Types of Meat Slicers

There’s nothing better than getting freshly sliced ​​meat from the deli. The smell, the taste, and the texture are all unparalleled. As a kid, I was fascinated by a deli counter and loved to watch them slice the meat. As I matured, I discovered that a meat slicer could cut through any type of food- not just deli meats. From then on, I made sure to have my own personal meat slicer. That was a life-changing moment for me. Now, I don’t have to leave my home to get freshly cut meat because I have my own kitchen. Check out the comprehensive guide below to know everything there is about different types of meat slicers. In this article, we listed different types of meat slicers that are perfect for slicing meats, sausages, cheeses, and other deli products.

What is a Meat Slicer?

A meat slicer is a machine you will find useful and necessary in your kitchen, even though you may not have considered it before. It cuts food into even and uniform slices. A meat slicer will consistently outperform anyone using a knife, no matter how skilled they are.

A meat slicer is an excellent investment if you’re looking to cut down on prep time in the kitchen. It can handle various types of foods, so it’s versatile as well. A meat slicer will make quicker, cleaner cuts on any food item that your kitchen knife can cut. Even though it may appear to be a costly investment, a food slicer can save you time and money in the long term if you make jerky, eat numerous sandwiches, or slice different food items.

Some may have thought of it as a gimmick at first, but it has now become an essential piece of kitchen gear.

Key Parts of a Meat Slicer

Motor

Motor

The motor is an important part of your meat slicer if you are choosing an electric one. The speed of the motor on your meat slicer will determine how quickly it can cut and, therefore, how much food you can cut in a stipulated time. The engine’s power is made through horsepower. The more horsepower your engine has, the more power it produces.

In other words, you can utilize it for extended periods without the motor overheating or the cutting blade losing speed. A light meat slicer has a motor of 1/4 to 1/3 horsepower. These machines are ideal for those who want to spend around an hour cutting meat each day and work best with thinner cuts. A medium-range sliver has a 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower motor that can cut through most cheeses and meats for several hours per day.

A high-power motor is anything over 1/2 horsepower and can be used for four to six hours per day. It is crucial that you understand your needs before selecting a commercial meat slicer for your kitchen.

Blade

Blade

The slicer blade you need is dependent on the types of food items you want to slice. A large blade allows you to cut through tougher food items and expands the types of food you can cut beyond just meat. A larger blade is more effective when cutting vegetables and fruit. Smaller blades are ideal for slicing lighter meats or thinner meats. The smaller the meat slicer blade, the easier it is to clean.

The blade on an entry-level slicer is usually about 10 inches. A slicer with a blade measuring 13 inches is more powerful and can handle bigger tasks. Most commercial slicers have a 12-inch blade. Different blades work better depending on the food you’ll be cutting. Depending on your needs, select the blade that suits you best. Certain types of meat slicers contain a serrated blade, while others have a smooth one.

A serrated edge yields a better result when slicing through frozen meat, cheese, and bread. If you want to cut fish, fresh raw meat, and vegetables smoothly, you need a smooth-blade knife.

Safety

Safety

Though a meat slicer can save you time when preparing food, it is also a dangerous tool to have in your kitchen. The combination of a motor and blades can be very dangerous. Someone could get seriously injured if we don’t take proper safety precautions. Most slicers either come with a guard or have the option to purchase one separately. This is something you should absolutely think about. An injury can happen very quickly.

Another option to further protect your hands is gloves that resist cuts. Every meat slicer has a power switch to determine if it’s operational. Many phones also come with a lock that can be put in place to avoid accidental phone usage.

Easy to Use/Clean

Clean

There are two types of meat slicers: manual and automatic. Electric or Automatic meat slicers have a motor, making them much easier to use. They cut the food for you without you having to operate the blade.

An automatic meat slicer can rapidly cut through large quantities of food. With these types of meat slicers, you can control the blade and thickness of your cuts. If you only need to cut up a few items daily, then choose a manual option.

When choosing a meat slicer, selecting one with removable parts is beneficial. The slicer is significantly easier to clean when you can disassemble it into smaller parts. A clean slicer not only protects your food and kitchen from bacteria, but it also secures your utensils.

Size

When it comes to most kitchen gadgets, size matters, you’ll want to consider the different types of meat slicers dimensions before adding it to your shopping cart. Make sure to measure your kitchen and debris area before purchasing so you know the product will fit both physically and in terms of storage. You probably aren’t using it all the time, so you’ll want to find a place to store it.

If you have a small kitchen, be mindful of that when choosing appliances. The weight of the slicer machine increases with its size. Before purchasing, be sure to check that the machine is a comfortable weight for you to lift and carry by yourself. If not, you may find that it is difficult to use because it is too hard to move.

