10 Different Types of Meat Slicers

There is nothing better than getting freshly-sliced meat from the deli. When I was younger, I loved to stand at the counter and watch them slice the meat. When I got older, I found out that a meat slicer could cut through any meat, not just deli meat, and I could have a meat slicer of my own. That was a game-changer for me. Now, I can have freshly cut meat from the comfort of my own kitchen. There is so much information to know about meat slicers. Continue reading to find out more.

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What is a Meat Slicer?

You will find that a meat slicer is one of the most necessary machines you need in your kitchen that you never considered. It allows you to slice through food so that it is even and uniform. No matter how skilled you are with a knife, you will not be able to match the accuracy of a meat slicer.

A meat slicer will save you a significant amount of time, and it can cut various different types of foods. Anything that your knife can cut, a meat slicer will do a better job. It may seem like an expensive investment; however, if you make jerky, eat a large number of sandwiches, or slice various types of food, a food slicer may save you time and money in the long run.

At one point, it may have seemed like a novelty, but it has become more of an essential piece of your kitchen equipment.

Key Parts of a Meat Slicer

Motor

The motor is the fundamental piece of your meat slicer if you are opting for an electric one. The motor determines how quickly your meat slicer cuts and how much food you can slice in a set amount of time. The power of the motor is designed by horsepower. The higher the number of horsepower means the more power going to your motor.

That translates to more time you are able to use it without the motor getting too hot or the cutting blade slowing down. A light meat slicer has a horsepower motor of 1/4 to 1/3. This gives you about one hour of cutting each day and are best for thin meats. A medium-range sliver has a motor with 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower, which can cut most cheeses and meats for several hours a day.

Anything over 1/2 horsepower is a high motor and can be used about four to six hours per day. It is critical to understand your need so you can select the proper commercial meat slicer or for your kitchen.

Blade

The types of food you would like to slice dictates the type of blade you need. A large blade is best for heavy-duty use and expands the food you can cut beyond just meat. If you want to cut vegetables and fruit, you should consider a larger blade. Small blades are ideal for lighter slicing and thinner meats. The smaller the blade on the meat slicer then the easier it is to clean.

An entry-level slicer has a blade of about 10 inches. A bigger slicer with more power has a blade that is about 13 inches. A commercial slicer typically has a 12-inch blade. There is no blade that will work for every food type, so you should pick the blade that makes the most sense for your everyday needs. Some meat slicers have a blade that is serrated, while others have a smooth blade.

Frozen meat, cheese, and bread respond better to a serrated edge. If you plan to cut fish, fresh raw meat, and vegetables, then a smooth blade is the way to do it.

Safety

A meat slicer can be a dangerous tool to have in your kitchen. They have motors and blades, and the combination can be deadly. At a minimum, someone could get a serious injury. Many slicers have a guard that either comes with the slicer or can be purchased separately. This is something you should seriously consider. It only takes a short time for an injury to happen.

You may also want to consider gloves that resist cut to further protect your hands. Most meat slicers have a power switch to control the operation. They may also have a lock that you can put in place, so it does not get turned on accidentally.

Easy to Use / Clean

They are two types of meat slicers. It is a manual slicer an automatic slicer. The automatic or electric meat slicers have a motor and are much easier to use. They cut the food without you having to operate the blade in any way.

An automatic meat slicer can cut a large amount of food in a shorter time. These meat slicers give you more control over the blade and the adjustable thickness of the cut. A manual option is good if you are only cutting a small amount of food each day.

You want to consider a meat slicer that has parts you can remove. When you can remove parts, the slicer is easier to clean. When you are able to clean your slicer, it protects your food, your tools, and your kitchen from spreading illness.

Size

Size is usually important when it comes to kitchen gadgets; you want to consider the size of the meat slicing machine before you decide to purchase it. You want to make sure that it will fit in your kitchen and that you can store it properly. Most likely, you are not using it all the time, and you want to store it somewhere.

It is helpful if you make sure you have enough room in your kitchen for that. It is important to understand that the larger the slicer machine, the heavier it will be. You should be sure that you can lift and carry the machine by yourself. If not, you may find that you do not use it simply because it is too difficult to move.

Manual Meat Slicer

A manual meat slicer is one where you have to manually move the carriage to slice the food. You do not get the benefit of electricity with this type of machine. You have to do all of the work yourself by moving the slicing blade. If you have a small amount of slicing, this may not be a bad option. If you do a lot of slicing meat most of the time, a manual meat slicer may become difficult for you to use.

