Benriner BN-1 Japanese Handheld Mandolin Slicer with Three Interchangeable Stainless-Steel Blades-Ivory, Vegetable Fruit Cutter Peeler, Stainless Steel, Off-White

Product Information

In general, you get better leverage and control while gripping food with your hand. However, that comes with a risk of injury. As you create slice after slice, you’re likely to build momentum, and before you know it, your fingers might get snipped. That’s why mandolines have a reputation for being dangerous. Ask any chef and they’re likely to say a Benriner mandoline is in their knife kit. They like this Japanese mandoline for its convenient size and sharp blade. As it doesn’t have legs, it’s not bulky but it has a wider runway than other handheld models which makes it possible to slice large vegetables like Vidalia onions or eggplants. The main styles of mandoline slicers are handheld and standing. Standing mandolines are more stable, but may be more difficult to clean. Conversely, handheld mandoline slicers can be easier to use, but may not be as stable. Having said that, perhaps this model would in fact be a better fit among the basic models recommended above. Nonetheless, for its basic function, this slicer is a standout with countless fans and dedicated users. Plastic models are easier to maintain because they can typically be washed in the dishwasher, but they aren’t quite as durable as stainless steel.

We compared slices of cucumbers (and many other vegetables) from each of the mandolines we tested. The Tester When choosing a style, consider how often you will use your mandoline slicer and what types of food you will be slicing. If you plan on using one often, it may be better to get a countertop or standing mandoline so you can rely on its stability. However, if you plan on just using it occasionally for salads or potatoes, a handheld one will be sufficient. Another compact handheld option, the OXO Good Grips Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer is simplicity at its best, and the most ergonomic product we reviewed. The Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Adjustable Mandoline is a handheld model featuring a single 3.5-inch diagonal blade that glides smoothly through ingredients. This design also helps you slice every last bit of food. A small container sits under the mandoline to catch the slices as they fall off the blade. However, the chute is only about 2 ½ inches in diameter so you need to halve or quarter many foods before you slice them.Also, many users reported problems with slicing more delicate items like tomatoes. But this is not uncommon, and you’re generally better off using a mandoline with a Japanese-style diagonal blade to slice juicy, ripe produce like tomatoes, or a different tool altogether that’s better-suited to this purpose. Some mandolines offer set slicing depths. This is helpful in that you can repeat a uniform slice width every time you pull out your tool, but this also limits you to working within the unit’s predetermined settings.

We found that our slicing motion was not seamless because of a slight ridge in the mandoline—you’ll want to watch out for this to avoid accidents.

What we looked for

There are also settings for waffle slices as well for thin julienne strips and French fries. To cut strips or fries you need to change the blade, which is done easily without risking a cut finger. While testing, we found that the design of this mandoline made slicing smoothly difficult. The blade of the mandoline does not sit completely flush with the plastic, creating ridges around the slicing area. As a result, we experienced small hiccups during our slicing motions. The handheld models typically have a handle to hold while resting the base against a counter or bowl. This allows the user to choose the angle at which they slice, and also gives more of a feeling of control. Additionally, this makes it simple to slice straight over a bowl or plate. With special features that make it safer for everyone, this Dash mandoline is not your standard mandoline. It’s easy to set up and easy to use, and it actually folds down pretty small for storage when it’s not in use. The De Buyer Revolution Dicing Machine, which is made in France, is by far the most expensive mandoline we tested but we can’t say it’s worth the splurge.