Manual Meat Slicer

A manual meat slicer is a type of slicing machine where you have to move the carriage in order to cut the food physically. This machine does not come with the benefits of electricity. If you want your cuts to be even, then you’ll have to do the work yourself by moving the slicing blade. If you don’t have much slicing to do, this might not be a bad option. A manual meat slicer may not be the best option if you frequently slice large amounts of meat.

 

Automatic Meat Slicer

An automatic meat slicer can save plenty of effort and time. With an automatic meat slicer, you don’t have to worry about moving the carriage yourself because an electric motor does it for you. Most automatic slicers have a single speed. The option exists to turn off the motor and use this slicer by hand. This type of meat slicers is the perfect compromise between two different approaches. The automatic slicer has a tray on which food can be placed, moving back and forth to handle big amounts of food.

Kitchen Ware Station MS-12NS Premium Commercial 420w Electric Meat Slicer

The Kitchen Ware Station Premium Electric Meat Slicer is best suited for commercial use. It has a 12-inch blade that can easily slice through anything you put in front of it. This industrial meat slicer comes with a powerful 420-watt copper motor. This product can slice your food as thin as you desire or up to 1/2 an inch thick. You can shift the slicing thickness of your cut with a simple adjustment from the dial.

The meat slicer is made of an aluminum alloy, and the blade is crafted from 304 stainless steel. This meat blade is made of stainless steel and will remain strong. The KWS meat slicer comes with a built-in sharpener. This allows the blade to maintain a sharp, razor-like edge to produce extremely thin slices. The blade guard protects you from potential harm.

The rubber feet on this product prevent it from skidding or moving while you slice your food. The KWS meat slicer comes with an 8.5x11x8-inch tray that can accommodate large food items. Quick and easy clean-up is possible with a removable carriage on the meat slicer.

Pros
  • It runs quietly.
  • Affordable price tag.
  • Different size options are available.
Cons
  • This machine will be heavy.

 

Vevor Commercial Quality Deli Meat and Cheese Slicer

Vevor Commercial Quality Deli Meat and Cheese Slicer gives you a powerhouse of features in a compact size. Although it is on the smaller side, this meat slicer does an excellent job slicing cheese. The product dimensions are 19x19x17 inches, allowing it to fit most kitchens. This meat slicer is perfect for any user, whether you’re in a home kitchen, farm kitchen, or commercial kitchen. This kitchen gadget can slice through any type of food, including cheese, vegetables, and fruit. You’re in control of how thick or thin the slices are – they can be up to 5/8 inch thick.

A knob on the machine lets users easily adjust it. This kitchen utensil quickly and cleanly slices through food without breaking it down, so you get neat, evenly-sliced pieces of food. The 240-watt motor is one of the most powerful features. The machine has ventilation holes at the bottom to allow hot air and steam to escape so the motor doesn’t overheat. The machine’s blade is extremely razor-sharp and will stay that way with the built-in sharpener.

The safety guard on this product protects your fingers from getting hurt. The machine stays put on any surface with rubber feet on the bottom.

Pros
  • It will not slip during use.
  • It is lightweight and small.
  • The power switch includes a waterproof cover for protection.
Cons
  • It’s not easy to clean.
  • It’s not easy to take apart.

 

Entry Level Meat Slicer

If you only plan to use this meat slicer for about one or two hours per day, operating it in short increments of no longer than 10 minutes is best. It should not be more than that. Though it is safe to use, this model does not have all the safety features of a more expensive model. Lower-level meat slicers must be operated by hand. Do not use this model to slice cheese or meat if it is frozen. The blade’s size ranges from 9 to 12 inches. This meat slicer will cost approximately inexpensive.

Elite Platinum EMT-625B Ultimate Meat Slicer

This is an amazingly affordable option for those people who don’t want to spend plenty of money on a meat slicer. This model is not the most expensive or top-of-the-line, but it can easily slice turkey, ham, roast beef, and salami. This one tool can replace many in your kitchen, as it effortlessly cuts through cheese, vegetables, fruit, and bread–all with the same blade.

Aluminum is as durable as stainless steel but costs less. With a simple turn of the wrist, you can easily adjust the thickness of your meat slicer. There are several settings to choose from, thin to thick. A switch powers the meat slicer. The feet of the device is made from rubber to stabilize it on the table.

Pros
  • Due to the aluminum material, it will not rust.
  • The guide demonstrates how to use the blade properly so you don’t accidentally injure yourself.
Cons
  • It is a slow meat slicer.
  • This slicer makes a lot of noise.

 

Mid-Range Level Meat Slicer

A mid-range meat slicer will cost you cheaply. This allows you to find the perfect balance between functionality and cost. With the increased price, you gain access to a more diverse set of features. This meat slicer can also slice cheese and can be used for up to 30 to 45 minutes at a time. You can cut food faster with this premium slicer than you could with an entry-level one.

