Meat Slicer Buying Guide

The slicer is one of the most valuable prep machines in the kitchen because it slices a variety of foods more evenly and uniformly than can be done by hand. There are many different types of slicers available with a variety of options.

If you are interested in a Manual meat slicers, keep in mind they require a bit of elbow grease. In order to operate these, you will have to move the meat back and forth in order to slice.

Automatic Slicers on the other hand, move the carriage with an electric motor, saving you the time and labor. You also have an option of switching off the automatic function and operating the slicer manually. Most automatic slicers have a single operating speed.

Slicers are most often classified according to the size of the cutting blade. The cutting blades range from 9-14 inches. 9" blades are limited to light duty use, and 12" and 14" are the most common and good for all-around use.

Another thing to look for is a size of the carriage. Most models hold products that range from 7.5-12 inches in diameter. If you intend to slice large product, it would be good to confirm that the slicer's carriage will accommodate it. Another important factor is the degree of the angle at which carriage is situated. A steeper carriage angle is preferable as it facilitates self-feeding of the product.

Safety is a big factor when it comes to selecting a slicer. Each unit has various features so it's highly recommended to check the safety and cleaning instructions on a particular model.