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Food slicers are wonderful appliances for many people. There
are a hundred and one food recipes which a person would want to
use one for. From providing healthy sub sandwiches to slicing
a nice beef roast.
When thinking of food slicers, also called meat slicers, we
typically think of the huge contraption which is found behind
the counter of any deli. But in fact, there are a number of slicers
which are made with the home owner in mind. Some slicers are very
small and can fit easily on any counter. While on the other hand,
there are larger and more powerful slicers such as the Chef's
Choice 667, which are for more heavy use. In fact, it is this
caliber of food slicer which someone in the catering business
would most likely invest in - or at least someone who does quite
a bit of entertaining.
Regardless of size, there are still many things a person should
know before using one of these appliances. Here are a few tips:
1. Do not try to slice bone. It is important
to only slice foods which do not contain bone. This can cause
damage to your slicer.
2. Do not slice fully frozen foods. This includes
meats, vegetables, fruits and even fish. The best texture is one
which is slightly frozen. It is the same as if you were to slice
chicken breasts in order to fillet them into very thin slices.
Anyone who has tried to do this understands that it is very difficult
to achieve a nice even cut when the meat is fully thawed. The
same applies with a slicer. Trying to thinly slice foods which
are, for lack of a better term, floppy - just doesn't work.
3. Do not skimp on the cleaning. It is important
that you clean
your meat slicer after every use. This is an important part
of maintenance. The better you keep it clean and in good condition,
the longer it will last. Since different types of slicers are
made differently, always refer to the Owner's Manual for detailed
instructions for proper cleaning. However, regardless of which
model you might have, always unplug your appliance prior to any
kind of dismantling or cleaning.
4. Do not wash in the dishwasher. Do not try
to wash any part of your slicer in the dishwasher. The hard detergents
are not suitable for these appliances. Instead wash with warm
soapy water and do not rush this process in order to make sure
all parts are completely dry before reassembly.
5. Do not slice foods with seeds. The exception
here is for tomatoes. The seeds of other fruits such as peaches,
avocadoes, apples, etc. can cause damage to your appliance.
6. Cut your food to size first. If you find
you need to slice some bread or other food, such as a roast or
leg of lamb, but the item extends over the slicer, then cut the
food item down to a better more suitable size.
7. Fine edge vs. Serrated edge blades. For
those who are not familiar with blades, it is important to understand
the difference between a fine edge and a serrated edge. A fine
edge has a nice smooth edge. However a serrated edge is more like
a bread knife - it has teeth. The biggest benefit to using the
fine edge is when slicing paper thin foods, such as ham for Italian
prosciutto, or fish for sushi. The serrated blade on the other
hand, tends to be generally best suited for slicing hard crusts,
like with bread, or foods which are fibrous.
When some people complain about their slicer not slicing smoothly
for paper thin results, one should first ask which blade are they
using, and if the food item is partially frozen or completely
thawed. These two factors can make a big difference in your results.
If you are looking to purchase a food
slicer, here are three things to consider which may help you
narrow down your choices.
1. How frequently do you plan on using the slicer?
If you do not plan on using your slicer but for a few times a
year, a professional grade may not be the right choice. On the
other hand, if your uses are going to be for large quantities
and for large get-togethers, a professional food slicer may be
what your purpose calls for.
2. Where do you plan on storing it? If you
plan on keeping it on the counter top in your kitchen, then it
is important that you make certain it will fit. Naturally, the
larger the size, the more space it will occupy. In addition, the
larger they are, the heavier they will be as well. If you plan
on moving it around quite a bit, you might want to consider looking
for a lighter size.
3. How much are you willing to spend? As with
any item you are looking to buy, it is important that you consider
your finances. Home professional food slicers can range from under
$100 to over $400. Make sure that your food slicer not only fits
on your counter, but also within your budget.
For more information, read our review of the Chef's
Choice 667 Professional Home Food and Meat Slicer.
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