The Best Meat Slicers

Some places use these devices to cut foods like bread and cheese as well. While it’s fairly common knowledge that meat slicers are used commercially in these sorts of stores and restaurants, you can also buy domestic versions to operate in your kitchen at home. Since almost all grocery stores and delicatessens use meat slicers, it may seem odd to you to purchase one for yourself, but there are good, practical reasons to invest in one.

Buying Guide for Meat Slicers

Why buy a meat slicer?

Some people, especially those with large families, find that cutting their meats means they can stretch those cuts further and make them last longer to better feed their families. Some people find deli-cut meats too thin or too thick for their liking and enjoy choosing the exact thickness they like best. Others may find a meat slicer quicker, cleaner, more effective, and more precise at cutting meat than a regular set of knives. Depending on how often you buy pre-sliced meat at the store, cutting your meat at home with a meat slicer may save you money in the long run as well.

What should you consider in a meat slicer?

• Electric vs. Manual: Meat slicers can be operated by a manual crank or an electric motor. Electrically powered meat slicers will work faster and thus are more efficient. A manual meat slicer will be slower, but they offer more control over the cutting process. Consider which is more important to you. Some high-end electric models may have a manual mode, so you can have it both ways, but these will generally be pricier.
• Power: Assuming you buy an electric model, a meat slicer’s power will be measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the higher the speed of the meat slicer. Anything from 120 watts upward is considered high speed. Again, though, a slicer with a high wattage will usually come with a higher price tag. A lower-watt machine should serve you well if you plan to cut meat in smaller amounts.
• Versatility: Some meat slicers work on other foods besides meat, but not all have this capability, so be sure to check before you buy if that’s a feature you want. Other features to check for include the blade size, as a larger blade will offer more all-around usage. A 12-inch blade is the standard size for industry models, so a 12-to-14-inch blade will give you more versatility. Some other extra features to look for include a removable tray or carriage and additional safety features like a full knife guard, gauge plate interlock, or a no-volt release.
• Price: Like many kitchen appliances, meat slicers can run quite pricey. In general, the higher the power and speed, the larger the blade, and the more extra features one has, the more expensive it will be. You’ll want to weigh the benefits versus the price and consider your budget before picking a meat slicer.

How should you clean a meat slicer?

First, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s directions to disassemble any parts that need to come off your slicer before cleaning. It’s best practice to use anti-bacterial dish soap and warm water to remove any unwanted bacteria. Always follow safety directions and be extremely cautious when handling sharp blades.

Our Picks for the Best Meat Slicers

Pros: The blade on this slicer is razor-sharp and excellent for creating the perfect deli cuts. It can cut paper-thin slices, which is ideal if you’re into making your own charcuterie. And though it’s somewhat loud, it’s much quieter than many other slicers and many countertop appliances. It has a safety lock and suction cups on the base for safety.

Cons: This model is a little difficult to clean.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an excellent home slicer, this one may be great for you. It’s got a surprisingly low price point. And it plugs into an ordinary plug without overloading it.

 

Pros: Setup is straightforward and quick: there’s no guesswork, and you’ll be slicing in no time. This slicer creates nice, thin cuts, even with frozen meats and produce. Plus, it comes with extra blades.

Cons: There is a learning curve to getting the perfect cut with this slicer.

Bottom Line: If you want to save time by slicing your meat from frozen, this may be an excellent meat slicer for you. It’s a great value and doesn’t eat up all your counter space.

 

Pros: With this slicer, you can chop through 20 pounds of meat in five minutes! It’s heavy-duty and made from durable materials. And it’s not difficult to clean. It has 32 stainless steel blades and an easy-to-use handle. It mounts to a table for stability and will make jerky making a much cleaner and speedier process.

Cons: Setup may be a bit bumpy since it doesn’t come with directions.

Bottom Line: If you love making jerky, this meat slicer might be the best gift you can give yourself. It slices quickly, so you can get straight to flavoring and dehydrating your meat, and the tenderizer works like a charm.

 

Pros: This meat slicer is very convenient for home use. It folds away, so it doesn’t eat up all your counter space. And it’s got a nice, powerful motor and a reliable sharp blade.

Cons: This slicer is not very heavy and may slip or slide if not properly stabilized.

Bottom Line: Do you want thinly sliced meat but aren’t in the market for a large, clunky meat slicer? This mone may work for you. It’s fast and easy to assemble, and it’s easy to disassemble and clean. It works beautifully with a light touch.

 

Pros: There are lots of things to love about this premium meat slicer. For one thing, it was designed with safety at the forefront, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally slicing your fingers while operating it properly. All the parts are made from stainless steel and heavy-duty aluminum. And best of all, it’s quiet.

Cons: This slicer is a little time-consuming to clean.

Bottom Line: If you want the cream of the crop home meat slicer, this is it. While it eats up a bit of storage space, you will still be happy to have this on hand, especially if you love homemade sandwiches or charcuterie. And you can quickly cut through large, heavy meats with this premium meat slicer.

Final Thoughts

Say goodbye to the long line at the deli with your own home slicer. You can impress your friends with fancy charcuterie boards and homemade hoagies. And best of all, an at-home meat slicer means you know exactly how clean and sanitized all the parts are, so you can avoid illness from cross-contamination.