Automatic Meat Slicer

An automatic meat slicer saves a significant amount of labor and time. An automatic meat slicer has an electric motor that moves the carriage of the electric slicer for you. Many automatic slicers have one speed. You do have the option to turn off the motor and use the slicer manually. This type of meat slicer offers the best of both worlds. An automatic slicer has a tray on which to food sits, and it moves back and forth to handle large amounts of food.

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

The Kitchen Ware Station (KWS) Premium Electric Meat Slicer is intended for commercial use. It has a 12-inch blade to slice through anything you put in its way. This industrial meat slicer comes with a 420-watt copper motor. It has the ability to slice food super thin or as thick as 1/2 inch. With a simple adjustment from the dial, you can change the slicing thickness of your cut.

The meat slicer is constructed from an aluminum alloy, and the blade is 304 stainless steel. This meat blade is not going to rust and will remain firm. The KWS meat slicer has a sharpener that is built-in. This helps the blade to stay as sharp as a razor blade to perform the thinnest slices. The blade guard keeps you safe and prevents injury.

It includes feet made of rubber to prevent it from skidding while you slice your food. The KWS meat slicer comes with a tray that holds large food up to 8.5 inches by 11 inches by 8 inches. The carriage of the meat slicer is easy to remove for quick and effective cleaning.

Pros:

• Affordable price tag.
• Different size options are available.
• It runs quietly.

Cons:

• The machine is heavy.

Vevor’s Commercial Quality Deli Meat and Cheese Slicer

The Vevor’s Deli Meat and Cheese Slicer gives you a compact size with a lot of power. Despite its small size, this meat slicer is perfect for cutting cheese. It is 19 inches by 19 inches by 17 inches and can fit just about anywhere in your kitchen. This meat slicer was intended to be used in both home, farm, and commercial kitchens, so it is perfect for any user. It can cut any type of food, including cheese, vegetables, and fruit, as thin or as thick, up to 5/8 inch, as you would like.

It can be adjusted easily with a numerical knob. It slices through the food without breaking it down, so it is a clean, neatly sliced piece of food. It has a 240 watts motor. The machine has holes at the bottom of the machine to push out the heat, so the motor does not get too hot. The blade is razor-sharp, and the machine has a built-in sharpener to keep it that way.

It contains a safety guard to keep your fingers safe and out of harm’s way. The rubber feet on the bottom of the machine keep it secure on a surface.

Pros:

• It is small and lightweight.
• It will not slip during use.
• The power switch has a waterproof cover for safety.

Cons:

• It is not easy to clean.
• Is it not easy to disassemble.

Entry Level Meat Slicer

This type of meat slicer is best if only operational for about one to two hours per day and no more than 10 minutes at a time. It should not exceed more than that. It is a simple design that allows for safe operation, but it does not offer all the safety features that a higher-end model includes. Entry-level meat slicers are manually operated. This model is not ideal for slicing cheese or meat that is frozen. The size of the blade is anywhere from 9 inches to 12 inches. You should expect this meat slicer to cost around $50.

Elite Platinum EMT-625B Ultimate Meat Slicer

This is a great budget option for those that do not want to spend a significant amount of money on a meat slicer. This is not the top of the line model or the most expensive, but it will slice turkey, ham, roast beef, and salami without any difficulty. This multipurpose slicer can cut through cheese, vegetables, fruit, and bread without having to change the blade.

The aluminum gives you the same durability as stainless steel but for less cost. The meat slicer thickness is easy to adjust with a turn of the wrist. There are several settings between the thinnest and the thickest. It includes a switch to power the meat slicer. It has feet made of rubber to ensure it stays securely in place on the table.

Pros:

• It comes with a guide that covers the blade, so you do not cut yourself.
• It will not rust due to its aluminum material.

Cons:

• This slicer makes a significant amount of noise.
• It is a slow meat slicer.

Mid-Range Level Meat Slicer

A mid-range meat slicer is going to cost anywhere from $50 to $250. This provides you balance between ideal functionality and ideal cost. You can a wider range of features with the increased price. You can slice cheese with this meat slicer. You can use it for 30 minutes to 45 minutes at a time. You can slice more food faster than with an entry-level meat slicer.

Chef’s Choice 615A Electric Meat Slicer

This is a popular meat slicer for in-home use. It may be able to hold up to some commercial use if it is a small amount. It provides you with a good balance of features and power that both casual and professional chefs will enjoy using it. It boasts a high torque motor that can saw through even the toughest of meats. It is a stainless steel blade, which will deter rust.

