What is a wine tasting session without a platter of finely sliced meat? Pretty disappointing, that’s what! And if youre like me, youre also tired of paying a premium every time you shop for thinly sliced turkey, ham, and chicken.
Today, we’ll talk about meat slicers and how you can get thin, delicate slices of meat without paying higher prices.
To be honest, a meat slicer can look intimidating to use at first, but it can be a great asset for both home cooks and seasoned chefs. Meat slicers are not limited to slicing only meat. Well discuss some of those ways while showing you how to keep your slicer clean and sanitized.
Best Meat Slicing Knives
While I do admit that having an electric meat slicer around is great, especially if you are someone who deals with huge amounts of meat daily, it can be tricky to operate. Don’t worry as you can still get uniform, thin slices of meat at home if you invest in a proper meat slicing knife. Not only are they easier to handle, but will also be reliable additions to your kitchen arsenal.
Here are some of my top picks for meat slicing knives:
This blade is a must, especially if you are a serious butcher or chef who prepares large quantities of beef, poultry, fish, and other meats. Not only does this blade work well to section and portion large cuts of meat with precision, but it also allows the user to expertly slice through flesh and breakthrough cartilage.
Pros:
- The blade offers superior control and maneuverability, which allows you to produce thin slices of meat.
- The rock-hollow divots also prevent food stuck-on and reduce friction, providing you with a more seamless slicing experience.
- The blade is built to handle extreme temperatures and is highly impervious to both heat and moisture, giving it lifelong durability.
Cons:
- The blade of this butcher knife might be too short if you are a seasoned chef. In that case, you can go for a blade that is 10” or longer.
- For a new chef, you might take some time to get used to handling such a nimble and sharp blade.
This stunningly designed knife is built to slice and cut through anything put in front of it with ease and precision. This all-steel knife offers a minimalistic aesthetic with unobtrusive beauty.
Pros:
- This killer sharp knife’s blade is designed to help you achieve damage-free slices of meat, cut with maximum precision and minimum effort.
- The knife is accompanied by a fork that makes it easier for the user to not just slice up the meat but also transfer it from the cutting board to the plate.
- This very versatile and reliable set is priced nicely, making it an investment worth making.
Cons:
- The all-steel handle of this knife can get slippery, making it uncomfortable to hold for a long time.
- A 9” blade can get too short, especially if you are tackling large chunks of meat. In that case, you can pick a shorter blade.
All your tough day-to-day kitchen demands will be met by this versatile knife. It works well for prepping large fruits and vegetables, carving roasts, or achieving thin, uniform slices of meat. Pros:
- The blade of this knife is razor-sharp, maintaining the perfect balance between blade sharpness and resilience. This allows the user to control the blade and cut up thin slices of meat.
- The long length of the blade allows you to cut and slice meat and vegetables with a singles stroke.
- This blade cleans easily and is very simple to maintain.
Cons:
- A 10” blade can be slightly intimidating for an amateur chef. If that’s the case, you can opt for an 8” blade as well.
- The long blade can cause wrist fatigue if used for a long period.
This beauty is a multi-purpose slicer that translates to ‘muscle cutter’ or ‘flesh slicer’. This knife performs well when working on both, Asian-style preparations and more Western cuisines.
Pros:
- The razor-sharp blade edge sails through flesh without sawing, preserving the quality and freshness of the meat, which makes this a great tool for achieving paper-thin slices of meat.
- This blade can be used to slice through roast beef, turkey, raw meats, and even prepare sushi, making this blade highly versatile.
- The carefully designed handle of this knife also provides superior grip, hand control, and comfort, making it easier to use for long hours.
Cons:
- While super sharp, the blade is also very narrow. This might make it difficult for the user to scoop food and transfer it from the cutting board to the pot.
- If you are new to cooking you might not want to invest so much in a blade. In that case, you can check out the other slicing knife options available.
Slicing thin, uniform cuts of meat requires finesse and flexibility, and this 12” elite slicer is built just for that. Not only will this blade be the showstopper in your kitchen, but can also be used for multiple purposes like prepping large fruits and veggies, slicing bread loaves and layer cakes, and dealing with meat.
Pros:
- The blade of this knife is hand-sharpened to a savage 8-12 degrees. This makes the knife perfect for slicing meat thinly, in one quick motion.
