Alexandra Ramirez
those who simply hadn’t the time to cut meat
by hand. For today’s health conscience cooks;
however,the right meat slicer can allow you
to recreate much of the processed foods you’ve
come to love while skipping on all of the health
issues.
1. Chef’s Choice
Best Overall Meat Slicer
5/5 Product Rating
It also comes with a safety feature which prevents any blade-to-skin-related mishaps from occurring when the unit isn’t actively in use. It comes in the form of a button which has the unit’s food carriage stay firmly planted in front of the portion of the blade that would normally be exposed. If you’ve never bought a slicer before, this safety feature may sound as standard as a safety on a gun. However, this is not always the case. If it’s a high level of safety you’re after, the button in question will ensure you can leave the slicer lying about without fear of pets or children stumbling upon it and injuring themselves (not that it should exactly be left lying on the floor). Of course, you’ll still need to be rather careful while the slicer is in use, though this shouldn’t pose too much of an issue.
– Sarah Lytle
2. EdgeCraft
Best Overall Meat Slicer – Runner Up
4.9/5 Product Rating
However, despite the EdgeCraft Chef’s Choice 610’s similarities to the Chef’s Choice 615, it does actually carry a few differences which may prove to be large deciding factors in which of the two models you decide to go with. For example, the EdgeCraft Chef’s Choice 610 has less in the way of safety features. While it has a safety fuse, this is more for the slicer’s safety rather than your own. It also comes with less in the way of a sleek look. So, why buy it? Because it’s cheaper.
However, despite being lower in price, you’ll find it doesn’t sacrifice on functionality or quality in the slightest to lower said price. If you live alone and know nobody will potentially get hurt by your slicer while you’re not actively using it, and if you’re unwilling to pay a premium for the luxury of having appliances which compliment the look of your kitchen, the EdgeCraft Chef’s Choice 610 is likely just what you need. It functions at the same optimal level, though comes at a slightly lower price.
– Sarah Lytle
3. Arksen
Best Budget Meat Slicer
4.7/5 Product Rating
However, the Arksen trumps every other unit on the market in one area – its price-to-quality ratio. If you’re the type to appreciate a product’s value above all else, you simply cannot go wrong with the Arksen. Despite clocking in at roughly half the price of the first slicer we covered, you’ll find it functions just as well as any other product. Just be prepared to make some sacrifices by way of the product’s aesthetic appeal and maximum level of thickness.
– Sarah Lytle
Meat Slicer Buying Guide
What is a Meat Slicer?
I can’t praise the above three products enough. Of all meat slicers available on the market, these three are, without question, of the highest quality. However, you may wish to do some searching on your own for whatever reason. If this is the case, try keeping the following considerations in mind to ensure you come out with the best possible product for you.
How thick do you plan on cutting your meats?
Believe it or not, every slicer is different in this regard. While most (though certainly not all) models can cut meats as thin as you’d like, the maximum level of thickness will vary from model to model. Any meat slicer worth your while will always display its maximum slicing thickness. If you can’t find this number on the box or with a quick search online, you’re likely better off taking your money elsewhere.
Do you need safety features?
There is no one best safety feature. There are a multitude of means through which a manufacturer can ensure your slicer’s blade will remain tucked away when not in use. One thing that does stay consistent among slicers’ safety features; however, is that they all mark up the price. Consider who else lives in your home and whether or not you’ll need to go the extra mile for added safety features. If you have children in the home, such features are a must.
What will you be cutting?
The difference between cutting a fresh sausage and a frozen log of ground beef is rather large. Check to see how powerful your slicer is before finalizing your purchase. More often than not, manufacturers will give you some indication as to what their slicers can be used for. By only getting the power you need, you may be able to save a significant amount of money on your next purchase.
Types of Meat Slicers
For the most part, meat slicers can be placed into three main (unofficial) categories. Let’s take a look at said categories and see which one is best suited toward use in your kitchen.
- Small-Scale Slicers – These slicers are marked by their small blades and their food carriages which may be shorter in height. These are best if you simply need something to slice pepperoni, jerky and other small cuts of meat.
- Mid-Scale Slicers – These are a step above small-scale slicers and are great for cutting traditional deli meats. Simply put, if it can fit within two slices of bread, it can fit in one of these slicers. You’ll also be able to cut standard-sized blocks of cheese without issue.
- Large-Scale Slicers – These are best for large meats (turkey, pork shoulders, etc.) and can likely handle anything you can throw at them. These are also able to tackle fruit, vegetables and giant blocks or even wheels of cheese. If you plan on cutting more than just meat, a large-scale slicer should be considered essential. For reference, the three slicers we covered earlier in this review belong to this category. In fact, anything labeled as a food slicer (as opposed to a meet slicer) likely fits into this category.
Common Meat Slicer Features
There is no best slicer when it comes to choosing from the above types. There are; however, certainly features you should always look out for in any meat slicer you may happen to have your sights set on. Keep an eye out for slicers exhibiting the below features when you’re shopping.
- Lots of Removable Parts – Normally, when a product has many pieces which need to be assembled and disassembled, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that it will be more of a pain to work with than anything. In the case of meat slicers; however, a higher number of removable parts translates to less Because this is an appliance which needs to be cleaned, being able to take the time to take your slicer apart will likely shorten the amount of time you spend cleaning.
- A Blade Shield – While perhaps not an official term, I refer to the metal or plastic portion of a slicer’s frame that covers the top of its blade. While some safety features can be considered as being optional, this is not one of those features. If a slicer’s blade doesn’t have a shield, your fingers might thank you later on down the road if you keep shopping around for a better model.
Conclusion
Outside of the two above features (which should be considered as being downright essential), what you look for in a blade all comes down to you. If one of the three models we covered earlier seems to offer what you’re looking for, I’d highly suggest going with that one. Otherwise, by keeping all of the above tips in mind, you’ll be able to recreate your favorite deli meats and more in no time at all.