The serrated blade has an edge that is ideal for limited amounts of use. While the cut can be adjusted, it will not cut meat into the thinnest slice. The carriage for the food is tilted to provide fast cutting. There is a button on the carriage to lock the blade in place when not in use.

Pros:

• You can easily remove the parts for cleaning.
• This durable machine will last for many years.

Cons:

• It only comes with one blade.
• You have to buy additional blades separately.

Commercial Meat Slicer

A commercial meat slicer is intended to slice a high volume of cheese and meat in a kitchen used as a professional meat slicer. These slicers are intended to produce a high volume of sliced food quickly that is a consistent size and thickness. There are different slicers that have many different features and specifications.

BESWOOD 10″ Premium Chromium-Plated Electric Meat Slicer

The Beswood premium meat slicer is the lower end of the commercial meat slicers. It is comparable to other more expensive options. The machine is constructed from aluminum and stainless steel, giving it a sturdy and durable tool for your kitchen. The blade is large at 10 inches that can provide the thinnest slices of food no matter what it is.

You can slice through a large amount of food in a short period of time. The blade is made from carbon steel that is coated in chromium to protect it from corrosion, which can help preserve its life. The blade on the Beswood needs to be sharpened much less. The belt where you feed the food is in the shape of a V, which allows the motor to vibrate softly so you can barely hear it.

Pros:

• It is quiet and does not make a lot of noise.
• Can slice frozen meat.

Cons:

• While it has a removable blade, it is not easy to remove for cleaning.
• The machine is heavy at 35 pounds.

Vertical Slicer

A vertical meat slicer looks different than the meat slicer you have probably seen in the past. This is used more in commercial kitchens. You will not typically find these in a home or at your local deli. They stand more upright and are taller than a typical meal deli slicer. They have a feeder, or food pusher, at the top where you push the meat through instead of a carriage or a blade that you slide make and forth.

VEVOR 110V Commercial Meat Cutting Machine

The Vevor meat cutter is made from stainless steel that is food grade providing you with a durable, sturdy, and corrosion-free machine. The construction of this machine gives you smooth surfaces. It has a 750-watt motor that brings a lot of power to effectively slice your food. It can cut through over 1000 pounds in an hour. The blade is 3 mm, and that is the thickness of the food. These machines will slice, shred, and mincemeat easily and quickly.

The blade is attached in a way that is easily accessible for quick detachment and cleaning. It has casters on the bottom, allowing you to move it easily. It has a brake, so it will not roll away from you. The Vevor has handles on the side make it easy to carry. This meat cutter includes an emergency stop feature. If the cutter is exposed in any way, the machine turns off. The port by which you feed the food is higher protecting your hands from injury.

Pros:

• It is easy to clean.
• Comes with extra safety features.

Cons:

• It is a big and heavy machine that may not fit in all kitchens.

Specialty Meat Slicer

Prosciutto Slicer

The prosciutto meat slicer is ideal for slicing meats in addition to prosciutto and cheeses. It has a classic design. This slicer is fitted with a precise knife and a low resistance flywheel. The knife has a 13-inch diameter that is chromium-plated carbon. This allows the blade to stay sharp, giving you perfectly thin slices of prosciutto.

The flywheel gives you better control over the operation and speed of the knife giving you precise cuts with every stroke. This food slicer can hold food that is 7 3/4 inches by 11 inches. You can adjust the slicer from the thinnest meat to 3/16 inches. The machine has a clamp to secure the meat at the top. The knife has a guard that protects a person from accidentally cutting themselves while using the slicer.

Frozen Meat Slicer

BAOSHISHAN Frozen Meat Slicer Manual Meat Slicers Stainless Steel

The Baoshishan is a frozen meat slicer that is constructed from stainless steel of the highest quality. The Baoshishan has an ergonomic handle that allows you to slice easily and quickly all types of frozen meat. This slicer is specifically intended for frozen meats and vegetables. Because there is no motor on this meat slicer, there is no noise or vibration to bother you.

There is a large amount of room for adjustment of the splint to hold the meat in place and create stability. The range for adjustment is 30 mm to 140 mm. The handle of the blade has a coating to ensure constant grip. There is a notch for your index finger to keep your hand in place. It is ideal for a flat surface and has suction cup feet to keep it in place.

Pros:

• It is easy to clean and operate.
• Each machine comes with one blade replacement.

Cons:

• There is no motor to help you slice meat.

Flywheel Meat Slicer

Berkel Volano P15 Manual Flywheel Food Slicer

The Berkel name is associated with the first and possibly best quality meat slicer. This is a vintage version of the original design from the 1940s. This is a classic design that brings a touch of elegance to your kitchen. It is constructed with cast iron and finished in chrome, and can match any decor. It includes a built-in sharpener that is compact but effective. It has a steel cover that is activated with a lever.