- The blade is ultra-thin, ensuring zero friction. This helps reduce food drag and minimize flesh damage.
- The added chromium provides stain resistance, making sure the knife lasts you a lifetime.
Cons:
- It can get slightly challenging to maneuver and control a knife with such a long blade. If you are not used to this blade size, you must practice a little before you start using it for your daily cooking tasks.
- The price of this blade can be a little steep for someone who does not cook often.
Electric Meat Slicer vs. Hand-held Meat Slicer
When it comes to choosing a meat slicer, everyone gets confused between an electric deli meat slicer and manual meat slicers, especially if you are new to the world of cooking. While both devices perform the same task, there is a huge difference in the way they are operated. So to answer your question, “What is the difference between an electric deli meat slicer and a manual one?” I have listed out some major points that will help you make an informed decision.
|
Attribute |
Electric Meat Slicer |
Manual Meat Slicer |
|
Functioning |
This contains a motor that drives the blade for cutting through the meat. |
Youll need to rotate the blade manually to slice the meat. |
|
Ease of Use |
This type of meat slicer is operated electrically and usually are automatic device. They also come with an additional motor to drive the food carriage. With an electric food slicer, you only need to plug it in and guide the meat to the blade. |
You need to put lots of effort to slice meat with a manual or hand-held slicer. Also, the operator needs to have more strength to slice the meat correctly. |
|
Safety |
If you can’t apply a certain amount of force to cut the meat, then electric slicers are a safe option for you. There is little to no chance of getting injured with an electric slicer. |
Since you need to operate the manual meat slicer by hand, there are chances of getting injured. |
|
Purpose |
If youre running a restaurant, then this type of slicer (such as a deli meat slicer) is perfect because it can help slice up larger amounts of meat faster. Most commercial meat slicers are electric. |
For slicing larger amounts of meat, this is not a good option. Manual slicers should not be considered for commercial purposes. However, you can use it to slice up small amounts of meat at home. |
|
Price |
Electric deli meat slicers are typically more expensive than their manual counterpart due to their ease of use and efficiency. If you need to slice larger quantities of meat, it might be better to shell out at least $200 for a slicer that can handle larger amounts of meat or vegetables. |
Often costing under $100, these slicers are suitable for people who only want to slice a few pounds of meat at a time. |
|
Maintenance |
Thoroughly cleans the slicer and sharpen the blade every four hours if youre using it consistently. It is not recommended to place the slicer in the dishwasher as it will rust. I suggest you use the manufacturers lubricant or mineral oil on moving parts. Make sure the blade is clean before sharpening. |
Clean your meat slicer and sharpen it with a sharpening stone specially designed for meat slicers. Only sharpen a clean blade and be sure to disinfect it after sharpening. Have your machine serviced regularly or as recommended by the manufacturer. |
|
Drawback |
This type of slicer is dependent on electricity to run so if the power is down, this meat slicer will not work and youll need to use it in manual mode. |
Because this slicer is controlled manually, it can cause fatigue, making the slicing process seem like a lot of work. |
Is a Deli Meat Slicer for home use worth the price ?
FAQ
What are the benefits of owning a meat slicer?
Is it cheaper to slice your own meat?
What size meat slicer do I need for home use?
Are meat slicers worth it?
If you regularly slice large quantities of meat, cheese, or vegetables in your kitchen, a meat slicer can definitely be worth the investment. They can save time and make the slicing process much easier and more efficient. How thick can meat slicers cut?
Are there meat slicers for home use?
There are plenty of meat slicers for home use out there, and they can be more affordable than you’d think. Meat slicers make the perfect addition to any foodie’s home. Just think of how many new ingredients and flavor combinations you could discover once you can slice your own meats and cheeses at home.
What is the best meat slicer?
1. Best Meat Slicer Overall: OSTBA 7.5-Inch Blade, Stainless Steel Electric Meat Slicer This OSTBA 7.5-inch blade model takes the prize for all-around best food slicer out there. It’s very reliable, incredibly easy to use, and even easier to clean. If you’re not sure what features to look for, take our advice and get yourself this model.
What size meat slicer do I Need?
Generally speaking, a 7.5-inch blade is good enough for most home cooks. You’ll find that the best meat slicers have an adjustable dial or knob either at the back or side. They let you choose the thickness of your slices. Thick slices are perfect for sandwiches, while thin slices go great on charcuterie boards.