zyliss, KitchenAid, Borner and Kyocera. Explore the wide range we have available at Kitchen Warehouse.

Buying online with Kitchen Warehouse

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FAQs:

What is the best size for a mandoline?
Mandolines with platforms that are wide enough to accommodate larger produce is ideal. 3.5 to 4 inches is considered to be an optimal size.

Is it safe to use a mandoline slicer?
Mandolines are safe to use providing you use the food holder or slicing guards, and always slice away from the body.