The Berkel has a locking system that uses a clamp with two columns that are opposite themselves with handles attached with an arm. It has a device that protects the sharp blade and covers it to provide you safety while using the machine and cleaning it. The blade has a diameter of 285 mm. This meat slicer comes with a pedestal to enhance the overall shape and appeal.

Pros:

• It has a small footprint as a home meat slicer.
• Comes with a clamp locking system for safety.

Cons:

• It is incredibly expensive.

Brief History of the Meat Slicer

At one time, meat slicing was done only by someone that was skilled in the trade as a butcher. It took precision cutting skills. Willhelmus Adrianus (W.A.) Van Berkel was a butcher and decided there should be a machine to slice meat efficiently. The Berkel Flywheel slicer was created over 100 years ago as the first meal slicer.

It was a quality and reliable machine. With time and technology, the design of the machine changed, and the crank became a carriage to move the food through the slicer. As it became more automated, the machines became an electric food slicer, and a motor moved the carriage. Today, Berkel still stands for quality, and you can trust a meat slicer from them.

FAQs

What Should I Look For in a Meat Slicer?

When you are looking for a meat slicer, you want to know how much food and what type of food you plan to slice. This can help guide you with the right selection. You want to make the meat slicer has stainless steel blase so that it will not rust and efficiently cut all foods. You may want a meat slicer that has a built-in blade sharpener to make it easier to keep your blade sharp.

How Do I Clean a Meat Slicer?

A meat slicer can be easy to clean as long as you approach it properly. You should always be careful when handling a blade. You should remove the blade faceplate by removing the nut that is on the back of your meat slicing machine. You want to be careful to remove all the pieces of food that are on the front of the blade.

You should wash, rinse, and sanitize all of the parts of the machine that you can reach. You want to use a degreasing spray or a cleaning solution made of soap. This solution contains half dish soap and half hot water. Then, allow the parts to air dry. Remember to be careful when handling these parts.

How Often Does it Need to be Cleaned?

You want to wipe down your meat slicer after every time you use it. You should also wipe down your meat slicer every time you want to cut a new type of food. You should also clean and inspect the food slicer after every four hours of use.

When you clean it this often, not only are you are to remove debris, but you can inspect it for any damage. Doing this can help reduce the risk of contamination and disease. This prompts safer food practices while keeping your food slice safe and sanitary.

Can a Meat Slicer Cut Bone?

No, it absolutely cannot cut bone. You should never attempt to cut bone with your meat slicer. Even the most high end, strongest motors, and highest cost meat slicers are not able to cut through bone. You can do considerable damage to the blade if you try. You may even cause injury to your fingers if you try to cut a bone. It is not something you should ever try.

What Foods Can You Slice with a Meat Slicer?

A commercial food slicer can slice just about any type of food and cheese. This can include the hardest cheeses and meats to deli meat. You want to make sure that the specific model of food slicer can slice the food you would like.

Some food slicers are not intended to cut cheese. If you plan to cut cheese, you want to make sure that you purchase the proper equipment to do so. Read the instructions that come with your meat slicer before you use it.

How Much Does a Good Meat Slicer Cost?

Food slicers have a wide variety of features and costs. There are commercial meat slicers that cost as much as $1,000. You can also find a meat slicer that costs around $50. Do not think that the most expensive food slicer will not meet your needs. Do not overlook the cheaper food slicer options because they pack more punch than you think. You should consider all options. Price does matter because you do not want to blow your budget, but apply reason to your decision.

When Should I Replace the Blade on My Slicer?

There are many factors that make a difference in the schedule you want to follow when it comes to the blade on your meat slicer. How often you use your meat slicer will add to how often you want to change the blade of your slicer. The size of your blade also impacts how often you should change it.

One concept you should remember when considering when to change your blade is when you can see a gap between the blade and the carriage, you should pay attention. When the gap becomes larger than the food item that you are slicing, it is time to change your blade.

When Do I Sharpen My Food Slicer Blade?

You should sharpen the slicer blade of your meat slicer when the manufacturer suggests that you should. It is always a good idea to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer. It will depend on how much you slice with your food slicer. You should consider sharpening the blade of your slicer at least one time per week.

How to Use a Meat Slicer Safely?

You have to remember that you are responsible for the safe use of your meat slicer. You should read the owners’ manual, wear cut-resistant gloves, and keep your blade sharp.