Chef’s Choice 615A Electric Meat Slicer

This is a popular meat slicer for people to use in their homes. If it’s a small amount, it might be able to be of some commercial use. It is the perfect kitchen appliance for both experienced and beginner cooks because it offers an outstanding balance of features and power. This meat slicer boasts a high torque motor that can easily see through even the toughest meats. It also features a stainless steel blade, which will help prevent rust.

The serrated blade is perfect for those quick and easy jobs. It was not cut meat into the thinnest slice while the cut can be adjusted. The food carriage is positioned at an angle for more efficient and fast cutting. The button on the carriage locks the blade in place when it is not being used.

Pros
  • This durable machine will last for several years.
  • The parts are easy to remove for cleaning purposes.
Cons
  • It only comes with one blade.
  • You will have to buy additional blades separately.

 

Commercial Meat Slicer

The purpose of a commercial meat slicer is to slice cheese and meat in high quantities in a kitchen to be used as a professional meat slicer. These slicers are intended to quickly create a high volume of sliced food with consistent size and thickness. There are various slicers that have many different specifications and features.

BESWOOD 10″ Premium Chromium-Plated Electric Meat Slicer

The Beswood premium meat slicer is an economical choice for commercial use. It is cheaper than most other options, but the quality is just as good. The machine is made from aluminum and stainless steel, so it’s sturdy and durable enough to withstand heavy use in your kitchen. The 10-inch blade is ideal for slicing food thinly, no matter the type of food. You can quickly and easily slice through large quantities of food. The blade is made from durable carbon steel with a chromium protective coat to help prevent corrosion and extend its lifespan. The blade on the Beswood will stay sharp for extended periods of time. The belt that you feed the food into is shaped like a V, which softly vibrates the motor so you can barely hear it.

Pros
  • It can slice frozen meat.
  • This product is quiet and won’t make much noise.
Cons
  • The machine is heavy at 35 pounds.
  • Although it has a removable blade, it isn’t easy to remove for cleaning.

 

Vertical Slicer

A vertical meat slicer is distinctly different than a traditional meat slicer. This is more commonly used in commercial kitchens, and it will not find these in most homes or local delis. They are more upright and taller than a typical meal deli slicer. The feeder, or food pusher, is located at the top so you can push the meat through rather than have a carriage or blade that you need to slide back and forth.

VEVOR 110V Commercial Meat Cutting Machine

The Vevor meat cutter is made with stainless steel that is food grade, providing you durability, sturdiness, and a machine free of corrosion. This machine leaves surfaces feeling smooth. With its 750-watt motor, this product has enough power to quickly and easily slice your food. It can cut through more than 1000 pounds in an hour. The blade is 3 mm thick, which is the food’s thickness. Not only will these machines easily slice and shred your meat, but they’ll do it quickly too.

The blade on this knife is attached in a way that allows you to quickly and easily detach it for cleaning. The smooth-rolling casters and the brake mechanism on this product allow for easy movement and placement. The Vevor is easy to carry with handles on its sides. This meat cutter has a built-in emergency stop feature. The machine turns off if the cutter is in any way not protected. The port through which you feed the food is higher up, preventing your hands from getting injured.

Pros
  • It comes with extra safety features.
  • It is easy to clean.
Cons
  • This large and heavy machine may not fit in all kitchens.

 

Specialty Meat Slicer

Prosciutto Slicer

The prosciutto meat slicer is excellent for slicing meats and for prosciutto and cheeses, and it has a classic design. This slicer comes with a sharp knife and flywheel for easy slicing. The knife’s 13-inch diameter is made of chromium-plated carbon. The blade stays sharp with this method, allowing you to get perfectly thin slices of prosciutto.

The flywheel on the knife allows you to have more control over the speed and precision of your cuts. This food slicer can accommodate food up to 7 3/4 inches by 11 inches. The slicer can be adjusted to cut meat as thin as 1/16 inch or as thick as 3/16 inches. The machine includes a clamp to save the meat at the top. This prevents injury as well as a wasted product. A guard protects the slicer’s knife, so the user won’t accidentally cut themselves.

Frozen Meat Slicer

BAOSHISHAN Manual and Frozen Meat Slicer Stainless Steel Ginseng Cutter

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The Baoshishan Frozen Meat Slicer is made from premium stainless steel for durability and outstanding performance. Baoshishan includes an ergonomic handle that allows you to slice frozen meat quickly and easily. If you’re looking to slice through frozen meats and veggies, this is the slicer for you! There is no vibration or noise to bother you because there is no motor on this meat slicer.

The splint is adjustable to ensure a good grip on the meat and create stability. You can adjust the distance by 30 mm to 140 mm. The blade’s handle has been coated to guarantee a comfortable grip. The notch on the side provides space for your index finger, letting you keep a firm grip. The product is best used on a flat surface and has suction cup feet to prevent it from moving.

Pros
  • Each machine comes with one blade replacement.
  • It is easy to operate and clean.
Cons
  • There is no motor to help you with slicing meat.

 

Flywheel Meat Slicer

Berkel Volano P15 Manual Flywheel Food Slicer

The Berkel is the name associated with quality meat slicers and possibly the best ones. This design is a replica of the original from the 1940s. This is the best design for you if you want to attach an elegant touch to your kitchen. The sleek chrome finish of this cast iron product makes it the perfect addition to any room. The sharpener is built-in and small enough to be portable but still effective. A lever activates the steel cover.

The Berkel uses a clamping system with two opposite columns to lock it in place and handles attached to an arm. This machine comes with a device that protects the covers and a sharp blade to provide safety while using and cleaning it. The diameter of the blade is 285 mm. The pedestal included with this meat slicer makes it more visually appealing.

Pros
  • It comes with a clamp locking system for safety.
  • It has a smaller footprint than a home meat slicers.
Cons
  • It is incredibly expensive.

 

Brief History of the Meat Slicer

Skilled butchers were the only ones that could slice the meat at one point in time. Willhelmus Adrianus (W.A) Van Berkel, a butcher by profession, realized that there was a need for a machine that could cut meat more efficiently and precisely. The Berkel Flywheel slicer is over 100 years old and was created as the world’s first meal slicer.

It was a reliable and quality machine. The machine’s design gradually changed with advancing technology, and the crank was eventually replaced by a carriage that transported the food through the slicer. The machines slowly became more automated over time. First, an electric food slicer was developed. This was followed by a motor that could move the carriage. Berkel is a company you can trust to provide quality types of meat slicers.

FAQs

1. What Should I Look For in a Meat Slicer?

Before you buy a meat slicer, consider how much and what types of food you’ll be slicing. This can help you choose the right option. The ideal meat slicer has a stainless steel blade that won’t rust and can efficiently cut through any food. A meat slicer with a built-in blade sharpener will save you time and effort in keeping your blade sharp.

2. How Do I Clean a Meat Slicer?

Cleaning a meat slicer can be easy if you take the proper steps. Handling a blade requires care and attention. In order to remove the blade faceplate on your meat-slicing machine, you will need first to unscrew the nut that is located on the machine’s back. Make sure to clean the entire blade by removing all pieces of food before using it.

Make sure to wash, rinse, and sanitize all of the accessible parts to keep your machine running smoothly and prevent any contamination. Use a degreasing spray or cleaning solution made with soap. To make this solution, mix together half dish soap and half hot water. Allow the parts to air dry, being careful not to mishandle them.

3. How Often Does it Need to be Cleaned?

Always wipe down your meat slicer after each use. Always wipe down your meat slicer before cutting a new type of food. It is essential to clean and inspect your food slicer after every 4 hours of use.

If you clean your home on a regular basis, you did not only get rid of dirt and grime, but you can also check for any potential damage. This can help reduce the risk of contamination and disease, prompting safer food practices while keeping your food slice safe and sanitary.

4. Can a Meat Slicer Cut Bone?

If you try to cut bones with your meat slicer, it will not work, and the blade could become damaged. No matter how powerful the motor is or how much you spend on the slicer, it cannot cut through bone. If you are not careful, you can damage the blade. If you attempt to cut through bone with a knife, you could severely injure your fingers or worse. So please don’t take the risk.

5. What Foods Can You Slice with a Meat Slicer?

A commercial food slicer can slice a variety of foods, including cheese. This can include the hardest cheeses, like Parmesan or cheddar, as well as deli meats. The model of food slicer you choose should be able to handle the type of food you want to slice.

Don’t use a food slicer intended for cutting cheese on hard surfaces. In order to cut cheese properly, you will need the right tools for the job. Be sure to read the included instructions before using your meat slicer.

6. When Should I Replace the Blade on My Slicer?

There are different factors that will affect the schedule you want to follow when it comes to sharpening your meat slicer blade. The more frequently you use your meat slicer, the sooner you will need to replace its blade. How often you should change your blade depends on its size.

One thing to remember when you’re thinking about changing your blade is that if there’s a gap between the blade and the carriage, it’s time to take action. You will understand it is time to change your blade when the gap between the food item and the blade becomes too large.

7. When Do I Sharpen My Food Slicer Blade?

When the manufacturer says it’s time to sharpen the slicer blade of your meat slicer, do it. Manufacturer recommendations are always worth considering. The number of slices your food slicer produces will depend on its settings. At least once a week, you should think about sharpening the blade of your slicer.

8. How to Use a Meat Slicer Safely?

Never forget that you are the one who must ensure the safe use of your meat slicer. Make sure to read the owner’s manual before using the machine. Wear gloves that protect you from cuts, and keep your blade sharpened.